The following is excerpted from the Church Newsroom. To read the full article, CLICK HERE.
A 15-foot-high bronze statue of the Prophet Joseph Smith was unveiled on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, at the World Peace Dome in Pune, India. The statue of the founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints joins the statues of 54 other religious leaders, scientists and philosophers that adorn the 263-foot-high dome at the MIT World Peace University.
“As I speak to this audience, I feel a great sense of friendship,” Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles told some 3,000 students gathered for the statue unveiling that was part of the university’s World Interfaith Harmony Conference.
“I am gratified,” Elder Christofferson continued, “that you would honor us as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as you honor the Prophet Joseph Smith with his statue in this majestic hall built to promote world peace. I honor each of you and express gratitude for your generosity and kindness.”
Elder Christofferson spoke for 15 minutes about the life and teachings of Joseph Smith. One of those key teachings, he said, focuses on friendship.
“Friendship is one of the grand fundamental principles of [our faith and doctrine],” Elder Christofferson said, quoting Joseph Smith. “[Friendship will] revolutionize and civilize the world and cause wars and contentions to cease and men to become friends and brothers. Even the wolf and the lamb shall dwell together.”
To read the full article, CLICK HERE.
