News outlets across California have been reporting on the Oakland California Temple open house, a house of the Lord the East Bay Times notes "might be the city’s most recognizable house of worship."
With the open house running May 11 through June 1 and the rededication on June 16, over 250,000 people near Oakland have scheduled to tour this holy temple. Church leaders invited a group of local religious leaders on a special tour of the temple, and many were touched by the spirit they felt.
"Everything was impressive, especially the celestial room, and the artwork is magnificent as well," said Pastor Manuel Simas, "But the holiness in the presence of the celestial room, I personally could feel that."
"There was such a tranquil moment, and the earth tones were so restful," Reverend Amos C. Brown added, noting he was grateful for this chance for community members to exchange spiritual gifts.
Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone noted parallels between the Catholic faith and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and he recognized how the structure and ordinances of the temple reflect the biblical Temple of Solomon.
Cohen Barukh Behkur L-Yehova also commented on common ground the Church shares with the Jewish faith, noting, "As we teach in Israel there is only one family. We are all genetically our Father in Heaven's children."
Oakland City Councilmember Sheng Thao, who is not a member of our faith, shared with the East Bay Times the impact the temple has had on her life: “Just the sight of it has been such a positive beacon.”
See what others had to say about this beautiful house of the Lord in the Church video below: