As an Evangelical in Utah, the Reverend Gregory Johnson, president and director of Standing Together, an organization that unites faiths, encounters many interfaith opportunities.

In an effort to bring together both Evangelical Christian churches and the Latter-day Saint community, Rev. Johnson created Standing Together in March 2001.

Earlier this year, Rev. Johnson brought students from religious campuses to learn more about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by interacting with BYU students.

"I loved the experience that I had to share my testimony with the students from Azusa Pacific," said Rob Foster, former student body President of BYU. "We shared our feelings and beliefs without the contention that one may have thought would come."

BYU Student Body President Dave Johnson is combining forces with Rev. Johnson to allow BYU students involved with Student Leadership to make a trip to a Christian campus.

"So far, we've talked about the opportunities the students will have to build bridges of understanding and trust between the two communities," Dave Johnson said. "Students last year found out they had a lot more in common than they thought."

"I think that BYU students, Azuza students, and BYUSA should look for opportunities to share the gospel in settings like the ones with Azusa Pacific where we can both share therefore both being edified," Foster said.

BYU's Richard L. Evans Professor of Religious Understanding, Robert Millet and Rev. Johnson are good friends who have written a peaceful dialogue called, "Thinking Theologically About America: Evangelical and Mormon Perspectives in Dialogue."

Instead of debate, two men come together to share their testimonies in a dialogue that shows both beliefs.

The Web site, standingtogether.org contains more information and offers the dialogue between Millet and Johnson on CD for a small donation.

Rev. Johnson hopes that he and Millet can eventually make the presentation on campus.

"We're looking for a win-win situation," the Rev. Johnson said.



Copyright Brigham Young University 22 Oct 2003