Article Sample: Friends of other Faiths [for young audiences]
If you have friends who aren't members, you may have noticed that they do things differently. Perhaps they dress a certain way or go to a different place on Sunday. Maybe they even see you as different.
But differences give us an opportunity to learn more about others. They also encourage us to reach out and become friends with people we normally wouldn't. When I met my Catholic friend, I made sure to reach out to him specifically when I saw him at work. Here are some things I've found that have helped:
1) Be tolerant of their beliefs. In everything you do, it's important to honor what other people consider sacred. This includes symbols, clothing, places, and even days of the week related to their worship. As Brother Gerald E. Jones teaches, "We Latter-day Saints, who have felt the pains of intolerance and persecution, have a great responsibility and opportunity to shot to others our love and tolerance and respect to those who believe in other faiths." If we want respect for our own beliefs, we must begin by respecting others' beliefs.
2) Ask what's important to them. The best way to get to know someone is to learn what they value. Whether your friend is religious or not, everyone has core beliefs that make up who they are. These beliefs serve as their motivation to do the right thing. As disciples of Jesus Christ, it's hard to serve people if you don't know their needs. Learning who they are and what they value is a way to better understand, tolerate, and serve those of other beliefs.
3) Love them. Nephi taught us that Jesus Christ "inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him" (2 Nephi 26:33). By showing love to everyone, regardless of their beliefs, we show the Savior our willingness to try to be like Him. Those of other faiths will notice, and they may reach out to you, as well. Lifelong friendships can start with simple acts of kindness and service.
Ideas for story promotion:
Simultaneous release on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Post images relating to the topic a month earlier on Pinterest. (It takes longer for Pinterest to process and verify newer content).
Include alternative images on Pinterest with links to various gospel topics (Religion, Missionary Work, etc.).
Invite youth to email us at ___domain@example.org and share stories about their experiences with people of other faiths.
Hold a live Q&A about interacting with those of other faiths. Consider inviting other religious leaders to join us.
