Deseret News | LDS Church leaders to attend Obama inauguration

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LDS Church leaders to attend Obama inauguration

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LDS Democrats ?? | 6:06 p.m. Jan. 16, 2009

Now I know where Mitt Romney learned his "then & now" political plays.

Maybe if they are "worthy" enough, they can sign-up the new Prez, to give another Medal of Freedom award to the LDS Cult-ure Prophet Monson?

OneBob | 6:08 p.m. Jan. 16, 2009

Hmmm. I guess he's not Satan, or they wouldn't be going. Scratch that theory.

Skip H | 6:11 p.m. Jan. 16, 2009

Really....the LDS Church can be so....PR. Really? Support Obama? That's why Utah was 63% pro-McCain....

Get it right already......then again, the LDS did roll out the 'red carpet' for Dick Cheney last time he was in town...and guess what, Cheney is the biggest pile of dung ever 'elected' to office.

I personally hope Dick Cheney burns in hell...or at least spends eternity locked in the confines of the 'Telestial Kingdom'....he deserves it.

Comments continue below

Half Full | 6:22 p.m. Jan. 16, 2009

I guess your glass is half empty. I'm sorry for you.

To: OneBob & Skip H | 6:36 p.m. Jan. 16, 2009

Wow, a little bitter! And very funny.

I mean Skip H and LDS D's | 6:37 p.m. Jan. 16, 2009

Sorry OneBob, you the man.

Anonymous | 6:43 p.m. Jan. 16, 2009

Come on people. God said to love everyone. Just because we don't agree with someone's viewpoint doesn't mean we can't pray for God's blessings for them.

Blessings to Obama | 7:01 p.m. Jan. 16, 2009

Our country is in his hands, and obviously we all want him to succeed. I am proud of our new President, and thrilled that my family's work helped to elect him.

Godspeed, Mr. Obama.

Carlos | 7:05 p.m. Jan. 16, 2009

This is great! I voted for obama and I am glad to see OUR leaders of the church support him and his new administration. May god bless it.

Sparky | 7:14 p.m. Jan. 16, 2009

Come on people. Latter-day Saints believe in sustaining government leaders. We may not like them, but we stand behind them.

I personally have some reservations about Mr. Obama, but I'm willing to give him a shot. He won the election fair and square. He is my president.

wondering | 7:19 p.m. Jan. 16, 2009

Is Uchtdorf a US citizen? I was just wondering. It crossed my mind that probably not all of the LDS leadership are US citizens as they represent many countries.

respect | 7:23 p.m. Jan. 16, 2009

I think you will find the LDS Church leadership still respects the high offices of the land and those holding the positions. Time we took a lesson and started doing all we can to support this new administration in getting our country through the next four years as unscathed as possible. It's going to be a big task.

DB | 7:30 p.m. Jan. 16, 2009

I like what OneBob said but I still have my doubts!

B | 7:36 p.m. Jan. 16, 2009

Just because the church sends leaders to attend the inauguration, it doesn't mean the agree with his politics. I would never have voted for him based on his ideas. But as the article of faith says, we believe in being subject to presidents, rulers, etc. We obey and sustain the law. The church and its leaders always show class and respect. Even to those they don't agree with.

MD | 8:49 p.m. Jan. 16, 2009

I think it is ironic that ao many people are quick to critisize the Church of Jesus Christ of LDS in everything they do. But, that is parr for the course. The Lord said his people would be persecuted for my namesake.

Anonymous | 9:15 p.m. Jan. 16, 2009

We are not all Republicans, we are not all Democrats, but we ARE all AMERICANS. My Father was a staunch Democrat during the depression, he was a great Roosevelt supporter. When President Eisenhower, a Rrepublican, was elected after many years with the Democrats, He said at the dinner table with tears in his eyes, "Well we have a Republican President, and this family will support him. I was proud of him, I am proud of being an American. I wish we could all come together, Republicans and Democrats alike, and support our country to the fullest.

We all want what is best for America, and fighting and tearing down our President, is not best.

Disciple | 10:14 p.m. Jan. 16, 2009

About a year ago I bought and read Obamas second book. I had a guest in my house who acted horrified that there was a book by Barack Obama in my house. My only comment was that after eight years we may get a president who is intellegent enough to write a book. I guess we will have to see what happens now.

Larry | 10:15 p.m. Jan. 16, 2009

We will support our president unlike those of you who continue to show your hate for our past presdient. I did not vote for Mr Obama but I do pray for his success. We need more unity and less hate.

no more foreigners | 3:20 a.m. Jan. 17, 2009

"We are no more foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God".

It is about time we start thinking about a Global/Universal Church, instead of a Utahn/republican/democratic - or what ever - church. (because the Church has always been global... Utahns just have not realized that)

Yes, President Uchtdorf happens to be European, but first of all he IS LDS - as we should be also.

