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Mexico City recently hosted the sixth Interfaith Peace Initiative, organized by the General Directorate for Religious Affairs. The event, held on September 18, 2024, brought together representatives from over 20 religious associations across Mexico.
Among the attendees were Elder Moisés Villanueva of the Mexico Area Presidency and Elders Ranulfo Cervantes and Arturo Palmieri, who are Area Seventies representing The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Jorge Eduardo Basaldúa Silva, Mexico’s general director of religious affairs, emphasized the importance of dialogue in peacebuilding efforts. “Building peace is a shared task,” he stated. He further noted that peacebuilders must recognize that "the path must always remain open to dialogue, as dialogue is an act of creation."
Basaldúa expressed Mexico's aspiration to be a democratic secular state that also reflects its diverse cultural heritage. “Religious diversity enriches us and adds color to the space we inhabit,” he said.
The event saw representatives from various denominations commend the Office of Religious Affairs for its support in handling registration procedures and organizing forums for exchanging beliefs and initiatives with respect and tolerance.
During the initiative, each faith representative shared an object or symbol significant to their faith and explained its role in promoting peace. Elder Cervantes presented a scale replica of Thorvaldsen’s Christus statue, describing it as a symbol that “invites us to focus on the Savior and follow His teachings and example.”
The Office of Religious Affairs assists The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in processing permits for missionaries and ministers and grants approval for media broadcasts such as nationwide radio and television coverage of general conferences.
