Sunday, February 12, 2006

First Presidency

The First Presidency issued the following press release regarding Archbishop George H. Niederauer:

Archbishop George H. Niederauer, a Faithful Friend
A Message from the First Presidency
7 February 2006

SALT LAKE CITY — From time to time, we are blessed with religious leaders whose influence transcends denominational boundaries to lift and inspire people of all faiths. Archbishop George H. Niederauer is such a leader.

His exemplary service will long be remembered not only by the Catholic faithful of the Diocese of Salt Lake City but also by many others among all religions in Utah. Government officials and leaders of community agencies will also reflect with gratitude on his labors to make life better in the cities and towns of our state.

He is a man of quick wit and good humor, unyielding integrity and immense capacity. Above all, he is our friend. His presence in Salt Lake City will be greatly missed as he answers the call to shepherd the work of the Catholic Church in San Francisco, northern California, Utah and Nevada.

Ecclesiasticus wrote, “A faithful friend is a strong defense: and he that hath found such an one hath found a treasure.” Archbishop Niederauer has been a faithful, treasured friend in defending all that is good, those values and virtues which the Apostle Paul described as true, honest, just, pure, lovely and of good report.

In an environment where religion is sometimes used as an excuse to divide, he always led with a voice of respect and common decency. With wisdom and compassion, he reached out in meaningful, heartfelt ways to help us better understand one another.

Especially noteworthy were his tireless efforts as a founding member of the Alliance for Unity, a leadership group committed to improving relationships within Utah’s increasingly diverse population. He has a gift for bringing people with differing views into harmonious agreement. He builds consensus and cooperation through patience, humor, kindness and meekness.

Through many community initiatives, he demonstrated his sound judgment, sharp mind and gentle stewardship. His leadership was the catalyst to bring together religious, community and law enforcement leaders to fight pornography addiction.

His sincere concern and compassion for the disadvantaged, regardless of religious affiliation, is readily apparent in the hands-on assistance he has given personally and in the relief work he has directed through Catholic Community Services. It has been our privilege to cooperate with him on a number of these humanitarian projects.

Archbishop Niederauer, a faithful friend, will be dearly missed. We know that many will be blessed in the Archdiocese of San Francisco by his able leadership and caring service. Our prayers, love and best wishes go with him.

THE FIRST PRESIDENCY
Gordon B. Hinckley
Thomas S. Monson
James E. Faust


http://www.lds.org/newsroom/showrelease/0,15503,3881-1-22898,00.html

Sister Cheryl C. Lant


Cheryl C. Lant, general president of the Primary organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will speak Tuesday, February 14, 2006 at 11:05 a.m. in the Marriott Center for a Brigham Young University campus devotional.

Lant was sustained as the 11th general president of the Primary in April 2005. Live broadcasts are available on KBYU-TV Channel 11, BYU-Television, KBYU-FM 89.1, BYU-Radio and byubroadcasting.org.

http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,635183319,00.html

Elder John B. Dickson


Elder John B. Dickson, a member of the First Quorum of Seventy, presided over the Beaumont Texas Stake conference on Febraury 11-12, 2006.

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin


Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin presided over stake conference at the Taylorsville West (Utah) Stake on February 4-5, 2006.

Elder W. Rolfe Kerr

Elder W. Rolfe Kerr of the Seventy gave the CES fireside to young adults ages 18-30 on Sunday, Feb. 5.

Elder David A. Bednar


Elder David A. Bednar gave a worldwide fireside to Church Educational System employees on Friday, Feb. 3, 2006.

President Gordon B. Hinckley

Recovering well, hoping to travel

While recovering at home from surgery, President Gordon B. Hinckley has been conducting meetings with his counselors in the First Presidency, President Thomas S. Monson, first counselor, and President James E. Faust, second counselor. President Hinckley returned home from the hospital Jan. 30, after having undergone surgery Jan. 24 to remove a cancerous growth in the large intestine. He looks forward to resuming his usual schedule soon, and hopes to preside over the rededication of the Santiago Chile Temple on March 12.

http://www.desnews.com/cn/view/1,1721,445005519,00.html

Elder Todd Christofferson

Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Presidency of the Quorum of the Seventy spoke at a BYU devotional on Jan. 31, 2006.