Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
Elder Thierry K. Mutombo, President of the Africa Central Area of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, participated in a significant interfaith conference held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on May 13, 2025. The event marked the African Union’s official welcome as a member of the G20 and was held in commemoration of the 2025 World Interfaith Harmony Week and Golden Rule Day.
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- Elder-Mutombo-and-Elder-Balilemwa-entering-G20-interfaith-conference-
- Elder-Mutombo-greeting-Ethiopian-orthodox-church-leader
- Group-photo-at-the-G20-interfaith-conference-
- From-left-to-right-Nicholas-Akello-(Family-Search-Department),-Elder-Mutombo,-Elder-Balilemwa,-Claudine-Isekusu-(Area-Communications-Director)
- Panelists/leaders-at-G20-interfaith-conference-with-Elder-Mutombo-pictured-4th-from-right
Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
Themed “Africa’s Faith Communities: Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, the African Union Agenda 2063, and the G20 South Africa 2025 Process,” the gathering brought together faith leaders, diplomats and civil society representatives from across the continent.
In his address, Elder Mutombo emphasized the divine role of faith leaders in building bridges of peace, service and collaboration. Quoting President Russell M. Nelson, he said, “We are all connected and we have a God-given responsibility to help make life better for those around us.”
He also reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to humanitarian efforts, interfaith collaboration and inclusive development across Africa.
“Our role is so vital that without us acting in unity and mobilizing those we lead, we risk putting the good that remains in society at risk,” said Elder Mutombo.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continues to work with local partners, interfaith councils and faith based organizations to improve education, strengthen families, provide humanitarian aid and foster dialogue that promotes peace and unity in Africa.