WASHINGTON-Thursday, Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints addressed the mass shooting resulting in the deaths of numerous elementary school children at Uvalde, Texas.

His remarks were made to the National Press Club at Washington D.C.

Elder Bednar confirmed the following: “We mourn with those who mourn and pray for all those impacted by this senseless act of violence.” He continued, “My prayer and my blessing is that we will be guided, comforted and helped in our important work and that victims, families and nations might be granted the peace that surpasses all understanding-the peace that comes from Jesus Christ.”

His full remarks are available here: https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/elder-bednar-national-press-club-speech.

Elder Bednar is the first Apostle to address this organization since then-Church President Gordon B. Hinckley did so in 2000.

He also confirmed to the organization that the Church’s purpose is to help people learn God’s basic attributes, love Him and become disciples of His Son, Jesus Christ.

Elder Bednar admitted that on numerous issues, the Church does not have all the answers but members do what they can to help in various causes throughout the world.

Elder Bednar also spoke concerning the Church’s educational interests throughout the world, race relations, the LGBTQ community and the purpose of temples in regard to the Church’s rededication of its temple at Kensington, Md. August 14.