"We call upon those who have honest disagreements on this issue to urge restraint upon the extreme actions of a few that are further polarizing our communities and urge them to act in a spirit of mutual respect and civility towards each other," the statement said.

Gay rights organizations quickly denounced the threats.

"While the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center organized a peaceful demonstration against the involvement of the leadership of the Mormon Church in the deceitful Yes on Prop. 8 campaign, we decry the use or threat of violence," said Darrel Cummings, the center's chief of staff.

The Utah Pride Center issued a statement late Friday calling the scares "deplorable."

"However, until proper authorities have determined the investigation, it is false to conclude that (Thursday's) suspicious package came from gay protesters," the statement said. "Overwhelmingly, gay and allied Utahns have expressed their pain, frustration and commitment to securing rights through peaceful demonstrations and marches."

The gay-rights group Equality Utah reiterated its call for the LDS Church to work with it on legislation, including medical rights, housing and employment rights and domestic partnerships that the LDS Church said in past statements it did not oppose.

"During such an emotional time, where wounds run deep, we must remind ourselves of the greater good," executive director Mike Thompson said. "We must make efforts to forgive where forgiveness is needed and fix what needs to be fixed. We must find ways to work together — families in our community are depending on us. As the LDS Church stated, we can build a better society. Equality Utah is committed to doing just that."

LDS temples in California, Salt Lake City and New York have been the subject of mass demonstrations over the faith's heavy involvement in the campaign to pass Proposition 8. More demonstrations are planned this weekend over marriage and gay rights — including three in Salt Lake City.

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E-mail: bwinslow@desnews.com