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Marjorie Cortez: Reconciliation needed after desecration at church

Who is in the wrong here? | 12:59 a.m. March 11, 2008

I read in a local newspaper that these missionaries had vandalized a church, and were photographed doing among other things, holding the head of a statue, leaving the distinct impression that it was the missionaries who broke the head.

Listening to Bob Lonsberry yesterday morning, he said that this head of a statue was already severed, and all the missionaries did was to take a photo of one of them holding it. He also said that these missionaries did not trespass that this church is open to all, at all times, for people to enter.

Question did the missionaries do vandalism as charged or not. If so they should be prosecuted. If not and all they did was take pictures they deserve an apology and those who have brought for these false accusations should themselves be prosecuted and sued.

I eagerly wait for the facts to come out to see what really happened.

sparkes22 | 5:57 a.m. March 11, 2008

To "Who is in the wrong here?",

Your response is disappointing to say the least.

Surely it is noble to want to defend a program that has done so much good for so many people, but to suggest that what the missionaries are accused of isn't "all" that bad is stupifing.

There are a good number of facts already on the table and more will come out with time. And you say the missionaries are owed an apology?

Your incredulous question leaves me wondering if when all the facts are out, you'll accept them as fact?

Just Ed | 6:01 a.m. March 11, 2008

Amen, Ms. Cortez. This Catholic also hopes and prays this unfortunate situation can get worked out in the spirit of Christian reconciliation.

Comments continue below

Mortified | 12:05 p.m. March 11, 2008

Thank you, Ms. Cortez for a very fair assessment of this unfortunate situation. While I'm sure I don't know all of the facts here, I will admit that I somewhat question the charge of "vandelism" if the statue head was already broken when they got there and all they did was take a photo of one of them holding it. But I will very much acknowledge that these missionaries are very guilty of incredible insensitivity and disrespect to a shrine of sacred significance to the people of the Catholic faith. My deepest apolologies for the actions of these young men. Please know that this behavior goes against everything we are taught in the LDS faith and in no way represents the actions of the greatest majority of our fine young missionaries. I sent five sons on missions and if one of my sons had done that, I would be marching him back down to San Luis by the ear to apologize profusely, to clean up and repair the shrine and to perform community service!

Bate and Switch | 1:06 p.m. March 11, 2008

If and I repeat if these missionaries did not vandalize the church, then we are all being given a bit bate and switch. A sales job.

The salesman tells you things that aren't quite true to hook you, then pulls back and qualifies the statements.

This church may be sacred, put people themselves are more sacred, and if they are being falsely charged with vandalism, those falsely saying this deserve to be shamed, the LDS church itself deserves to be shamed for not standing by innocent people, but doing the expedient, but not right thing.

Alex | 1:09 p.m. March 11, 2008

I agree with Mortified. As a soon to be missionary for the LDS church as of about 11 weeks I would surely hope my fellow missionaries would have more sense than these and recognize the significance of the title placed upon them. I want the community to know that Mormons as a people certainly recognize the sanctity of other's churches and shrines. I'm sure my mother would do the same if I were ever to be so disrespectful. I too thank you, Ms. Cortez, for a very fair assessment of the situation. Certainly however, one should be cautionary when using such a strong word as "vandalism" until facts are further clarified.

Anonymous | 1:39 p.m. March 11, 2008

Sales people typically paint a pretty picture, then they qualify what they have said once people begin answering questions. By this time, a very distorted but pretty picture is already painted in the persons mind, and this clouds the whole perseption of reality.

If the people making these charges are falsely swearing, I hope the spotlight will refocus, I hope the Catholic and the LDS church will apoligise to these missionaries.

Mike R. | 2:21 p.m. March 11, 2008

Taking a picture of a Missionary preaching behind an altar using the Book of Mormon. Bad taste but no crime.

Holding a severed head of a statue. Crime, if it can be proven he indeed broke the head off. Otherwise, bad taste but no crime.

