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Parish angered by 3 LDS missionaries
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Arjay | 4:38 a.m. March 10, 2008
It is pleasing to see that one of the young men, with hindsight, finds his
conduct appalling. I hope that the parishioners can forgive, and that the young
men can be truly remorseful and do their best to make amends. That would be the
best outcome for all of them, in the circumstances.
Mormon Haters Unite | 5:03 a.m. March 10, 2008
Let the Mormon hating begin.
Comments continue below
ron | 5:19 a.m. March 10, 2008
well to tell the truth I made a lot of fun as well of catholic symbols on my
mission in southern Italy, as most of missionaries did. Pretending to confess
in a confessional and preach from the book of mormon from an altar are
must-take-pictures for nearly all the missionaries laboring in cathoilc places.
Immature? Probably so. consider they are 19 yo boys mocked and often oppressed
by the catholic church itself.
JoeSmyth | 5:32 a.m. March 10, 2008
What a shame. President Hinckley taught to respect other religions. The articles
of faith say to let everyone worship how they see fit.
This behavior is not taught by the Mormon church, but while serving an LDS mission in Texas I saw and heard the same types of disrespect by missionaries.
I think the world can be a better place as we learn to be more tolerant and respectful of all people regardless of religous belief, skin color, or wealth status. Teach it your kids, and live it, and I think the world can be better.
This behavior is not taught by the Mormon church, but while serving an LDS mission in Texas I saw and heard the same types of disrespect by missionaries.
I think the world can be a better place as we learn to be more tolerant and respectful of all people regardless of religous belief, skin color, or wealth status. Teach it your kids, and live it, and I think the world can be better.
russ | 6:47 a.m. March 10, 2008
wow.
Jared | 6:55 a.m. March 10, 2008
Dumb, dumb, dumb. There is no excuse for missionaries acting like this. They
made a conscious choice to act in this way and now they are going to have to
face the consequences. I wouldn't expect folks in this area of Colorado to
have any interest in what a LDS missionary might have to say for quite a while.
The worst part of this whole ordeal, however, is the pain felt by the members of
the parish. I've seen first-hand the effort that goes into maintaining a
parish community and their devotion to their beliefs deserved the utmost respect
from those missionaries.
Thankfully, the missionaries in the area I live worked to help restore a Methodist Church that had suffered some damage in storm a few weeks ago. In fact, 6 of the 10 folks who showed up to offer help were LDS. That sort of thing is true to our heritage, but I'm sure those missionaries were unaware of the fact that Catholic mass was given in the unfinished Nauvoo temple for a time thanks to the religious tolerance of Joseph Smith.
Bottom line: my deepest sympathies to those hurt by this situation. God bless.
Thankfully, the missionaries in the area I live worked to help restore a Methodist Church that had suffered some damage in storm a few weeks ago. In fact, 6 of the 10 folks who showed up to offer help were LDS. That sort of thing is true to our heritage, but I'm sure those missionaries were unaware of the fact that Catholic mass was given in the unfinished Nauvoo temple for a time thanks to the religious tolerance of Joseph Smith.
Bottom line: my deepest sympathies to those hurt by this situation. God bless.
Saddened | 6:05 a.m. March 10, 2008
Having served a mission in Colorado, I'm appalled at this. What those
missionaries did will doubtless be characterized as typical of the LDS Church,
or somehow the result of the Church's character or teachings. It may be
used to undo the goodwill that the rest of us have worked so long to foster. It
has hurt both the Catholic parish and the LDS Church.
Appalled and disappointed | 6:09 a.m. March 10, 2008
Very, very sad.
This parish has every right to be angry. These three missionaries have committed what certainly amounts to a hate crime.
I'm an LDS graduate student at a Catholic school. I have been treated with tremendous respect and kindness since my arrival. I can't imagine any Catholic person I know doing anything like what these missionaries have done.
How can we expect respect from others, if we can't give it ourselves? (See Matthew 7:12)
This parish has every right to be angry. These three missionaries have committed what certainly amounts to a hate crime.
I'm an LDS graduate student at a Catholic school. I have been treated with tremendous respect and kindness since my arrival. I can't imagine any Catholic person I know doing anything like what these missionaries have done.
How can we expect respect from others, if we can't give it ourselves? (See Matthew 7:12)
Shaun Hansen | 6:17 a.m. March 10, 2008
I am heartsick after reading this. I served a mission to Italy for the Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I paid for half of my mission and an
anonymous donor covered the rest. I worked 70 hours a week trying to love and
serve the Italians. We spent many hours each week on Italian farms and at
hospitals and asylums trying to follow the example of Jesus Christ. When I
heard about this incident I felt heartsick- almost like vomiting. This kind of
thing has so much power to damage my faith's reputation with the Catholic
people, a people I have come to deeply love and respect. My prayer is that
these boys will repent and spend their lives proving the sincerity of their
repentance. I also pray that the Catholic people can please forgive us for this
isolated incident and choose to remember the good that most of our 19 year-old
boys do. The net effect is good, I assure you, but this kind of behavior is
absolutely sickening and tragic.
Bob | 6:20 a.m. March 10, 2008
It's a pretty half hearted apology to say ie-"I know what I did was
wrong because my own church has suffered so much discrimination." Even most
of the posts decrying this horrible act end slipping something in about how
wonderful most Mormons are.
Diamondladi | 6:25 a.m. March 10, 2008
Alma said it best- speaking to his son Corianton: "Behold, O my son, how
great iniquity ye brought upon the Zoramites; for when they saw your conduct
they would not believe in my words.
And now the Spirit of the Lord doth say unto me: Command thy children to do good, lest they lead away the hearts of many people to destruction; therefore I command you, my son, in the fear of God, that ye refrain from your iniquities;"
(Book of Mormon | Alma 39:11 - 12)
And now the Spirit of the Lord doth say unto me: Command thy children to do good, lest they lead away the hearts of many people to destruction; therefore I command you, my son, in the fear of God, that ye refrain from your iniquities;"
(Book of Mormon | Alma 39:11 - 12)
nottyou | 6:29 a.m. March 10, 2008
Send them home and let the legal process take its course. No excuses. These
missionaries and their choices/actions should be separated from the LDS Church,
just as child molesting priests should be separated from the Catholic Church.
Yes, they represent the Church but the Church shouldn't be judged by the
actions and choices of a select few. Let the hammer fall baby!
Anonymous | 6:34 a.m. March 10, 2008
I suggest to you that missionaries mocking other religions is very common. This
will continue to happen until there's some sensitivity training in the
missionary program. Pres. Hinckley saying "respect other religions"
in Conf. doesn't cut it. It's sad that more training is required, but
it's very, very necessary.
Too bad | 6:37 a.m. March 10, 2008
One missionary got sent home. The other two missionaries had already completed
their missions. It is still a sad situation to be in and is downright
embarrassing.
Zoo Mom | 7:48 a.m. March 10, 2008
I have been a Catholic and now a member of the LDS faith. I would never have
considered doing something so appalling--no matter which religion I was a member
of. It is so sad to see these young men act so hypocritical. Sometimes the
ones who serve missions are only pretending to have "raised the bar"
of their standards, which seems to be the case here. It certainly is not a good
example for future missionaries.
MatsonRun | 7:48 a.m. March 10, 2008
Ron, quite interesting. You seem to justify these actions by your own immature
behavior. And then you insult and criticize the Catholic Church (The Church in
Italy) and imply they deserved it. Talk about a religious bigot. Just how
frequently does this disrepect of other people and religions happen? "Must
take" pictures? Do I paint all mormon missionaries with the same ultra
wide brush?
Boo Hoo | 8:15 a.m. March 10, 2008
Some of you take this stuff WAY TOO SERIOUSLY! Was it wrong? Of course! But
this was no hate crime! These kids were goofing around, not intentionally
trying to destroy Catholicism. You people are probably the same people who
think that all children should be on Ritalin and that every mischievious thought
should be expelled from mankind. Reminds me of the book 1984.
I know as a kid I did a lot of things that I thought was funny without even realizing that it might be offensive to somebody else. And I'm sure everyone reading this has done the same. Once I found out that it was offensive, of course I felt bad; just like these kids (at least 1 of them) now feel bad. It's not like they dragged people into the street to tar and feather them.
I've been spat on, punched, and hit by a pick-up truck as a missionary. I acknowledge that most of those incidents were a bunch of people trying to impress their friends and be funny. But come on people! Don't you think you're being a bit too hard on these kids? It should be addressed by the mission president/parents; and that's it.
I know as a kid I did a lot of things that I thought was funny without even realizing that it might be offensive to somebody else. And I'm sure everyone reading this has done the same. Once I found out that it was offensive, of course I felt bad; just like these kids (at least 1 of them) now feel bad. It's not like they dragged people into the street to tar and feather them.
I've been spat on, punched, and hit by a pick-up truck as a missionary. I acknowledge that most of those incidents were a bunch of people trying to impress their friends and be funny. But come on people! Don't you think you're being a bit too hard on these kids? It should be addressed by the mission president/parents; and that's it.
@Boo Hoo | 7:28 a.m. March 10, 2008
You sir are a fool. Yes, "Boys will be Boys" happens. But not when you
are a missionary. Speaking as an RM from a very Catholic Germany I can say that
I never once had the desire to mock or deface the Catholic Church. I knew far to
many truly good and devout people that were Catholic and would never insult them
by mocking their choice of religion.
These fools( and yes, they are fools ) deserver what ever punishment that is mete out to them. They have done far more harm to the Church's reputation when they had been called to be ambassadors, and good examples of the LDS faith. Instead they have mocked and insulted millions of people.
These fools( and yes, they are fools ) deserver what ever punishment that is mete out to them. They have done far more harm to the Church's reputation when they had been called to be ambassadors, and good examples of the LDS faith. Instead they have mocked and insulted millions of people.
Dan | 7:30 a.m. March 10, 2008
My wife sent me the link to this story. I am currently serving overseas in a
combat zone. I am LDS. The only one in my 60 man Barracks. To make light of this
incident would be as foolish as the missionaries who committed this crime. This
is a dangerous world we live in. Over here people are found slaughtered in the
streets for having different religious beliefs. Shiites kill
Sunni�s; Sunni�s kill Shiites all for
the sake of their beliefs. I praise the Sangre de Christo parish for their
patience and forgiveness of the missionaries that committed this crime. I
don't believe I personally could have been as forgiving. These missionaries
are criminals and should be treated as such. They deserve all of the penalties
and embarrassment they have brought upon themselves and their families.
After all that I have seen. I feel that I have the right to be harsh.
Ron,
You are lucky you got away with it. I would have sent you to jail...
After all that I have seen. I feel that I have the right to be harsh.
Ron,
You are lucky you got away with it. I would have sent you to jail...
Observer | 7:31 a.m. March 10, 2008
Defacing property is never an innocent act. They knew it was wrong when they
did it. That's why it happened at night in the dark. They just thought no
one would find out.
Yes, young immature individuals may make fun of others for whatever reason. But saying negative things about others to a friend is very different from conspiring to destroy something that belongs to others.
Having done dumb things in one's youth, doesn't justify others, also, doing dumb or malicious things. It seems, some try to minimize the importance of offenses if they too did similar things at some point in their lives.
Opinions are one thing, actions are quite another. And acting out against others is never acceptable.
Yes, young immature individuals may make fun of others for whatever reason. But saying negative things about others to a friend is very different from conspiring to destroy something that belongs to others.
