On Wednesday, June 26, 2024, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was confirmed as a member of the General Assembly of the Council of Religions in Munich, Germany. After a brief introduction of the Church and its principles of faith by Heide Duckert, the representative for interreligious dialogue in the Munich stake of the Church, the members of the General Assembly — consisting of delegates from the Alevis, Bahá'ís, Baptists, Buddhists, Jews, Muslims, Orthodox Christians, Catholic and Protestant churches — voted on the decision.
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The Council of Religions meets twice a year as a general assembly to discuss current issues in religions of the Munich population and advocates tolerance, unity and peace.
The last general assembly addressed anitsemitism in society and what can be done about it. Dr. Ludwig Spaenle — the Bavarian State Government's Commissioner for Jewish Life and Against Anti-Semitism — was invited to speak about his trip to Israel the week before and described his impressions of the current situation and consequences of the war. He warned against the mistakes of antisemitism.
Representatives from both the Jewish and Muslim communities were present at the general assembly and expressed their views. According to Dr. Andreas Renz from the Archbishop's Ordinariate in Munich, it is important to form a liberal, democratic community and not be divided by the events that are currently polarizing society.
The Council of Religions strives for interreligious dialogue and solidarity with religions and ideological communities. There are similar councils in many German cities, each organizing itself independently. In April 2024, all members of the Council of Religions in Munich signed a charter of confession for one another. In the fall, the Council of Religions will address the issue of Islamophobia.
“We are happy to be part of such a great community with individuals who are committed to religious freedom and positive forces in our society,” said Duckert.