Apostle and Argentine Rabbi Unite in Rome to Build Interfaith Bridges

Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints met with Rabbi Ariel Stofenmacher, rector of the Marshall T. Meyer Latin American Rabbinical Seminary and founder of the Abarbanel University Institute.

The Apostle and rabbi toured the Rome Italy Temple grounds and visitors’ center on Wednesday, November 6, 2024.

“I think this is the best way we can build bridges, especially in this place, in [the] Rome Temple where we are, because this place attracts people from all faiths, people from all over the world, and then we can really share common beliefs,” said Elder Soares. “That’s what we experienced today with Rabbi Stofenmacher and his desire to build bridges among all other faiths.”

“At the end of the day, all religions have the same objective: make God’s presence on earth more real,” said Rabbi Stofenmacher.

A part of the tour included a visit to the FamilySearch center on the second floor of the visitors’ center. For Rabbi Stofenmacher, family history is very important.

“FamilySearch helps people to find their own [ancestors]. We as Jewish people, we have been scattered all over the world,” the Jewish leader said. “So, [FamilySearch] gives you the opportunity to go back in time and meet your family.”

Rabbi Stofemacher surprised Elder Soares by showing him he had already downloaded the FamilySearch app and found three generations of his family.

“I thought that was a fabulous moment because Rabbi Stofenmacher has his own beliefs, but we are basing our relationship on common beliefs, which are family, family forever, connecting our ancestry with the present and our future,” said Elder Soares.

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At the conclusion of the tour, Elder Soares expressed his gratitude to all those who help increase the number of available names on FamilySearch.

“I just want to express my deep gratitude for all the people who work on family history that provided this great opportunity for all people from all faiths to find their history,” the Apostle said. “That attracts people ... because through their history they can learn more about their identity and their connection with God through their families. I believe this is a good way to establish a great relationship in the world.”

Also present during the visit was Sister Rosana Soares, Elder Rubén Alliaud, President of the Church’s Europe Central Area, and his wife, Fabiana. Rabbi Stofenmacher was joined by Guillermo Heisinger, Rabbi Luis Diaz, Ruth Libfrand and Graciela Ciociano.

This was the third meeting this year between Rabbi Stofenmacher and leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ. At RootsTech in February, he met with Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. In May, Elder Neil L. Anderson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles met with Rabbi Stofenmacher in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The rabbi also attended the open house for the Mendoza Argentina Temple.