The station had an employee fielding response calls on Monday night, and plans to incorporate many of its responses into an hourlong discussion of the documentary scheduled for Friday at 8 p.m. on both KUED and KBYU. The two PBS stations are joining in what he believes is a first-ever collaboration to examine how the topics were presented and how Utahns reacted to the series, according to Bell.

The show includes a satellite interview with filmmaker Helen Whitney in New York and a discussion with documentary participants Terryl Givens and Ken Verdoia. Elder Marlin Jensen, LDS Church historian, will be featured, as will four local scholars and observers of the church and its culture.

Though the LDS Church cautioned members before the documentary was broadcast that it was not produced by the church and did not reflect its point of view, officials are clearly interested in reaction to it.

The church's Web site is inviting public response to the documentary, and officials issued a press release this week soliciting e-mail comments of up to 100 words, which can be sent to newsroom@ldschurch.org. "Please provide at least your first name and the state and country you live in. Your e-mail address will not be used or shared," the release said.

Church officials declined comment on the particulars of "The Mormons" before the final segment aired, but spokesman Scott Trotter said the church would release a statement today.

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After you watch . . .

Tell us what you thought about the PBS documentary "The Mormons." Send an e-mail to respond@desnews.com and we may publish your comments. Please keep them short.

E-mail: carrie@desnews.com