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Carole Mikita Reporting...The huge crowds attending the 173rd Annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, on their way inside the Conference Center, passed through tighter security and dozens of street preachers.
Protestor: "YOU WOULD BE BETTER OFF GOING INTO A GAY BAR THAN INTO THE TEMPLE..."
As expected the street preachers returned to Main Street Plaza... this time without the megaphones. And heeding the advice of ACLU members, on hand to protect their rights.
ACLU Representative: "JUST MAKE SURE YOU'RE NOT GONNA BLOCK PEOPLE'S WAY... RIGHT..."
Protester: "YOU SHALL ALL LIKEWISE PERISH..."
Others gathered along the sidewalks outside the conference center where there was increased police presence and where thousands of Latter-day Saints rushed to get out of the cold and rain.
The wait in line was a little longer this time as conference-goers passed through metal detectors and handbag checks. But most people were not bothered.
Shelly Rime/Yorba Linda, Ca.: "IT'S A SAFETY THING THAT I THINK WE NEED TO WORRY ABOUT THESE DAYS, SO, I'M GLAD THAT WE'RE DOIN' IT..."
Mike Vellinga/Clinton, Utah: "LITTLE DIFFERENT BUT VERY SMOOTH, VERY PLEASANT AND NO PROBLEMS..."
President Gordon B. Hinckley told members he would speak of the war tomorrow but reported the church is in good condition.
He also talked 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."
This afternoon... church members voted to sustain their leaders and heard of growth ... there are now 11- million 721- thousand Latter-day Saints worldwide...
Five men were called as new general authorities. 37 were called as area authorities, including Robert Garff and Fraser Bullock, two high-profile SLOC members.
Those new assignments for Fraser Bullock and Bob Garff are volunteer church service where they live - they will continue working at their individual professions.
