Despite those questions, Johnson sought the Tabernacle pulpit as a venue for Zacharias in a letter earlier this year to the First Presidency of the LDS Church. He believes they agreed, in part, because of the press conference and quiet outreach campaign that local evangelicals staged outside the Conference Center last spring during LDS general conference, designed to counter attempts by self-proclaimed Christian preachers who have sought to antagonize Latter-day Saints.

After discussions with Millet, the First Presidency not only granted permission for Zacharias to speak in the Tabernacle, but they plan to meet with the evangelist personally during his visit to Utah. Johnson said he has discussed the editor role Zacharias played in the latest edition of "The Kingdom of the Cults" with the First Presidency's office — "basically, he agreed to lend his name to it, but he didn't write any of it" — and LDS leaders are "moving forward in great confidence." BYU and the First Presidency are "all informed and still moving forward."

Millet said he and Johnson met with Zacharias for several hours at his headquarters in Atlanta earlier this summer to discuss the evangelist's appearance in Salt Lake City.

As word of the event begins to get out, Millet said local pastors aren't the only ones asking questions. "A few have and will wonder what we're doing inviting someone like this to the Tabernacle.

"I think Latter-day Saints who have a bit of breadth in their soul would be fascinated by this. I contrast that with the littleness of soul" displayed by those who see it as an attempt by evangelicals to simply convince Mormons of their own views, he said.

Because the LDS Church is not a sponsor, it is not advertising the event. Millet said he's told some personal friends who are LDS stake presidents that are "outreach-minded," and they are eager to have their members participate.

"Those with an interest in building better relationships will be fascinated by it. I think they'll be touched by his message," he said.

"It represents tremendous graciousness on the part of the First Presidency in being willing to open the Tabernacle to a man of his stature who is of another faith. It's an effort to build goodwill and bridges of understanding between two vital faith communities," Millet said.

Both Johnson and Millet see it as a major step forward in creating a dialogue among faiths that share many moral values but differ markedly in theology and doctrine.