General Officers Sister Dennis and Sister Runia Speak at The World Congress on Intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue in Buenos Aires 

"Religious freedom is not just about securing rights for ourselves, but also about protecting the rights of others — even when we disagree with their beliefs," said Sister Tamara W. Runia, First Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at a global interfaith gathering in Buenos Aires, Argentina. 

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The World Congress on Intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue, "A Path Towards Peace," was held on March 17, 2025. This event brought together religious leaders, academics and interfaith dialogue specialists with the goal of strengthening peaceful coexistence and understanding among faith communities. 

Sister Runia participated in the panel titled “Young Leaders: The Foundation of Interreligious Dialogue in Argentina.” Sister J. Anette Dennis, First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency of the Church, participated in the panel titled “Solidarity and Social Action: Religions, Politics, and NGOs in Humanitarian Aid.” 

During her speech, Sister Dennis highlighted the impact of collaborative work between various religious denominations and humanitarian organizations, emphasizing that interfaith cooperation can multiply the positive effects of social aid. 

"Humanitarian work is the common ground that can unite diverse groups in a shared goal,” she said. “This includes religious institutions and humanitarian organizations, which, by collaborating, achieve greater reach and impact.”

Sister Runia spoke about the importance of religious freedom and the shared responsibility of protecting everyone’s rights.  

She also shared an inspiring reflection based on the “overview effect” experienced by astronauts when viewing Earth from space, highlighting how a sense of unity and peace can transform the way we interact as a society.  

 “ We can create this feeling of unity right here in this space and carry it with us when we leave,” Sister Runia expressed. 

Sister Dennis highlighted the humanitarian work of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and its collaboration with other institutions in times of crisis. She mentioned the recent assistance provided to families affected by the floods in Bahía Blanca as an example.  

"We collaborate with other religious and governmental organizations to provide aid and relief to those in need, regardless of their religious affiliation," she added 

The congress also welcomed Elder Joaquín E. Costa, President of the South America South Area of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who gave the opening remarks. 

“Interreligious dialogue is crucial for defending religious freedom, protecting the family, and promoting the value of faith,” Elder Costa stated. 

100 Years of The Church of Jesus Christ in South America 

This event takes place during a significant year for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as it celebrates its Centennial in South America with a series of activities focused on service, unity and interfaith collaboration. 

To learn more about the Centennial activities of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in South America, visit the following website: centenariosas.org.