LDS, Evangelical Students Unite at National Conference / BYU Newsnet

I’m looking forward excitedly to hearing from participants at this important conference. Thanks, BYU and Standing Together, for setting it up and encouraging LDS participation.

Steve St.Clair

See original article at the BYU Website at this link:

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Latter-day Saints and Evangelicals are teaming up for the National Student Dialogue Conference roundtable discussion on Oct. 19 and 20 at the Salt Lake Christian Center.

The Salt Lake Theological Seminary and Standing Together, a catalyst for uniting the Utah Christian community, will sponsor this conference.

“Our purpose is to address the question, how should young people who have different religious views relate and interact with one another,” said Robert L. Millet, professor of ancient scripture. “But at the same time hold very carefully your own religious beliefs.”

A person doesn’t have to be a theologian or a scriptures scholar in order to be an effective conservationist, Millet said.

“The things that are needed most for this case is one, a good dose of curiosity,” Millet said. “And two, a heart that wants to make friends and wants to reach out.”

Paul White, director of operations for Standing Together, hopes to promote healthy dialogue between Latter-day Saints and Evangelicals.

“The ultimate goal is seeking truth together in a healthy and loving manner,” White said.

This conference is comprised of five keynote plenary sessions, special seminars, field trips and student roundtable discussions.

Speakers of the conference are religious scholars from BYU, other colleges and seminaries.

Jacob Farnsworth, a senior majoring in psychology, said he had an unforgettable experience in the hosting program last year.

“I remember one guy [an Evangelical student] who [was] very skeptical,” Farnsworth said. “By the end of the day, he left with a change of heart and now we are friends and have respect for each other.”

The conference and the hosting program will help people of two faiths overcome their differences, said David Golding, a senior from Murrieta, Calif. majoring in European studies.

“The conference provides an opportunity to get pass of that nasty history between the groups,” said Golding said. “There’s a genuine goal for both sides to move forward with our differences.”

The conference begins Friday from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and continues Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The Salt Lake Christian Center is located at 4300 S. 700 E. in Salt Lake City.All BYU students can register for free at http://www.standingtogether.org or talk to professor Robert Millet at (801) 422- 7042.