Church Lights the World in London

“It's the first time in Europe that we've done this on this scale,” said Elder Robert F. Schwartz, an Area Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who joined with hundreds of people gathered in London to Light the World on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.

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Images of Jesus Christ were projected on the historic County Hall for several hours in London’s South Bank area along the River Thames, near the iconic London Eye, as part of the Church’s global Christmas initiative.

“It's been magical. It’s been beautiful,” said Sister Kristin M. Yee of the Relief Society General Presidency, who attended the event and mingled with the crowd in the famous London tourist spot.  

“There's a feeling of peace here, too, because we're talking about Christ,” she said. “We're talking about the Savior and His light, and we're doing it in a way that others can be a part of. And that's the peace that comes from Him.”

Kim Morales, a local Latter-day Saint, was excited to meet Sister Yee at the London event.

“I really feel blessed to be here, to be able to be part of this,” Morales said. “It was amazing to speak to her about it.”

Film crews recorded the London projection to include in a Church-produced video, which features Light the World footage from New York City, Sydney and Tokyo.

“It's really inspiring, and I love how the Church did this so everyone can see,” said 11-year-old Beatriz Campione, a local Latter-day Saint, who came to the event with her family.

“I saw Jesus Christ. I saw Mary with her baby, baby Jesus,” 7-year-old Nina Campione described.

“It's beautiful. It's amazing. It’s hard to describe how much you can feel the Spirit,” added 16-year-old Ricardo Campione.

The projectors were placed across the river from the County Hall, near the Big Ben clock tower and the Houses of Parliament.

“This has been really special to see the projection tonight and especially to be able to see London stop in their tracks, in the busy streets, to be able to observe the display on the County Hall,” said Kenya Carroll, communications director of the Greater London area. “I would hope that it would have left an impression of awe because that's the impression that's left for me.”

Giving Machines in London

London’s Spitalfields Market joins more than 100 locations worldwide where the public can donate to local charities through the Church’s Giving Machines during the Christmas season.

“It's a location that is going to allow anyone of any faith, of any denomination, of any color, to come and participate in something good,” said Naomi Notice, who worked with a team to find the best location in the capital city of England and the United Kingdom.   

Additional locations in the UK have also been announced.

“Together, let us light the world this season by bringing the Savior's love, light, and relief to all of those around us through simple acts of service and by seeking inspired ways to improve the well-being of women and children,” Sister Yee invited.

The inspired work of the Relief Society has roots deeply embedded in humanitarian work and caring for those in need since its divine inception in 1842, which includes the Caring for Children and Women Initiative launched in June. 

For more information on the Light the World initiative, visit LighttheWorld.org.