BOLOGNA, Italy-The G20 Interfaith Forum, which occurred in Bologna, Italy from September 12-14, invited leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the event.

Among the topics discussed were religious freedom and its impact on minority religions.

Representing the Salt Lake City-based faith were Elder Rasband of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles, Elder Jack N. Gerard of the Seventy and Sister Sharon Eubank, the First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency.

Elder Rasband met with His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of the Greek Orthodox Church.

This is the first time an Apostle has met with the patriarch.

Elder Rasband spoke of the Church’s Articles of Faith and alluded to early Church leader Joseph Smith’s 1843 remarks that he would defend the rights of any religious person.

Sister Eubank spoke concerning the effects of hunger and malnutrition on childhood poverty.

Elder Gerard spoke of the importance of developing relationships with other believers in hopes of fostering mutual respect.