Church officials visit U.S. vice president
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Elder Neal A. Maxwell and Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve presented U.S. Vice President Al Gore with a copy of his family history during a meeting Wednesday, Feb. 28.
Elder Maxwell had earlier met the vice president when he accompanied President Gordon B. Hinckley during the prophet's visit to the White House last November.Vice President Gore was presented with a volume containing the Gore line and another volume containing his mother's Lafon line. Two additional copies of the histories were provided for his parents.
Some of the highlights from the vice president's family history, including the story of an early Quaker ancestor who was imprisoned for standing up for his religious rights, were shared with Vice President Gore by Elder Maxwell.
"We thanked the vice president for the work he and President [Bill] Clinton had done for the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, . . . especially where he had had an ancestor who paid the price for standing up for his religious convictions," said Elder Maxwell.
Elder Ballard said the vice president was enthusiastic to receive the histories. "I think part of his enthusiasm was generated by President Clinton's enthusiasm for what he got. [President Clinton received a copy of his family history from President Gordon B. Hinckley on Nov. 13, 1995.] They must have talked about it because he was very pleased to receive it," Elder Ballard said.
"He was most warm and cordial, and we appreciated being with him," said Elder Maxwell of the vice president. During the 20-minute visit, no political matters were discussed.
While in the Washington, D.C., area, Elder Maxwell and Elder Ballard paid visits to get acquainted with the media, national family-oriented groups and government officials. Among others, they met with Secretary of Education William Riley, Marion Wright Edelman of the Children's Defense Fund, members of Congress who are members of the Church, and various journalists.
"Many people are unaware of our resources so we are just reaching out and informing them," said Elder Maxwell, who serves as the chairman of the Church's Public Affairs Committee. Elder Ballard also serves on the committee.
