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{{LDSInfobox
:''The following discussion is an archived debate of the proposed deletion of the article below. <span style="color:red">'''Please do not modify it.'''</span> Subsequent comments should be made on the appropriate discussion page (such as the article's talk page or in a [[Wikipedia:Deletion review|deletion review]]). No further edits should be made to this page. ''
|English name= Gordon B. Hinckley
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|image= [[Image:Hinckley message.png|200px]]
|birth_name= Gordon Bitner Hinckley
|birth_date= {{birth date and age|1910|06|23}}
|birthplace= [[Salt Lake City, Utah]]
|prophet_date= [[March 12]], [[1995]]
|predecessor= [[Howard W. Hunter]]
}}
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{{LDS}}
'''Gordon Bitner Hinckley''' (born [[June 23]], [[1910]]) has been the 15th [[President of the Church (Latter Day Saints)|President]] of [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] since [[March 12]], [[1995]].<ref name="Hinckley Biography">{{cite web |url=http://www.lds.org/newsroom/biography/0,15609,3959-1----37,00.html |title=Biography of President Gordon B. Hinckley |accessdate=2006-10-30}}</ref> Additionally, at times when Hinckley's predecessors were in poor health, Hinckley performed many of the duties of the Church's presidency in an acting capacity as established by precedent. He is also the oldest [[President of the Church (Latter Day Saints)|President of the Church]] in the Church's 177-year history.
The result was '''speedy delete''' by [[User:Jimfbleak|Jimfbleak]], A7. Non-admin closure. [[User:Blueboy96|Blueboy]][[User talk:Blueboy96|96]] 11:10, 21 July 2007 (UTC)
As [[President#Non-governmental presidents|president]] of the Church, Hinckley is considered by faithful members to be a [[Prophet#Latter-day Saint concept of prophets|prophet]], [[Seer stones in Mormonism|seer]], and [[revelation|revelator]] of God's will on behalf of humanity. Hinckley also serves as Chairman of the [[Church Educational System#Church Board of Education and Board of Trustees|Church Board of Education and Board of Trustees]] that govern the [[Church Educational System]].<ref name="Hinckley Biography"/>
===[[50 UK Campus Conversation Topics]]===
:{{la|50 UK Campus Conversation Topics}} – <includeonly>([[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/50 UK Campus Conversation Topics|View AfD]])</includeonly><noinclude>([[Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Log/2007 July 21#{{anchorencode:50 UK Campus Conversation Topics}}|View log]])</noinclude>
During Hinckley's tenure as President, the Church has more than doubled the number of [[temples (Mormonism)|temples]].<ref> He became President of the Church in [[March 1995]], when there were 46 temples. {{LDS Temple status}} (See [[List of temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]].)</ref> Hinckley also initiated the [[Perpetual Education Fund]], which provides educational loans to students in [[developing countries]].
Advert for non-notable book. The author of the article is probably one of the authors of the book. -- [[User:RHaworth|RHaworth]] 02:21, 21 July 2007 (UTC)
== Biography ==
*'''Speedy delete.''' Chinese-flavored [[WP:SPAM|spam]]. [[User:Realkyhick|Realkyhick]]
[[Image:Gordon Bitner Hinckley bronze bust conference center.jpg|thumb|left|100px|Gordon B. Hinckley in the Hall of the Prophets in the [[LDS Conference Center]]]]
* '''Delete''' Not notable. [[User:Wikidudeman|'''<font color="blue">Wikidudeman</font>''']] <sup>[[User talk:Wikidudeman|(talk)]]</sup> 03:34, 21 July 2007 (UTC)
*'''Speedy Delete''' A [http://www.google.com.sg/search?as_q=&hl=en&num=100&btnG=Google+Search&as_epq=50+UK+Campus+Conversation+Topics&as_oq=&as_eq=wikipedia&lr=&as_ft=i&as_filetype=&as_qdr=all&as_occt=any&as_dt=i&as_sitesearch=&as_rights=&safe=images google search] shows absolutely no hits for this article. It is thus impossible to [[WP:V|verify]] the contents of this article. --<font style="background:gold">[[WP:EA|<font color="green">S</font>]][[User:Siva1979|iva1979]]</font><sup><font style="background:yellow">[[User talk:Siva1979|Talk to me]]</font></sup> 04:27, 21 July 2007 (UTC)
Born in [[Salt Lake City]], [[Utah]], Hinckley completed [[high school]] in [[1928]]. After attending the [[University of Utah]] he became a [[Mormon missionary|missionary]], an unusual occurrence for [[The Great Depression|Depression-era]] [[Latter-day Saints]]. He served in the British [[Missions of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints|mission]] headquartered in [[London]] in [[1933]]. He started in [[Preston]], but for most of his mission worked in the mission office. This circumstance placed him in constant contact with [[Joseph F. Merrill]], who served as Mission President.
