Prophet is interviewed for Christmas telecast
E-mail story
It's easy. Send a link to the story you were just reading to a friend. Just fill out the form on this page and we'll send it along.
Your name and e-mail address are transmitted to the recipient. Otherwise, it is considered private information; see Privacy policy.
An interview with President Gordon B. Hinckley produced for a television network is scheduled to be shown nationwide on Christmas Day.
The interview, to be aired on Fox television stations around the United States, was recorded Dec. 11 in the lobby of the Relief Society Building in Salt Lake City. It was conducted for the television network by Michael Schaertl, a free-lance producer based in Utah.It will be presented in a program called "Fox on Religion," said the producer, who is a member of the Church.
"Fox is trying to do an uplifting story on the true meaning of Christmas," he said, adding that the music of the Tabernacle Choir will be highlighted during the program.
During the 20-minute taping session, questions and responses covered such topics as the role of the Church president and other Church officers, divine revelation, missionaries, the secularization of America, the Tabernacle Choir and the meaning of Christmas. The prophet displayed confidence and forthrightness in his responses.
Asked if he could have one wish granted at Christmas, what would that wish be, he responded, "I would wish for peace across the world, peace among the nations, peace in the homes of our people, less conflict, more appreciation, more respect, more civility, more love for one another."
President Hinckley said that is accomplished on an individual basis. "Everything begins with the individual. It begins with self. I make that resolution. You make that resolution. It spreads. That is the way it happens."
At a point near the end of the interview, the prophet displayed his characteristic sense of humor. He had just given a particularly eloquent reply to a question, when he was told the response would have to be repeated because there had been noise from some of the electronic equipment being used.
"A blip?" he asked. "Well, you always have that when I do well!"
