"Gathering for Peace"

One of our objectives in Public Affairs is to make friends with other religions, so when we had the opportunity to join this event we were happy to participate. The caption in the main picture in the Lodi News-Sentinal story says,

"Sikh's and Mormons share the front row . . ."

I'm on the right in the striped sweater, and Bishop Shields is next to me with just part of his face showing.

Pastor Mark Price of St. Paul Lutheran organized the "Gathering for Peace" 9/11 event so that different religious leaders could share their mutual desire for peace, especially in light of events of September 11, 2001. In this picture he is checking-in Bishop Shields who was representing the LDS Church.

Here is Bishop Shields with Harold Clinehens of St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church. He led everyone in chanting a "gathering" song. Then each representative of 12 different religions were given the opportunity to say a few words, quote from their scriptures, and light a candle.

Bishop Shields gave the most fantastic remarks. To quote from the News-Sentinel story in which he was featured, "[he] recalled serving a two-year mission in Japan 30 years ago. 'I never heard one negative word about American in the two years I was there,' Shields said. 'They learned to forgive (World War II). May we leave this room with peace in our hearts.'"
For his scriptures Bishop Shields chose John 6:68, and Ether 2:12 which says "Behold this is a choice land, and whatsoever nation shall possess from captivity, and from all other nations under heaven, if they will but serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ, who hath been manifested by the things which we have written."
He also quoted from President Monson's recent blog post on the Washington Post. This is a beautiful commentary. If you haven't read it, you can find it here.
(Side note: President Monson is setting the example by blogging his thoughts on an important day in our nation's history.)

Ann Kerr, President Tom Reed, David Hill of Grace Presbyterian, and Bishop Shields

Bishop Shields lighting his candle after his talk. Now here's a picture you won't see too often.

There were quite a few Japanese people there. Bishop Shields enjoyed speaking with them in Japanese. He is so personable and down to earth, it was easy to see that many people enjoyed talking to him, and he to them. We were so proud of him, and would like to thank him for representing us in such a fine manner.