Deseret News | LDS have big image problem

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LDS have big image problem

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LDS Man | 7:51 p.m. Nov. 23, 2008

LDS may be wierd. So what? We are a peculiar people. I love people from all walks of life and respect them even if they have different view points. Popular or not, I will be a part of this church forever. As for gay people, I have nothing against them except the fact that a few of them that act like little babies make the rest of them look bad. (This is common in very religion, group, etc...). I know the majority of them are respectful (atleast I hope). I have lived all over the world. I have been discriminated against everywhere I go, but thats life. All you mormon bashers should look at yourselves. Get a life and let us live our lives.

We Will Never Be Popular | 7:54 p.m. Nov. 23, 2008

Bottom line is that we are all taught that we are the only church with proper priesthood authority on earth. Only an LDS baptism will secure salvation. As long as this is a part of our history, we will not be "popular" with the vast majority of the world. The whole purpose and story of the LDS church is told in the Joseph Smith History.
A. Joseph wanted to join the true church.
B. God told him there wasn't one.
C. Joseph reorganized the true church.

You won't make friends teaching that, so it is time to stop whining and time to get over this "if we just act more Christlike we'll be popular again" mumbo-jumbo.

When you claim to be the only right-thinking individual in the jury room, yo have to be ready to take the heat and back your point. YOU WILL NOT BE POPULAR.

Very sad--- need to register | 7:57 p.m. Nov. 23, 2008

Non-mormons should not be allowed to post hateful comments here. There should be registration to comment. They send out hateful comments. It's not right. Keep your hate to yourself. I think the members have conducted themselves well with answering and responding to the comments. We hold ourselves accountable and so should you with some of these items and ignorance.

Comments continue below

RE: Provo Girl @6:36 | 7:58 p.m. Nov. 23, 2008

Actually, the point is--ANYONE who believes more in a political party, Republican OR Democrat, MORE than they believe in their own church, is subscribing to some of the milder "secret combinations." There are others even more sinister, including the turn-back-the-clock reactionaries as well as the radical anarchists.

Most LDS members need to make a MUCH more sharp distinction between political ideologies and spiritual truth. They are NOT the same thing AT ALL.

MyPoint | 8:06 p.m. Nov. 23, 2008

to Very Sad @7:57
So what you are saying is that Non-Mormons should not post if WE disagree with you. But if you are Mormon you should be free to post anything you like. Last time I looked DN is a public forum Newspaper. Now you want to hide from criticism from non-Mormons. Is your Faith so weak you cannot be held up for scrutiny?

T0: To Humanitarian | 8:16 p.m. Nov. 23, 2008

You are the one with the wrong figures. How many people from the LDS Church actually delivered the humanitarian aid and help that the Church has provided? The Church is not set up to pat itself on the back because a very basic belief is that we should do things as anonymously as possible when helping others. You speak of investments. Yep, it is a true shame that so much has to be spent in the area that was the very hub of LDS Church activity and have to declare it an historic site and have to spend all thatmoney to protect it from gettin torn down and ov errun just as has been done to so many things that the Church has built over the past years. Wait, some of the buildings and homes were actually kept instead of destroyed because they were well built even though people like you still have to ask what that small room is for off the kitchen.

re: provo girl @6:36 7:58 pm | 8:17 p.m. Nov. 23, 2008

"There are others even more sinister"

How could it be more sinister than to pretend you're a good mormon while in reality trying to destroy it? There are those in all political pparties that are trying to destroy our freedom as well.

Defender | 8:18 p.m. Nov. 23, 2008

That which is RIGHT is not always POPULAR
and that which is POPULAR is not always RIGHT.
Should we strive to please men or God?

I'm LDS and for those who | 8:24 p.m. Nov. 23, 2008

have been insulted by their LDS neighbors please come and live by my family. We know our neighbors by first name and are very friendly to all we know, MORMON OR NOT. We love to share our beliefs with others but DO NOT shove our religion down anyones throat. We take our family to church each week and we raise our children to be respectful and loving to others no matter what their religious beliefs are or whether they even have any religious beliefs.

I am a blue collar postal worker and relate very well to the common man. My wife and I also voted for Obama in the last election. We are not weird people but we very interested in living eternally with our family.

We are not trying to win any popularity contests but just trying to survive in a difficult world.