Pretending to sacrifice a missionary on that altar, very bad taste, but no crime.

I think what the Church is going to do to these young men, who were idiots, will be a sufficient punishment. By the way, they ought to be required to stand in front of the people in that Parish and apologize to them.

majickman | 4:08 p.m. March 11, 2008

actually it IS a crime. Colorado state law is very clear that desecration of houses of worship is against the law. the staged sacrifice is certainly a desecration of the altar. the preaching out of the book of mormon over the altar would also be considered a desecration. this shrine is open to the public for viewing or worship not this. I find it disgusting that everyone is so focused on the statue outside and wanting to go after anyone who accused anyone of vandalizing it if they can't prove it in court. the MUCH bigger crime here is what occurred over the dedicated altar containing a saintly relic where the real presence of Christ occurs whenever the consecration is performed during the mass. apparently there are lot of people who aren't interested in why this is a big deal but prefer instead to pontificate on what the victims should be punished for.

Catholic Guy | 5:45 p.m. March 11, 2008

No one has mentioned that the photo of the missionary holding the severed head had a caption saying that they broke it off. Sure, that may not be proof, but it is incredibly damning evidence.

For such a low income community to be angry about the desecration and possible vandalism is not out of the ordinary, especially when you consider how much of a sacrifice it must have been to finance the shrine. The idea that they should be sued if the missionaries are found innocent is even more ridiculous than missionaries thinking we Catholics use an alter for sacrifice. And of course, you have the Mormons who, when accused of anything, cry persecution. People of all faiths are persecuted every day for so many things, and every religion has had their past of persecution. It's not persecution, it's what's right and what's wrong.

re:majickman | 5:46 p.m. March 11, 2008

It is not a crime. The desecration must be physical (ie. physical dammage, vandalism spray painting, etc) not metaphorical.

IF it can be shown they broke the head off, then you are right. But not for pictures of pretend things.

Disappointed | 6:06 p.m. March 11, 2008

I appears that some young men acted like young men instead of like the ministers they are supposed to be. That is disappointing and I hope there will be recompense and punishment for any harm done. In the interest of perspective, however, where is all of this public outrage when anti-Mormon demonstraters at LDS General Conferences vandalize a Book of Mormon and publicly waive articles of clothing held sacred by Mormons? I guess Mormons are just supposed to "take it like a man" when they are the recipients of desecration.

Anonymous | 6:13 p.m. March 11, 2008

It's not what the statue is - it's what it represents.
But if you are mormon, I know what you've been told from day one.

re Catholic Guy | 5:45 p.m. | 10:54 p.m. March 11, 2008

"No one has mentioned that the photo of the missionary holding the severed head had a caption saying that they broke it off".

If you are correct then their punishments are just. I had heard that the head was already severed and that everyone was ganging up on them with a mob mentality. I was very upset at the "lies" being told against them.

I just hope what happens is just and that no one is railroaded.

Catholic Guy | 11:35 p.m. March 11, 2008

Disappointed, I agree that the acts you describe are just as bad, but those people represent so many different groups and not just one religion. It's hard to pick one and go with it. Also, Mormons are obviously angry about it, so THERE is your outcry.

majickman | 11:01 p.m. March 12, 2008

have you even bothered to read the colorado statute on this? 18-9-113 - Desecration of venerated objects.

(2) The term "desecrate" means defacing, damaging, polluting, or otherwise physically mistreating in a way that the defendant knows will outrage the sensibilities of persons likely to observe or discover his action or its result.

so you see physical damage or vandalism isn't necessary. they DESECRATED the altar. that's an outrage!!! defending it is even worse.

dean fishman | 5:31 p.m. April 21, 2008

It turns out that no charges will be forthcoming after the Catholic bishop based in Pueblo asked for forgiveness. Apparently, he shared the common sense so eloquently suggested in Ms. Cortez's column.

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