Sister Runia’s Ministry Tour Emphasizes Love and Interfaith Collaboration in South America

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Sister Runia, first counselor in the Young Women general presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, shared her message of love and faith during a recent ministry tour through Argentina and Chile from March 14 to 23. Accompanied by Sister Dennis, first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency, the two women met with local Church leaders and members, emphasizing the importance of service, unity, and interfaith collaboration.

This tour coincided with a year of celebration for the Church in South America, where various initiatives are focused on community service and fostering interfaith dialogue. ‘This is the Church where we feel love…and invite others to come and experience it with us,’ Sister Runia stated, reflecting on the warm welcome and support from local leaders.

Throughout their visit, Sister Runia expressed admiration for the area presidency’s Christlike example. ‘Christ modeled exactly how we are to treat other people,’ she said. ‘He perceived they were weak and had compassion. I hope to do that as I continue to go forward and meet others, and try to share the love of God and of Christ.’

The ministry began in Buenos Aires and Mendoza, where Sister Runia and Sister Dennis participated in leadership trainings and devotionals for Latter-day Saint women. Their itinerary included sessions aimed at encouraging local women to find strength in temple worship. ‘Worshipping in houses of the Lord can increase women’s capacity to feel self-worth and withstand their trials,’ Sister Runia explained.

In Antofagasta, Concepción, and Santiago, Chile, they continued their mission with similar focus group meetings, connecting with mothers, daughters, and grandmothers about the significance of temple worship. ‘We learn how to walk back into the presence of the Father, figuratively and literally,’ Sister Runia stated. ‘We’re bound to Him through covenants, and also on a journey back home to our Heavenly Father.’

Sister Dennis also made headlines at the World Congress on Intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue, where she participated in a panel discussion titled “Solidarity and Social Action: Religions, Politics, and NGOs in Humanitarian Aid.” She accentuated the necessity of interfaith collaboration in social aid efforts. ‘Humanitarian work is the common ground that can unite diverse groups in a shared goal,’ Sister Dennis remarked.

Highlighting the Church’s humanitarian initiatives, she noted recent assistance provided to families affected by crisis situations. ‘We collaborate with other religious and governmental organizations to provide aid and relief to those in need, regardless of their religious affiliation,’ Sister Dennis said.

Another significant moment occurred during Sister Runia’s participation in a panel titled “Young Leaders: The Foundation of Interreligious Dialogue in Argentina” on March 17. Here, she emphasized the importance of protecting the rights of others, stating, ‘Religious freedom is not just about securing rights for ourselves, but also about protecting the rights of others — even when we disagree with their beliefs.’

During their travels, Sister Runia and Sister Dennis visited the Casa Grande Foundation, which promotes social, educational, and cultural initiatives in vulnerable communities. The foundation joined JustServe in 2023 to enhance its volunteer efforts and community impact.

Both leaders underscored the commitment of the Church and the foundation to serve those in need and expressed hopes for future collaborations. The journey concluded with a renewed emphasis on the principles of compassion, unity, and shared service, reflecting that love remains at the heart of their ministry.