Having done dumb things in one's youth, doesn't justify others, also, doing dumb or malicious things. It seems, some try to minimize the importance of offenses if they too did similar things at some point in their lives.
Opinions are one thing, actions are quite another. And acting out against others is never acceptable.
re: ron | 7:31 a.m. March 10, 2008
"Pretending to confess in a confessional and preach from the book of mormon
from an altar are must-take-pictures for nearly all the missionaries laboring in
cathoilc places."
Really? That's stunning. And sad. (not that you did it but that it is a rite of passage so to speak)
I wouldn't have thought that would have been seen as a "fun" thing to do.
Really? That's stunning. And sad. (not that you did it but that it is a rite of passage so to speak)
I wouldn't have thought that would have been seen as a "fun" thing to do.
Sensitivity training | 7:31 a.m. March 10, 2008
My mission president in Spain made sure he trained all of us to be sensitive to
the beliefs and customs of the people we lived among. He taught us to admire the
great architecture of the catholic people in the area and show respect to the
people. What a great leader I had.
step back | 7:32 a.m. March 10, 2008
The vandalism is simply unacceptable and abhorrent; that part of this story is
criminal by any standard. Let full legal process take its course. But to also
label the photos showing them posing in the pulpit as religious 'hate
crimes' seems a bit of a knee-jerk over reaction. Yes, I've also seen
that sort of behavior from young people of many faiths. But when I confronted
the participants, it became obvious that they really hadn't thought about
it at all, and they certainly didn't mean to demean the faith of another.
They were just young people, guilty of being light-minded, and looking for an
opportunity to make their friends laugh. Unfortunate, tactless, inconsiderate,
maybe even boorish. But hardly criminal. True, those youth hadn't damaged
anything as part of their merrymaking like these ones seem to have done, so the
situation isn't quite the same. But in the run of initial indignation there
are a lot of labels being applied here that are inflating the situation beyond
what it needs to be. Young, on the whole decent, people acting stupidly. They
will pay for the legal lines they have crossed; I am optimistic they will learn
from the ethical ones.
RE: Boo Hoo | 7:35 a.m. March 10, 2008
It should also be addressed by the law. Last time I checked vandalism was
against the law even if you are a missionary.
CJ | 8:41 a.m. March 10, 2008
As for the three who committed the crime frankly they should be proscuted fully
both by the law and the church. It is about time the Mormon community realize
that it cannot behave this way. Not only did they mock another religion they
mocked and insulted their own. For those of you that think this is just good
clean fun perhaps you need to learn to respect other peoples faith and not just
your own.
Not Whining | 8:43 a.m. March 10, 2008
Well, there is the little matter of the behavior being an actual CRIME, and
potentially a felony at that. There's really no option for it to be
handled quietly by the mission president and parents, since we're talking
not just about poor choices, but about criminally poor choices.
Re: Appalled | 7:42 a.m. March 10, 2008
"I can't imagine any Catholic person I know doing anything like what
these missionaries have done."
As a graduate student you should know better than to make such a sweeping generalization. What the missionaries did was reprehensible but there are plenty of Catholic people who would do a similar thing.
As a graduate student you should know better than to make such a sweeping generalization. What the missionaries did was reprehensible but there are plenty of Catholic people who would do a similar thing.
What?????? | 8:50 a.m. March 10, 2008
Boo Hoo, your response is ridiculous. People who deface property, no matter who
they are representing, must take responsibility for their actions. These young
men are considered adults. They must bear the consequences of their actions.
It will help them to "grow up" to be better people. A bit too hard?
If you excuse this kind of behavior, what else will they get away with in the
future?
Spanky | 7:45 a.m. March 10, 2008
This is what happens when a church sends out 19 year old boys who have no
understanding or experience in life and expects them to be mature
representatives of their religion.
oooooh | 8:56 a.m. March 10, 2008
why is everyone referring to these men as "kids"? Perhaps if 19 year
olds were treated as adults in Utah these things wouldn't happen. They act
immature because they have no agency. These are the typical pranks of 12 year
olds in any other culture. Maybe when adults are treated as such in Utah and the
Mormon church things like this won't happen.