Regards to all and remember we are all children of a loving father in heaven.

We will never be popular@7:54 | 8:25 p.m. Nov. 23, 2008

"If we just act more Christ-like we'll be popular again, mumbo-jumbo"

Actually, keeping the commandments will make some differnce. Remember the saints in navoo were persicuted and eventually expelled becaus they were not keeping the commandments like they should have.

Live what you believe | 8:26 p.m. Nov. 23, 2008

After reading the comments, I find it interesting that many Church Members responding to comments actually do just what we are accused of doing. We insult other people who are not of our faith. We can't just let someone state an opinion without somehow telling them they are wrong. No one wants to hear that, let other believe what they want, treat others like you would like to be treated and respond to others the way you would want someone to respond to you. Pres. Hinckley was right, we need to love more, be more tolerant. This is not to say that all Mormons treat others outside the faith poorly, but it happens. It might not be our intent, but we do it. There are millions of great people in this world who are not Mormons, many are more Christ like than we are. We can also learn from them. We are all children of God, lets start treating everyone with that view and see what happens.

Outsider | 8:50 p.m. Nov. 23, 2008

to Live whay...@8:26
I have a feeling that there are a LOT more LDS members who think like you. I am so grateful for your comments. I am Catholic. But I refuse to believe that most of the people who post nasty things about Catholics on here are representative of the average Mormon. Nor do I think those who post nasty things about Mormons are representative of most non LDS Christian Churches. I would love to have you for a neighbor !

Kelly Gleave | 8:54 p.m. Nov. 23, 2008

Pull the plug on these chat areas. It hurts the church when antis speak in ignorance and ill-equipt members respond hastily. There are better forum for this. Pull the plug as it is just embarrassing to the church to read these items.

Canadiandy | 8:56 p.m. Nov. 23, 2008

For the poster who is cynical about my suggestion Utah has a vibrant economy I will confidently stand by my words. Perhaps you are referring to the recent downturn which has effected absolutely every nation and state. But long-term Utah has an ideal economic position.

Tourism, mining, forestry, tourism, computer technologies, transportation, media. Now compare that to Alberta here in Canada which people have celebrated as a "booming" economy. The problem is it is unsustainable. Once oil drops below $50 a barrel (or a scientist at BYU finds a more efficient fuel cell)the entire Province (except for a few thousand farmers growing wheat in near arctic regions) will be unemployed.

Utah, however, is in a position to weather a reduction in any one of its many economic sectors. So, yes, Utah is a vibrant, sustainable, and industrious state. Cheer up, chin up, and be proud of where you live.

Oh and don't forget those wonderful wide roads. And the excellent street system (900 West, 1400 North vs. Chevron St. and Elm Avenue). And the high literacy rates. And the health rates. And never, never forget, those talented Osmonds!

Danell | 9:02 p.m. Nov. 23, 2008

I think the big problem with Mormonism is that the members are so about themselves and way too pompous with others and outsiders, and for no apparent reason. They want everyone to think that they are God's special 'top dog' within the LDS church, and that they know all the other 'top dogs' within the Mormon church. I find it repulsive and disgusting to listen to these people. I believe this all stems from a deep seeded self image problem. People who 'BRAG' constantly about how great and wonderful they are, are quite obnoxious!

Observer | 9:14 p.m. Nov. 23, 2008

for Kelly Cleave @ 8:54
I don't know about pulling the plug. I think folks just need to lighten up a bit. This board has 164 comments. I just noticed that the postings about Ute-BYU football has 664 comments. Maybe we should just all watch more football? Take care.

PRC | 9:14 p.m. Nov. 23, 2008

BUNK! What a waste of time and energy. Dude get another hobby!

More Football | 9:25 p.m. Nov. 23, 2008

Agreed.

Re PRC | 9:30 p.m. Nov. 23, 2008

The problem here is that too many Mormons are know it alls. I'm wondering if it is alright if the rest of the world might knows something as well? Quit being so self centered.

I disagree | 9:33 p.m. Nov. 23, 2008

I grew up in Utah and moved out 19 years ago. Have lived in TX, WA and CA.

I have encountered so-called anti-Mormonism one time and that was from someone I thought was my friend. I don't know who they surveyed, but either I am deluding myself or everyone I know is two-faced.

