Elder Holland Emphasizes Sacred Spaces at Kazakhstan Interfaith Congress
ASTANA, KAZAKHSTAN – elder Matthew S.Holland, a General Authority Seventy of The church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and leader of the Church’s global communications efforts, underscored the critical importance of protecting holy ground during the Eighth Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, held September 25, 2025, at the Palace of Independence in Astana, Kazakhstan. His remarks came during a special session dedicated to preserving sacred spaces, a topic he framed as increasingly vital in a world facing numerous challenges to faith and reverence.
The congress, bringing together religious leaders from across the globe, provided a unique platform for interfaith dialogue and collaboration. Elder Holland’s participation highlights the Church’s commitment to fostering understanding and respect with othre faith traditions, especially in areas of shared concern like the preservation of sites considered holy by believers. This emphasis on safeguarding sacred spaces resonates with a growing global awareness of the need to protect cultural and religious heritage amidst conflict and societal change.
Elder Holland’s recent engagements also include representing the Church at the inauguration Mass for Pope Leo XIV in May 2025, delivering a congratulatory letter from the First Presidency to the Vatican. he also served as the keynote speaker at the 2024 Patriotic Service, part of the America’s Freedom Festival in Provo, Utah, and participated in the rededication of the St. George Utah Temple in December 2023, alongside his father, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. in October 2020, Elder Holland delivered the address “The Exquisite Gift of the Son” during general conference, and previously spoke as a teenager in the April 1983 general conference.
