An annual tradition of service brought members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara, the largest Sikh temple in the Gulf region, on Sunday, January 14, 2024. Over 100 Latter-day Saints joined the Sikh community to distribute 10,000 food kits to workers supporting the rapid growth of the city of Dubai.
Members of the Church came from different parts of the United Arab Emirates, including Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai and Sharjah. Many served with their families, and volunteers of all ages participated in moving, unpacking and giving out the kits.
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“We are happy to work with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This annual project is a sign of friendship and respect between the two faith communities,” said Dr. Surender Singh Kandhari, chairman of the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara. “Year after year, this collaboration reinforces our shared values and commitment to serving humanity.”
President Remigio Mesina, First Counselor in the Abu Dhabi Stake presidency, reflected on the spiritual dimensions of such collaborative efforts. “When we serve others together, we are, in reality, serving God. We are continually inspired by the kindness of the Sikh community in this country. Our shared desire is to unite in helping those in need,” he said.
Since 2015, this annual initiative has not only fostered a spirit of cooperation but has also allowed Latter-day Saints to learn more about other religious traditions.
Many members of the Church mentioned that they try to participate in the project each year, as it reminds them of the importance of working together with all people of goodwill.
This service project reflects the strong friendship between the Gurudwara and the Church in the UAE. Another example was the visit of Dr. Kandhari and Dr. Bubbles Kandhari, vice-chairperson of the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara, to the global headquarters of the Church in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, where they met with the First Presidency on April 29, 2022.
The Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara is an example of religious tolerance in the UAE. The country has a long commitment to the values of mutual respect and interfaith coexistence: members of different faith communities, including representatives of Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Baha’i, Druze and others live and worship in the UAE, setting a global standard for religious unity and understanding.
Members of the Church of Jesus Christ around the world are encouraged to participate in community service and interfaith initiatives. Recognizing the power of unity in diversity, the Church actively participates in interfaith efforts, fostering mutual understanding and respect among religious communities in the UAE and globally.