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LDS Church apologizes to Catholics

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Non-mormon | 7:16 a.m. March 11, 2008

Hey, 19-years-old = no-brains. It's not a Mormon thing, not a Catholic thing, not an atheist thing. Young men, whether soldiers or missionaries or college students, do some dumb stuff sometimes. Let them spend some time serving the community they harmed and maybe they'll develop some maturity.

While sending young folks out into the world to learn about it is a good idea, no matter the belief system, it might be a good idea to let them grow up before being emissaries of any sort.

Rosen | 7:11 a.m. March 11, 2008

To say that there is a desire to ruin these young men's lives is totally ridiculous. To act like their crime was simply stupidity and that their actions were just boys being boys completely overlooks the fact that they may have desecrated a religious monument and defaced public art, we still don't know if they broke the head off or if they just found it, but if this had happened on Temple Square (remember the damage to the Christus) there would have been a similar outcry for justice. The title "Missionary" adds weight to the injury caused. We don't expect such misbehavior and it shouldn't be tolerated. It certainly shouldn't be swept under the carpet, or labeled juvenile misbehavior. If these three young men are guilty, then they should be charged and held to the same standard of punishment and restitution that we (society) would hand down in any other similar case, no more; no less.

Confession | 7:14 a.m. March 11, 2008

Dear Bishop,
The year was 1974. The place was Pachacamac ruins near Lima. I have slides of Elders in the baptismal grip in an excavated font. I have a slide of our entire district scattered on the ground immitating a 3 Nephi earthquake scene.
One slide depicts Elder K up on a wall with the rest of the district poised to stone him a la Samuel the Lamanite.
I have a photo of missionaries sitting in 12 chairs in the council room.
Am I in trouble now? I'm sure someone, somewhere will be offended and reach into the deep pockets of the church.
Some Elders have pictures of road kill. PETA won't like that.
It seems to me that the key is whether or not these Elders broke the head from the statue.
Or shall future temple interviews include a peek at the mission photo album?

Comments continue below

Jarad | 7:23 a.m. March 11, 2008

As a member of the LDS faith, I am deeply offended by what these missionaries did. I offer my sincere apologies to the Catholic Church and the members of the parish affected. While our doctrinal differences exist our shared faith in Christ demands that we respect, love and serve one another. Meanness, spitefulness and anything similar should be done away with. As far as the missionaries, my father always taught me that I was responsible for whatever actions I committed. So it should be for these boys...let the law run its course and let them face the ecclesiastical consequences of their actions as well.

Once I was a boy | 7:31 a.m. March 11, 2008

When I was about 20, I thought it would be funny to lie down in front of a marker at Kent State University in Ohio. If anyone remembers back that far, it was the site of a Vietnam protest that got ugly and some students were killed. I was young and foolish and thought that playing dead in front of this marker remembering the slain would be a funny photo. As decades pass, I realize it was just stupid. So to throw these boys to the wolves seems something like an over-reaction, but I recognize how sensitive religious icons are. No church out there, NONE, has avoid mockery. Catholics have been mocked, LDS, Jews, Muslims, Hindu, Protestants... and the list goes on. I applaud the LDS church for drawing a clear line in the sand on this matter to identify their expectations for all young men in the future. I doubt it will stop young men from being young and stupid. The church was open and contrite, unlike some of the Catholic bishops who swept the pedophile scandal under the carpet.

IT'S TOO LATE | 7:31 a.m. March 11, 2008

TO APPOLOGIZE!! now i know what my lds neighbors really thing about my family and I just from these blogs. But we'll go on living with the "pie to the sky" people as now the truth is out...we can never be good enough with what we got. But funny how things work out as now they are rushing over to apologize, when all we wanted in the first place was to be acknowledged for our good beliefs and happiness!May mother Mary comfort you!

K. Wells | 7:39 a.m. March 11, 2008

I as a Coloradoan and member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, was horrified to hear the news that those representing our church and our Savior had shown such disrespect and sheer stupidity towards another people. We are taught in our homes and ALL our church meetings to love and respect other religions and its people. We do not judge a whole bushel of people or religions because of the acts of the few. We believe in being responsible for our own actions. All choices, good or bad, carry with them responsibility. I am sure these young men will be held accountable for their choices. I have had the priviledge of having numerous young missionaries in my home with my 5 children. I hold in high esteem those we have gotten to know. I would never condemn the whole bunch because of a few rotten apples. They are fine young men and representatives of our Savior and our church. We are also very much about forgiveness and restition. May these young men be able to accomplish that in their lives so that they can themselves learn the power of the Atonement. Sincere Sympathy to those affected.

