Diversity of Religion Benefits the San Francisco Bay Area

The Oakland California Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was rededicated in June after 1½ years of extensive remodeling. Open houses during the month of May gave more than 170,000 visitors the opportunity to tour inside the temple. For many members of the general public, this was their first chance to enter in 55 years.

Throngs of visitors line up to tour the Oakland Temple

JRCLS member Candace Anderson, who is also an elected member of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, was asked to lead tours reserved for media, heads of other religions, political officials, and other special guests. Over 2100 such officials visited. All were respectful as Anderson outlined the purpose of  the temple. Most expressed experiencing a feeling of peace.

Anderson was also asked to speak at the Media Press Briefing, held prior to the first tour. Commenting on the stature of the Oakland Temple as a beacon for airplanes and ships coming into the San Francisco Bay, Anderson analogized the temple as a spiritual beacon for her and her family. “It is a place of meditation and reflection, a place of peace where I can shut out the noise of the world and feel inspired in the things I need to do.” It seems to also act as a beacon to diverse

Local teenager in quinceañera dress

groups of other faiths to use as a backdrop for special occasion photos, such as for quinceañeras, the Catholic coming-of-age celebrations. Without knowing the full purpose of temples, those of other religions seem drawn to the beautiful grounds and special architecture that draws one’s eyes upward to the heavens. The Oakland Temple presidency has always welcomed these guests for this purpose. 

After speaking about the purpose of temples, Anderson shared appreciation for the diversity of faiths found in the Bay Area and the role that each of these religions plays in strengthening our communities. She said, “They accomplish things that government never can.”  

Written by Candace Anderson and Kathryn Latour (both members of JRCLS WIL Committee)