The two newest members of a top Mormon governing panel say they hope to bring a new perspective as the first Latin-American and the first person of Asian ancestry to a previously all-white top leadership group that helps make church policy.
Ulisses Soares of Brazil and Gerrit W. Gong, a Chinese-American, made the comments Thursday during their first media interviews since being chosen for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' leadership panel called the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles earlier this year.
Speaking about different topics, Gong also said there's never been a greater need for political civility.
They both said the religion has zero tolerance for sexual abuse and will act immediately when violations are discovered.
