The Rev. Johnson, who grew up in Utah as a Latter-day Saint until he was "persuaded away" by Protestant Christianity at age 14, said his late teens were filled with admiration for people "who said they love Mormons enough to tell them that they were going to hell" if they didn't reject their faith and embrace biblical Christianity. But the continual antagonism in anti-Mormon publications and venues eventually convinced him there was a better way, and he began a personal quest for spiritual truth.

He became a pastor, serving at churches in Ogden, Ogden Valley and Orem for nine years before founding "Standing Together," with its stated mission to befriend Latter-day Saints and encourage others to do so despite doctrinal differences.

Last April, the Rev. Johnson and four other local clergy were invited to meet with leaders of the Worldwide Church of God in Pasadena, Calif., to learn "how they have been embraced" by the wider evangelical Protestant community "as a model for greater understanding" among various denominations. They returned the invitation, and leaders took them up on the offer to come to Utah.

About 50 local pastors gathered Wednesday to hear Feazell talk about his church's transformation, and its eventual acceptance by evangelical Christians who were tired of casting stones at people who were dedicated to their beliefs.

Though the Rev. Johnson understands that Latter-day Saints will always differ from evangelicals in many doctrinal beliefs, he said the discussions — including a public meeting Thursday night and a luncheon with an LDS representative — are first steps in helping motivate local Christians to be proactive in mending the state's religious divide.

And in case Latter-day Saints are worried that he isn't in dialogue with any of their own, the Rev. Johnson said he approached Elder Jeffrey Holland of the LDS Quorum of the Twelve about a local dialogue on topics of mutual interest several months ago. After a couple of luncheon meetings, Elder Holland referred him to Bob Millet, former dean of religious education at Brigham Young University. The two have become friends, spoken together in public forums and continue to learn from each other, he said.

The Rev. Johnson said he's been overwhelmed by the number of positive e-mails and phone calls he received as a result of the press conference supporting LDS members last month.

"We weren't seeking that kind of response, or doing anything that would impress people, per se. We were just doing what was the right thing in response to an ugly thing and holding up what we believe is a good Christian witness."

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