Keeping the weekend civil

We're not entirely sure why some street preachers feel a compulsion to confront faithful Latter-day Saints with insults during LDS general conference every six months. But the assaults some church members committed against these preachers last October made it clear the preachers pose a danger to the peace and to their own safety, if nothing else.

For that reason, Salt Lake City's new rules confining the preachers to certain free-speech zones near the Conference Center make sense. We're glad U.S. District Court Judge Tena Campbell agreed on Thursday, and we hope judges in the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver also agree when they hear the appeal today.

Regardless of the outcome, however, everyone who attends conference this weekend should be committed to civil behavior, no matter the taunts or verbal abuses heaved their way. For faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, conference weekend always has been a time of joy and anticipation. Many people travel long distances for a rare chance to listen in person to leaders they revere as prophets, seers and revelators. There is no reason this weekend should be any different.

Americans value free speech enough to always err on the side of tolerance. Church members should remember that this tolerance also allows them the freedom to teach others of their beliefs, as well. Of course, there is a difference between presenting an idea someone may find offensive and offending deliberately, especially when it involves the desecration of things considered sacred. That's where an extra degree of civility is needed. The Conference Center and areas around Temple Square should never become places of violence.

It is important to remember that about two dozen evangelical pastors have gone on record as decrying the tactics of the street preachers. At a news conference last October, they called the preachers' behavior tantamount to discrimination and hate. LDS faithful are certainly not alone in their concerns, and the street preachers themselves are a tiny minority.

It also is important to remember the words of Jeff Nellermoe, pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. "The best way to support and encourage a person is through prayer rather than confrontation," he said.

Sounds like a good thought to keep in mind as the weekend approaches.