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Carole Mikita Reporting...Despite the rainy, snowy weather, concerns about the war and homeland security, the crowds came and heard church leaders talk about holding onto their faith and their values, whether they are citizens or soldiers.
In tonight's priesthood meeting, Pres. James E. Faust, a World War II veteran, warned church members serving in the military to keep the commandments.
Pres. James E. Faust/The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: "YOU NEED TO BE LOYAL TO THE MEMBERS OF YOUR UNIT... BUT THAT DOESN'T MEAN YOU HAVE TO LOWER YOUR MORAL STANDARDS."
President Hinckley also spoke of loyalty... telling the men to be true to themselves, the Lord and in their relationships. He said:
Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley/ The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: "YOU CANNOT LIE, YOU CANNOT CHEAT, YOU CANNOT TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OTHERS..."
He told them to stay away from pornography and foul language and promised as long as he is church president...
Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley/ The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: "I WILL NEVER CONSENT TO NOR ADVOCATE ANY POLICY, ANY PROGRAM, ANY DOCTRINE WHICH WILL BE OTHERWISE THAN BENEFICIAL TO THE MEMBERSHIP..."
Earlier today, President Hinckley reported the church is in good condition. He spoke of the purchase of Crossroads Mall in downtown Salt Lake and said tithing funds have not and will not be used in its development.
Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley/ The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: "THE PROPERTY NEEDS VERY EXTENSIVE AND EXPENSIVE RENOVATION. WE HAVE FELT IT IMPERATIVE TO DO SOMETHING TO REVITALIZE THIS AREA."
As church members voted to sustain their leaders, they also heard that there are now 11- million 721- thousand Latter-day Saints worldwide. President Hinckley talked of that point in terms of the war.
Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley/ The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: "MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH FAMILY ARE CITIZENS OF MANY NATIONS. WE FIND OURSELVES ON BOTH SIDES OF A GREAT DEBATE..."
There will be more talk about the war tomorrow, specifically from President Hinckley.
