Abu Dhabi Hindu temple head meets LDS church leaders in US to promote global peace

Abu Dhabi: The Head of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi has met top leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) in Salt Lake City, Utah, to promote the UAE’s message of peace, tolerance, and coexistence.

Pujya Brahmavihari Swami, who also oversees international relations for Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), held a high-level meeting last week with President Dallin H. Oaks and President Henry B. Eyring, senior members of the LDS First Presidency – the highest governing body of the Church.

The meeting focused on shared values and a mutual commitment to humanitarian efforts and global harmony. The religious leaders underlined the importance of faith-based contributions to peacebuilding, highlighting the BAPS Hindu Mandir as a powerful example of interfaith coexistence and cultural unity.

Swami also visited two of the Church’s iconic locations: Welfare Square, known for its humanitarian outreach, and Temple Square, the global headquarters and a historic site of the LDS Church.

Joining the meeting were several senior Church leaders, including 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.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often referred to as the Mormon Church, has more than 17 million members and over 30,000 congregations in more than 160 countries.

Swami is a member of the BAPS Core Committee and led the creation of the historic BAPS Hindu Mandir – the first traditional stone Hindu temple in the Middle East. Recently, he also addressed a sold-out crowd at TEDxTampa in Florida, US.