The first Catholic Mass ever held in Utah took place in the Assembly Hall on Temple Square, with Brigham Young's permission. That might sound surprising given the differences between these faiths, but it perfectly captures the fascinating relationship between Latter-day Saints and other religious traditions throughout history.

The first edition of the Doctrine and Covenants (printed in 1835) included a "Declaration on Government." It is unclear how much Joseph Smith had to do with its writing, but it has remained in new editions of the Doctrine and Covenants. Part of it reads, "We believe that religion is instituted of God, and that men are amenable to him and to him only for the exercise of it"—a statement that has continued to shape the Church’s approach to religious freedom and interfaith cooperation.

This balance of conviction and cooperation has shaped Latter-day Saint interfaith relations from the very beginning, and the Church has continued to advocate for the right of all people to worship according to their own beliefs. In modern times, this principle has led the Church to actively support coalitions that defend religious rights, partner with organizations of different faiths in humanitarian work, and engage in legal and political efforts to safeguard religious expression.

While the Church holds firmly to its belief in the Restoration of the gospel through Joseph Smith, it has simultaneously built remarkably strong bridges with other faiths.

Religious Freedom for All in Nauvoo

All the way back in 1841, when the Saints were building their city of Nauvoo on the Illinois frontier after being violently expelled from Missouri, the city council passed a groundbreaking ordinance protecting the religious rights of all its citizens of the city, "Catholics, Presbyterians, Methodists, Baptists, Latter-Day-Saints, Quakers, Episcopalians, Universalists, Unitarians, Mohammedans, and all other religious sects, and denominations, whatever shall have free toleration, and equal privileges, in this city."

Only a year later, Joseph Smith wrote what would a letter, printed in Times and Seasons, that become the eleventh Article of Faith: "We claim the privilege of worshipping Almighty God according to the dictates of our conscience, and allow all men the same privilege let them worship how, where, or what they may."

This commitment to religious freedom wasn't just about protecting the Saints—it extended to all believers, even during a time when the Saints were persecuted.

From Temple Square to the Vatican

Though there are many instances of interfaith relationships between the Church and other faiths, let's take the Catholic example. The spirit of cooperation continued as Utah developed. While the territory was predominantly settled by Latter-day Saints, those of other faiths were soon to follow—especially after the completion of the trans-continental railroad. Among them was a small group of Catholics. Interestingly, the first mass held in the state of Utah was done in the Assembly Hall at Temple Square. While Latter-day Saints and Catholics have some doctrinal disagreements, there has been a spirit of collaboration in serving their state community and supporting religious liberty.

In more modern times, President Henry B. Eyring participated in the 2014 Humanum Conference at the Vatican, speaking alongside Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim, and other religious leaders about the importance of marriage and family. While theological differences remained, the event highlighted how shared values can create meaningful connections. While maintaining distinct Latter-day Saint beliefs about eternal marriage, President Eyring found common cause with other faith leaders concerned about strengthening families.

Perhaps the most significant interfaith moment with the Catholic faith came in March 2019 when President Russell M. Nelson became the first Latter-day Saint president to meet with a pope. During their visit, President Nelson and Pope Francis discussed their shared concerns for suffering people worldwide, religious liberty, family values, and the secularization of society. After the meeting, President Nelson called it "a most cordial, unforgettable experience," describing Pope Francis as "a sweet, wonderful man." The meeting, which took place just before the dedication of the Rome Italy Temple, represented a remarkable evolution from that first Catholic Mass held on Temple Square to the prophet and the pope shaking hands in the Vatican.

Continuing Conversations at the BYU Forums

This spirit of engagement and building bridges continues today on Latter-day Saint campuses. In the Brigham Young University’s Forum Series, leaders, scholars, and thinkers from a wide range of backgrounds—including different faith traditions—are invited to speak. Unlike devotionals, which focus on Latter-day Saint teachings, these forums create space for genuine interfaith dialogue on topics like ethics, service, and social issues.

Over the years, speakers have included religious figures from other Christian denominations, as well as Jewish, Muslim, and secular voices. These conversations often acknowledge differences while finding much common ground and show a way to strengthen understanding and build relationships and community, just as Reverend Dr. Andrew Teal, an Oxford theologian and Anglican priest, spoke of at BYU in 2021.

Working Side By Side

When disasters strike or refugees need shelter, theological differences suddenly seem less important than getting help to those who need it. The Church partners with organizations across the religious spectrum—Catholic Relief Services, Islamic Relief, the Red Cross, and others—to provide aid worldwide.

Elder Ronald A. Rasband has emphasized how religious freedom enables faith groups to unite in humanitarian work. President Dallin H. Oaks similarly notes that defending religious liberty creates opportunities for faith organizations to work together to address global challenges.

These aren't just strategic alliances—they grow from a genuine belief that people of all faiths can and should work together to relieve suffering. Through Latter-day Saint Charities, the Church delivers aid for refugees, disaster relief, clean water projects, and medical assistance alongside partners from diverse religious and non-religious backgrounds.

Conviction Without Isolation

What makes the Latter-day Saint approach to interfaith work interesting is how it balances distinctiveness with engagement. The Church maintains its belief in a restored gospel while recognizing truth and goodness in other traditions. This isn't a contradiction—it's an understanding that differences in belief and faith don't require isolation.

From Nauvoo's early religious protections to that Catholic Mass on Temple Square to modern humanitarian partnerships, Latter-day Saints have found ways to maintain their convictions while building meaningful bridges with other faiths. It turns out that believing you have essential truths doesn't mean you can't learn from, work with, and respect those who see the world differently.

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