800 people from the Chapman University community gathered to hear Presiding Bishop for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Gerald Caussé speak at a university symposium Feb. 20.
The symposium was conducted by the Chapman University Fish Interfaith Center and the Latter-day Saint Student Association at the university. It focused on service and humanitarian efforts. The Christian Fellowship Chorale also performed at the symposium.
Caussé oversees welfare and humanitarian programs within the Mormon church and spoke about the church’s efforts to care for those in need around the world.
“It is as we interact with each other, serving side by side, that we are mutually uplifted by one another, and it is for this reason that we strive to include volunteer service in our humanitarian efforts whenever possible,” Causseé said.
The Mormon church is known world wide for its humanitarian and welfare programs including LDS Charities, Deseret Industries and Mormon Helping Hands. Caussé gave special attention to the relief work carried out by Mormon Helping Hands earlier this year in Houston.
“What occurred in Houston is evidence of the principle that the Church’s welfare system, at its core, is not a massive program managed from Utah. More often, it is the inspiration and initiative of a small group or single individual acting on basic values of self-reliance and caring for one’s neighbor,” Caussé said. “By reaching out to lift others, these volunteers were lifted themselves.”
Caussé said service and humanitarian work has always been at the core of the Mormon church, and this core is reflected time and again when countless volunteers seek to lift those around them. He also mentioned newer programs like Justserve.org, a website that helps connect individuals with service opportunities in their area.
Watch the complete Mormon Newsroom brief on Caussé’s visit here:
