"We believe that most religious leaders and followers are sincere believers who love God and understand and serve him to the best of their abilities. We are indebted to the men and women who kept the light of faith and learning alive through the centuries to the present day... We honor them as servants of God."
DALLIN H. OAKS April 1995
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/1995/04/apostasy-and-restoration?lang=eng