I know he regards this opportunity, to represent us all with Elder Ballard, as a humble honor.

another LDS from Europe

Hatred | 3:33 a.m. Jan. 17, 2009

The extent of hate on these boards is quite an experience!
It appears that there is a widespread belief amongst some LDS that anyone who doesn't vote Republican doesn't qualify for a temple recommend and they aren't joking!
Nationally many groups are invited to Presidential inaugarations; what is the problem with a Utah resident church leader from another nation attending? There seems to be an "Unamerican" form of hatred around. Surely America as a republic has for centuries welcomed emigrants; in fact I'd suggest that most Utah folk are likely to have settled there from other countries than from other states of the union, just do the research!
Surely what matters is that everyone supports the elected leadership; may not agree with everything but live with the result of the election and drop the prejudice and hatred.

Seagull 2 | 4:13 a.m. Jan. 17, 2009

We are living in troubled times and will probably see tougher times going forward. For the good of all and regardless of how you may have voted, it's time to support our new President and pray for his welfare.

amen! | 5:06 a.m. Jan. 17, 2009

anonymous @ 9:15 and larry at 10:15, AMEN. you put it beautifully! we ALL bleed red. we are ALL americans. we should pray for and support mr. obama, whether we voted for him or not. personally, i woudn't want the job.

we need more compassion and less hate and sniping remarks. it's ok to have different opinions, but we can say them with kindness.

John | 5:43 a.m. Jan. 17, 2009

You can pray for a president and still carefully watch every move he makes. You can still support him and criticize his policies and actions.

In our great republic it is important for citizens to be very wary of government.

Thanks Larry | 5:44 a.m. Jan. 17, 2009

Please people, let's get behind this man and give him our support as we have a huge challenges in this great land. I did not vote for Mr. Obama, but I am going to support him. I voted for the one who is leaving and I still think he was a good man.

out of state | 5:55 a.m. Jan. 17, 2009

From the biography of Church president Ezra Taft Benson (published by Deseret Book, by Sheri Dew, page 37):

"[Ezra's father] believed that the Founding Fathers of the United States had been inspired, and on one occasion he openly supported a particular candidate and even made mention of the man in family prayers. When George's candidate lost the election, Ezra was anxious to hear what his father would say in his next prayer. George prayed for the man who had won. When Ezra asked how he could pray for the man who had defeated his candidate, he replied, 'Son, I think he'll need our prayers even more than my candidate would have.'"

MattC | 6:01 a.m. Jan. 17, 2009

Isn't everything that we experience on this side of the veil happening so we can grow spiritually ? There is a reason for everything that we have experienced .... so we can use our Free Agency to grow (or not). Nothing happens by chance so why don't we all see that everything that has happened under our former President and will happen with our new President is part of an unerring Divine plan ? I have to believe that everyone continues to have the opportunities to correct anything they have done "amiss" regardless of which side of the veil they are on ... so I can't judge anyone from the little I now see ... no one's work is complete.

Matt

liberal Larry | 6:05 a.m. Jan. 17, 2009

Despite what many think, not all Mormons are evil conservatives, there are a few enlightened democrats in the mix. Once I even met a liberal church member!

arc | 6:06 a.m. Jan. 17, 2009

Obama is the next president. I plan on sending him the best ideas I have and pray and hope he does well. I also hope the GOP has someone better that will run in 2012.

Jack M. Orman | 6:21 a.m. Jan. 17, 2009

I wonder if the Mormom Church still publishes "The Church and the Negro" I found a copy of the book at my grandmothers house when we where cleaning it out. It might be a good time re-publish this book.

I wonder if one of the Elders could get it signed for me by Obama so I can ebay it.

Observer | 6:23 a.m. Jan. 17, 2009

I would venture to say that Obama was intelligent enough to have someone write the book for him after he verbally told or dictated his story. The stupid people like Ronald Reagan or George Bush will actually write their own book.

Pumped for Obama | 7:30 a.m. Jan. 17, 2009

Blasting the church leaders for going to the inaguration? Are you kidding? Dude, you just have to let it go. Leaders from many religions will be there. Let us all celebrate the system that gives our country the most peaceful transition of power in the world.

After the 2nd Clinton election, President Hickley said we should support the president. That doesn't mean agree with him in all aspects, but support him because his is our leader (Article of Faith 12).

God speed to Obama. I am a card carrying church member and am all jacked up for Obama. It can't be worse than the last 8 years.

Re: Larry | 7:32 a.m. Jan. 17, 2009

I second Larry's comments.

MD I agree with you | 7:40 a.m. Jan. 17, 2009

Yes, I agree that seems like always there is some people who love to punch at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at just about everything the leaders do. I think it's great that they are going to attend. Goes to show they feel there needs to be unity in this country. And also they are offering support, which every single USA citizen needs to do inspite of religion, color, etc.

Padre6 | 8:05 a.m. Jan. 17, 2009

I am stunned by the hate the some express on this board towards the LDS Church and others whom they do not agree with. Life is to short to spend any time with those kinds of emotions and feelings. A good lesson can be learned from the "Miracle on the Hudson", we are all in this together, lets come together for the success of all.

Kelly | 8:07 a.m. Jan. 17, 2009

I too pray for our new president. Although I did not vote for him, I now pray for his success. I am an American and a member of the LDS Church. I was taught growing up that we honor and sustain whomever serves in that capacity-whether we agree with their politics or not.