In the 3 states I've lived in, everyone has been very positive about me being LDS and most ask a lot of questions. I our town here in a heavily Democratic area, the Student Body Presidents of 2 of the 3 schools here are LDS (less than 2% of our community are LDS).

As a little league coach, I refuse to play on Sunday and my teams always have the longest waiting lists - why would so many parents want their kids to play for a Mormon coach?

When I taught at a very liberal university here, I made it known I was LDS and the students gave me the highest evaluations on the faculty every time.

I don't say this to brag. I say it to dispute the findings. My family loves our non-LDS neighbors and they seem to love us. Life is good.

RE: Anonymous @8:17 | 10:07 p.m. Nov. 23, 2008

"How could it be more sinister than to pretend you're a good mormon while in reality trying to destroy it? There are those in all political pparties that are trying to destroy our freedom as well."

As the 7:58 poster, I wholeheartedly agree with your second comment--precisely why I will NOT join ANY political party. I vote for the person, not for the largely corrupt ideology.

I also agree with your first comment in very general spiritual terms, though I'm confused about what you mean precisely. I'd disagree with political applications such as the "Harry Reid's the Devil" conspiracy theory, for instance. There's plenty of room in the Church for political diversity. But I agree there are some who'd like to turn the church and Gospel into something that'd be more pleasing to the world and natural man. That's pretty darn sinister, yes.

Well, alright. | 10:19 p.m. Nov. 23, 2008

"Non-mormons should not be allowed to post hateful comments here."

The assumption being that Mormons can continue their hateful comments.

I don't get it | 10:41 p.m. Nov. 23, 2008

Angry non-Mormons say they're tired of having the church crammed down their throats. Then they keep coming on discussion boards where they know Mormons will be and say it over and over again.

So which is it? Do you want Mormons to leave you alone or not? If you do, why do you keep following us around telling us to stay away from you?

RE: Well, alright. | 10:19 p.m. | 10:46 p.m. Nov. 23, 2008

My own suggestion: EVERYONE CHILL. There's enough hate in the world without adding more.

phyllis rueckert | 10:56 p.m. Nov. 23, 2008

I moved from Utah in 1966 and have lived in Texas since 1969. My children and I have been socially discriminated against for being Mormons. We don't like to say we are from Utah because people make the Mormon connection. I have to agree that Mormons have an image problem in Texas. Perhaps it doesn't matter whether people like Mormons or not, but when they don't, it makes it hard on those of us who don't believe and get thrown into the Mormon category.

junqstuff | 11:07 p.m. Nov. 23, 2008

I have studied the LDS group and compared the doctrines to the Bible for over 30 years. Having read the article I was amazed at the words that the primary tenant of the church was that the original Gospel of Jesus Christ had been re-arranged. What? Why would it not be left as stated by Yeshua Himself? Re arranged? that is a new one to me.
Please don't confuse honest questions with hate, it's a cop out and a sidestep.

Hurt By LDS | 11:14 p.m. Nov. 23, 2008

When I moved into my neighborhood, many people brought me cookies and invitations to activities within the church. When I explained that I wasn't interested in the church but was interested in being friends these neighbors stopped being neighborly. Nobody will even acknowledge me any more. The church has a perception problem because many within the church think they are too good to consort with us heathens.

Re: junqstuff | 11:28 p.m. Nov. 23, 2008

I don't think "re-arranged" was the proper term.

It is well documented that Christ's apostles, who held the authority to carry on His Church and work were martyred at a rapid rate. It is also prophesied many times in the NT that there would be an apostasy and a restoration.

And to Hurt by LDS, sorry to hear that. I don't know where you live, but I no longer live in Utah. If I were lucky enough to have a neighbor like you, I would treat you the same, whether you were LDS or not. Outside of Utah, the shoe is on the other foot and many of my "born again Christian" neighbors are like the people you describe. In my book, anyone who acts that way is not a Christian, regardless of which church they belong to.

RE: Dopp | 11:36 p.m. Nov. 23, 2008

I looked in the mirror.. and I saw a pretty handsome guy

Sub-Odeon | 11:53 p.m. Nov. 23, 2008

It's very simple, really.

1) Be kind to your neighbors, even if they're not LDS and even if they're not terribly kind to you.

2) Be kind to your co-workers, even if they're not LDS and even if they're not terribly kind to you.

