Ambassador of Hungary Joins Church Leaders in Brussels Affirming the Importance of Faith and Family

H.E. Dr. Tamás Iván Kovács, Ambassador of Hungary to Belgium and Luxembourg joined Elder James W. McConkie III of the Europe Central Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Brussels, Belgium, at a dinner event on Thursday, May 14, 2026, concluding the Brussels Nexus Conference sponsored by the Church.

The event brought civic-minded, young Latter-day Saints from throughout Europe together with diplomats and representatives of faith and civil‑society organisations for an open and substantive exchange on public service, family policy, humanitarian engagement, and the role of faith in civil society.

Hosted as part of the Brussels Nexus Conference organised by the European Union & International Affairs Office of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints, the dinner formed a central moment of the three‑day program designed to help young adults connect faith, civic responsibility, and engagement with European public life.

In his keynote address, Ambassador Kovács placed particular emphasis on the role of faith communities, and of the Church specifically, in contributing to Hungarian society, highlighting its commitment to families, humanitarian and social initiatives, and the public good.

“As Ambassador of Hungary, I am very proud that the Church has a vibrant community life in Hungary and that it contributes to many initiatives for the public good,” he said.

He further underlined that “faith‑based communities contribute not only to the exercise of religious freedom, but also to initiatives that further the common good.”

Following the keynote remarks, young adults asked the Ambassador candid questions about family policies in Hungary and other European contexts, preparing for careers in diplomacy and international relations, and the role of faith in civil society.

Responding to questions on youth engagement in public life, Ambassador Kovács challenged common assumptions about political disengagement.

“The idea that young people are not interested in politics is simply not true, they just have to be engaged,” he noted, “it is important not to stay on the sidelines.”

The evening concluded with remarks by Elder McConkie, who was accompanied by his wife, Sister Laurel McConkie.

Elder McConkie reflected on the history of the Church in Hungary and the significant partnership between Hungary and the Church.

He further expressed admiration for the environment of openness and respect for belief in Hungary, “there is a tremendous respect for religious freedom and openness to faith communities in Hungary,” he said. “That is something we deeply admire.”

He also noted the Church’s longstanding presence in Hungary and its shared emphasis on families, humanitarian service, and long‑term social commitment, including the recent groundbreaking for the Budapest Hungary Temple.

“When we build a temple in a country, it represents a long‑term commitment to that place and its people,” Elder McConkie observed. “We are grateful for the opportunity to work alongside partners in Hungary to strengthen families, support vulnerable communities, and continue efforts that bless lives across the country.”