"Tonight is another night for us to meet … not as warring factions, but as friends," said the Rev. Gregory Johnson, president of Standing Together. "We have significant theological differences. We don't undermine that, but tonight is an opportunity to hear from a great Christian leader to hear about a topic we all care about — freedom of religion."
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland spoke and welcomed the attendees to the historic building, which he said has served as a center of "worship, inspiring music and sharing the word of God" for 150 years. He also welcomed back Zacharias, who in 2004 became the first evangelical leader to deliver a major address from the Tabernacle's pulpit in more than 100 years.
"While thus standing together, we also stand for our love of and need for the religious freedom that guarantees our right to teach and live by the truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ," Elder Holland said.