From Deseret News archives:
Sharpton and LDS leaders plan all-day get-together
Scott Trotter, spokesman for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said that the exact details of the meeting are still being worked out, including who will participate. He could not confirm whether church President Gordon B. Hinckley would meet with Sharpton but did say the visit would include high church officials.
"It will be meetings with the general authority level," he said.
The visit will also include tours of church grounds and Temple Square, Trotter said. That is at least partially because of Sharpton's desire to learn more about the LDS Church.
There may be a news conference with local media in the afternoon, as well, but Trotter could not confirm that, and calls and e-mails to Sharpton's media office were not returned.
After the debate, Sharpton, a Pentecostal minister and former candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination, said his comment was distorted for political purposes. He also apologized to "regular Mormons" and made a personal call to LDS Church officials to formally apologize.
Trotter said that the apology was all that was necessary, and that the meetings would not focus on the comment made during the debate. He reiterated the church's position that there is nothing more to discuss.
"We appreciated his phone call," Trotter said. "We now consider the matter closed."
While Sharpton did try to make nice with LDS Church officials and members, he did not back away from criticisms of Romney, who labeled Sharpton's remark as "extremely bigoted."
Instead, Sharpton asked Romney to explain his opinion on the LDS Church's views on blacks. Romney, a former Massachusetts governor who also ran the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, has declined to meet with Sharpton to further discuss the issue.
E-mail: jloftin@desnews.com
Comments
- Tiger opens with a 66 in Australia 1:18 a.m.
- Crash kills Utah County man 1:12 a.m.
- UCAT cheaper education option 1:12 a.m.
- Post office to be named for Rex Lee 1:11 a.m.
- Police probe synagogue vandalism 1:09 a.m.
- New charges added in fraud case 1:09 a.m.
- Mom takes plea deal in girl's beating 1:08 a.m.
- Drug trafficking operation busted 1:07 a.m.
- News yule writing contest starting up 12:59 a.m.
- Alpine District school honored 12:59 a.m.
- SLC council OKs gay rights policies
- Utah Jazz have a problem at point
- 'Love story' of crash victim ends
- BYU football recruit turning heads
- Alta's Ohai is Ms. Soccer 2009
- Prep football: Felt's Facts Week
- 12 Utes return to Texas
- Cougars' defensive hoops clinic
- Wyoming writer amazed by BYU
- Civilians help S.L. officer make arrest
- House passes health care bill
287 - SLC council OKs gay rights policies
242 - TCU showdown has big implications
193 - Senators want food tax restored
157 - Cougars crush hapless Cowboys
155 - Utah Jazz fall apart against Kings
131 - TCU 4th in AP poll; U. 16th, Y. 22nd
119 - S.L. vote pending on gay protections
109 - Pratt pleads not guilty to sex charges
101 - Letters: Strange breed in Utah
91
This week, I'm compiling my annual list of restaurants serving...
Was Kanye invited to this event?
It's a lot of hard work but worth it, like anything else, if you're willing...
I have watched the exhibition games and I have noticed a slimmer JT. He looks...
I am a life long BYU fan and I must say ya it's hurt pretty bad this season,...
Upset of the Year! Wasps 42 JD 35
Some of you are crazy - what's this crush with the Mountain West Conference?...
I have been anticipating this game for weeks. This is as good as it...
I have enjoyed these stars in other films and was looking forward to an...
The pressure isn't on Utah, it's on TCU. Tcu has nothing to gain by beating...
Where are you getting your information about the 23 players that played...



You can be the first to comment on this story.