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Hinckley returned to the [[United States]] in [[1935]] after having completed a short tour of the continent, including preaching the gospel in both [[Berlin]] and [[Paris]]. President Merrill had given him an assignment to meet with the [[First Presidency]] and request that better materials be made available to missionaries for proselyting purposes. Out of this meeting he received a job as executive secretary of the [[Radio, Publicity and Missionary Literature Committee]] (he had received schooling as a [[journalist]] in college). Hinckley's responsibilities included developing the Church's fledgling [[radio]] broadcasts and making use of the era's new communication technologies. Starting in [[1937]], he served on the [[Sunday School]] General Board. On [[April 29]], [[1937]], he married Marjorie Pay ([[November 23]], [[1911]] – [[April 6]], [[2004]]). They had been married for nearly 67 years at the time of her death.
After service in a [[stake (Mormonism)|stake]] presidency, Hinckley became a [[General Authority]] of the Church in the now-discontinued position of [[Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles]] in 1958. In 1961 he became an [[Apostle#Apostles today|Apostle]] and member of that Quorum.
On [[July 23]], [[1981]], Hinckley was called as a fourth member of the First Presidency. It was only the second time in the [[20th century]] that this optional calling was filled. As the [[1980s]] progressed, the health of both Church President [[Spencer W. Kimball]] and his aging Counselors [[Nathan Eldon Tanner|N. Eldon Tanner]] and [[Marion G. Romney]] led to President Hinckley's being the only healthy and visible member of the [[First Presidency]]. When President Tanner died in 1982, Romney succeeded him as First Counselor and Hinckley succeeded Romney as Second Counselor.
During this time period, several new and questionable [[Mormon]] historical documents began to surface, and Hinckley oversaw the purchase of some of these documents. Later, the newly-surfaced documents turned out to be forgeries of [[Mark Hofmann]], including the [[Salamander Letter]]. Because of his prominence in the Church and his responsibility to oversee the purchase of historical documents, Hinckley became a key figure in the investigation of Hofmann.
By this time, however, Hinckley was largely shouldering the burdens of the First Presidency. Though he officially remained Second Counselor, he was informally referred to in the press as "acting President of the Church." Kimball and Romney remained largely out of the public eye until President Kimball died in November 1985.
Longtime [[President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles]] [[Ezra Taft Benson]] became Church President and named Hinckley his first counselor. Romney succeeded Benson as President of the Twelve, though he never exercised the duties of this position due to his ill health, with the actual duties being filled by [[Howard W. Hunter]]. [[Thomas S. Monson]] became Second Counselor, and, for a while, all three members of the First Presidency were able to perform their duties.
In the early [[1990s]], however, [[Ezra Taft Benson]] developed serious health problems that removed him from public view, and Hinckley again carried out many of the duties of the President of the Church until Benson died in 1994. [[Howard W. Hunter]], who had succeeded Romney as President of the Twelve, became Church President and set apart Hinckley and Monson as his Counselors, Hinckley additionally becoming President of the Twelve by seniority. When Hunter died after a presidency of only nine months, Hinckley was chosen to be president of the Church at the age of 84 (his two predecessors had both acceded at age 86) after being unanimously sustained by members of the [[Quorum of the Twelve]], in accordance with tradition.
[[image:Gordon B. Hinckley on Larry King Live (1998).jpg|thumb|left|250px|Church President Gordon B. Hinckley in an interview with his friend, broadcaster [[Larry King]], c. 1998. Courtesy [[Larry King Live]].]]
