The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons) kicked off the Civil Rights Month of March in South Africa by cleaning and painting the roof of Elora Primary School in Chatsworth. Twenty-four full time missionaries (Elders) for the Church gathered at the school in the primarily Indian community to give service, an important part of their religion. These missionaries have come to serve South Africa from all over the world – The United States, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Uganda, Liberia, Nigeria, and other African countries.
- Elders give Service
- Elders Service
- Elders Service
- Elders Service
- Elders Service
- Elders Service
- Elders Service
- Elders Service
| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
The project was spearheaded by Elder Francom and Elder Roberts, both from the United States, who are currently serving in the Chatsworth area. They invited other missionaries from the Durban area to join the project. After spending two days scrubbing the roof, they were given paint and brushes to continue their efforts. There was no thought as to the colour or race of those on the roof tops, nor of those children who watched, cheered and waved to the Elders as they painted in the hot sun.
The Church’s official teaching states, “Black and white, bond and free, male and female; … all are alike unto God.” This teaching coincides with the definition of Civil Rights, being: “It is the basic rights and freedoms to which all humans are entitled, often held to include the right to life and liberty, freedom of thought and expression, and equality before the law.” (Wikipedia)
On 21 March, South Africa will celebrate Civil Rights Day. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes that “we love those we serve,” and plans to continue to give service to the Elora Primary School and other areas in the country regardless of race or religious belief.