(What began as a tense conversation about our views on religion, ended with respect for our differences. Alan and I call one another “friend”. I am thrilled to have friends of many on life. I love all of God’s children. -Valerie)
Dear Alan,
Thank you so much! And that is truly wonderful you had that experience after you went to confession. I have had experiences similar to that…which helps me to know that God is real, and loves us more than we can possibly imagine.
I wish there was a way that all Christian religions could work together to bring more peace into the world. I know that many churches, including ours, do work together for humanitarian efforts, and they worked together to help pass Prop. 8 in California. It is heart-warming to think that although we may not agree on every point of doctrine, we do agree on many, many important aspects of life.
God Bless You Too, Alan, and your wife and your family!
Sincerely, Valerie
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Dear Alan, Here is a recent article I thought you might like to read, it mentions the Catholic Church as well. I’ve underlined the parts I really love about this article, although I enjoyed the entire piece. Take Care! – Valerie 🙂
“SALTLAKECITY18 April 2008.(Newsroom). A respect for the diverse beliefs and unique contributions of all the world’s faiths is one of the hallmarks of Mormonism. From the earliest days of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Joseph Smith elevated the principle of religious liberty and tolerance: “We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may” (Articles of Faith 1:11).
In that same spirit, Church President Thomas S. Monson made a plea during general conference, a semiannual worldwide meeting, for more religious understanding: “I would encourage members of the Church wherever they may be to show kindness and respect for all people everywhere. The world in which we live is filled with diversity. We can and should demonstrate respect toward those whose beliefs differ from ours.” Latter-day Saints accept all sincere believers as equals in the pursuit of faith and in the great work of serving humanity.
Emphasizing God’s love for all people, not just those of one religion, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the First Presidency, the highest governing body of the Church, declared: “We honor and respect sincere souls from all religions, no matter where or when they lived, who have loved God, even without having the fullness of the gospel. We lift our voices in gratitude for their selflessness and courage. We embrace them as brothers and sisters, children of our Heavenly Father. … He hears the prayers of the humble and sincere of every nation, tongue, and people. He grants light to those who seek and honor Him and are willing to obey His commandments.”
The late Krister Stendahl, emeritus Lutheran Bishop of Stockholm and professor emeritus of Harvard Divinity School, established three rules for religious understanding: (1) When you are trying to understand another religion, you should ask the adherents of that religion and not its enemies; (2) don’t compare your best to their worst; and (3) leave room for “holy envy” by finding elements in other faiths to emulate. These principles foster relationships between religions that build trust and lay the groundwork for charitable efforts.
The spiritual and physical needs of the world require goodwill and cooperation among different faiths. Each of them makes a valuable contribution to the larger community of believers.
In the words of early Church apostle Orson F. Whitney, “God is using more than one people for the accomplishment of his great and marvelous work. The Latter-day Saints cannot do it all. It is too vast, too arduous, for any one people.” Thus, members of the Church do not view fellow believers around the world as adversaries or competitors, but as partners in the many causes for good in the world.
For example, the Church has joined forces with Catholic Relief Services in a “collaboration of caring” that aids victims of famine and natural disaster. Furthermore, the Church worked with Islamic Relief Worldwide and the Islamic Society of Great Salt Lake to provide immediate humanitarian assistance in December 2004 to the tsunami-hit areas of Indonesia, Thailand and Sri Lanka.
It is important to note that interfaith cooperation does not require doctrinal compromise. Though the Church asserts its ecclesiastical independence and recognizes its doctrinal differences, this does not prevent it from partnering with other faiths in charitable projects. These efforts are based on universal values. A different interpretation of the atonement of Christ, for example, need not diminish the mandate of Christ to “love thy neighbor as thyself.” Therefore, it is necessary to maintain a separation between charitable efforts and doctrinal tenets, while at the same time sharing mutual concern for those in need. People of good faith do not need to have the exact same beliefs in order to accomplish great things in the service of their fellow human beings.”
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Hello Alan, I hope all is going well for you and your wife and loved ones. Again, I so much appreciate you sharing that truly miraculous experience you had. I’ve had spiritual experiences, but I have not had the privilege of witnessing Mary or her Son. If I did, I would cry tears of joy and immense gratitude. Below is our Christmas Email… including pictures of our little family. Take Care! Sincerely, Valerie Fulmer
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Hi Valerie, Thank you so much for your e-mail with pictures of your beautiful family! I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and prosperous New Year. Above all may it be a healthy year for you and your loved ones. May God continue to love, guide and protect you.
God bless you and thank you for sharing your beliefs and spirituality with me. Isn’t it interesting how God uses each one of us to draw closer to Him. You came into my spiritual journey when I needed to learn to be more tolerant and respectful of all faiths.Thank you for helping me to grow spiritually. Peace and love, Alan
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Pictures of Alan’s family sent via email, Subject line:Merry Christmas from my wife Patricia, son James and daughter Jessica and me.
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Alan, Thank you so very much! You, too, have a beautiful family.
Have a Safe, Peaceful and Merry Christmas!Sincerely, Valerie ——————————————————–
Hello Alan, I hope all is going well for you and your family. I’ve been asked to be a blogger for the website www.moregoodfoundation.com (I think that’s the correct link). For my first piece, I thought about sharing the email dialogue you and I had over the last few months…to show members of the church (and others) how kindness and respect are so important. I would change your name to protect your privacy. I didn’t want to do this, though, without your permission. I will respect whatever you decide. 🙂 Sincerely, Valerie
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Hi Valerie,
Please use whatever you want. I don’t mind if you use my name.
I hope you had a wonderful Christmas. May the New Year be filled with love and respect for one another. May God continue to pour out His Holy Spirit to each one of us.–Alan
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