SALT LAKE CITY (September 29, 2025) – Today, Sutherland Institute released the following statement in response to the events of the weekend, including the passing of Russell M. Nelson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and those killed and injured in a tragic shooting and fire at a Church ward building in Grand Blanc, Michigan:

“Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the world lost a champion for the importance of religious freedom and faith in public life, with the passing of President Nelson. We mourn the loss of a man who devoted his life to building bridges and spreading Christ’s love across the world.

Following the horrific shooting and fire at a Church building in Grand Blanc, Michigan, we also recognize how much society benefits from President Nelson’s life of strength and courage during times like this. We echo his words from a statement he made just a few weeks ago: ‘…we are all children of God, we must treat one another with more dignity, compassion and respect.’

Our prayers are with the Nelson family and the families of those lost and injured in Michigan.”