by Emily Miller, Austin Stake Communication Director
CEDAR PARK, Texas — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was spotlighted on Jan. 24 as part of the Interfaith Action of Central Texas (iACT) Passport Program. An Austin-based non-profit organization, iACT works to build healthy relationships between faith communities throughout the Austin area.
One of iACT’s programs is the Passport Program, which gives participants the opportunity to travel to various houses of worship and community celebrations representing many different faith traditions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Passport Program is held virtually over Zoom.
Latter-day Saint Aaron Johnson, who until recently served as communication director of the Cedar Park Stake, arranged for the Cypress Creek Ward to participate in the Passport Program. Approximately 10 individuals from other faiths attended the 30-minute “pre-meeting,” after which they attended Cypress Creek Ward’s sacrament meeting remotely.
During the pre-meeting, President Ryan Robinson, who presides over the Cedar Park stake, welcomed participants. He was accompanied by his wife, Elena Robinson, and one of his counselors, Gary Anderson.
After Robinson’s welcome, Johnson spoke for 10 minutes about the beliefs and organizational structure of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Johnson, the Robinsons, and Anderson also answered questions from participants for 15 minutes, including inquiries about the godhead, polygamy, diversity, women in the Church, and the Church’s relationship with other Christian denominations.
“The feedback from the session and from the sacrament meeting was very positive,” Johnson said. “The attendees appreciated the chance to get to know us a little better. I think it was a very positive experience for them.”
Learn more about iACT and its programs here: http://interfaithtexas.org/.
