“I remind you that no man who makes disparaging remarks concerning those of another race can consider himself a true disciple of Christ," said President Hinckley. "How can any man holding the Melchizedek Priesthood arrogantly assume that he is eligible for the priesthood whereas another who lives a righteous life but whose skin is of a different color, is ineligible?”

American religious leader and author

Gordon Bitner Hinckley was an American religious leader and author who led The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1995 until his death in 2008. He is remembered as the church’s 15th president and, among members, as a prophet, seer, and revelator. Hinckley served at the head of the church for nearly 13 years and reached 97 years of age. He was, for a time, the oldest person to preside over the church. His public words reflect his role as a faith leader and his long service in the church.