Five Christian Leaders – One Key Message
"Love the Lord thy God ... and ... love thy neighbour.”
Five leaders from various Christian faiths shared their beliefs with one another and with more than 150 English speaking members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Japan. The event, held on 26 February 2025, was hosted by the Tokyo South Stake at the Temple Annex building in Tokyo and was broadcast to several other English-speaking units in Japan.
The 5 Christian leaders who participated as panelists were:
· Hector Herrera - Pastor, Tokyo Union Church
· Chester Olson - Chaplain, United States Army Garrison, Camp Zama
· Ximena Leroux - Pastoral Assistant, Tokyo Union Church
· Ben Lewis - Tokyo South Stake Presidency 1st Counselor, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
· Bony James - Priest, St. Ignatius Catholic Church
Sister April Cook of the Tokyo South Stake moderated the discussion, opening with a reference to the Church’s 11th Article of Faith, which states, “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.” She explained that interfaith connection begins with a foundation of mutual respect upon which we build the love that Jesus Christ taught. She quoted Matthew 22: 37-40: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
She emphasized the importance of seeing each person as Christ does - with an immortal soul of infinite value and dignity - which will allow us to approach others with respect and reverence. She encouraged the audience to listen with that kind of “love and seeing.”
Panel Discussion
Panelists responded to pre-submitted questions, mostly from youth. While all panelists answered the first and last questions, each of the other questions were assigned to two panelists randomly.
Introduction: What Shaped Your Faith?
Panelists shared their personal journeys of faith in Jesus Christ and their reasons for becoming faith leaders. They came from diverse backgrounds, including the United States, Mexico and India. Some were raised in deeply religious homes and spoke of the positive influence of family and of having faith in God from a young age. Others had little religious upbringing. One panelist recalled that his family were “Chreasters” (a slang term for Christians who only attend church on Christmas and Easter), but in time he wanted more in his life. Death of a family member, health challenges, a search for meaning in life, and a desire to serve others were also shared as reasons for seeking a relationship with God.
Where did we come from?
Father James explained that, in Catholic theology, we all are children of God – not just created by Him, but truly His children. Pastor Herrera noted that, while believing in developmental evolutionary processes, Presbyterians also believe that God is our parent – God is our mother; God is our father. He emphasized that the world cannot be fully understood without God’s presence.
Why are we here or, in other words, is there a purpose to life?
Pastor Leroux expressed her belief that life’s purpose is to “be here for each other, to love each other, and to help each other.” She emphasized that God gives us life, and often love, through other people. Chaplain Olson quoted Matthew 22:37-39, reinforcing the commandment to love God and love one’s neighbor. He added that we do that by prioritizing service to others and family life.
What happens after we die?
Pastor Herrera, while acknowledging that it is natural for family and friends to mourn the death of a loved one, expressed his hope and conviction that we will be reunited with loved ones and with God. President Lewis agreed, adding that in Latter-day Saint belief, spirits will first enter the spirit world, where they await judgement and resurrection.
Do you have a favorite way to study the scriptures? Can you share a verse that has had a strong impact on you?
Father James recalled being required as a child to memorize Bible verses word for word, but he now values studying and learning from the Bible daily. His favorite verse, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6) guides his faith and strengthens his desire to share it with others. President Lewis shared that he studies scriptures with his wife every night using the “Come Follow Me” study guide. He enjoys teaching lessons and giving talks because it causes him to study gospel topics in greater depth. His favorite verse is Alma 37:37 from the Book of Mormon: “Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day.”
In an increasingly secular and polarized world, what do you do to build faith and help the youth in your faith tradition?
Chaplain Olson acknowledged the flood of information and messaging that youth face today. He quoted, “Even a dead fish can swim downstream,” emphasizing the need to resist cultural pressures. He advised youth to seek “accountability partners” – trusted friends or mentors to confide in and pray with. Pastor Leroux shared that when she feels alone, adrift or scared, she simply “looks up and asks.” She finds peace either directly from God or through people He places in her life. She encourages youth by giving her time, being fully present, being truly interested, accepting them wholeheartedly, and loving them.
As followers of Jesus Christ, we are always looking for opportunities to serve. What opportunities do you and your congregation have to serve others in Japan?
Father James highlighted the Catholic Church’s commitment to both spiritual and temporal service, including providing the 7 sacraments (baptism, confirmation, Eucharist, reconciliation, anointing of the sick, marriage, and holy orders) and helping the homeless and providing material assistance. Pastor Herrera spoke of Tokyo Union Church’s outreach program, MOHN (Mission with Our Homeless Neighbors). Volunteers make and deliver onigiri (rice balls) daily to the homeless. His church also partners with Budo no Ki, a non-profit organization that helps women and their families affected by domestic violence, and St. Alban’s Church that has a program to help refugees.
Is there anything more you would like to share about Jesus Christ?
Father James reaffirmed that Jesus’ declaration, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6) is central to all Christian denominations. He stated that we are all children of God, our lives come from God, and we will return to God. President Lewis bore his testimony, saying, “I love Jesus Christ.... He knows me.... I want to follow Him.” Pastor Leroux read John 13:34: “Love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” For her, this means loving all people unconditionally. She believes Jesus Christ has laid out her life’s path to help others. Chaplain Olson shared an analogy that our relationship with God is not like standing on one side of a lake, which is symbolic of our sins, while Jesus waits on the other side. Rather, Jesus is standing beside us, actively helping us overcome our struggles. He emphasized that we will not get to heaven by what we do, but by what Jesus has and is doing for us. Pastor Herrera said that, while people seek different paths, life should be filled with meaning and abundance. He quoted John 10:10 “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”
Conclusion
After referencing final comments made by the faith leaders, Sister Cook shared a verse from the Book of Mormon (2 Nephi 2:25), “Men are that they might have joy.” She testified that true joy is found in Jesus Christ and noted that interfaith activities have strengthened her faith by fostering greater love for God and others. She encouraged attendees to, “Ask your friends to help you see God through their eyes. As you do that, your relationship with Him will be strengthened.”
Following the presentation, attendees continued discussions over refreshments. When asked how they felt about the meeting, one young woman, not a Church member, remarked, “I haven’t been around so many nice people for a long time.” Another youth noted that, while doctrinal differences existed, there were far more similarities, and they felt a spirit of unity. Several attendees agreed that the key message of all the panelists was the same – Jesus Christ is our Saviour, and we should treat each other with kindness.
Interfaith Event with five different Christian leaders, 26 February 2025, Temple Annex of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Tokyo
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Hector Herrera – Pastor of Tokyo Union Church, at Interfaith Event, 26 February 2025, Tokyo
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Chester Olson – Chaplain, United States Army Garrison, Camp Zama, at Interfaith Event, 26 February 2025, Tokyo
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Ximena Leroux – Pastoral Assistant, Tokyo Union Church, at Interfaith Event, 26 February 2025, Tokyo
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Ben Lewis - Tokyo South Stake Presidency 1st Counselor, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at Interfaith Event, 26 February 2025, Tokyo
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Bony James – Priest, St. Ignatius Catholic Church, at Interfaith Event, 26 February 2025, Tokyo
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Sister April Cook, at Interfaith Event, 26 February 2025, Tokyo
© 2025 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
Interfaith Event with five different Christian leaders, 26 February 2025, Temple Annex of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Tokyo
© 2025 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
Interfaith Event with five different Christian leaders, 26 February 2025, Temple Annex of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Tokyo
© 2025 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
Participants at the Interfaith Event, 26 February 2025, Temple Annex of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Tokyo
© 2025 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.
