Church warns against financial fraud, etc.

This morning a letter from the First Presidency was read during Sacrament meetings at LDS wards and branches across the United States.  The letter warned Church members from the many financial scams that threaten people's livelihood, etc.  

The Deseret Morning News in Salt Lake City, Utah, covers the story here.

The LDS Church issues a statement on the passing of Tom Lantos

(Mormons enjoyed a close relationship with Congressman Tom Lantos.)

 The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a message of condolence this week, following the passing of Congressman Tom Lantos.

“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints expresses its sincere condolences to the family of Congressman Tom Lantos who passed away this morning after his fight with esophageal cancer. Representative Lantos was a remarkable public servant, and a beloved husband, father and grandfather.

“As a Member of the House of Representatives, and most recently as Chairman of the important House Foreign Affairs Committee, he was a leading force for political and religious freedom throughout the world. As a holocaust survivor, he exemplified great compassion for victims of political unrest and oppression.

“He opened many doors for humanitarian and disaster relief efforts, and leaves behind a legacy of family love and unity. We extend our deep sympathies and offer our prayers of comfort for his entire family.”

(Courtesy LDS Newsroom of the Church)

Präsident Dieter Uchtdorf

“This is not an American church,” Uchtdorf said during a press conference in 2004. “It is the Church of Jesus Christ.”

President Uchtdorf is one of only three apostles of the Church to have grown up speaking a language other than English.

Dieter Uchtdorf has been called to serve as second counselor in the LDS Church's First Presidency. He will serve as counselor to President Thomas S. Monson.

Germany's international broadcasting service, Deutsche-Welle has run a good article on President Uchtdorf.

Last time I actually met President Uchtdorf was in the Church's Missionary Training Center in São Paulo, Brazil. He was serving then in the Church's Presidency of the Seventy, and was visiting Brazil with then Elder Eyring, who interestingly is now President Uchtdorf's fellow member of the First Presidency.

A Czech-born German national, Dieter Uchtdorf is by trade an engineer, a pilot, and a business executive.

Also, see this article on Uchtdorf and the Church's global growth.

First Presidency Organized

This morning in a Salt Lake City press conference, the LDS Church announced the organization of the new First Presidency of the Church, following the death of President Hinckley last weekend. President Thomas S. Monson will serve as the president of the Church. His counselors will be Henry B. Eyring, and Dieter Uchtdorf.