Phnom Penh: On 27 September eighteen members from the protestant churches, the Catholic Church, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered togetherto have a fellowship meal for harmonization of the denominations. The main guest of honour was His Excellency Senior Minister Him Chhem of the Ministry of Cult and Religion.

In his opening welcoming speech, Mr. Edword Daov, a representative of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints praised the leadership of the Ministry of Cult and Religion for religious harmonyy in Cambodia.   The representative said that the purpose of the gathering was  to have a fellowship meal, to demonstrate love, and was an opportunity to get to know each other better and to support each other.

Inter-religious dialogue in Cambodia has always been held under various guises including a face-to-face meeting with Premier Hun Sen .   His Excellency Him Chhem said that religions help people live in peace and harmony.  He went on to say: “Today’s gathering is not only a  meal but an opportunity also, for the promotion of peace and harmony as taught by Jesus, your God. In our world, those who believe love peace. Nothing is better than peace. Cambodia had experienced a bitter civil war, and there had been little or no opportunity for a meeting such as today.”

His Excellency also prayed to Jesus saying: “May all of us be filled with peace. May we love, be friendly with one another, and unite to maintain peace and harmony  in Cambodia.”