Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, April 7, 1991                   TAG: 9104070081
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A-6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: SALT LAKE CITY                                LENGTH: Short

CHURCH LEADERS EXPRESS GRATITUDE FOR WAR'S END

"Our prayers were answered, and in this national period of thanksgiving designated by presidential proclamation, we join millions of religious people everywhere in prayers of thanks to a merciful Father in Heaven," said Elder Dallin Oaks, a member of the Council of the Twelve Apostles.

He was speaking at the opening of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' 161st Annual General Conference.

Outside the Tabernacle on Temple Square, a group of homosexuals protested Mormon attitudes toward gays.

The faith's frail president, Ezra Taft Benson, 91, attended the first hour of the opening session but did not address the gathering. - Associated Press