Remarkably vigorous for his age, Hinckley has led the Church since [[March 12]], [[1995]]. On November 2, 2006, he surpassed [[David O. McKay]] to become the oldest president in Church history.<ref>{{cite news |first=Lynn |last=Arave |title=LDS leader ties record for longevity |url=http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,650203647,00.html |work=Deseret Morning News |date=[[2006-11-02]] |accessdate=2006-11-04 }}</ref> At the [[General Conference]] on [[October 1]], [[2006]], he commented on the pending record, indicating that he expected to surpass it. He said, "I do not say this to be boastful but rather grateful." If he continues to live until May 22, 2008, he will surpass [[David B. Haight]] to become the oldest man in church history to hold the office of [[Apostle (Mormonism)|apostle]] <ref>[http://lds.org/newsroom/showrelease/0,15503,3881-1-19896,00.html "Elder David B. Haight Passes Away" LDS Church Newsroom Release], 31 July 2004, retrieved 6 November 2006</ref>. <ref>" [http://www.timeanddate.com/date/dateadded.html?m1=June&d1=23&y1=1910&type=add&ay=97&am=10&ad=29&aw=|Add and subtract dates] Retrieved 4 February 2007</ref>
Hinckley is known for his aggressive building of [[Temple (Latter Day Saints)|temples]]. {{LDS Temple status}} Before he became President there were 47 dedicated temples. In 2000 alone, more LDS temples opened (34) than had existed at the time of Hinckley's calling to the First Presidency. Over two-thirds of all LDS temples currently in operation were dedicated by Hinckley. Hinckley has also overseen other building projects like the [[LDS Conference Center]].
On [[23 September]], [[1995]], Hinckley announced and read ''[[The Family: A Proclamation to the World]]'', a statement of belief and counsel prepared by the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve.
On [[31 March]], [[2001]], he announced the [[Perpetual Education Fund]], a large endowment that provides loans to students in developing nations. It is funded entirely by donations, with the assumption that students will pay back into the fund when they are able.
On [[22 October]], [[2002]], he participated in the dedication of the Gordon B. Hinckley Building at [[BYU-Idaho]] in [[Rexburg, Idaho]]. This was the first such building at BYU-Idaho to be named for a living person. He was joined by President Thomas S. Monson and Elder [[Henry B. Eyring]], the former dedicating the building. President Hinckley made it clear that he had nothing to do with the naming of the building, and when the name was suggested by the university's Board of Trustess (of which he was chairman), that he "was simply flummoxed." <ref>[http://www.byui.edu/Presentations/Transcripts/Devotionals/2002_10_22_Hinckley.htm "Dedication of Gordon B. Hinckley Building" President Gordon B. Hinckley], 22 October 2002</ref>.
On [[March 12]], [[2005]], along with counselors [[Thomas S. Monson]] and [[James E. Faust]], President Hinckley celebrated the 10th anniversary of their organization as the [[First Presidency]], the first time in the organization of the church that body has lasted for such a time without a change in personnel.
On [[July 22]], [[2005]], friends of Hinckley performed in a celebration commemorating his 95th birthday. In addition to the 22,000 people who attended in person, the event was broadcast on [[BYU Television]] and to meetinghouses on the Church's closed-circuit satellite system. [[Mike Wallace (journalist)|Mike Wallace]], former host of ''[[60 Minutes]]'', narrated Hinckley's life and his accomplishments. Afterward, Hinckley spoke, thanking everyone for attending, and saying, "Let's have another such party five years from now."
On [[January 24]], [[2006]], Hinckley underwent surgery to remove cancerous growths in his large intestine. According to ''[[Deseret Morning News|Deseret News]]'', the procedure went well and a rapid recovery was expected. He was released from the hospital on [[January 31]], [[2006]].
[[Image:GBH-Santiago Chile dedication.jpg|thumb|180px|Gordon B. Hinckley at the [[Santiago Chile Temple]] dedication.]]
On [[March 10]], [[2006]], Hinckley traveled to [[Santiago, Chile]] to rededicate a temple. There he told the people that it was likely he wouldn't get back to see them again.<ref>{{cite news |last=Mikita |first=Carole |title=President Hinckley Heads Temple Rededication in Chile |url=http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=175288 |publisher=[[KSL-TV|KSL Television]] & [[KSL Newsradio|Radio]] |___location=[[Salt Lake City, Utah]] |date=[[2006-03-12]] |accessdate=2006-09-28 }}</ref> Less than a month later, he presided over [[General conference (Mormonism)|General Conference]]. Some speculated he was in bad health because he did not give the opening address. These speculations were soon debunked when a stern, strong Hinckley gave the concluding talk of the [http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=184933 Priesthood Session]. He returned to his normal speaking pattern of an opening address during the Saturday Morning session, a closing address at the Sunday Afternoon session, and full discourses during the [[Priesthood (Latter Day Saints)|Priesthood]] and Sunday Morning sessions.
In June of 2006, Hinckley traveled to [[Iowa City, Iowa]] to speak at a [[Fireside (Mormonism)|fireside]] commemorating the 150th anniversary of the start of the [[Mormon pioneers|handcart companies]].
