LDS leaders inspired by inaugural

Two top leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who attended the inauguration of Barack Obama on Tuesday said they found it inspiring and impressive.

"It was inspiring to be an eyewitness to this peaceful, impressive transfer of power and the swearing-in of the first African-American president. We pray for President Barack Obama's success in these challenging times and join in his expressions of hope and optimism," said President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency.

He added, "Elder M. Russell Ballard (of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles) and I were very pleased to have been able to attend today's historic inauguration of the 44th president of the United States. In doing so, we represented President Thomas S. Monson and the entire Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."

President Uchtdorf and Elder Ballard also plan to attend the National Prayer Service at the Washington National Cathedral on Wednesday.

President Monson also released a statement saying, "It is always an honor for the church to be represented at the inauguration of a new president. We send our best wishes to President Obama and pray for the blessings of a loving Father in Heaven to be upon him and his administration."