a diverse group of people

Lesson 6

Introduction to Topics: Diversity and Unity in the Church

This lesson will provide a model of how to have a meaningful and faith-building learning experience using resources found in the Topics section of Gospel Library. During the lesson, remind students that we belong to an international church that encompasses a variety of cultures, races, nationalities, and languages. Students will have the opportunity to practice the following pattern as they discuss the topic of diversity and unity in the Church: (1) discuss the topic’s relevance, (2) deepen understanding, (3) articulate, and (4) reflect and record.

Suggestions for Teaching

Select Topics

Lessons 7–14 will be based on topics your class chooses to learn more about. Consider forgoing a microtraining or “What’s New” activity for today’s class so students have plenty of time to select topics for the upcoming lessons.

If you feel your class needs some time to reflect on the importance of addressing topics of their own choosing, you could divide the class into small groups and have some groups discuss handout 7 and the other groups discuss handout 8 from appendix B. Give students time to share what they learned. Then as a class identify the topics students most want to discuss during the remaining lessons of the course.

Discuss the Topic’s Relevance

Depending on the needs of your students, you could watch “Is There a Place for Me?” (3:59) or “Diversity Is Good” (0:55).

Or read the following statement by President M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:

President M. Russell Ballard

The First Presidency declared [some time ago]: “Our message … is one of special love and concern for the eternal welfare of all men and women, regardless of religious belief, race, or nationality, knowing that we are truly brothers and sisters because we are sons and daughters of the same Eternal Father” (First Presidency statement, 15 Feb. 1978).

That is our doctrine—a doctrine of inclusion. That is what we believe. That is what we have been taught. Of all people on this earth, we should be the most loving, the kindest, and the most tolerant because of that doctrine. (“Doctrine of Inclusion,” Ensign, Nov. 2001, 37)

• Why is it important for each of us to feel we have a place in the Church?

• What can keep individuals from feeling like they belong in the Church?

• How can we achieve unity when there is increasing diversity in the Church?

Deepen Understanding

Provide students an opportunity to learn more about this topic by going to the article “Diversity and Unity in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” in Topics and studying it for a few minutes.

Invite students to discuss with a partner or in small groups one or more of the following questions:

• What did you learn about diversity from this material? Which scripture references were most helpful? Share some examples of what was most meaningful to you from this article.

• Why is it important for each of us to know and share what modern-day prophets and apostles teach on diversity?

• How can these teachings on diversity help us to become more like the Savior?

• How could this material help clear up possible misunderstandings and increase confidence in the Lord’s Church?

• As you studied this material, what impressions or insights did you have and how did they affect you?

Articulate

Do one of the activities found in handouts 3–5 in appendix B, or design an activity of your own.

Reflect and Record

Provide students time to ponder what they have learned and felt during this class. You could use the questions in handout 6, “Reflect and Record” (found in appendix B), to guide this activity.

For Next Time

Based on students’ selection of topics earlier in class, remind them what topic will be discussed during the next class. Invite students to take some time during the week to search either the Newsroom, Guide to the Scriptures, General Conference, Life Help, or Topics pages for relevant resources.