“São Paulo State Legislature Pays Tribute to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints”

Yesterday morning, May 18th, the state legislature of São Paulo called a special session to pay tribute to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to recognize the Church’s efforts to strengthen families, its humanitarian aid programs, and its “Helping Hands” community service projects.

The solemn assembly was called and presided over by Deputy Chico Sardelli, with various public officials and religious leaders in attendance, among them: Elder Stanley G. Ellis of the Brazil Area Presidency, who represented the Church leadership; Councilman and teacher, Professor Marcos Cintra, currently serving as Labor Secretary for the City of São Paulo; as well as many councilmen from neighboring cities, state representatives, legislative assistants, Area Seventies, and Stake Presidents.

A band from the São Paulo State Military Police opened the session by playing the Brazilian National Anthem. Several elected officials then spoke on record to praise the Church. Among them was Secretary Marcos Cintra who noted: “I’m not a member of the Church, but I have known and respected the Church for more than 15 years. I have friends who are members. They are admirable people. One in particular I remember was Elder James E. Faust, who served as an apostle and left an indelible mark on Brazil.” (It should be noted that in 1996, Mr. Cintra worked with the city council to award Elder Faust the title of “Honorary Citizen of São Paulo.”) Cintra went on to say, “This is a people who show their love of Christ through their actions. They really live their religion.”

During the session, Maria José Ribes, the Public Affairs Director for the São Paulo Multi-stake Public Affairs Council, recounted and showed some of the Helping Hands projects in word and video clips. After her remarks, an ninety-voice choir of missionaries—Elders and Sisters—from the MTC (Brazil’s Missionary Training Center) presented two musical numbers which touched the hearts of those assembled. Many were visibly moved by the missionary spirit as they sang, and tears were shed. President Afrodízio Nascimento, of São Paulo’s Parque Pinheiros Stake, was in attendance and summed up his feelings in just a few words: “I was really moved. I felt the Spirit very strongly. It was incredible.”

As the session drew to a close, Elder Stanley G. Ellis, 2nd Counselor in the Brazil Area Presidency, took the stand. In the name of the Church, he officially thanked the legislature for the tribute. He went on to remind those present of the strength of the Church of Jesus Christ in the state of São Paulo: “This is where Latin America’s very first stake was organized, and the very first temple in Latin America was built. In Brazil today there are more than 1,100,000 members, with nearly 300,000 of them in this state alone.” He recalled the Church’s efforts to strengthen families. He emphasized the teachings centered in Jesus Christ, the Savior. He testified of the truth of the Restored Gospel. With great emotion he concluded by expressing his love for Brazil and its people.

At the conclusion of his remarks, Deputy Chico Sardelli presented Elder Ellis with an official plaque, commemorating the occasion. Sister Ellis, representing the women of the Church, was presented with a gift of flowers. Elder Fernando Araújo, Area Seventy, who accompanied them, also received a plaque in gratitude for the many Helping Hands projects of the Church.

One not-to-be-forgotten moment was vocalist Suellen Yamaguchi, as she sang “Suas Mãos” (“His Hands”) while images of Christ’s ministry were projected on the screen behind her.

Deputy Chico Sardelli brought the session to a close by emphasizing the Church’s role in society: “What we have witnessed here today shows a part of that great work. I must confess that I’m very happy. I fear God and I try to do what’s right. Today I’ve learned even more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” He then turned to Elder Ellis, and said, “Thank you, Elder Ellis. In the name of this legislative body I thank the Church of Jesus Christ for the services you’ve rendered. And finally, I announce that I have introduced legislation to recognize the 23rd of September of each year as “Day of THE FAMILY: A Proclamation to the World.” In gratitude, Elder Ellis presented Mr. Sardelli with some literature about the Church, a Tabernacle Choir CD, and a framed print of “The Family: A Proclamation to the World.” Elder Araújo presented the same gifts to Secretary Marcos Cintra. Each of the legislators also received copies of “The Family,” “The Living Christ,” and the Articles of Faith—suitable for framing.

As those attending the session left the legislative chambers, they passed through the hall of monuments. There they were greeted by some missionaries from the Brazil São Paulo South Mission with information about the Church, as well as by several volunteers who were wearing the distinctive yellow Helping Hands vests.

The event was covered by official state media. Before the session, Elder Stanley G. Ellis was interviewed by reporters from TV Assembleia (Legislature TV channel).