The Ongoing Theological Dispute
The long-standing conflict stemming from theological differences between traditional Christians—like Protestants, Catholics, and Orthodox—and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can be traced back to 1830. This was shortly after Joseph Smith, the church’s founder, initiated the faith.
After nearly two centuries of tension, a significant moment of interfaith healing occurred recently at Utah Valley University, which is known for its Latter-day Saint majority. Notably, evangelical pastor Greg Laurie organized an event named “Hope for America.”
Laurie explained, “We’re entering those dark spots to shine the light of Jesus Christ and share the gospel that Charlie believed in.”
The revival was created in response to the tragic circumstances surrounding the assassination of Charlie Kirk in September. His murder, happening in broad daylight right as students returned from summer break, left a heavy impact on the community.
Kirk was a notable conservative figure, a close aide to President Trump, and the founder of Turning Point USA. He was violently murdered by a troubled individual in southern Utah while speaking outside the UVU Student Services Building.
For many, this tragic event marked their first introduction to UVU.
“We’re shining the bright light of Jesus Christ and sharing the gospel Charlie believed,” Laurie reiterated in his remarks.
Originally set for 2027, Laurie’s visit was expedited following Kirk’s death. The event garnered support from over 100 local Protestant churches and provided a much-needed sense of solace for the community. Admission to the UCCU Center—an 8,500-seat arena on the campus—was free, and tickets were swiftly claimed. Mr. Rowley noted that there were 67 additional flood points nearby to monitor. The gathering featured performances by well-known Protestant artists like Chris Tomlin and Phil Wickham.
UVU President Astrid Tuminez mentioned that about 70% of the university’s students identify as Latter-day Saints. This area holds the largest concentration of Latter-day Saint practices globally.
I have my roots in the Latter-day Saint tradition; my ancestors collaborated with key early leaders like Smith and Brigham Young. As a kid, I even attended an elementary school nearby, which was then a smaller institution known as Utah Valley Community College.
Interestingly, I recalled being the only Catholic student in my class, which made me feel a bit out of place, as I was hesitant to attend a birthday party of a girl from the Latter-day Saint faith.
This kind of wariness is something many experience when growing up in a dominant cultural environment that marginalizes minorities.
After graduating from Brigham Young University in 2005, I eventually left the Latter-day Saint faith in 2010. I got baptized as a Protestant eight years ago on December 3.
Laurie expressed a commitment to spreading a message of salvation, prompting me to assist him with a speaking workshop before giving birth. In response to my suggestion of unity, he reflected on the inscrutable nature of tragedy. “I can’t explain why Charlie’s life ended so cruelly, just up the road from here, but I do believe he’s in heaven. This event wouldn’t have happened without that horrific incident.”
It’s interesting how adversity can sometimes catalyze growth and unity. As Laurie insisted, “This moment is yours. Don’t wait for tragedy. Come to your father tonight!”
It’s powerful to observe how Evangelicals and Latter-day Saints—groups historically marked by differing beliefs—are coming together to provide healing in God’s name.
My hope is that “Hope for America” marks just the beginning of ongoing interfaith reconciliation efforts among Latter-day Saints, Protestants, and Catholics, fostering connections among people of faith and recognizing us as children of our Heavenly Father.