3) Be kind to your LDS co-workers and neighbors, who neither need nor require your judgement.

4) Encourage our LDS youth raised in Utah to spend a few years working and going to school on the East or West Coast. After their missions. So they can realize how the real world works beyond the LDS-defined borders of Utah.

If these four things happened on a routine basis, I think even the Adversary would have a hard time tamping down our poll numbers.

Having said that, I do think chasing popularity is a fool's game. Being LDS has never been about being popular. This is a demanding faith that sets a high bar, and the high bar will always threaten a lot of other people.

Whatever you do, as an LDS person, never, ever, ever be a snob about it. Snobbery from other members almost drove me away as a teen.

to Clint and to annon | 12:04 a.m. Nov. 24, 2008

Dear Clint,
I'm buying stock as fast as I can, hoping I can have plenty when good companies are rewarded with a more correct stock price. Too bad you'll miss out.

Dear Anon,
As far as the Revelation quote stating that no one should add to this book. No one added to Revelation. However, if you think it doesn't apply to just Revelation, study the author. He wrote his gospels after he wrote revelations. Did he then break his own rule? Check this with Bible scholars the world over. I'm not LDS. But that statement only applies to Revelation, since much of the Bible was written after Revelations.

Sub-Odeon | 12:07 a.m. Nov. 24, 2008

One more thought.

We in the LDS church need to toss the idea that the gospel is God's Primerica. The gospel is not multi-level marketing. You don't rack up "points" by bringing in new members.

So many of the comments on this thread from non-members and former members and estranged members tell the same story: LDS people only interested in being their friends, until it's learned these people have no interest in going to church, and suddenly they get the cold shoulder?

Come on Brothers and Sisters, is that the best we can do? To treat our non-LDS Brothers and Sisters liked a commodity? To be wooed to Sacrament Meeting, or shunned if they don't follow the carrot?

Free agency is the foundational principle of our time here on Earth. This means not everyone will choose Christ's path. Nor the LDS rod at the center of Christ's path. We LDS must learn to deal with this, and not judge so much, and love and help our non-LDS friends and neighbors AS FRIENDS AND NEIHGBORS.

Not as perpetual targets for annoying or ham-handed attempts at conversion. Blech. Please stop!

Gina | 12:14 a.m. Nov. 24, 2008

Amen, Sub-Odeon. Amen.

Bill | 12:34 a.m. Nov. 24, 2008

A few years ago the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve put out a book pertaining to Missionary Work. Since that book was published many of the General Authorities have suggested we utilize the information in this book to be better Missionaries. Those not of the LDS faith I sympathize with you. There is a saying for those outside of Utah that call the "UTAH MORMONS" different from the rest of us. Actually we are all the same. Too many times we put ourselves on a real high pedastal and fail to see that we are putting a basket over our light.

We all need to read and adhere to the teachings in PREACH MY GOSPEL. If we did that we would improve our own image and that of the Church. I really think we as members do more harm to ourselves than anything else. We are a missionary church as stated by Pres. Hinkley and others before him. That will not change. We just need to be more Christlike and the rest will take care of itself.

CP | 1:41 a.m. Nov. 24, 2008

I don't need a poll or anything else to tell me what I know about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I believe what I believe thru prayer and study. I have my testimony and it's strong. His poll may say that the church isn't popular, but hey that's ok with me. Jesus wasn't popular among His own either, look what they did to Him.

Get it right! | 1:42 a.m. Nov. 24, 2008

I don't think re-assembled is the correct term that the author gave. The original church of Jesus Christ was RESTORED to the earth with the only authority and power that could restore it, Jesus Christ himself! Re-assembled sounds hokey and its no wonder only 14% of people got the church origin right when the author does not even get it right!

Of course disinformation and hate are being spread against the Church of Jesus Christ, that is just as the scriptures state would happen to the lords true gospel in the last days. Would Satan be working so hard against anything but the true church of Jesus Christ? For many who do not rely on slander and misinformation, honest studying and asking god about the truth of this church often leads to baptism, so it has a counter effect.

