On November 16, 2025, the inaugural Interfaith Meeting on Religious Freedom was held at the Monte Líbano Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Organized by the Brazil Campo Grande Chapter, the event brought together approximately 100 participants, including Church members, invited guests, religious leaders, and representatives of different faith traditions.
The purpose of the event was to promote dialogue, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence among people of different beliefs. The central objective of the meeting was to demonstrate that, even in the presence of differing religious perspectives, it is possible to build a society grounded in harmony, tolerance, respectful listening, and recognition of the dignity of all people.
The diversity of participants strengthened the pluralistic nature of the gathering and highlighted the importance of religious freedom as an essential principle for life in society.
During the event, Maria Custódia Oliveira Pinheiro, from the Sementes de Luz Spiritist Center, accompanied by her husband Francisco, expressed gratitude for the invitation and emphasized the warm welcome she received, stating that she felt at home. Diva Helena Nantes Riccio, an advertising professional and digital marketing specialist affiliated with União Espírita André Luiz since 2018, shared a message about love for one’s neighbor and its power to transform individuals and the world, drawing upon the teachings and example of Jesus Christ.
Genival Mota, a professor, journalist, writer, and holder of master’s and doctoral degrees in Literature, represented the Seventh-day Adventist Church at the event and spoke about religious freedom as a fundamental principle of his faith tradition.
Daniel Patelli, President of the Monte Líbano Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, presented historical aspects of the Church, noting the persecutions faced by early pioneers and emphasizing the Church’s belief in religious freedom, particularly in light of the Church’s 11th Article of Faith. This statement of belief affirms the right to worship God according to the dictates of a person’s own conscience and grants the same privilege to all people.
The meeting was conducted by Mateus Santiago, chair of the Brazil Campo Grande Chapter, and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Mr. Santiago also delivered a presentation about the J. Reuben Clark Law Society and its efforts in defense of religious freedom.
The gathering was marked by a spirit of love, unity, respect, and hospitality, reaffirming the importance of interfaith dialogue and the protection of religious freedom as fundamental values for building a more just, fraternal, and peaceful society.