Religion Mockery | 8:57 a.m. March 10, 2008
If mocking a religion was against the law, three-quarters of the U.S. would be
in jail. The LDS know all about religious mockery. Maybe people of other faiths
should follow their own advice: "Don't be so sensitive. You need to
grow a thicker skin" blah blah.
Dan | 8:59 a.m. March 10, 2008
Boo Hoo
The statement "Some of you take this stuff way Too Seriously" is telling.
I believe the outcome for these young men will be harsh, Regret and consequence usually follow an Impulsive decision - especially to follow a crowd.
From one senseless act they have destroyed trust that others before them worked hard to build.
This hate crime must be taken seriously, because it is serious.
I served among the Catholic people on my mission. They were kind and good people. Destroying statues or anyone's symbol of faith is unacceptable.
The statement "Some of you take this stuff way Too Seriously" is telling.
I believe the outcome for these young men will be harsh, Regret and consequence usually follow an Impulsive decision - especially to follow a crowd.
From one senseless act they have destroyed trust that others before them worked hard to build.
This hate crime must be taken seriously, because it is serious.
I served among the Catholic people on my mission. They were kind and good people. Destroying statues or anyone's symbol of faith is unacceptable.
Dave | 8:59 a.m. March 10, 2008
I was born and raised in southern Colorado not far from San Luis. My wife has
family there. This is an example of why the LDS religion is under attack many
times. I served as a bishop in a small town in Colorado and the Catholic Priest
was very friendly towards me, when other so called christians were not. This may
have set us back in that area years.
I live in a Mobile home park in Arizona during the winter. I have many non- LDS friends here and we treat each other as brothers and sisters.
I live in a Mobile home park in Arizona during the winter. I have many non- LDS friends here and we treat each other as brothers and sisters.
Father H. | 7:55 a.m. March 10, 2008
These actions of vandalism and disrespect stem directly from the attitudes these
missionaries have toward the Catholic Church. Those attitudes are formed based
on the LDS Church�s disrespect for the Catholic Church,
which the LDS Church claims is in "Apostasy."
When the LDS Church teaches its missionaries that the LDS Church is "the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth, with which I, the Lord, am well pleased" (D&C1:30); when it indoctrinates them that all other Churches on the face of the whole earth are "all wrong; ...all their creeds were an abomination in his sight; that those professors were all corrupt; that: "they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof." (Pearl-of-Great-Price, JS-History 1:19) � well, what do you expect?
As one comment admitted, LDS missionaries throughout the world are engaging in similar disrespectful behavior, even if only picture-taking instead of vandalism. But the spirit of disrespect for "apostates" endures.
The ONLY way the LDS Church will make these disrespect end is by changing their disrespectful doctrine!
When the LDS Church teaches its missionaries that the LDS Church is "the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth, with which I, the Lord, am well pleased" (D&C1:30); when it indoctrinates them that all other Churches on the face of the whole earth are "all wrong; ...all their creeds were an abomination in his sight; that those professors were all corrupt; that: "they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof." (Pearl-of-Great-Price, JS-History 1:19) � well, what do you expect?
As one comment admitted, LDS missionaries throughout the world are engaging in similar disrespectful behavior, even if only picture-taking instead of vandalism. But the spirit of disrespect for "apostates" endures.
The ONLY way the LDS Church will make these disrespect end is by changing their disrespectful doctrine!
Oops from Colorado | 8:05 a.m. March 10, 2008
The Story is the 2nd lead article on the Rocky Mountain News but I couldn't
find it on the page in the Denver post.
President Fotheringham is a good guy.
