Dallas, Texas | April 3, 2025 — In a spirit of unity and interfaith understanding, more than 100 guests representing eight religious communities gathered for Sharing Sacred Spaces, an evening of dialogue, reflection, and connection hosted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at both a local meetinghouse and the Dallas Texas Temple.

The event marked the latest installment in the Interreligious Communities Project, a national initiative that brings people of diverse faiths into each other’s sacred spaces for learning and bridge-building. The event, organized in partnership with Sharing Sacred Spaces, featured meaningful presentations, music, a shared meal, and guided tours of both the chapel and temple grounds.

Expressions of Faith and Belief

Meredith Sonneborn, a Latter-day Saint from Prosper, Texas, and Outreach Specialist for the Dallas Coordinating Council, welcomed attendees as the evening began at a Dallas meetinghouse. She shared deeply personal reflections on how sacred spaces have shaped her spiritual journey.

Sonneborn described the temple as “a place of continual peace, comfort, revelation, and prayer—especially in difficult times.” She testified of her faith in Jesus Christ, referencing scripture from Romans 5: “We glory in tribulation… knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope.”

Following her remarks, President Jason Nance, stake president of the Dallas East Texas Stake and dean of the SMU Dedman School of Law, offered a deeper look into Latter-day Saint beliefs. He shared: “We are all children of a loving God, who is the Father of our spirits. He loves us equally and perfectly.”

Nance emphasized the central role of Jesus Christ in Latter-day Saint theology, describing Him as “the exemplar” and the way back to God. He also explained how temples serve as places of sacred ordinances and quiet reflection, adding, “Temples are sacred places of contemplation, revelation, and worship. We believe every soul deserves the chance to choose Jesus Christ—even beyond this life.”

Touring the Temple Grounds

After the program, guests were invited to tour the grounds of the Dallas Texas Temple and given insight into the building’s purpose, design, and sacred significance. Hosts and local members answered questions and highlighted the importance of eternal families, temple covenants, and the belief in life after death.

A Spirit of Reverence and Connection

The event brought together representatives from eight faith traditions, including:

• Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple

• Ismaili Jamatkhana

• Dallas Indian United Methodist Church

• First Presbyterian Church of Dallas

• Congregation Shearith Israel

• M.T.O. Shahmaghsoudi School of Islamic Sufism

• Chinmaya Mission DFW

• The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Following guided tours of both the meetinghouse and the Dallas Texas Temple, guests gathered for a meal where conversations continued over warm hospitality. Thoughtful questions, mutual respect, and sincere curiosity marked the atmosphere. One participant shared, “We came with different traditions, but left with a shared sense of the sacred.”

About Sharing Sacred Spaces

The Sharing Sacred Spaces initiative aims to foster deeper understanding by physically stepping into each other’s worship spaces. In Dallas, the project is supported by local faith leaders and civic organizations, including the Thanks-Giving Foundation and the Dallas Office of Arts & Culture.

Sharing Sacred Spaces invites people of all faiths and backgrounds to step into each other’s sacred spaces, ask questions, and build friendships rooted in mutual respect. All are welcome to participate in future events across the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The next gathering will take place at M.T.O. Shahmaghsoudi School of Islamic Sufism on May 15, where guests will experience Sufi teachings, practices, and hospitality.

To learn more and stay informed about upcoming events, visit www.sharingsacredspaces.org or follow @sharingsacredspaces on social media.