Visit of Cardinal George

Last week we were privileged to welcome Cardinal Francis George, OMI, Archbishop of Chicago and President of the United States Catholic Conference to the Diocese of Utah. He was invited by Brigham Young University to deliver a speech at the regular BYU Forum. I was very impressed to see approximately 15,000 students assemble at the Marriott Conference Center to listen to the Cardinal speak on Religious Freedom. His presence and his talk gave witness to the need for Catholics, Mormons and people of all religious faiths to stand together in protecting our religious liberties. A link to Cardinal George’s talk is available http://www.byub.org/talks/Talk.aspx?id=3933 and I encourage you to read it.

I am most grateful to the leadership at Brigham Young University for their hospitality as well as to the general authorities at Temple Square. The cardinal’s visit showed how our two religions can work together in many ways for the good of society and the preservation of our freedoms. I believe that our experience last week helped to further our mutual understanding of each other, an understanding that will promote greater dialogue and respect.