America: The United Arab Emirates’ vision of interfaith harmony and cultural coexistence is continuing to resonate globally—most recently in the United States—through the efforts of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi. A landmark symbol of tolerance and mutual respect, the Mandir and its values were at the center of an inspiring interfaith exchange this past week in Salt Lake City, Utah.

On Wednesday, June 18, 2025, His Holiness Brahmavihari Swamiji, head of the BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi and a key international relations leader for BAPS, met with senior leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), including President Dallin H. Oaks and President Henry B. Eyring of the Church’s First Presidency. The meeting was marked by heartfelt discussions focused on fostering global harmony, mutual respect, and humanitarian collaboration.

Also in attendance were Elder David A.Bednar and Elder Patrick Kearon of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Elder Anthony D.Perkins, President of the Middle East/Africa North Area, and Elder Matthew S.Holland, executive director of the Church Communication Department. Together, they explored shared values and peacemaking efforts, with a particular emphasis on faith-led service, compassion, and cultural unity.

During his visit, His Holiness toured prominent LDS Church sites, including Deseret Industries at Welfare Square and the Conference Center on historic Temple Square, where he attended an organ recital.

The meeting underscored the strong alignment between the Church’s global Christian mission and the UAE’s—and BAPS’s—commitment to interfaith understanding. Special attention was given to the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, which has emerged as a monumental testament to harmony among cultures and religions. Built as the first traditional stone Hindu temple in the Middle East, the Mandir reflects the UAE’s deep-rooted values of tolerance and inclusion, first formally championed in the 2019 “Year of Tolerance.”

His Holiness Brahmavihari Swamiji, a member of the BAPS Core Committee and a visionary behind several major Hindu cultural centers—including London’s Neasden Temple and Akshardham complexes in India and the USA—has been pivotal in the creation of the Abu Dhabi Mandir. The temple not only exemplifies the architectural grandeur of Indian tradition but also symbolizes unity across diverse global communities.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly referred to as the Mormon Church, is a worldwide Christian denomination with over 17 million members and more than 30,000 congregations across 160 countries. Its values of family, service, and faith-driven humanitarian work closely mirror the principles upheld by BAPS.

BAPS (Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha), a major socio-spiritual organization within Hinduism, has a global network of over 1,800 temples and 21,000 congregational centers, serving millions of followers. It is widely recognized for its focus on moral living, spiritual growth, and extensive humanitarian outreach.

The historic meeting in Salt Lake City serves as a profound reminder that faith traditions, when rooted in shared values of peace, love, and service, can transcend borders. Through the partnership of BAPS and the LDS Church, the UAE’s enduring message of harmony is now echoing across America, inspiring hope and unity among diverse communities.