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Washington • President Barack Obama has appointed the first Mormon official to serve on a White House advisory council that seeks to improve partnerships between religious groups and the federal government to help deliver social services to the needy.
Obama this week named Steven E. Snow, a member of the LDS Church First Quorum of the Seventy, as a member of the president's advisory council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.
Snow will join leaders of various religions and religious groups.
"I am proud that such experienced and committed individuals have agreed to serve the American people in these important roles," Obama said in announcing the appointment of Snow and other officials to White House boards. "I look forward to working with them in the months and years ahead."
Snow would be the first Mormon to serve on the council.
Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, praised the president for the nomination of Snow.
"Elder Snow has provided dedicated service to the Church and I know he will serve as a valuable member of the President's advisory council," Hatch, a Mormon, said.
"The faith-based office is made up of leaders of religions from across our great country, and Elder Snow's appointment ensures that the LDS faith will have a seat at the table."
Snow is the executive director of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' history department and has been a member of the church's Quorum of the Seventy since 2001.