I would let them take the charges if the parish won't settle the issue out of court. But I am afraid the three boys need to be sent home after they have paid the price or community service. I also think a personal visit and apology is in order with the hopes that they can rebuild and reverse some of the damage that is done.
Personally there is a lot of damage done when the words Mormon Missionaries and Vandalism are headlines in Colorado.
Make them pay some price and send them home so those LDS living in Colorado can at least say we don't baby criminals and the youth repented for their mistakes.
President Fotheringham is a good guy.
I would let them take the charges if the parish won't settle the issue out of court. But I am afraid the three boys need to be sent home after they have paid the price or community service. I also think a personal visit and apology is in order with the hopes that they can rebuild and reverse some of the damage that is done.
Personally there is a lot of damage done when the words Mormon Missionaries and Vandalism are headlines in Colorado.
Make them pay some price and send them home so those LDS living in Colorado can at least say we don't baby criminals and the youth repented for their mistakes.
to boo hoo | 9:11 a.m. March 10, 2008
Well said. Thanks. Pictures preaching the gospel to other religions is a
"must take" picture for most missionaries and I wouldn't be
offended if someone of another religion took a picture in an LDS chapel.
Destroying property is wrong, no doubt, and they should repair the damage, maybe
community service, but taking pictures is not a hate crime. Boo hoo is right!
TB | 8:09 a.m. March 10, 2008
Kinda see this from both sides.
Yes there are 50,000+ 19-21 year olds serving missions. That is prime stupid behaivior and partying age. Undoubtedly, you'll have a percent or two do stupid things like this. Look at the stupid thinks most college age kids do!
On the other hand, how would the LDS church react if someone went inside one of their churches or temples and goofed around, took pictures and posted them on the web. I think it wouldn't be just a "harmless prank".
Yes there are 50,000+ 19-21 year olds serving missions. That is prime stupid behaivior and partying age. Undoubtedly, you'll have a percent or two do stupid things like this. Look at the stupid thinks most college age kids do!
On the other hand, how would the LDS church react if someone went inside one of their churches or temples and goofed around, took pictures and posted them on the web. I think it wouldn't be just a "harmless prank".
Paul | 8:13 a.m. March 10, 2008
Just forgive as Jesus would.
to "Boo Hoo" | 8:21 a.m. March 10, 2008
These men were not children, and they need to take responsibility for their
actions--it's not their parents or mission president who are responsible.
When they return home, aren't they supposed to start looking for a wife and
then start to procreate? They are adults. As for this not being a hate
crime...imagine that this happened inside an LDS church--would you still feel
the same way?
To those who are saying this is a rite of passage for missionaries in heavily Catholic communities: What does this say about the LDS church? Mormons are always out there talking about how we have been so badly persecuted. I have observed that quite often the shoe is on the other foot.
To those who are saying this is a rite of passage for missionaries in heavily Catholic communities: What does this say about the LDS church? Mormons are always out there talking about how we have been so badly persecuted. I have observed that quite often the shoe is on the other foot.
Outrage | 9:26 a.m. March 10, 2008
I was raised Catholic, joined the LDS Church later in life and served a mission.
I think this incident is despicable. As another commenter said, it goes against
the Gospel of Christ and mission rules. When my companions asked me things about
the Catholic Church and what Mass is like, I said, "Why don't we just
go?" And we did. We attened Mass and Good Friday services (sitting in the
back not to cause a stir) because I believe that if you want to know about
another religion, you go to them.
TomH | 9:29 a.m. March 10, 2008
After reading through all of the comments so far, I think most have merit. On
one hand, we cannot excuse the 3 LDS missionaries who disrespected what is
considered sacred to others. That action cannot be excused. I am not sure
"felony" charges are the answer however. These missonaries, who
otherwise, acted honorably, striving to keep God's commandments, serving
others, had their weak moment and made a really bad mistake. Was the act
criminal? No. Was the intent criminal? No. Should they be disciplined? Yes.
