Elder Ulisses Soares speaks at religious congress in Argentina
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles represented the Church as part of a panel on human dignity in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Thursday, June 8.
“Dignity has a divine origin. It is our universal birthright. Everyone possesses dignity simply by being human, regardless of religion, race, gender or nationality,” Elder Soares said in his opening remarks.
He also encouraged those in attendance to help protect the rights of others, regardless of shared beliefs.
“Our rights come from God, but the care of those rights is up to us,” he said. “This divine origin is important, because if rights become simply what the majority of people want, then they are nothing more than a power play or mere opinion.”
Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles arrives at the sixth World Congress of Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Thursday, June 8, 2023. Christina Smith, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
His panel at the World Congress of Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue included Monsignor Alberto Bochatey, representing the Catholic Church and, and Rabbi Fishel Szlajen, representing the Jewish faith. They were moderated by journalist Carolina Perin.
Rabbi Szlajen opened the discussion saying that “to speak of religious rights is to speak of human rights.”
He referenced the Talmud’s teachings on the worth of individuals. He said Sanhedrin 37a in the Jewish text reads, “He that saves one life saves the world.”
In this sixth such meeting in Buenos Aires, religious, cultural, educational and other community leaders participated in a day of panel discussions and activities.
Monsignor Bochatey said during the panel with Elder Soares that sometimes people ignore how much they have in common and create unnecessary animosity in doing so.
“We’re not talking about differences between rival sports teams. We’re talking about people,” he said. But while many things in life can be taken away from an individual, “they can’t take away human dignity.”
Elder Soares also warned about judging others based on their shared interests.
“We tend to focus on groups instead of souls,” he said. “But we are more similar than we are different.”
Elder Ulisses Soares speaks during a panel at the sixth World Congress of Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Thursday, June 8, 2023. He was joined by Monsignor Alberto Bochatey, Rabbi Fishel Szlajen and Carolina Perin. Christina Smith, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Those differences have led some to popularly proclaim their desire to live their truth, he said. “Relative truth is an excuse for those who don’t want to follow … the correct path.”
He also cautioned against using social media networks as a personal compass to find direction in life.
“Well-used, they can be helpful, but some promote a world that isn’t real,” he said. “We should use them wisely.”
Conversation with Sergio Rubin
Earlier in the day, Elder Soares met with journalist and award-winning author Sergio Rubin to talk about the Church in Argentina and its growth and influence around the world.
Rubin, who wrote a biography of Pope Francis and who met with President Russell M. Nelson in 2018, asked Elder Soares about his participation in last year’s Congress of the Leaders or World and Traditional Religions in Kazakhstan.
“It was incredible to feel the desire that is developing in people’s hearts to have a better dialogue and more respect for one another,” Elder Soares said.
Rubin said a recent Pew study showed that religious observation in places where it used to be high is now decreasing.
“What is happening in the first world? Does it no longer need God?” Rubin asked.
“All of us need God, regardless of where we are,” Elder Soares answered. “But I believe people are filling their lives with so many things — money, activities — things that don’t allow them to have time for what is really important.”
Writer Sergio Rubin listens to Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles during an interview in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Thursday, June 8, 2023. Christina Smith, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Elder Soares said this is part of the reason that Church leaders have increasingly invited individuals and families to study the gospel in their homes and to seek the companionship of the Holy Ghost.
“On one hand, we have many people who are, perhaps, forgetting God and Jesus Christ or who think they don’t need God. On the other hand, we are seeing more social problems, more emotional problems,” Elder Soares said. “… Having God and Jesus Christ in your heart gives you motivation, gives you happiness and peace. That is the only way to find comfort and become spiritually resilient to navigate your life.”
The two discussed family history work and the construction and worship that happens in temples. Rubin said there is a rumor about the Church building a second temple in Buenos Aires, which Elder Soares confirmed. The Buenos Aires City Center Argentina Temple was announced by President Nelson in general conference in October 2022. The exact location has not been announced.
Rubin’s final question for Elder Soares? “Is the Church growing in Argentina?”
“The Church is growing in Argentina,” Elder Soares responded directly.
“As we have talked about, the fact that people find a feeling of connection with Jesus Christ and His presence in their lives brings them more happiness, more joy. When they find that, they join us in the Church.”
The Church in Argentina
The Church in Argentina has nearly a half-million members. The country’s population surpassed 46 million people in 2022. Church members attend 726 wards and branches. Missionaries serve in 13 missions around the country.
The Buenos Aires Argentina Temple was dedicated by President Thomas S. Monson, then a counselor in the First Presidency, in 1986. Following a renovation, it was rededicated in 2012 by President Henry B. Eyring. This was the fourth temple to be dedicated in South America. Argentina also has a temple dedicated in Mendoza with four others announced or under construction, in Bahía Blanca, Córdoba, Salta and the second temple in Buenos Aires.
Source: Church News