On [[June 23]], [[2006]], on his 96th birthday, Hinckley participated in a groundbreaking ceremony at [[BYU]] for a new building to be named in his honor. The building is to be called the "[[Gordon B. Hinckley Alumni and Visitors Center]]" and is expected to be completed by the fall of 2007.
In September 2006, Hinckley dedicated the [[Sacramento California Temple]].
In March 2007, Hinckley rededicated the [[Salt Lake Tabernacle]] after extensive renovation.
Hinckley has been described as the most-traveled Church leader, past or present, having traveled millions of miles over the years to fulfill assignments. In spite of his advanced age, he continues to travel the world over as he dedicates temples and meets with the [[Saints#Latter-day Saints|Saints]]. Up until the age of 95 and his cancer surgery, he had spent only one night in a hospital in his life.<ref>{{cite news |author=Carole Mikita |coauthors=Dr. Kim Mulvihill |title=President Hinckley "Resting Comfortably" After Surgery |url=http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=299&sid=154257 |publisher=[[KSL-TV|KSL Television]] & [[KSL Newsradio|Radio]] |date=[[2006-01-25]] |accessdate=2006-10-30 }}</ref> In the following April [[General conference (Mormonism)|Conference]], using his trademark humor, he remarked: "It is the first time in my 95 years that I have been a patient in a hospital. I do not recommend it to anyone." <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,49-1-602-26,00.html |title=Seek Ye the Kingdom of God |accessdate=2006-10-30 |last=Hinckley |first=Gordon |date=[[2006-04-02]] |work=176th Annual [[General conference (Mormonism)|General Conference]], April 2006 }}</ref>
Hinckley has had extensive experience in public relations working for the church. His meetings with foreign diplomats and leaders have served to make the sometimes controversial religion more globally accepted and recognized.
Early in Hinckley's tenure as president ([[February 1996]]), church membership in countries outside the United States surpassed that of the U.S. membership.
== Awards ==
On [[June 23]], [[2004]] (Hinckley's 94th birthday), [[President of the United States|President]] [[George W. Bush]] awarded Hinckley the [[Presidential Medal of Freedom]], the highest civilian honor awarded by the [[United States]], in a ceremony at the [[White House]]. The [[press release]] put forth by the White House stated:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.medaloffreedom.com/GordonHinckley.htm |title=Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipient Gordon B. Hinckley |accessdate=2006-10-30}}</ref>
: "Gordon B. Hinckley [...] has inspired millions and has led efforts to improve humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and education funding across the globe."
Hinckley has received many educational honors, including the Distinguished Citizen Award from [[Southern Utah University]], Distinguished Alumni Award from the [[University of Utah]], and honorary doctorates from [[Westminster College (Salt Lake City)|Westminster College]], [[Utah State University]], [[University of Utah]], [[Brigham Young University]], and [[Southern Utah University]]. He has received the [[Silver Buffalo Award]] of the [[Boy Scouts of America]], and has been honored by the [[National Conference]] (formerly the National Conference of Christians and Jews) for his contributions to tolerance and understanding in the world.
[[Brigham Young University-Idaho]] constructed a building that was dedicated as the Gordon B. Hinckley building in 2002.
[[Brigham Young University]] is currently constructing a large gateway building named for President Hinckley. It will serve as an international alumni and visitors' center. The building's construction began in May 2006.
== Quotations ==
* At the last performance of the [[Mormon Tabernacle Choir]] in the [[Salt Lake Tabernacle]], prior to structural upgrades, Hinckley addressed the Choir. He commented on the expected 18 months that the Tabernacle would be closed, adding "I hope I'm here to welcome you back!"
* "So long as this church has '''any''' resources, those resources will be made available to those in need, anywhere in the world."
