Presidents and Prophets: The Story of America''s Presidents and the LDS Church is the title of a book, talk CD, and DVD documentary by Michael K. Winder, a member of the Utah Board of State History. All three were published by Covenant Communications, a division of Salt Lake City based Deseret Book in September 2007. With the growing momentum of the presidential candidacy of former-Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney, this book and its related projects provide a historical context for the relationship between the Mormons and the American Presidency.
The book has 43 chapters, one for each president from George Washington to George W. Bush. Each chapter explores the relationship between the respective President of the United States and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It has received praise from political figures such as Utah Senator Orrin Hatch (who is a member of the LDS church), as well as academics like the University of Florida''s Kenneth Wald.<1>
The documentary includes interviews with dozens of experts who are sharing their experiences or stories they know about the interactions between the Mormons and the President of the United States. Academics such as Columbia University''s Richard Bushman participate, as do politicos such as U.S. Senator Bob Bennett and former Senator Jake Garn. Mike Winder acts as the narrator.
The talk CD is a one-hour fireside address given by Mike Winder summarizing some of the more colorful anecdotes mentioned in the book.