Chilean lawmakers recognize church influence in South America – Church News

Chile’s House of Representatives formally recognized The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in a ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Church in South America.

On November 4, Church and government leaders gathered in the Hall of Honor of the National Assembly in Valparaíso, Chile, to extend and accept this honor, according to the Church’s Chile Newsroom.

Chilean House of Representatives Speaker José Miguel Castro and Latter-day Saint Deputy Victor Pino were in attendance. The group welcomed Church leaders led by Elder Gabriel Campos of the Seventy, South America Southern Area, and his wife, Sister Ana Marina Briceño. Other church attendees included Sylvia Garrido Maraboli, community organization advisor; Valentin Nuñez, National Director of the Communications Council; and Helgi Fukudos Zerega, public relations manager for Chile and Paraguay.

The day began with greetings from members of the Diet. Mr. Castro began by emphasizing the contribution of the church.

“This was a really great and very important visit, and we talked and shared about the importance of the Church in our society, the importance of our Church in continuing to strengthen our values, continuing to strengthen our youth and children, and moving our country forward with the values and ideals of the Church. Thank you very much for your presence today and for all your work from Arica to Punta Arenas and especially in India.” Mr. Antofagasta, thank you for joining us. ”

Luncheon with leaders

After the opening remarks, Castro and Pino hosted a luncheon in honor of the church delegation in the presidential dining room.

During the conference, Elder Campos shared the impact the Church has had in South America over the past 100 years, including education, humanitarian aid, promotion of the family, and contribution to Christian values.

“We are very happy. Today is a historic day for the Church in Chile, and we had the opportunity to receive the award from the Honorable Speaker of the House of Representatives in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the evangelization in South America. Together with the delegation of members of the Church who came with us today, we had the opportunity to receive the award from a packed chamber in the Hall of Honor, and we had a wonderful day sharing our values ​​and beliefs.” ”

The visit piqued the interest of other members of Congress, who spontaneously approached Elder Campos and his colleagues to say hello, according to the church’s Chile Newsroom.

symbolic rituals and gifts of thanksgiving

The award ceremony for the church was held in the chamber of commerce president’s office.

Pino addressed the audience as follows:

“Today we had a wonderful experience in the Chamber of Deputies. We welcomed representatives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who were honored by members of the House of Representatives and President Jose Miguel Castro on the 100th anniversary of the Church in South America. As members of the Church and as delegates, it is imperative that we continue to integrate our Church into the social sphere.”

“What better way than to recognize in this way the 100-year history of the Church in South America in providing welfare assistance, humanitarian aid and leadership? We hope that such work will continue so that we can remain relevant actors in the various processes taking place in our country and throughout South America.” The church’s efforts are a way to share the example of the Savior, he said.

Elder Campos expressed his gratitude for the ceremony and handed each delegate a copy of the Book of Mormon, explaining its contents and its spiritual significance to members of the Church.

At the end of the ceremony, congressmen and senators approached the delegation to acknowledge the Church’s commitment to local communities and its contribution to the spiritual and social development of Chile, and to congratulate and thank the Church for its work throughout the country.