First Presidency urges respect in public discourse

Five months ago,

the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of

Latter-day Saints sent

a letter to members of the church in California,

encouraging Mormons to join the millions of other Californians

from many religious denominations, ethnic groups and

political persuasions in a broad coalition to defend

marriage as it has been defined for millennia.

During the

election campaign, both sides of the argument on Proposition

8 had ample opportunities to express their viewpoint. The

result was conclusively in favor of traditional marriage.

More than 40 states in the United States have now voted to

protect traditional marriage, either directly or through

their elected representatives.

Today the First

Presidency issued this statement about the democratic

process:

"Since the people

of California voted to reaffirm the sanctity of traditional

marriage between a man and a woman on Nov. 4, 2008,

places of worship have been targeted by opponents of

Proposition 8 with demonstrations and, in some cases,

vandalism.  People of faith have been intimidated for simply

exercising their democratic rights. These are not actions

that are worthy of the democratic ideals of our nation.  The

end of a free and fair election should not be the beginning

of a hostile response in America.

"The church is