Elder Uchtdorf visits Auschwitz and calls for more unity and love

In a time when there is a lack of strife and disagreement, President Russell M. Nelson said, “Friendship and respect can literally save lives.”

President Henry B. Eyring previously said, “(Jesus Christ) made no distinction between rich and poor, young and old, healthy and sick. He did not shun those of different faiths or cultural backgrounds. He loved everyone. He loves everyone. And he commanded us to ‘love one another,’ even as he has loved us. (John 15:12.)”

And Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf expressed that sentiment in a recent social media post following his visit to Auschwitz in Poland and Plötzensee Prison in Berlin. The Plötzensee Memorial stands on the site of a notorious prison where over 2,800 inmates were executed, including a 16-year-old teenager named Helmuth Hubener, a devout Latter-day Saint and reportedly the youngest person executed in the Third Reich.

Elder Uchtdorf’s message was simple: “The gospel of Jesus Christ teaches us to increase the love in our hearts until we consider all men and women as our neighbors—our brothers and sisters. His gospel unites and unifies every man, woman, and child. It teaches that we are not enemies but belong to one divine and eternal family; sons and daughters of a loving Heavenly Father.”

Elder Uchtdorf knows the horrors of World War II and the uncertainties his family faced. He also said, “As sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father, we have the responsibility and opportunity to promote peace and harmony among all of God’s children.”

You can read his entire post and see photos from Elder and Sister Uchtdorf’s visit below.

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