Mauss projects that while such a scenario �might seem a far-fetched prospect in 2007,� it is �no more so than a similar projection about Mormon studies in American academic would have been in 1957,� referring to recently formed academic programs at Claremont, Utah State University and a growing number of courses in Mormon studies at other American universities.

On the diplomatic front, the LDS Church continues to expand its cultivation of personal relationships with a variety of ambassadors, government, civic and religious leaders as well as scholars, many of whom meet privately with members of the First Presidency or other general authorities during visits to Salt Lake City.

Recent examples include Michelle Obama, wife of presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama and the upcoming visit of the Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, later this month. Often such visitors tour not only Temple Square but the church's Humanitarian Center, where they learn about the faith's worldwide relief efforts.

By many accounts, that hosting and friendshipping continues to expand through both official and unofficial LDS channels. On Monday following this weekend's general conference, the Brigham Young University International Society will host its annual conference titled, "Meet the Mormons: Public Perception and the Global Church."

Several LDS general authorities are scheduled to make presentations on topics including "Building Bridges: Ambassador Hosting Program," "Strengthening Relationships via Diplomatic Outreach," "The Perfect Storm: LDS Media Events and the Foreign Press," and "Public Perception and Humanitarian Activities."

In a bid to further religious freedom and understanding among governments around the world, the BYU Law School houses the International Center for Law and Religious Studies, led by legal scholar Cole Durham, who is widely consulted as an expert on the intersection of faith and politics.

As vice president of the International Academy for Freedom of Religion and Belief, Durham often attends conferences on religious freedom and oversees hosting of an annual conference at the law school that draws participants from dozens of nations.

From a faith perspective, scholars and leaders have begun to discuss what BYU religion professor Grant Underwood called "core Mormonism — (separating) what we take around the world and what is Western cultural baggage that used to be assumed as part of Mormonism."

Speaking during a conference on "Restoration Christianity" at Utah Valley State College last week, Underwood said "internationalism" is one of the modern "motifs of Mormon identity."