Religious, political, business and other leaders from around the world offered their feelings about President Ezra Taft Benson. Because of the large number of those responding, the Deseret News will carry additional comments in Wednesday's paper.
- President Clinton: "It was with sadness that I learned today of the passing of Ezra Taft Benson, who served our country and his church with ceaseless dedication over a long life productively lived. It is no accident that one of Mr. Benson's most famous books emphasized in its words and thoughts the three values his life best represented: church, God and country. He was a leader of his church for five decades, he preached with passion for unity, solidarity and responsibility within the family, and he served ably in the Eisenhower administration as agriculture secretary."As we celebrate D-Day and the liberation of Europe, it is important to remember that Mr. Benson was the first representative of his church to re-enter post-war Europe, where he distributed aid and lifted the spirits of thousands of survivors.
"His friends and fellow believers remind us tonight that Ezra Taft Benson was a lifelong Scouter, a strong defender of the Constitution, the creator of the soil bank, a religious man who expanded the membership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and someone who believed and preached the idea that families come first. We rejoice in his service, we remember his life and we extend our heartfelt sympathies to his family, his church and his admirers worldwide."
- Gov. Mike Leavitt: "The loss of this great man will be felt all over the world. His personal devotion and spiritual strength have impacted millions of lives, including my own. He had the unusual distinction of providing significant leadership, not only in religion, but in government, shaping important public policy for the nation in his duties as a presidential Cabinet member. My thoughts are with his family as they deal with this personal loss."
- Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah: "President Benson was a spiritual giant of the world. He was a strong and a kind man. He was a man of service and example to his church, his country, his family, his fellow men and women. He had a great personal influence on me through his leadership and devotion to what he knew was right. He was a close personal friend that I cherished. His death is a great loss, not only to me but to mankind."
- Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah: "I have known and admired President Benson for more than 40 years. He was always highly respected in both civic and church affairs and an outstanding representative of the values of Utah. I was always struck by his fearlessness in speaking up for what he believed, as well as his boundless energy. . . . He leaves behind a great legacy, a life filled with contribution and an example of the best of the human spirit."
- Rep. Jim Hansen, R-Utah: "I am saddened by the loss of President Ezra Taft Benson, a loss which is shared not just by all Latter-day Saints but also by those around the world who knew of his wonderful qualities and contributions.
"President Benson was a rare and special individual with precise clarity of vision and beliefs, instinctively knowing what was good for his country and his church. He was a man of the highest unwavering integrity. There was little question about where he stood on any issue, and he would steadfastly hold to his high principles when challenged."
- Rep. Karen Shepherd, D-Utah: "President Benson touched countless lives across the world during his lifetime, and I add my voice to theirs in mourning his passage. . . . From his tireless missionary work and his leadership in the Eisenhower Cabinet to his unflagging devotion to the LDS Church, President Benson embodied an unparalleled commitment to leadership, service, integrity and faith. His presence as a spiritual guide and world leader will be deeply missed."
- Rep. Bill Orton, D-Utah: "I join with the church, state and nation in mourning the passing of President Benson, but also in celebrating his long, full life of serving the church, country and world. He was a great spiritual and political leader, and he has given us wise counsel and direction, both spiritually and politically. We will miss him."
- Deedee Corradini, Salt Lake mayor: "President Benson has had a life of distinguished service to our country as a public servant and to the LDS Church as a general authority. His influence has been a positive force in our community and he will be missed. My sympathies to his family and to all who loved him."
- Monsignor J. Terrence Fitzgerald, administrator of the Salt Lake Catholic Diocese: "On behalf of the Catholic people of the state of Utah, I offer heartfelt sympathy to the members of the First Presidency and faithful of the LDS Church on the death of their beloved President Ezra Taft Benson. We hold them and his family in our hearts in this time of loss.
"President Benson served his church, this community and indeed the country with single-hearted dedication and devotion. His commitment to a better world motivated him to use his many talents on behalf of others. His concern for family life moved him to preach those fundamental values so essential for success: honesty, fidelity, perseverance and devotion.
"May God grant peace to all who revered President Benson."
- Rabbi Frederick Wenger of the Congregation Kol Ami: "On behalf of the Jewish community, we extend our deepest sympathy to our LDS friends. President Benson was a great religious leader for his church, and we mourn his passing."