Me Too | 1:45 a.m. Nov. 24, 2008

To Hurt By LDS | 11:14 p.m. Nov. 23, 2008

We had the same problem moving into our neighborhood. I moved in a few months before my family was able to make it. I was always out helping my neighbors and lending them tools. I thought that I had a really good relationship with our neighbors. That was until my family joined me and these same neighbors found that my kids were going to a Catholic school. Most quit talking to us. Some wives have NEVER (in 8 years) talked to my wife even though shes tried. This may be why there is a negative perception here in Utah. We've lived in a few states and had always had good friends and neighbors that were LDS. That was why we were so excited when we were transferred here. That excitement has since changed. My wife works in a mostly LDS environment and as hard as she's tried, has never been accepted. My wife can't wait for us to be transferred. She doesn't care where it is, just as long as it's out of Utah.

annie22 | 1:55 a.m. Nov. 24, 2008

Arizona's comment:

Concerning the book of Revelation - it was Jesus who said in Rev. 22:18 "If anyone addes anything to them (words of the book), then God will add to him the plaques in this book." He was referring only to the book of Revelation - not to whole canon of scripture.

And, concerning the book about the "Mormon image problem" -- I don't think Jesus was too concerned about his image problem nor did He teach for us to be concerned about how others perceived us. We, are true believers and followers of Christ should only be concerned about doing the will of our Father. And, we can count on being hated - that's a promise.

So, I find this book just more of a method of Mormons trying (in the flesh) to gain the approval of outsiders - not very Christian or spiritual - but a worldly approach and mindset.

Great Idea | 2:14 a.m. Nov. 24, 2008

I think that this book could be a real help for people, especially in the south where prejudice runs so high that many people won't give the church even a glance. I believe that all committed members should make a great effort to help correct the misconceptions that are out there. Where I live in the south, the missionaries do not get many baptisms because of prejudice.

To Non and ex Mormons | 2:26 a.m. Nov. 24, 2008

To those who have been complaining about the way Mormons act sometimes, I would just like to say first. I'm sorry!, and second the LDS church teaches it's members to follow the example Jesus has set for all of us. That means to love thy neighbor, "...bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you...", be humble, Visit the homeless, the sick., etc. So when members of the church ignore you, discriminate against you, are judgmental, prideful or whatever... just know they aren't following the gospel and they aren't being good examples for the rest of us!!!

St. George guy | 4:21 a.m. Nov. 24, 2008

I think the historical perseption of Mormons has for the most part blown over. At least for most informed Americans.

I sincerely belive the reason why Mormons are so unpopular is not because of our beliefs, but in large part due to our missionary and outreach tactics that many people of other faiths perceive as hostility, in a country where most are christians.

As a R.M., I personally know how easy it is to get lost in disputes over trivial doctrinal matters. This is a PR disaster. In a world/country that is increasingly turning against Christ, members and missionaries must focus on uniting with (rather than convert) active members of other Christian faiths and ignore the disparities.

Sam Stone | 5:10 a.m. Nov. 24, 2008

I know without a shadow of a doubt that the church keeps its finger on the pulse of public perception of the church. The church has even hired public relation firms in the past to help it create it's public message. I am sure the church leadership is not surprised by the findings of this book.
I guess my question is did this author first approach the church about doing this and was he turned down?
Why else would you fund this project yourself?
My personal opinion is that I don't believe the leaders of the church loose sleep at night worrying about what the public thinks about the church.
It is not a mainstream religion. Likely will never be a mainstream religion due to its theology and doctrine. I don't think the leaders really want it to be a mainstream religion. In order for that to happen it would require drastic changes to the fundatmental nature of mormonism. I think it is evident from the backlash of prop 8 that the church
has to carefully evaluate anything it does to ruffle others feathers. no answers from me just more questions.

re:Cynthia 6:49 p.m. | 6:26 a.m. Nov. 24, 2008

Are you kidding me? Please...please tell me you are being sarcastic. The mall in all it's worldly splendor will do NOTHING to change the image of the Church. Frankly, for some people it just cements the idea that the church is a multi-billion dollar business rather than a religion. I sure hope I am reading it wrong and that is is laced with sarcasm rather than true feelings.

To those who say this gentleman needs another hobby or to spend his time in pursuit of something more worthwhile. Two things: 1. He does this for a living, or didn't you read the article carefully. 2. I think I would rather know what people truly think rather than running around with blinders on and not being conscious of how others perceive my actions.

