Socioeconomic problems such as being able to build strong families and communities in the midst of difficult economic and social conditions cannot be resolved by one particular faith group alone, but rather it requires interfaith discussions that are based on finding the common good for all concerned. Such discussions recently took place between Elder M. Russel Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Rev. Harvey Clemons Jr., pastor of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Houston, Texas, as well as other church and community leaders.
Rev. Clemons is a respected leader in Houston for his decades of devoted service in revitalizing Houston’s historic 5th Ward community. (The word “Ward” in this instance refers to an administrative division of the city of Houston.) He began his work more than 15 years ago when he spearheaded the project to replace aging buildings in the 5th Ward with the first substantial new multifamily and commercial development in more than 30 years. It is a continual work in progress.
Most recently, the work included a massive service project in which 5,000 Starbucks volunteers helped to transform the community by building a park and renovating numerous aging structures. Missionaries from the Houston Texas North Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (mistakenly referred to as the Mormon Church by people of other faiths) also supported the effort.
It was that service that led to a meeting between Elder Ballard and Rev. Clemons on Sunday, 13 January 2013. In the course of that meeting they discussed their mutual desires to build bridges between the Church of Jesus Christ and Pleasant Hill to lift communities through strengthening families.
Elder Ballard emphasized the importance of interfaith coalitions for protecting religious freedom—particularly the rights of churches to have a continued voice in the public square. He said,
We commend the Christian efforts of Rev. Clemons and like-minded community and church leaders. We look forward to further cooperation in strengthening families and faith. [1]
Rev. Clemons made the following comments:
I found Elder Ballard to be refreshing and our time together illuminating. I saw him to be a man of passion and of the utmost concern for suffering humanity with an eye on reinforcing the family institution around the world and particularly here in the United States. That concern found a place in my heart and in the heart of this ministry here at Pleasant Hill, in the 5th Ward community, and in Houston. We think it is consistent with our vision to work towards meeting the needs of suffering humanity.
What was most exciting about speaking with Elder Ballard and his delegation was the understanding that our faith traditions bring us to different doctrinal places, but there is consistency in believing that Jesus Christ would have us to work towards alleviating the needs of suffering humanity and strengthening the family institution. It is our prayer that our unified effort will have a significant impact upon alleviating these social concerns. We look forward to the opportunity to do so and cherish the relationship that has begun. Our faith garners us the assurance that the world will be a better place as a result of our efforts. [1]
The two leaders found that they shared much in common – in particular their love for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ and their willingness to love and to serve those in need.
Additional Resources:
Basic Mormon Beliefs and Real Mormons