First Presidency Expresses Condolences at Nelson Mandela's Passing
The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released the following statement today in regards to the passing of Nelson Mandela:
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA —
The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released the following statement today in regards to the passing of Nelson Mandela:
“With the rest of the world, we mourn the passing of revered statesman Nelson Mandela. His courage, kindness, and extraordinary moral leadership have been an example to all people. We express our love and sympathies to his family and the people of South Africa as they remember his extraordinary life”.
In one of those interesting temporal connections, the Church's statement of respect and honor on the passing of Nelson Mandela came to my attention within hours of an extraordinary update on the official website of the Church on the history of race relations.
While many have read history, particularly concerning the preparation of President Spencer W. Kimball and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles to receive the Revelation on the Priesthood canonized as Official Declaration 2, there are some in the Church who still believe discredited, negative ideas on race. This well written history, appearing in a style of modern, academic scholarship, and officially sanctioned by the Church is a wonderful development.
The hope is that this all in the process of truth and growth in knowledge and charity as we move in our slow steps to Zion. When the first Mormon Missionaries arrived in England, they started their preaching in Preston, Lancashire. Stepping down from the Liverpool Coach, a election banner was raised, "Truth Will Prevail!"
"Amen. So let it be," was the response of Heber C. Kimball, Spencer's grandfather.
The hope is that this all in the process of truth and growth in knowledge and charity as we move in our slow steps to Zion. When the first Mormon Missionaries arrived in England, they started their preaching in Preston, Lancashire. Stepping down from the Liverpool Coach, a election banner was raised, "Truth Will Prevail!"
"Amen. So let it be," was the response of Heber C. Kimball, Spencer's grandfather.
Thanks for bringing that wonderful update to my attention! I must confess that one of the few times I had to make a physical and mental effort not to come to blows with one of my missionary companions was when he insisted that Maoris would be resurrected with "clean" white skin! I was appalled and gobsmacked, having a number of good Maori friends (including my MTC companion) who would have baulked at the idea of eternal salvation if that was a condition of entry! And this was in the late eighties!
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