First Presidency offers words of sympathy and hope
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints changed a Mormon Tabernacle Choir concert for the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors into a memorial service for the victims of Tuesday morning’s tragedy in New York City and Washington, D.C.
“Today will always be remembered. This is a day when the ugly face of terror and destruction has shown itself,” said Gordon B. Hinckley, president of The Church of Jesus Christ.
A statement issued by the church’s First Presidency said church resources were being made available to relief agencies to assist in the tragedy.
The First Presidency also expressed profound sympathy to those affected by the “senseless acts of violence of these vicious attacks.”
Hinckley said punishment against those responsible for the attacks would not bring back the lives of those lost.
“We ask our Heavenly Father to guide President Bush and his advisers as they respond to these devastating incidents,” the First Presidency statement said. “We join with others in prayers that the Savior’s peace and love will comfort and guide us all through this difficult time.”
Hinckley spoke of Tuesday’s events as a tragic, solemn and dark day when an insidious hand has struck.
“May peace of Christ rest upon us. May we plead He comforts the hearts of those who mourn. To Him we look in these circumstances,” Hinckley said.
“Our nation has been seriously injured and insulted,” Hinckley said. “Our hearts are deeply touched with those of all Americans.”
Church leaders closed facilities in Salt Lake City at 2 p.m. yesterday. The temporary closure included all of the church’s temples from Ogden to Provo. The Washington, D.C. Temple was also temporarily closed.
The church reported all missionaries in the New York City and Washington, D.C., area accounted for and safe.
Utah State University students now serving abroad have phoned to Logan indicating some European mission presidents have asked missionaries to remain in their lodging and not proselyte until further notice is given.
The public affairs department for the church said it is each mission president’s prerogative to direct this mandate as he sees fit for his mission.