Over 800 guests representing the local Christian churches, Judaism, Muslim, Hindu, Rastafarian, Baha'i, and other religious groups were invited to attend, with about 400 actually attending. The meeting was held at the Bedfordview Stake Center here in Johannesburg. Registration at 8 AM was handled by the Senior Area Office Missionaries and Temple Missionaries where each guest was warmly greeted and given a small sack breakfast before the conference began. A voucher was also given for a sack lunch for later on. The ushering was done by the full time missionaries.
Registration at the entrance to the Stake Center
South Africa is known for its colorful cultural African dress which they so wonderfully transfer to their religious uniforms. Nearly every religious organization has their own colorful and unique uniform or cultural dress as you can see.
The meeting consisted of speakers from the NICSA organization, government officials and invited guests. Throughout the morning, between some of the speakers the congregation would spontaneously break out in tribal religious songs, that only Africans can sing. You just had to be there to appreciate their unique yet most beautiful harmony accompanied with respectful hand waving and dancing.
Just before lunch some 40 primary children of the LDS Church entered and sang a medley of "I am a child of God" and "I Believe in Christ." It was beautiful and surely enjoyed as indicated by the rounding applause given to those in attendance.
After lunch Brother Dominic Tshabalala, a member and South African head of Public Affairs for the church spoke representing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. He spoke on how the NICSA should join together in the cause against inequalities, poverty and unemployment. He focused his remarks on how the church emphasizes the family as the foundation of mankind in overcoming the many problems throughout South Africa. He spoke of the plan of salvation in that we are all children of God coming together united in an interfaith cause to save a generation and a nation even though we might have religious differences. He did a wonderful job representing the views and teachings of the church as they related to the purpose of the NICSA. He made it clear that the church does not get involved in politics, but we do stand up for and support those whose ideas are for good and righteous principles, especially those to strengthen and build the family unit. He took the time to recognize the Full time Missionaries and the Senior Missionaries who are here serving in Africa spreading peace and hope in a country struggling with strife.
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