Religious leaders react to President Hinckley's death

On behalf of the Catholic people of Utah, I express condolences to the family, First Presidency and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the death of their beloved President Gordon B. Hinckley. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at the loss of such a kind and faith-filled gentleman.

Our esteem for President Hinckley is profound. While faithful to his religious beliefs, he respected believers of other denominations. He sought to find the common ground that all might work to strengthen the values that we share. His commitment to build a better world, with respect for diversity, fostered good will and community harmony. — Bishop John C. Wester, Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City

I mourn the death of an exceptionally decent and kind man, as well as a friend. Though heading a different religion with differing beliefs, he always treated me with great respect and personal friendship, even referring to me as 'my rabbi.' Seeking to make this world ever better is his precious legacy that will surely remain intact. — Rabbi Benny Zippel, Chabad Lubavitch of Utah

Although he was President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, people of all faiths remember him for his words and deeds around the world, which reflected his love for all people during his visionary presidency.

After days of gray skies, Sunday ended with the most dazzling and transfixing sunset. It was a tribute to this amazing man as he left this earth. We wish you all peace and joy as you remember his lifelong contributions. —The Salt Lake Interfaith Roundtable members

"Since I've lived in Utah, I've seen a legacy he has left in the interfaith community. He urged his church to be more tolerant, and the result was that it became truly welcoming to some of us from different faith communities.

"I find myself more heavily involved with other faith communities in Salt Lake City than I ever was in other places I've lived. I believe that is directly due to the vision of tolerance of President Hinckley, and I personally appreciate that legacy he has left behind. I hope that his vision of greater harmony can be equally shared by all religious people throughout the world." — Rev. Steve Goodier, Sr. Minister, Christ United Methodist Church