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December 2, 2008 5:20:57 AM CST

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Top Mormon Leader Hinckley Dead at 97

Posted Jan 28, 08 3:55 AM CST in Arts & Living,  US 

(Newser) – Gordon B. Hinckley, at 97 the longest-lived president-prophet in the history of the Mormon church, died yesterday of complications of old age. Hinckley, whose energy and extensive world travels earned comparisons to Pope John Paul II, oversaw his church for 12 years during an era of unprecedented growth, the Los Angeles Times reports.

During Hinckley's tenure, the church swelled in membership by 37% and undertook more than 400 building projects worldwide. Known as a brilliant public relations strategist, Hinckley embraced technology and brought to the American mainstream the message that Mormons "are not a weird people"—but managed to do so without taking away the church's distinctive identity, a scholar notes.

Sources Los Angeles Times, Associated Press

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In this Nov. 23, 2005 picture, Gordon B. Hinckley, president of the Mormon church, speaks during an interview in Salt Lake City. In the background is a portrait of Brigham Young, the church's second president...   (Associated Press)
Thomas Richardson a Brigham Young University students pays his respects at a make shift memorial in front of the Gordon B. Hinckley building on the campus of BYU after it was announced that Gordon Hinckley,...   (Associated Press)
Kimberly Stewart a Brigham Young University students lays a note down at a make-shift memorial in front of the Gordon B. Hinckley building on the campus of BYU to pay respects after it was announced that...   (Associated Press)
In this Saturday, April 6, 1996 picture, Mormon Church President Gordon B. Hinckley smiles while listening to speeches at the 166th Annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day...   (Associated Press)
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obituary • Utah • Mormon • Pope John Paul II • Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints • Gordon B. Hinckley


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