LDS apostle on 9-day ministering trip to Eastern Europe
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- Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles greets United Nations diplomats and representatives of global organizations who gathered in Geneva, Switzerland, on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022. The apostle expressed his appreciation for their collaboration with the church on humanitarian projects around the world.
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- Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles makes a heart with his hands as he leaves a meetinghouse in Geneva, Switzerland, on Sunday, Oct. 9.
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- Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and other leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints travelled to Geneva, Switzerland, on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022, to meet with United Nations diplomats and representatives of global organizations. At an evening gathering, Bednar expressed appreciation for the collaboration that exists with the church on humanitarian projects.
Just a few days following the October semiannual general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, one of its apostles has set out on a nine-day whirlwind ministry tour of Eastern Europe.
Elder David A. Bednar, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, is ministering to saints in five countries. Bednar began his trip in Geneva, Switzerland – known as the capital of peace – on Saturday.
While he was there, Bednar met with high-level United Nations diplomats and representatives of global organizations that collaborate with the church on humanitarian projects.
During his ministry of central Europe, Bednar started in Switzerland and is planning to visit Austria, Albania, Hungary and Romania, where many church members are still considered pioneers in their countries.
“We wanted to make sure that we could come and greet you and tell you how much we appreciate the partnerships that we have with you and all things we’re able to do together. You honor us by coming here tonight,” said Bednar, whose arrival in Europe was delayed due to a couple of canceled flights.
Bednar is traveling with his wife, Susan, and Elder Carl B. Cook of the Presidency of the Seventy and his wife, Lynette, as well as members of the Europe Central Area Presidency, according to church information.
“We’re trying to help bless people, and members of our church are trying to bless others, and we’re grateful for relationships with you and grateful for your programs,” Cook said.
“This table and the people around it represent the partnerships between faith communities and governments and there’s an interesting dynamic,” Bednar added. “Our purpose is to help people change, with God’s help, from the inside out. The world oftentimes focuses on changing from the outside in, and you need both.”
“I think the elder said that in a beautiful way when he said that the whole intergovernmental work in different areas is outside in while the church is inside out,” said Ibrahim Salama, chief of the Human Rights Treaties Branch of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, or OHCHR. Salama said the OHCHR is spearheading an initiative to articulate the role faith provides in defending human rights.
“UNICEF works on behalf of vulnerable communities serving children in need … and partnerships with faith organizations (are) critical to our ability to serve,” said Leslie Goldman, vice president of program and community management at UNICEF, who attended the dinner Saturday night in Geneva. “The church has been truly wonderful in understanding the deep humanitarian needs and the complex work that goes into making change.”
Sunday morning, Bednar spoke at a worship service in Geneva attended by all three of the area’s wards or congregations. In the afternoon, he focused on the young adults in all five Swiss stakes, including Bern, Zurich, St. Gallen, Lausanne and Geneva.
During the nine-day ministry, the senior leaders are also planning to meet with missionaries and the media, according to the church.
Switzerland is home to more than 9,000 members in 35 congregations. The first temple to be built in Europe was the Bern Switzerland Temple, dedicated in 1955. Some of the Swiss pioneers also immigrated to Utah.
