Elder S. Mark Palmer, member of the Presidency of the Seventy, of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his wife Jacqueline, accompanied by the Africa West Area Presidency, visited the National Chief Imam in Ghana, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu at his residence in Accra.
The doors were opened wide to Elder Palmer and others to visit and talk with the 103 year old National Chief Imam. His kindness and warmth was added to the warm welcome extended to all.
Later in the day, the Church delegation led by Elder Palmer, were ushered to the National Mosque where they dined together while having interesting dialogues with other Islamic officials. The tour concluded with a beautiful tour of the Mosque. The Muslim faithful in Turkey donated this mosque to the Ghanaian people several years ago.
As a symbol of religious and interfaith harmony, the Church has in recent years partnered and shown utmost love and support to members of the Islamic faith. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints believes and respects all humans irrespective of their differences, especially in faith, belief, worship, or religion. As children of our Heavenly Father, we adore and invite any form of unity between each other and are ever ready to work with each other in God’s way.
As an icon of interfaith dialogue and harmony in Ghana, it is never a surprise that the National Chief Imam always stretches an arm of friendship to the Church. The story was recalled when the Muslim Takoradi area was unable to hold celebrations, but were able to use the Church's property to hold the event. His Eminence has been preaching this type of relationship for years. This is truly a symbolic message for the possibility of Muslims and Christians to live in peace on the foundation of mutual respect, cooperation, and mutual solidarity.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints embraces this idea and believes that establishing such a good rapport is always healthy and ideal to the Savior’s plan.
