In the aftermath of historic tragedy, President Gordon B. Hinckley advised grieving Americans to find refuge in the Lord. The counsel came as President Hinckley appeared on the CNN broadcast, "Larry King Live," Friday evening, Sept. 14. The Church leader went to the KSL-TV studio in Salt Lake City for a satellite link with Larry King's CNN studio in Los Angeles.
Of the tragic events of Sept. 11, in which thousands were killed or wounded in terrorist attacks on America, President Hinckley said, "When we get in circumstances like this, there is only one true source of comfort — and that comes from God, our Eternal Father."
In his interview with the talk show host, President Hinckley called the terrorist attacks on America as "a sad chapter in the history of this great nation."
The Lord stands ready to impart comfort to the disaster's victims, their survivors, the wounded and anyone else grieving from the events of Sept. 11, President Hinckley said. It is a time of national mourning — and resolve.
The show's host asked President Hinckley why such horrific things were allowed to happen.
"We don't know why," he answered. "We don't understand everything, but we do know that our Father in Heaven loves us and watches over us."
President Hinckley said that life on earth is but a phase called mortality — there is a life beyond, as real and certain as the lives people are living today. He added he has no doubt that there is a life after death.
When asked about what counsel he would give to those struggling with anger, President Hinckley said people should try to subdue their anger, calm their emotions and faithfully ask for the Lord's blessings of assurance, peace, comfort and hope.
One caller to the talk show asked President Hinckley if he is troubled that terrorists often commit heinous acts in the name of God.
"Religion offers no shield for wickedness, for evil. . . the God in whom I believe does not foster this kind of action," President Hinckley said.
Justice will prevail, he declared, adding, "We are all sons and daughters of God," regardless of religion or nationality.
The Church leader told reporters after the broadcast that the tragedy of Sept. 11 has brought people to their knees in prayer. Many, he said, are looking for God.
"This has been a day of spiritual renewal for America."
President Hinckley repeated his counsel that people should live frugally, get out of debt and learn to be self-reliant to be temporally prepared for rough economic times.
E-mail: jswensen@desnews.com
