From London to Preston and Oxford to Edinburgh, Elder Quentin L. Cook and Elder Clark G. Gilbert of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spent a week ministering throughout the United Kingdom, strengthening members, meeting with faith and civic leaders and testifying of Jesus Christ.
During their recent visit to the United Kingdom, the two Apostles participated in interfaith discussions, met with senior political leaders, visited sites of historic significance to the Church, met with young adults from across Europe, and addressed thousands of members and friends of the Church.
Elder Cook, who served as a young missionary in the United Kingdom in the early 1960’s, said: “I love all of the UK and Ireland… and feel very much at home here, this is a place that’s very dear to me and I feel very grateful [to be here].”
Elder Gilbert, who was undertaking his first ministry to Europe since he was called to the Quorum of the Twelve, said: “Our focus is to help bear witness of Jesus Christ and… our calling is to help bear witness of the name of Jesus Christ in all the world. This visit, for me, is a beautiful experience, because it's the first time I have had an opportunity to do that since my call to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.”
Building Bridges Through Faith and Public Service
During their visit, Elder Cook and Elder Gilbert met with faith, academic and civic leaders, reflecting the Church's ongoing commitment to strengthening interfaith relations and promoting religious freedom.
During their visit to London, Elder Cook and Elder Gilbert met with His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos, the Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London and a longstanding friend of the Church.
As a token of appreciation for Archbishop Angaelos' friendship and leadership, the Apostles presented him with a replica of Bertel Thorvaldsen's Christus statue, a symbol of the Saviour Jesus Christ.
Reflecting on the relationship that has developed between faith communities in the United Kingdom, Archbishop Angaelos said: “We have found a oneness of heart and a oneness of direction to be able to collaborate and cooperate on the things we can do together. There is so much reflection in the world on difference and conflict, and not enough on commonality and convergence.”
Elder Cook spoke warmly of his friendship with Archbishop Angaelos, recalling that one of the first calls he received following the passing of President Russell M. Nelson came from the Archbishop. “He is such a great servant,” Elder Cook said. “He provides such incredible service, reaches out to everybody and is somebody who is trying to be as Christlike as they can possibly be.”
In Chorley, both Apostles met with Sir Lindsay Hoyle, who serves Speaker of the House of Commons and the local Member of Parliament, whose constituency includes the Preston England Temple. Discussions included the value of faith in public life and the development of the forthcoming Faith and Learning Centre adjacent to the temple grounds.
Both Apostles were accompanied by President Kevin W. Pearson of the Europe North Area Presidency and President Stephen Scott of the Chorley England Stake.
President Scott said: "It was a privilege to welcome Sir Lindsay to the temple grounds. Sir Lindsay has been a valued friend of the Church for nearly three decades and we were grateful for the opportunity to share our vision for the Faith and Learning Centre with him. We hope it will become a place where young people can grow in faith, develop leadership skills, and build lasting relationships that will bless both the Church and the wider community for generations to come."
Exploring Britain's Religious Heritage
During their time in Oxford, Elder Cook and Elder Gilbert visited Corpus Christi College, where they viewed the room associated with the translation of the King James Version of the Bible more than four centuries ago.
Reflecting on the sacrifice and faith of those who helped make the scriptures more widely available, Elder Cook described the experience as deeply meaningful. “When you look at those who paid a price to bring [the Holy Bible] forth, including right here,” he said, “and when you're sitting here, I think I would not be overstating it to say we are on sacred ground.”
Both Apostles also participated in an Open Theology discussion at Pembroke College hosted by Reverend Andrew Teal. The conversation explored religious history, discipleship and the continuing contribution of faith communities within modern society.
The visit also provided opportunities to reflect on the rich spiritual heritage shared between the United Kingdom and the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. While in Lancashire, the Apostles visited several historic Church sites, including the River Ribble, where the first baptisms of the restored Church in Britain took place in 1837.
Strengthening the Rising Generation
A highlight of the week was the inaugural One-by-One Young Adult Conference in Lancashire, which brought together approximately 1,500 young adults from 24 countries.
Elder Gilbert joined the conference which focused on discipleship, service and spiritual growth. He encouraged young adults to follow the counsel of living prophets, seek the companionship of the Holy Ghost and remain firmly anchored in Jesus Christ.
Throughout the conference, young adults participated in temple worship, community service projects and opportunities to build friendships across national, cultural and language boundaries. Together, they assembled hygiene kits and supported local charitable initiatives while strengthening their faith and commitment to serve others.
Read More: “European Young Adults Celebrate Faith and Friendship at Landmark Conference”
Read More: “Around 1,500 Young Adults Gather in Lancashire to Support Local Charities”
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Testifying of Jesus Christ
Throughout their ministry, Elder Cook and Elder Gilbert strengthened members across the United Kingdom. One of the most significant opportunities came through a special devotional broadcast from the Hyde Park Chapel in London to members and friends of the Church throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland.
In messages centred on faith in Jesus Christ, both Apostles testified of the Saviour's living reality and His power to bring peace in an increasingly uncertain world.
Elder Cook encouraged listeners to build faith in Jesus Christ, create homes centred on the gospel, and become "a light on the hill" through faithful discipleship and covenant living. He taught that greater peace can be found through temple worship, prayer, scripture study and devotion to the Saviour.
Elder Gilbert bore witness of Jesus Christ's divine mission and living reality, testifying that He leads His Church today. Reflecting on his recent call as an Apostle, he spoke of the sacred responsibility to testify of Jesus Christ to the world and encouraged members to place their trust in prophetic guidance.
Read More: “Apostles Testify of Christ in Historic Broadcast to the UK and Ireland”
A Ministry of Faith, Friendship and Hope
Whether meeting with national leaders, participating in interfaith dialogue, engaging with young adults, visiting historic sites or ministering to members, Elder Cook and Elder Gilbert consistently emphasised faith in Jesus Christ as the foundation for peace, purpose and unity.
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