It's time to bridge the religious divide

Recently, my religious affiliation was mischaracterized in a Deseret Morning News article which stated of me, "He used to be both Mormon and Republican. Now, he's neither."

I did recently shed the Republican label, for three primary reasons. First, I have never been a partisan. Second, like it or not, partisan labels pigeonhole individuals with stereotypes that don't always apply. Thirdly, I intend to be mayor for all residents of Salt Lake City, not any one subgroup.

However, the Deseret Morning News was flat wrong in saying I wish to eschew myself of my faith. Despite a mean-spirited whisper campaign by one opposing campaign, I am Mormon and am proud of my heritage. Like many in the community — both LDS and of other beliefs — I appreciate that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a strong dedication to the Salt Lake community.

The LDS Church and its people contribute greatly to humanitarian efforts here and abroad, the LDS Church is the major investor in the revitalization of our wonderful downtown region, and the LDS Church is a good neighbor to other faiths in the Salt Lake area. Many who are of different belief systems move here because we are a family-friendly, kind and tolerant society where residents care about and look out for one another. That is the foundation upon which this great city was built by the Mormon pioneers. Again, I am proud of that heritage.

All that being said, I believe that religion should not play a role in the mayoral race nor in the mayor's office. In the darker recesses of human nature, there is a tendency toward an "us vs. them" mentality. It is destructive and difficult to combat, but it can be done. It is time to move beyond the religious divide and come together, robust in our diversity, but unified as a community.

We have many faith-based programs in our city that do great things. We have equally beneficial civic organizations and other volunteer programs. The one thing that crosses all boundaries is that residents of Salt Lake City are generally good people who care for each other and want a safe and livable city.

Those of us who live and work in Salt Lake City also want a city that is economically strong: where all ships can rise, where we take care of those with critical needs, yet where city government is limited to those things that only a city government should do.

For the reasons stated above, and for the potential we have to improve upon a great city, I am running for mayor. I look forward to helping bridge the religious divide and restore civil dialogue and mutual respect. I look forward to working with the LDS Church and all religious, civic and community leaders toward our common good. I look forward to working with mayors and county officials up and down the Wasatch Front, as well as the Legislature and Gov. Jon Huntsman, making Salt Lake City acapital city for all Utahns.

In short, I want a safe and livable city that is true to our heritage of being good neighbors and good citizens. That is who I am, and it is the vision I have for Salt Lake City.

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Keith Christensen is a candidate for Salt Lake City mayor.