Elder Kearon Meets with Interfaith and Indigenous Leaders in Davao City

Reflecting a spirit of unity and shared purpose, Elder Patrick Kearon of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered with over 60 religious and indigenous leaders during an interfaith luncheon in Davao City, Philippines, on May 27, 2025.

Held at the Buhangin Stake Center, the event was hosted by Elder Kearon and his wife, Jennifer, alongside Elder Michael B. Strong and his wife, Christine. The luncheon served as a celebration of faith, dialogue, and collaboration, bringing together leaders from a wide spectrum of religious and indigenous communities in a spirit of mutual respect and shared commitment to peace and service.

Among those in attendance were Elder Bartolome Madriaga, Area Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Rev. Fr. Pete Lamata, Director of the Davao City Archdiocesan Center for Ecumenical Interreligious Dialogue; Mr. Sultan Ubpon, Chair of Islamic Studies at Ateneo de Davao University; and several other prominent leaders from Christian denominations, Muslim communities, Sikhism, Brahma Kumaris, and indigenous groups across Mindanao.

A Message of Unity and Love

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In his remarks, Elder Kearon emphasized a positive shift in how people of faith engage with one another, noting that instead of focusing on doctrinal differences, there is an increasing spirit of unity founded on mutual respect and a shared belief in a loving God.

“We’ve really moved from a position, I think, years ago, of thinking about our differences first… to this wonderful time now where we don’t look for our differences,” Elder Kearon said. “In a moment like this, I celebrate the fact that we’re here as people of faith… He loves us all equally. He includes every single one of us equally.”

He continued, “We celebrate you, and we celebrate your faith, and we celebrate your leadership in the community… and we’re so grateful to be with you and to share this experience with you in this beautiful land.”

Religious leaders in attendance expressed their gratitude to Elder Kearon and the Church for fostering a culture of interfaith dialogue, not only among Christian denominations but also across diverse faith communities.

Mr. Sultan Ubpon expressed his appreciation for being included in the gathering and emphasized its significance in strengthening mutual understanding among diverse faith traditions.

“In Islam, we are taught to seek peace even with those who oppose us,” he said. “How much more with people who are not showing hostilities toward us, like you.”

“That is why we are here—your brothers and sisters in Islam. Please continue to invite us to your gatherings, especially when there is an opportunity for meaningful dialogue,” he added.

Bridging Faith and Culture

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As part of the luncheon program, guests enjoyed cultural music and traditional dances performed by the Madayaw Ensemble, showcasing the vibrant heritage of Mindanao’s indigenous peoples. To express gratitude and respect, the religious leaders presented Elder and Sister Kearon with two handcrafted wood carvings made by the T’boli people, a renowned indigenous community from Southern Mindanao known for their rich artistic tradition.

The interfaith luncheon reflected the broader themes of Elder Kearon’s 10-day ministering visit to the Philippines. In addition to meeting with local Church leaders and members, he visited Church temples, participated in humanitarian donation handovers, met with government and religious figures, and spent time with young single adults, missionaries, and Primary children.

Unlike his previous visits, which focused on Metro Manila and Luzon, this marked Elder Kearon’s first ministry in Visayas and Mindanao, the other two major island groups in the Philippines. He saw the cultural and religious diversity of these regions and highlighted the Church’s intent to reach and minister to all, regardless of geography.

Mindanao, in particular, is home to a pluralistic society. While Christians make up the majority, the region also includes a large Muslim population and various indigenous communities striving to preserve their distinct traditions and cultural identities.

A Continuing Commitment to Peace and Inclusion

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is committed to building strong, enduring relationships rooted in understanding, respect, and cooperation with people of all faiths. Guided by the Savior’s example of love and inclusion, the Church actively works to promote peace, uphold religious freedom, and collaborate with others in addressing shared humanitarian and societal challenges.

The Church affirms that despite doctrinal or practical differences, people of all faiths can unite to foster harmony, compassion, and service. Through ongoing dialogue and sincere engagement, the Church seeks to help create a more peaceful and inclusive society where every individual is valued as a child of God and where faith becomes a bridge that connects rather than divides.