Presidents and Prophets. The Story of America's Presidents and the LDS Church

The relationship between U.S. presidents and the Church has changed dramatically over the centuries. Early antagonists such as Martin Van Buren and James Buchanan were eventually succeeded by friendlier presidents like Grover Cleveland and Teddy Roosevelt. More recently, presidents such as Dwight D. Eisenhower, Richard Nixon, and Ronald Reagan relied on LDS statesmen as key advisors or cabinet members. And in 2004, President George W. Bush presented President Gordon B. Hinckley with the nation's highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Here are some of the highlights of the complex relationships between leaders of the country and leaders of the Church as they slowly evolved from suspicion to tolerance, and ultimately, to respect and admiration.