I think it is has been quite eye-opening for a lot of people to see we are not perceived, in general, as the Christlike people we thought. Rather than debunking the information maybe we should all be more introspective and determine if our personal actions have added to that general opinion. I would bet each one of us has without realizing it.

practice what you preach | 7:01 a.m. Nov. 24, 2008

As more and more non-mormons move to Utah they see just how rude and judgmental mormons are, by word of mouth people are telling family and friends in other states just how welcome they are here in Utah by the LDS. When I first moved here (I did so for the beauty of the land not the religion) I was treated rudely by almost everyone onece they found out I was not LDS. What does that tell me and my family, no we were not welcomed with open arms as many of you say will happen. I tell my family and frineds and they tell others and soon it gets around. Start practicing what you preach and maybe you will get the respect you seek.

Corporate | 7:08 a.m. Nov. 24, 2008

I think the corporation is getting the image it is paying for. It is somewhat contrarian, but that must be what it wants. If not, they'll do some rebranding from the top down.

DCnTN | 7:30 a.m. Nov. 24, 2008

I'm not sure why we want to be loved so much. I suppose the selfless and humble reason is to bring others to Christ. Yet Christ himself didn't seem too concerned about being liked, and said that his sheep would hear his voice.

I don't ever expect my religion to be either liked or understood, and I just don't worry about it anymore.

Harold | 7:55 a.m. Nov. 24, 2008

Dear Same Sex Marriage Activist,

I just want the world to be a good, wholesome place for children. I believe children deserve a mom and a dad, not two moms or two dads. It takes a mom and a dad to produce a child, and I believe the State should foster marriage between a man and a woman as a way to encourage that children get raised by a man and a woman, hopefully their own biological parents. You had a mom and a dad that procreated you. In your heart of hearts, don't you prefer the idea of being raised by both of your pro-creators?

You may disagree with this belief, but I ask you to please respect my right to hold this belief and to vote according to it. If you disagree with this belief, then the American thing to do is to debate and dialogue with me about it, not hiss at, cuss at and revile me. I respect your right to have your belief. I ask you to respect my right to have mine. Be conjugal any way you wish. But let children have a mommy and a daddy, please.

Jack from Ark | 7:56 a.m. Nov. 24, 2008

I can tell you we have made great gains in the last decade. I went to Hattisberg Mississippi after Katrina and most of the folks I came in contact with didn't know the Mormons but we were told that the only folks that did more than the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was the other group that called themselves Mormons. There wasn't a single person I met that didn't respect us for the service we freely gave. So the 39% is just wrong for large areas of the country. Those people were 85% positive for Mormons. This is what is wrong with polls. We don't do what we do to be popular we do it because we love our fellow man Period. Anything else is just frosting on the cake of life.

I love/hate you Mormons | 8:16 a.m. Nov. 24, 2008

The general public is conflicted in their opinions of the Church. Having travelled extensively, I can say from personal experience that the first question that always comes up in conversation when I reveal that I am from Utah is the inevitable, "Are you a Mormon?" I embrace each and every conversation like that, and have found again and again that the people with whom I speak know absolutely nothing about the Church. To assume that we are universally loved and admired is hogwash. There are still so many misconceptions and flat out lies circulating about the Church that we have a long, long way to go in dispelling it all from the minds and hearts of people. Invariably there are those who have known or come in contact with Mormons at some point in their lives, and they have a favorable opinion based upon the people who are members of the Church they have known, but for the vast majority they have no personal knowledge of who and what Mormons are. On the East Coast, particularly in the Northeast, America ends at the Hudson River. To assume they have the least bit of interest in us is absurd.

WyoMoose | 8:16 a.m. Nov. 24, 2008

I like to read these comments from time to time. I think that most have a valid opinion and show keen insight. There are others who show only intolerance and ignorance. I think that we as members of the Church need to search within ourselves and with help from above find a way to live our beliefs and help set good examples with out appearing arrogant and snooty. Just because we don't drink coffee doesn't mean that we should frown on those who do. We should be more understanding and less condemning. Drinking a cup of coffee isn't a bad thing. I use coffee as an example, but seriously we need to open our eyes to reality. CHRIST didn't eat with just the righteous but with the sinner as well. ALL souls are of GREAT WORTH. Let's get our own ducks in a row first and then we can reach out to our neighbors. Only in this way can we present the proper examples of ourselves and our religion. Love unfeigned, forgive endlessly, and pray always.

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