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Arizona governor visits LDS leaders

The Salt Lake Tribune, USA
Rhina Guidos
Rhina Guidos
www.sltrib.com

ReligionNewsBlog.com • Saturday September 25, 2004

Many Mormons in her state: She says her exploratory trip to Salt Lake City will make her a “better governor”

After meeting with LDS Church leaders and touring various church facilities, Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano said she had a better appreciation of the Mormon faith.

“It’s been an interesting day,” Napolitano said just after her last stop, the Family History Library in downtown Salt Lake City. “It will make me a better governor.”

She toured Welfare Square and the downtown church complex, and met with President Gordon B. Hinckley and other top church leaders. The Democratic governor said the background will help her better understand those she serves, especially since her state is home to thethird largest population of Mormons in the country. Arizona has more than 330,000 LDS Church members.

The Mormon Church

Theologically, Mormonism – the so-called ‘Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ is a cult of Christianity.

Given that the theology and practice of the Mormon Church violates essential Christian doctrines, Mormonism does not represent historical, Biblical Christianity, is not a Christian denomination, and is not in any way part of the Christian church.

Research resources on Mormonism

“We have a large population of LDS members in Arizona, many in the legislature and in all walks of life,” she said.

Though the visit was billed as an exploratory trip, Napolitano said she developed ideas, none concrete,about how to possibly work with the church in projects around the Mesa, Ariz., temple and perhaps on restoration projects of some monuments important to the church.

“It’s an honor to have her here,” said LDS church member Luana Shumway, who visited with the governor. “She seemed like anintellectual person.”

The Associated Press reported earlier this week that the visit came with a $1,500 cost to Arizona taxpayers for hotel rooms, meals and air travel.