If we do not accept that people have different beliefs but still have good intentions, then we will never learn to live together, according to the leader of the Mormons in Malta.
Martin de Carlo was speaking to this newspaper as the growing local congregation yesterday moved into larger premises.
Last night, the Mormons dedicated a new chapel and meeting place on Constitution Street in Mosta and leaders of other faiths were also invited for the service.
“Several are committing the mistake of not accepting the inevitable growing diversity.
“It is painful to see a person preaching love but behaving in exactly the opposite way the very first time he meets someone who is different from him,” Mr de Carlo told this newspaper, flanked by one of his counsellors Assuero Vassallo.
Mormons are members of the ever-growing Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a Restorationist Christian movement founded in Upstate New York in 1830.
In 1852, Malta hosted its first Mormon congregation, formed largely by English servicemen who had to leave the island to serve in the Crimean War. The remaining Maltese Mormons left for the US.
It is painful to see a person preaching love but behaving in exactly the opposite way the first time he meets someone different to him
Then, in 1980, the Maltese government granted permission to Mormon missionaries to settle here, and the community has kept growing ever since. Nowadays, it is made up of some 160 households and has had to move to larger premises.
The dedication of the new chapel comes at a time of religious and cultural clashes, but the Mormons in Malta feel largely accepted, despite scepticism from a few. Worldwide, Mormons also have a good relationship with the Catholic Church and work hand in hand with Catholics in central Europe to provide aid for Syrian refugees, Mr de Carlo noted.
Moreover, last year’s winner of the Mormons’ yearly EU Family Values Award was handed to the Federation of Catholic Family Associations in Europe.
Despite theological differences with the Catholic Church, Mr de Carlo prefers to focus on the similarities, mainly Jesus Christ’s role as a saviour.
The Bible is also one of the Mormons’ standard works, along with the Book of Mormon.
Those unfamiliar with the religion have probably heard of the successful satire Broadway musical The Book of Mormon penned by the creators of South Park, which takes a dig at Mormon missionaries.
Asked about the impact of this musical, Mr de Carlo said that while the church did not encourage its followers to go watch it, it did not stop them either.
Its missionaries in London were often found next to the ticket booth and instead of complaining, the church even bought space in the musical’s brochure with an advert reading: “You’ve seen the play, now read the book.”