I feel that their "punishment" should communitiy service or learning
more about the Catholic faith, the purpose of the shrine, and how Catholics feel
about their sacred places.
Further, I would like to see the same people who decry the LDS missionaries, also decry the street preachers, and the antimormons who defile and desecrate the LDS temple and other sacred things to LDS. It's the only fair and proper thing to do.
Further, I would like to see the same people who decry the LDS missionaries, also decry the street preachers, and the antimormons who defile and desecrate the LDS temple and other sacred things to LDS. It's the only fair and proper thing to do.
What if? | 9:38 a.m. March 10, 2008
Have you people seen the photographs? I have.
What if persons of another faith knocked the head off of the Christus statue on Temple Square? What if they slipped into one of the LDS temples and photographed mock human sacrifices on an altar? What if they stood preaching at the altar with their own version of scripture?
What ever happened to the Golden Rule?
What if persons of another faith knocked the head off of the Christus statue on Temple Square? What if they slipped into one of the LDS temples and photographed mock human sacrifices on an altar? What if they stood preaching at the altar with their own version of scripture?
What ever happened to the Golden Rule?
Anonymous | 9:45 a.m. March 10, 2008
I live in the San Luis area and saw the entire photo album before it was
removed. I am neither Catholic or LDS. The only photo that I had a problem with
was the kid preaching in the chapel. There is no proof that we know of that the
missionaries actually broke the statue. It could have been one of the local
punks who harass tourist up at the Shrine. All we have is the caption of the
photo and it said that one of them broke the head. There was also a picture of a
hill with a large "M" on it that said "M is for Mormons,
Mexicans, and Mosquitoes."
billy bob | 8:40 a.m. March 10, 2008
the only way to stop this is to let the law punish them to the fullest extent
and have the first presidency let it all happen so others know how bad this is.
thank you
RR | 8:43 a.m. March 10, 2008
God takes a terrible chance on young men 19-21. They still act like teenagers
sometimes. I played football with some a few months ago and I could believe how
childish they were, yet had good success in their work. Many of the boys do
still need to grow up, which a mission does, but NEVER should they do something
so terrible, and I hope they didn't take pictures of them doing this.
true blue | 10:04 a.m. March 10, 2008
no one is immune from stupidity it is a pandemic.
Roy | 8:59 a.m. March 10, 2008
One photo showed the LDS missionary with the severed head of one of the statues.
The caption in the online site reportedly said he broke the head off himself
(according to the article in the Chieftain). That is wanton vandalism.
Furthermore, this was not the head of someone's lawn jockey, it was statue
with great religious meaning. Yes, this is a serious matter and the offenders,
who are wearing name badges declaring them "elders", not
"kids", should be identified publicly and made to pay resitution for
the damage - at a minimum.
Anonymous | 10:06 a.m. March 10, 2008
This is only news because it's Mormon missionaries. Who cares what we
think, let the law take care of this matter, stuff like this happens everyday i
don't see that in the news.
Striving for Perfection | 9:14 a.m. March 10, 2008
How often do we see stupid acts committed by ignorant people? Simply put these
acts were sacriligeous and insulting. This is not what concerns me. Many of us
have committed stupid acts in our lives.
Its the consequences that I would like to hear about. One of the main reasons these young men are immature is because too often people are unwilling to give or accept consequences.
Isn't the main characteristic of maturity the ability to understand and accept the consequences of ones actions?
May they learn and grow from this experience I pray...and may the Parish understand that this is not an accurate example of an LDS member striving for God's graces.
Its the consequences that I would like to hear about. One of the main reasons these young men are immature is because too often people are unwilling to give or accept consequences.
Isn't the main characteristic of maturity the ability to understand and accept the consequences of ones actions?
May they learn and grow from this experience I pray...and may the Parish understand that this is not an accurate example of an LDS member striving for God's graces.
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This is NOT what we are about. The damage that they've done to trust and friendly relations in the community is profound.