The people of the earth are all our Father's children

President Gordon B. Hinckley

We must never forget that we live in a world of great diversity. The people of the earth are all our Father’s children and are of many and varied religious persuasions. We must cultivate tolerance and appreciation and respect one another. We have differences of doctrine. This need not bring about animosity or any kind of holier-than-thou attitude.

President Gordon B. Hinckley 

There is no animosity when in Christ's full embrace;

we must regard each other with great tolerance and grace.

Respecting all opinions, we can still be faithful saints;

refusing to spread rumors or to propagate complaints.

Appreciate the beauty of diversity, my friend,

to avoid arriving at a spiritual dead end.

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An email response to the above verse from an old friend who is a retired Institute teacher:

Great analysis and poetry!  Thanks for sharing.  I trust that your and GBH’s comments don’t mean that we shouldn’t be a bit cautious and NOT fully embrace what others are believing and practicing. For example, Islam’s book defines any and all non-Muslims as infidels and thus worthy of extermination.   I don’t want to be anywhere near a Muslim fanatic who is carrying a knife, gun, or bomb.  Neither am I willing to board an airplane which has a Muslim woman wearing a full hajib and who has somehow been given a “pass” by TSA because she is “special.”  And no, I don’t wish to shake hands with LGBTQ+ folks. Well, maybe if I can wear rubber gloves. Yes, be kind and gracious, but there’s no need to embrace others’ doctrines, belief, and practices.  Perhaps a meal when they’re sick, or a card for a birthday.  Be kind and pleasant, but know the boundaries.

LRC