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OREM — Bishop John Wester spoke, but those listening to his every word were not members of his Catholic flock. He spent several hours on campus at UVU with Latter-day Saints during an Interfaith conference.
Wester addressed a thousand or more students at the Institute, explaining Catholicism and discussing the differences and similarities between his Church and their Church. This kind of interfaith dialogue will be happening more often at the largest state university in the country where the majority of students share one faith.
"He's a high leader, well-respected and when you mention that a leader of the Catholic Church is coming, a lot of people are like, 'wow' because not many get the opportunity to hear them or meet them, generally speaking," said Spencer Bennett, the Co-Chair for the LDS Interfaith Council.
President Matthew Holland also is looking forward to having more diversity on his campus.
We're really seeking to reach out to people across all different faiths and backgrounds, people without faith, or with different traditions. We want everyone on this campus to feel connected.
–President Matthew Holland
"We're really seeking to reach out to people across all different faiths and backgrounds, people without faith, or with different traditions," Holland said. "We want everyone on this campus to feel connected."
The students prepared for Wester's visit, studying the history of the Catholic Church and reading sacred texts. Many of the students were able to ask questions about his religion.
And during his speech, Bishop Wester also showed a connection between the LDS faith and Catholicism.
"Well, why do the Mormons or the Catholics want to influence public opinion?" he said. "For many reasons, God told us to."
The UVU students responded enthusiastically to the presentation at the interfaith discussion.
"I am so excited to have these dialogues going on and to be able to bring these two faiths together," said LDS Interfaith council member, Amber Lewis. "I think it's wonderful."
President Hollands also said he hopes this will be the first of many interfaith dialogues. And with the new student life and wellness center under construction on campus, there will be a reflection center where students can meditate alone or come together in groups to talk about faith.