== Further reading ==
* {{cite book|last=Dew|first=Sheri L.|authorlink=Sheri L. Dew|title=Go Forward with Faith: The Biography of Gordon B. Hinckley|year=1996|publisher=Deseret Book|___location=Salt Lake City|id=ISBN 1-57345-165-7}}
* [http://www.medaloffreedom.com/2004RecipientsCeremony.htm 2004 Presidential Medal of Freedom Remarks by President George W. Bush]
* [http://www.lds.org/newsroom/showpackage/0,15367,3899-1--32-1-120,00.html President Gordon B. Hinckley: A Modern Prophet]
== Publications ==
* {{cite book|author=Hinckley, Gordon B.|title=Be Thou An Example|year=1981|publisher=Deseret Book|id=ISBN 0-87747-899-6}}
* {{cite book|author=Hinckley, Gordon B.|title=A Brief Statement of Principles of the Gospel Based Largely Upon the Compendium (Richards/Little) with Excerpts from Other Writings: Including Also Church Chronology, Priesthood Ordinances, Selected Hymns|year=1943}}
* {{cite book|author=Hinckley, Gordon B.|title=Discourses of President Gordon B. Hinckley|edition=2 vols.|year=2005|publisher=Deseret Book|id=ISBN 1-59038-431-8 (vol. 1), ISBN 1-59038-518-7 (vol. 2)}}
* {{cite book|author=Hinckley, Gordon B.|title=Faith: The Essence of True Religion|year=1989|publisher=Deseret Book|id=ISBN 0-87579-270-7}}
* {{cite book|author=Hinckley, Gordon B.|title=Stand a Little Taller|year=2001|publisher=Eagle Gate|id=ISBN 1-57008-767-9}}
* {{cite book|author=Hinckley, Gordon B.|title=Standing for Something: Ten Neglected Virtues That Will Heal Our Hearts and Homes|year=2000|publisher=Times Books|id=ISBN 0-8129-3317-6}}
* {{cite book|author=Hinckley, Gordon B.|title=Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley|year=1997|publisher=Deseret Book|id=ISBN 1-57345-262-9}}
<!--*{{cite book|author=Hinckley, Gordon B.|title=Truth Restored: A Short History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints|year=1969|publisher=Deseret News Press}} reprint of part of "What of the Mormons?"-->
* {{cite book|author=Hinckley, Gordon B.|title=Way to Be!: Nine Ways to Be Happy and Make Something of Your Life|year=2002|publisher=Simon & Schuster|id=ISBN 0-7432-3830-3}}
* {{cite book|author=Hinckley, Gordon B.|title=What of the Mormons? A Brief Study of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints|year=1947|publisher=The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints}}
== References ==
<!--<nowiki>
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Footnotes for an explanation of how to generate footnotes using the <ref> and </ref> tags, and the template below.
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{{FootnotesSmall|resize=100%}}
* [http://www.lds.org/newsroom/biography/0,15609,3959-1----37,00.html Biography of President Gordon B. Hinckley]
* [http://www.lds.org/churchhistory/presidents/controllers/potcController.jsp?leader=15&topic=facts Official Church History - Basic Facts about Gordon B. Hinckley]
Hinckley, Gordon B. (2006). One Bright Shining Hope: Messages for Women from Gordon B. Hinckley. Deseret Book. ISBN 1-59038-355-9.
== External links ==
{{wikiquote}}
* [http://search.ldslibrary.com/author/Hinckley,%20Gordon%20B.&browse Sermons and writings of Gordon B. Hinckley] (ldslibrary.com)
* [http://www.ldsces.org/inst_manuals/pres-sm/pres-ch-13-15.htm A biography of three recent LDS church presidents: Ezra Taft Benson, Howard W. Hunter and Gordon B. Hinkley]
* [http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0412/26/lkl.01.html Larry King Live - Gordon Hinckley: Distinguished Religious Leader of the Mormons] (Aired September 8, 1998)
* [http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,155008723,00.html Transcript: National Press Club Q&A with President Gordon B. Hinckley] (Questions from Jack Cushman, The New York Times)
* [http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/religion/july-dec97/mormons_7-18.html Road to Salvation: Interview with Gordon B. Hinckley by Richard Ostling]
{{start box}}
{{succession box |
title= [[President of the Church (Latter Day Saints)|President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] |
years= [[1995]]– |
before= [[Howard W. Hunter]] |
after= Incumbent
}}
{{succession box |
title= [[President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles]] |
years= [[1994]]–[[1995]] |
before= [[Howard W. Hunter]] |
after= [[Thomas S. Monson]]
}}
{{succession box |
title= [[Quorum of the Twelve Apostles]] |
years= [[December 2]], [[1961]]–[[February 25]], [[1994]] |
before= [[Howard W. Hunter]] |
after= [[N. Eldon Tanner]] |
}}
{{end box}}
{{Spoken Wikipedia|en-gordonhinckley.ogg|2007-01-17}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Hinckley, Gordon B.}}
[[Category:1910 births]]
[[Category:Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients]]
[[Category:Presidents of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]]
[[Category:Cancer survivors]]
[[Category:Christian religious leaders]]
[[Category:American religious leaders]]
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