German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier welcomed Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to historic Bellevue Palace in Berlin, Germany, on Thursday, May 28, 2026. The two leaders discussed a shared conviction that service to others is a powerful force for strengthening both local communities and the broader global society.
The visit came only five days after the inaugural “Ehrentag”— a nationwide day of civic engagement. President Steinmeier had declared May 23, 2026, the anniversary of the 1949 adoption of the German Constitution (Grundgesetz), to promote volunteerism and civic engagement across the country.
President Uchtdorf noted that volunteer service is central to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Instead of relying on a professional clergy, faithful members give their time and talents to minister, lead, and teach as they strive to follow Jesus Christ. He observed that selfless service is one of the clearest expressions of discipleship and a way individuals and communities can reflect the love of Jesus Christ.
Across Germany, 146 congregations— representing more than 42,000 members—reflect this spirit of consecrated service. Several of these congregations participated in the “Ehrentag” by bringing believers together to serve. He also expressed appreciation for initiatives that encourage citizens of all backgrounds to strengthen society through compassion, responsibility, and service as a backbone of democracy.
President Uchtdorf commented that the scriptures, like the Book of Mormon and the Old and New Testament, teach that by serving our fellow man, we are serving God—and that through service we are more deeply connected to Jesus Christ.
President Steinmeier expressed admiration of the Church’s ability to encourage faithful engagement in their young people in Germany and abroad, which is supportive of their role in the community.
The meeting underscored a shared belief that lives are strengthened, and communities are renewed when people choose to serve one another with compassion and faith.
The meeting also reflected President Uchtdorf’s longstanding ties to Germany and his gratitude for the nation and its people.
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During their meeting, President Uchtdorf presented President Steinmeier gifts that symbolize some of the core principles embraced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Among them was a miniature replica of Bertel Thorvaldsen’s well-known Christus statue. The statue reflects the Church’s focus on Jesus Christ as the center of faith, worship, and discipleship.
President Uchtdorf also presented a crystal depiction of the Salt Lake Temple and extended a personal invitation to President Steinmeier to attend the 2027 open house and celebration of the historic building.
State Secretary Dr. Dörte Dinger, Ambassador Wolfgang Silbermann and General Authority Seventy Elder Michael Cziesla also attended the meeting of the German head of state and the senior Church leader. Elder Cziesla will join the Europe Central Area presidency in August.
President Uchtdorf has previously met with several of President Steinmeier’s predecessors, including Johannes Rau in 2003 and Joachim Gauck in 2018.
Meeting photographs are provided courtesy of, and used with permission from, the Office of the Federal President of the Federal Republic of Germany.