Dear Friends,

His Excellency, Bishop Kevin Vann, has asked me to send you his condolences on the occasion of the death of President Russell M. Nelson. Among his achievements, and remembered especially by us, is that President Russell was the first president of the LDS Church to meet with the head of the Catholic Church. On March 9, 2019, President Nelson made a historic visit to the Vatican to meet with Pope Francis. By all accounts, it was a great success which has developed stronger ties of friendship between our communities. We pray for his eternal peace and for the comfort of Wendy, his wife and the family.

It is with great sadness that His Excellency wishes to extend to the LDS Community his concern and prayers over the horrific attack upon members of the Grand Blanc Township during worship. The violence and loss of life echoes strongly with us. We pray for the peace of those who have died and for those who are injured.

The Catholic members of our LDS/Catholic Dialogue send our heartfelt prayers to the LDS Community of Orange County. We are close to you during these days of mourning for President Nelson and the tragedy still unfolding at Grand Blanc Township church.

With faith in the Resurrection,

Very Rev. Alfred S Baca
Episcopal Vicar for Ecumenism and Inter-religion