Church Officials Visit U.S. Vice President

Elder Neal A. Maxwell and Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles met with U.S. vice president Al Gore, presenting him with copies of his family history.

During the 20-minute visit, Elder Maxwell and Elder Ballard thanked Vice President Gore for the work he and U.S. president Bill Clinton had done for the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The two Church leaders also shared highlights with the vice president from his family history, including the story of an early Quaker ancestor who was imprisoned for standing up for his religious rights.

While they were in Washington, D.C., Elder Maxwell and Elder Ballard visited with media, national family-oriented groups, and other government officials.

“Many people are unaware of our resources, so we are just reaching out and informing them,” explained Elder Maxwell, who serves as chairman of the Church’s Public Affairs Committee. Elder Ballard also serves on the committee.