Sad, Sad News

Being in Utah we often get church news before others. I don't want any left out of the loop.

Our beloved, amazing prophet Gordan B. Hinckley has passed on and is now with his wife and others.

Official Church Announcement here

SALT LAKE CITY - The president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Gordon Bitner Hinckley, died on Sunday at the age of 97 after spending more than a decade as the Mormon faith's leader.

The announcement came late Sunday evening from LDS Church officials. President of the church since 1995, officials say Hinckley died peacefully at approximately 7:00 p.m. at his home from health complications related to his age. According to an official church release, Hinckley was surrounded by his family when he passed away.

Born on June 23, 1910, Hinckley ascended to the church presidency on Mar. 12, 1995. For nearly 13 years, Hinckley served as the 15th prophet of the LDS faith as a successor to Howard W. Hunter.

Hinckley was named to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles by the LDS Church in 1961. After 20 years in the post, he was called up to the First Presidency on Jul. 23, 1981. Hinckley served as Second Counselor to President Spencer W. Kimball and later First Counselor to President Ezra Taft Benson between 1985 and 1994.

In 1994, he served for LDS Church President Howard W. Hunter during his brief nine month tenure.

At age 96, Hinckley became the oldest president in LDS Church history on Nov. 2, 2006 -- surpassing David O. McKay.

Hinckley might be best known for his aggressive attitude in building LDS temples around the world. As of Jan. 2008, 124 LDS temples were operating worldwide -- with several others either planned or under construction. Prior to Hinckley's presidency, there were less than 50 world temples.

Hinckley has traveled around the world many times performing work for the church and its reported 10 million members in 160 nations and territories.