A weekend of meetings and ministry in Indiana allowed Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson to share more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with leaders and residents of that U.S. state.
“It was delightful to be here with the gracious people of Indiana. I truly felt their ‘Hoosier hospitality,’” President Johnson said during the Sept. 8-10 visit to Indianapolis.
President Johnson and Elder Vaiangina Sikahema, General Authority Seventy and first counselor in the North America Northeast Area presidency, met with the lieutenant governor and civic leaders, held multiple devotionals and participated in the 11th Annual Indy Festival of Faiths, reported ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
The Church also hosted a religious liberty forum in coordination with the Center for Interfaith Cooperation before the weekend events.
‘Come and See’ event at the Indiana Statehouse
On Friday Sept. 8, Indiana State Treasurer Daniel Elliott — who is a member of the Church — hosted a “Come and See” event at the Statehouse in Indianapolis.
About 25 state lawmakers attended, where they saw booths with displays about the Church’s humanitarian efforts in the state, Relief Society, Giving Machines, JustServe and local members’ involvement in interfaith councils.
About 46,000 Latter-day Saints live in Indiana.
“We are still a fairly small part of the tapestry of faiths here in the state of Indiana, but most people don’t realize the richness that our members offer to the state,” Elliott said.
Before the event, President Johnson and Elder Sikahema met with Indiana Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, where they talked about the mission of the Relief Society and humanitarian and service efforts.
Crouch said it is incredible to know that the state has faith-based organizations like the Church and leaders like President Johnson leading the way and setting the example.
“It was the best part of the meeting simply because here is a woman who represents and leads other women globally,” Crouch said.
During the reception, the lieutenant governor highlighted the community service Church members have provided in Indiana — including tornado cleanup and gathering supplies for Afghan refugees.
Said President Johnson: “I hope that those who attended today will see the Church as a trusted collaborator. We share a common objective, and that is to bless the lives of families here in Indiana.”
11th annual Indy Festival of Faiths
On Sunday afternoon, Sept. 10, President Johnson and Elder Sikahema participated in the 11th annual Indy Festival of Faiths, at historic University Park in downtown Indianapolis, explained the news release.
The festival is sponsored by the Center for Interfaith Cooperation. Thousands of attendees explored more than 50 booths featuring dozens of religious traditions and denominations.
The Church hosted a booth, and a 100-person choir and orchestra performed popular hymns.
JustServe also had a booth, explaining what the community service platform is all about. Festival attendees even had the opportunity to take part in a JustServe project by assembling welcome bags for a local domestic violence center.
“I think it was wonderful to lock arms with people and have them know us and we know them,” Elder Sikahema said.
Elder Sikahema and President Johnson also ministered to Church members during devotionals and meetings for adults and youth in the area during the weekend.
“It has been a phenomenal whirlwind weekend. It’s been so packed with so much goodness and the people here. We felt the ‘Hoosier hospitality’ all weekend long; it’s been fantastic,” Elder Sikahema said.
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