My hope is now that as Americans we can all heal the hatred and bitterness that has divided this country and become people of compassion and love.

Proved Wrong and Bitter | 8:08 a.m. Jan. 17, 2009

MD hit it on the head. Let's just face it. There are people out there who will criticize the LDS people and their leaders regardless of what they do. Those of you who criticize them now would have criticized them for not sending any representatives. You are bitter because you have your own idea about what mormons are but when they prove that idea wrong you can't stand it so you lash out. You talk about LDS being close-minded and when we show we are not you just can't take it. It's so uncomfortable when the ideas we have in our mind that make us comfortable are challenged. Here we are arguing about WHO is right when we ought to be concerned with WHAT it right.

Poor President Bush made some crazy and stupid decisions while in office. But if he had done differently, in a lot of cases, you would have criticized that decision as well. Face it, you'll never be pleased with anything others do. You're probably never pleased with you own decisions. But, then again, you're always right . . . aren't you.

Al Kessler | 8:19 a.m. Jan. 17, 2009

So a couple of these guys get let out from behind the fence. What if they end up in a restaurant where people also enjoy wine or a beer? Tragic.

To the "hater mongers" | 8:27 a.m. Jan. 17, 2009

Harry Potter had it right when he said: "I feel sorry for you!"

You certainly can not be a patriot, a Christian or a very good neighbor? What do you really do to build or contribute to society? Tear down,destroy?

I feel sorry for you as your life must be miserable and full of pain. I voted and regardless of for whom, will pray for and support our President.

Please....no respnse, you've said enough!

Curious | 8:31 a.m. Jan. 17, 2009

Why the negative comments toward the leadership of the Church for praying for Obama's success. I have NEVER heard leaders of the church endorse ANY political candidate, party or official. Many LDS member are conservitive, but there are many who are active democrats. Stop looking for ANY reason to attack our wonderful church. We are made up of liberals conservitives and people from all walks of life. I also pray for Obama's success. Our nation needs it right now.

TrollAlert | 8:32 a.m. Jan. 17, 2009

Folks, Be careful about feeding the Internet Trolls. Especially those that love to Mormon bash.

Joe | 8:32 a.m. Jan. 17, 2009

Can someone explain why BYU plans its regular Tuesday morning devotional assembly (with a geography professor speaking) right at the time when the inauguration goes on? Apparently BYU has no interest in having their students watch live one of the most historic events of their time.

sbc | 8:40 a.m. Jan. 17, 2009

The Democrats want us to accept Obama because they believe he is the man to turn this country around. Interesting, what were they doing for two full years after 9-11 to Bush? For two full years they did nothing but drag his name through the deepest mud pits known to man. They called him names I wouldn't call my worst enemy. Ironically, they didn't use any energy to come up with a new plan until those two full years were over. Now, do the Republicans treat Obama the same way and count it as just trying to save our country? The way Republicans view it, his desires will only move our country towards a weak form of Communism. Interesting enough, many Republicans didn't like some things Bush did because he was acting more like a Democrat! I guess we will grow spiritually because we have to turn the other cheek with this administration!

Anonymous | 8:40 a.m. Jan. 17, 2009

I hope Obama can have a positive influence on the Mormon Church leaders. They need it.

John Pack Lambert | 8:47 a.m. Jan. 17, 2009

I hope people are willing to put away past differences and work together on progress.

Bill | 8:51 a.m. Jan. 17, 2009

President Elect Obama took nearly 40% of the vote in Utah even though he is black, and a Democrat.
I had a Obama sticker on the back window of the car.
Several members soon ignored my wife and I, including the Bishop. I often wonder if we would have been treated the same way in the church we left in 1966, The Baptist Church.

RoR | 8:54 a.m. Jan. 17, 2009

I thought that Barack was all about "change." His new cabinet looks like Bill Clinton's. He has hired a bunch of crooks. One of them didn't pay taxes and didn't SS taxes on an illegal alien who was his housekeeper or nanny. Gov. Richardson had to back out because of potential legal problems. This is just the tip of the iceberg. We are in for a miserable 4 years.

Donovan | 9:20 a.m. Jan. 17, 2009

@ RoR
Yes, Bush's team were all honest and outstanding Americans. (Gag)

I liked watching all the rescue action in NY when the jet landed in the Hudson river. That was the American people that I love. Jumping into action to help people with no need to know what political leaning they might have. They were there for each other, to save lives and risk their own.

Stop the hate and AM radio freaks that barf out lies, and twisted one sided information.
Start being Americans again.

Another O supporter | 9:30 a.m. Jan. 17, 2009

That is great! I would hope that people of all faiths continue to pray for him as our leader and that he is receptive to those blessings.

Mormons Are Sor Losers | 9:30 a.m. Jan. 17, 2009

You can bet that if golden boy Mitt Romney had been elected, the whole First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve would be there, along with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, rather than just this token "apostle". And you can bet Uchtdorf won't be sitting on the stand with the prominent dignitaries.

Voted for Obama | 9:32 a.m. Jan. 17, 2009

I doubt these guys voted for Obama -- I did. Why wasn't I invited?

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