Reactions to death of Mormon prophet Thomas S. Monson
(Tribune file photo) President Thomas S. Monson reads a talk in 1994 by President Ezra Taft Benson when Monson was serving as second counselor in the faithÕs First Presidency.
April 22, 1980
Thomas Monson - L.D.S. Conf. 1980.
The Salt Lake Tribune
(Photo courtesy LDS Church) President Thomas S. Monson as a youth.
(Tribune file photo) Elder Thomas S. Monson speaks in 1968.
(Tribune file photo) Left to right, Gordon B. Hinckley, President Howard W. Hunter, and Thomas S. Monson at the Bountiful Utah Temple on Jan. 10, 1995.
(Photo courtesy LDS Church) President Thomas S. Monson and his wife, Frances, in front of the Salt Lake Temple, where they married Oct. 7, 1948.
(Photo courtesy LDS Church) Thomas S. Monson in his youth. Fishing was a lifelong hobby.
(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune)LDS President Thomas S. Monson waves as he rides Thursday in the Days of '47 Parade in 2008.
(Leah Hogsten | The Salt Lake Tribune) President Thomas S. Monson was given an honorary degree in humanities at the Weber State University's commencement on April 23, 2010.
(Tribune file photo) Thomas S. Monson in 1969.
(Photo courtesy LDS Church) Thomas S. Monson served in the Naval Reserve near the close of World War II.
(Tribune file photo) President Thomas S. Monson and the Rev. Jesse Jackson in 1988.
(Photo courtesy LDS Church) Graduation of Thomas S. Monson from West High School in Salt Lake City, Utah.
(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) President Thomas S. Monson waves as he rides in the Days of '47 Parade in 2008.
(White House photo by Eric Draper) President George W. Bush greets President Thomas S. Monson at the churchÕs headquarters on May 29, 2008.
(Tribune file photo) President Thomas S. Monson embraces Adele Putnam after her familyÕs home was renovated as part of the Gingerbread House Project in 2005.
(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) President Thomas S. Monson speaks at the General Relief Society Meeting at the LDS Conference Center in September 2007.
(Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune) President Thomas S. Monson speaks at the 185th Semiannual General Conference, Sunday, October 4, 2015.
(Tribune file photo) Left to right, President Gordon B. Hinkley, President George Bush, President Thomas S. Monson meet on September 19, 1991.
(Photo courtesy LDS Church) Elder Thomas S. Monson with his wife, Frances, and three children, Thomas, Ann, and Clark, just before son ThomasÕ mission to Italy.
(Photo courtesy LDS Church) Thomas S. Monson on his bike as a young boy.
(Tribune file photo) Thomas S. Monson in 1997.
(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Thomas S. Monson speaks at the General Relief Society Meeting in September 2007.
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) President Thomas S. Monson (center) is joined by second counselor Dieter F. Uchtdorf, and daughter Ann Dibb as the University of Utah unveils the newly refurbished Enos A. Wall Mansion named after the LDS leader in August 2016.
(Steve Griffin | The Salt Lake Tribune) President Thomas S. Monson (center) is flanked by Henry B. Eyring (left) and Dieter F. Uchtdorf (right), after Monson was named 16th President of the LDS Church. February 4, 2008
(Steve Griffin | The Salt Lake Tribune) President Thomas S. Monson (center) is flanked by Henry B. Eyring (left) and Dieter F. Uchtdorf (right) after Monson was named 16th president of the LDS Church on Feb. 4, 2008.
(Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune) President Thomas S. Monson delivers his talk "Ponder the Path of Thy Feet" at the end of the morning session of the 184th Semiannual LDS General Conference on Oct. 5, 2014.
(Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) President Thomas S. Monson walks off of the stage with his daughter, Ann M. Dibb, during afternoon session of the 185th Semiannual General Conference on Oct. 3, 2015.
(Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) President Thomas S. Monson walks out after the funeral services for LDS President Gordon B. Hinckley at the Salt Lake City LDS Conference Center on Feb. 2, 2008.
(Al Hartmann | The Salt Lake Tribune ) President Thomas S. Monson (center), with Henry B. Eyring (left) and Dieter F. Uchtdorf (right), at the Conference Center for the annual Christmas Devotional on Dec. 6, 2009.
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) President Thomas S. Monson (center) with Henry B. Eyring (left) and Dieter F. Uchtdorf (right), share a few words prior to the start of the second session of the LDS General Conference on October 2, 2010.
(Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune) President Thomas S. Monson waves to the attendees as he leaves the morning session of the 181st Annual LDS General Conference on April 2, 2011.
(Tribune file photo) LDS Church President Thomas Monson waves to the audience after speaking during the closing session of the LDS General Conference on October 5, 2008.
(Scott Sommedorf | The Salt Lake Tribune) President Thomas S. Monson ponders at the funeral for his friend President Gordon B. Hinckley at the Conference Center on Feb. 2, 2008.
(Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune) President Thomas S. Monson and his wife, Frances, stride up the walkway to the LDS temple in Rexburg, Idaho, on Feb. 10, 2008.
(Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune) President Thomas S. Monson waves goodbye to those attending the afternoon session of the 181st Semiannual LDS General Conference on October 2, 2011.
(Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune) President Thomas S. Monson leaves the Conference Center with his wife, Frances, on his arm after the morning session of the 179th Semiannual General Conference in October 2009
(Al Hartmann | The Salt Lake Tribune) Right to left, William R. Walker, President Thomas S. Monson and Dieter F. Uchtdorf presided over the traditional mortar ritual at the first dedication session for the Oquirrh Mountain Temple on Aug. 21, 2009.
(Tribune file photo) President Thomas S. Monson visits with Scott Daw of Herriman and Daw's 1-year-old son, Brennan Daw during an event at the Cathedral of the Madeleine in August 2012.
(Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) LDS Church President Thomas S. Monson salutes the crowd during the 185th Annual LDS General Conference Saturday April 4, 2015.
(Al Hartmann | The Salt Lake Tribune ) President Thomas S. Monson (center) with Henry B. Eyring (left) and Dieter F. Uchtdorf (right), at the 185th LDS General Conference on April 5, 2015.
(Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) President Gordon B. Hinckley talks with Thomas S. Monson after delivering his speech during the Semiannual General Conference in April 2007.
(Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) President Thomas S. Monson greets a young girl during the morning session of the 184th Annual General Conference on April 5, 2014.
(Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune) President Thomas S. Monson pauses to answer some questions from reporters who had gathered to see him dedicate the LDS temple in Rexburg, Idaho, on Feb. 10, 2008.
(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) President Thomas S. Monson, and his wife, Frances, walk away from the cornerstone after it was laid in a ceremony at the new Draper Temple in July 2007.
(photo courtesy Utah State Historical Society) Thomas S. Monson gives an emotional talk in the Semiannual General Conference after being sustained a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on Oct. 10, 1963.
(photo courtesy LDS Church) Thomas S. Monson and his wife Frances on their wedding day on Oct. 7, 1948.
Here are reactions on the death of LDS Church President Thomas S. Monson:
LDS Quorum of the Twelve Apostles • “We, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, unitedly express our sincere sense of loss at the passing of President Thomas Spencer Monson. He was our prophet, our leader, our brother, and our dear friend. President Monson lived an exceptional life of service. He served as an apostle for more than 54 years, the last 10 years of which were as the president of the church. From his earliest days of church service to the very end of his faithful ministry, he never failed to bear witness, in word and deed, of the truth of the restored gospel and of the divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ. We will miss his wisdom, his leadership, his meaningful example, and his loving kindness. However, we rejoice in his reunion with his beloved Frances, with other family members who have gone before, and with the prophets of God who preceded him in death, with whom he now stands. As his fellow servants, we echo the words of the Master, ‘Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of thy Lord’ (Matthew 25:21).”
Ordain Women President Bryndis Roberts • “While we are sad that we will not longer have President Monson with us, we find comfort in the plan of salvation that tells us we will see him again. We join with other Mormons in prayer for the Monson family, the other members of the First Presidency, and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as they lead our church through this transition.”
President Donald Trump • ”While serving for over half a century in the leadership of his church, President Monson demonstrated wisdom, inspired leadership, and great compassion.”
Rep. Mia Love, R-Utah • “Today, I give thanks for the life and example set by President Thomas S. Monson. His tireless, charitable service, cheerful demeanor, love of others and ministry touched millions of lives. He provided inspiration for Latter-day Saints throughout the world. God bless him and his family.”
Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah • “President Monson’s service to Utah, the LDS Church, and the world is without equal. He will be greatly missed, and his influence will be felt for generations to come. I am heartened by the belief that his passing leads to a divine reunion with his wife, Frances. My thoughts today are with his family and the millions throughout the world in mourning.”
Lane Beattie, head of the Salt Lake Chamber • “The state of Utah has lost a great Leader. President Monson’s influence has far exceeded his religious responsibilities, stewardship, and love for the Latter-day Saints around the world. He is truly a friend of all people. His willingness to work with all leaders and religions in the State of Utah has set him apart as a giant in our community. His love, compassion, and empathy have strengthened our entire state. His influence has added to the quality of life, economic development, and personal example that so many of us in Utah have benefited. He has spent his life in service to us all.”
Henry B. Eyring, Dieter F. Uchtdorf, former counselors to Monson • “President Thomas S. Monson was a mighty prophet of God and we are honored to have served by his side these past 10 years. His far-reaching and multifaceted ministry touched the lives of people from all walks of life in remarkable ways. As a result, President Monson’s legacy will continue to be an influence for good in the lives of countless individuals and families for generations to come. To his family, we extend our most sincere condolences and love.”
Rev. Oscar Solis, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City •“On behalf of the Catholic community of the Diocese of Salt Lake City, I extend heartfelt condolences to the family, members of the First Presidency, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, other leaders and faithful of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the death of President Monson. He joyfully served his church and the broader community selflessly and humbly for many years. The President has been a good friend and supporter in our mutual efforts to support the common good and care for the most vulnerable both at home and abroad. Catholic Community Services as well as the Good Samaritan Program have benefited from his commitment to the poor. For President Monson, the Sermon on the Mount was not just a platitude but a way of life. President Monson was an advocate of unity and believed in the goodness of each person. He embraced people regardless of faith, seeing in them the image of Jesus. His was a “human” touch of kindness and dignity that will long be treasured. We join in prayer with the LDS faithful at this difficult time.”
Utah Episcopal Bishop Scott B. Hayashi • “He was a kind person with a calming voice, a strong leader for his church and a prophet who personally reached out to individual members. I will always appreciate the LDS Church’s generous dedication to interfaith ministries under his presidency and throughout his many years of devoted service. I call upon the people of the Episcopal Diocese of Utah to join with me in prayer for President Monson’s family and the good people of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”
Rabbi Benny Zippel of Chabad Lubavitch of Utah • “President Monson was a deeply godly individual. I was very moved by his humility, kind spirit and his deep commitment to upholding God’s values in this world. I had the privilege of interacting with President Monson on numerous occasions, one of which I recall very fondly, of how we stood together on the steps of the state capitol in January 2009 at the inauguration of then-Gov. Jon M. Huntsman. It was a very cold day physically, around 13 degrees, but his warmth exuded in a very clear fashion, nonetheless.”
Rabbi Ilana Schwartzman, Congregation Kol Ami • “Our deepest condolences go out to President Monson, his family, the LDS Church, and all those whose lives he touched. We were blessed to have had a strong relationship with President Monson and appreciate all that he did with and for our community. He was an advocate for interfaith conversation and cooperation. We pray that the church will go from strength to strength, and that those who continue in leading the LDS Church will maintain solid ties with the Jewish community in general and Kol Ami specifically. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who mourn.”
Utah Senate Democrats • "We were saddened to learn of the passing of LDS Church President Thomas S. Monson. He was a kind and compassionate man who led with humility. He gained great admiration for his ability to show his care for each person he encountered. His deep concern for those less fortunate, and his leadership on how to treat immigrants and refugees set an example for all. We offer our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends, and to the members of the LDS Church."
Greg Johnson, director of Utah’s Standing Together • “We in the local Evangelical community offer our compassion and regard for the LDS community in relation to this very significant and emotional time for the LDS people.”
Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, President of the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops • “The Catholic Church in the United States wishes to extend to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints community our prayers and condolences on the death of President Monson. During his tenure as president, understanding and friendship developed between our two communities on national and local levels. As we engage important questions on family and the dignity of the human person, Catholics and Mormons work together and support each other. Today, Catholics join their Latter-day Saints brothers and sisters in commending his soul to the mercy and love of God.”
Salman Masud, president of Islamic Society of Greater Salt Lake • “During his tenure, the Muslims always felt Utah to be a warm and welcoming home. I say this to my Mormon brothers and sisters: although it’s difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.”
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