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Several political and religious leaders of diverse backgrounds sent tributes following the death of President Gordon B. Hinckley on Jan. 27. Following are excerpts from those tributes.
Family members have suggested that those who wish to make a gift in memory of President Hinckley could donate to the Perpetual Education Fund, Church Humanitarian Fund, the Missionary Fund, or the Gordon B. Hinckley Chair of British Studies at the University of Utah.
U.S. President George W. Bush:
"Laura and I are saddened by the loss of (President Gordon B. Hinckley). We know this is a difficult time, and we send our heartfelt condolences.
"(He) was a remarkable man and a good friend. While serving for over seven decades in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, (President Hinckley) demonstrated the heart of a servant and the wisdom of a leader. We hope the many memories you have of him bring you strength and comfort."
Iceland President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson:
"With the death of President Gordon B. Hinckley, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the entire world have lost a great and wise leader, a man of vision and courage.
"The people of Iceland have lost a good friend and I offer The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints our sincere condolences. I was privileged to benefit from my many dialogues and discussions with President Hinckley. His visit to Iceland some years ago was among the highlights of my presidency. I will never forget our farewell in the green fields surrounding my residence."
Tahiti President Oscar Manutahi Temaru:
"(President Hinckley) highlighted and defended with passion the moral values of traditional marriage and the family, but above all he valued the professional training of young people from the various underdeveloped far away islands and countries.
"On behalf of my government and my family, I wish to convey to the leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and to all its faithful members our most sincere condolences and my deepest respect for this great man of God dedicated to the development and well-being of mankind."
Indonesian Department of Religion Director General Jason Lase:
"We personally...wish to state our participation in mourning as deeply as possible. We pray that the family members left behind are blessed abundantly and with steadfastness and hope for the Lord Jesus Christ."
John Graz, Seventh-Day Adventist Church public affairs and religious liberty director:
"We appreciated President Gordon B. Hinckley's openness and his commitment to tolerance and religious liberty... He was a wonderful man, reaching out to other religious groups and encouraging his community to build bridges."
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt, a Church member:
"Of the men I have known, I admire none more than Gordon B. Hinckley. His life taught unwavering commitment as its enduring message. He conveyed a grounded, balanced perspective on people and events. His characteristic wisdom and humor caused people to listen, and he communicated with them forthrightly in a way they understood."
U.S. Senate majority leader Harry Reid, a Church member:
"President Hinckley led a remarkable life. His faith and leadership have inspired countless lives throughout the world. He leaves a deeply rooted legacy on our religion through his teachings and his lifetime of service to the Church. My thoughts and prayers are with his family."
Nauvoo Illinois Mayor John K. McCarty:
"(President Hinckley's) decision to rebuild the beautiful Nauvoo Temple has forever changed the future of our town. His dedication to the temple construction, all the supporting structures and the future projects he has envisioned has (preserved) and will preserve the beauty and serenity of our town for years to come."
Meiji Jingu Chief Priest Nakajima Seitaro, Tokyo, Japan:
"President Hinckley was an outstanding person. I very much appreciate his remarkable service for many years, culminating in his 12 years as prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
"I know you will miss him greatly. In the hearts of all who knew him, his memory lives."
Bishop John C. Wester, Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City:
"Our esteem for President Hinckley is profound. While faithful to his religious beliefs, he respected believers of other denominations. He sought to find the common ground that all might work to strengthen the values that we share. His commitment to build a better world, with respect for diversity, fostered good will and community harmony."
Rabbi Benny Zippel, Congregation Kol Ami, Salt Lake City, Utah:
"I mourn the death of an exceptionally decent and kind man, as well as a friend. Though heading a different religion with differing beliefs, he always treated me with great respect and personal friendship, even referring to me as 'my rabbi.' Seeking to make this world even better is his precious legacy that will surely remain intact."
The Reverend Steve Goodier, Sr. Minister, Christ United Methodist Church, Utah:
"Since I've lived in Utah, I've seen a legacy he has left in the interfaith community. He urged his church to be more tolerant, and the result was that it became truly welcoming to some of us from different faith communities."
Salt Lake Theological Seminary President Dr. Jeffrey Silliman:
"Many in the historic Christian communities of Utah will mourn the passing of a man who worked so hard to open the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the wider world. Please know that we will keep the leadership of your Church in our prayers during this time of transition."
