Akron Ohio Stake News

Not even a snowstorm could keep Stake Public Affairs Director Kary Lewis from sharing her beliefs.

On Tuesday, March 14, Sister Lewis gave a presentation at Our Lady of the Elms by invitation of the Dominican Sisters of Peace. Despite heavy snow, approximately 30 people were in attendance.

Sister Lewis started off speaking about her own personal background and testimony. She also gave an explanation of the restoration and history of the Church.

She then addressed nine basic doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

1. The Godhead

2. The plan of salvation

3. The Atonement of Jesus Christ

4. Dispensation, apostasy, and restoration

5. Prophets and revelation

6. Priesthood and priesthood keys

7. Ordinances and covenants

8. Marriage and family

9. Commandments

Those in attendance seemed interested in hearing the material presented. After her prepared remarks, Sister Lewis invited audience members to ask questions, and many did take the opportunity to do so.

Here are some of the questions that were asked:

After death, do you believe in a resurrection of the body?

How do you know Joseph Smith was a prophet? Did Jesus name him?

What is a prophet to you?

How is prophet-hood passed down?

Is the prophet equal to Jesus?

What do you think of Muhammad?

What does your church think of gay marriage?

Did your church endorse a candidate for president?

Are those who still practice polygamy members of the Church?

How are apostles called?

I heard the temple is not for ordinary meetings. Is that true? You can’t just walk inside?

Is the temple where the baptisms occur?

What are your worship services like?

Why “Latter-day Saints?”

What has the church done since 1978 to welcome African Americans?

Tell me about the bishop’s storehouse.

When Sister Lewis discussed family history and the Tallmadge Family History Center as part of her remarks, an audible buzz went through the audience. The participants seemed very interested to hear of that resource.

The presentation was part of the Spring Education Series at Our Lady of the Elms called “Interfaith Perspectives.” A Muslim, a Mormon, and a Hindu were invited to speak on three separate evenings in March.