Reactions to new LDS leadership
• Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.: "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is an important part of our capital city and our great state. It is good to know that after the death of its tremendous longtime leader, President Gordon B. Hinckley, the LDS Church will continue in the capable hands of President Thomas S. Monson and his able counselors, President Henry B. Eyring and President Dieter F. Uchtdorf.
"I look forward to continuing my association with President Monson as he takes this new role. He is a compassionate leader who is committed to bettering his community, our nation and the world.
"As home to the LDS Church headquarters, the state of Utah has the good fortune of working with an organization so uniquely focused on service and humanitarian efforts, and we will continue this association with this next generation of leadership."
• Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah: "I have the highest regard and respect for President Thomas S. Monson and his lifelong contributions. The leadership, compassion and strength he has exhibited through many years of leadership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are extraordinary.
"In addition, Henry B. Eyring and Dieter F. Uchtdorf are tremendously talented and spiritual leaders and will constitute a very dedicated presidency."
• Elaine Emmi, a Quaker and the chairwoman of the Salt Lake Interfaith Roundtable, said she wasn't surprised by the new First Presidency.
"For us it's exciting. We hope to continue interaction with the new First Presidency."
• Bishop John C. Wester of the Salt Lake Catholic Diocese: "That's wonderful news. I'm very pleased to hear that. I've met President Monson, and he's very supportive."
• Most Rev. William K. Weigand, Roman Catholic bishop of Sacramento, who was the bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City from 1980 to 1994: "I join you in sorrow at the passing of President Gordon Hinckley, with whom I had a respectful relationship; and am delighted with the election of President Thomas Monson, whom I consider a friend."
• A statement from the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Utah, the Right Rev. Carolyn Tanner Irish and the Diocesan Council of Utah: They send their greetings and best wishes to the new First Presidency, "along with our pledge of continuing commitment to work together in the spirit of 'bridging the divide."' They also stated that President Monson has made "significant contributions" in these efforts, along with President Hinckley.
• Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon: "The LDS Church has had a significant historical and social impact on our community under the leadership of the First Presidency. President Monson and his counselors are uniquely qualified to assume their responsibility, and I look forward to continuing to work together serving the community."
Recent comments
To go about doing good is really the message of the Master (Acts…
R Msr | Feb. 5, 2008 at 8:56 a.m.
