Interfaith rite launches inaugural

A preview of an inaugural speech, lessons in the importance of kindness and good deeds, prayers by representatives of several religions and rousing songs by Utahns of varying ethnic backgrounds were highlights of an interfaith music service Sunday night.

The service was a pre-inaugural celebration held at the First Presbyterian Church, 12 C St. It attracted an estimated 300 Utahns, including religious leaders, Gov.-elect Jon M. Huntsman Jr. and Huntsman's family.

Afterward, Huntsman held an impromptu press conference in which he promised to try to "bring out the best our people have to offer," and to reach out and touch residents of the state.

On the eve of his inauguration, he said he was what his feelings were. "It's a combination of jubilation and fear," he said. The fear was there because he did not want to let people down, and the jubilation was because "we're really in a position to make changes in the state."

President Thomas S. Monson, first counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints discussed the kindness that other faiths perform, such as the Salvation Army collecting contributions to help those in need, the Catholic Church's St. Vincent de Paul soup kitchen, the Salt Lake Dental Clinic and other charities.

When men and women of good will unite together in doing good, he said, it helps eliminate weakness.

The Huntsman family members are "good people . . . doing noble work for Utah and even all the world," he said. He cited contributions the family has made, including working to improve life in Armenia, and sponsoring the Huntsman Cancer Institute.

During LDS meetings on Sunday, a letter was read about the disastrous tsunami in southern Asia, he said. "I'm pleased that we're there" helping with the humanitarian effort in stricken countries, Pres. Monson said. He said members were asked to give generously to help alleviate the suffering.

Speaking of generous deeds, he added, "We can do it in our daily lives."

President Monson cited the Charles Dickens classic, "A Christmas Carol," in which Jacob Marley's ghost cries, "Mankind was my business," and Marley says he should have been attentive to the common welfare when he was alive.

"And then of course he (Ebenezer Scrooge) had that marvelous awakening," he said. He urged people to think of God.

"We look to Gov. Huntsman and his associates" in the coming administration, he added. "We stand behind them."