Dutchman | 7:33 a.m. March 11, 2008

When the new Catholic Bishop was celebrated in Salt Lake City the Arch Bishop of the U.S. from Washington D.C. came to the ceremony and walked down the aisle of the Catholic Cathedral with then First Counselor and now President of the Mormon Church Thomas S. Monson. Some of my associates remarked that they were surprised and some thought it was inappropriate for President Monson to do such a thing. I remarked at the time that Pres. Monson has many friends of different faiths all over the world and that this was a good thing for the Mormon Church to reach out. Now this despicable act has occured and I am sure President Monson has been on the phone conversing and apologizing in person to his friend, the Arch Bishop, and others.

Wow | 7:39 a.m. March 11, 2008

A lot of people calling for heads on this board. That's sad. Call the missionaries what you want but they make mistakes like everyone on here including myself. I feel embarrassed for what they did, but it doesn't mean they aren't good people. Let's put it this way, they are 19-23 years old. Correct me if i'm wrong but i feel a lot better about the few mistakes they make on missions than i would about the mistakes that take place among many 19-23 year olds these days...if you don't like the LDS faith that's fine. But by saying the things many of you ahve said you are vandalizing just as much as those missionaries you are condemning. Think about it. Darron i think you owe a lot of people an apology. AT LEAST THE MORMON FAITH RECOGNIZES IT'S MISTAKE AND APOLOGIZES FOR IT.

Thinkin' Man | 7:50 a.m. March 11, 2008

I find it thought-provoking that so many here who profess to be Christians continue to criticize and belittle the Mormon Church and its people even after a sincere apology. Folks, you're saying more about yourselves than you realize.

Just Ed | 7:54 a.m. March 11, 2008

One of the unfortunate things about being human is that we tend to take the path of least resistance, doing the easy thing when the hard thing is called for.

Encouraging and cultivating bitterness, resentment, and division is so easy, and in a cheap, superficial way so satisfying--fun, even. That's why it is so commonly seen and heard on the radio, on TV news networks, and on the web.

Christians are called to a different, more difficult but ultimately more deeply satisfying path. I'm not interested here in doctrinal differences. If we consider ourselves Christian, we must recognize a God-given OBLIGATION to seek peace and reconciliation. It's not always easy, or even, in the short-term at least, possible. But we have to do it, if we take our faith responsibilities at all seriously. That goes for everyone: Catholic, LDS, Protestant: whomever would call him or herself Christian must put aside the easy path of bitterness and resentment and work toward reconciliation. God is watching us, right now.

Joe | 7:56 a.m. March 11, 2008

For those who would defend the actions of these missionaries, see Doctrine & Covenants 82:3 "For of him unto whom much is given much is required; and he who sins against the greater light shall receive the greater condemnation."

What the Elders did was initially stupid. Posting photos of their stupidity on the internet was both stupid and insensitive.

This sounds like a good topic for several family home evening discussions.

a mormon | 8:10 a.m. March 11, 2008

When LDS missionaries do something stupid like this, it does reflect on the whole Church...why? Because even on p-day they are representatives of the Church. Acts of stupidity like this are rare but they do happen. I remember several years ago that missionaries were expelled from an entire country because of thoughtless actions, which were not even as bad as this. They climbed onto a statue for some pictures. It happened to be a religious statue. The doo-doo hit the fan. Nuf said.

If they did deface or vandalize the statue, they should be criminally prosecuted and made to pay restitution. What makes them any different than the Taliban who destroyed centuries-old Buddha statues? Not much. I am glad they will also be disciplined by their bishops as well.

I believe the tenets of the LDS faith, but that doesn't mean I don't love my in-laws who are Orthodox any less. God's commandment to love your neighbor is equally applicable to neighbors who go to mass, or those who go to testimony meeting.

California Andy | 8:19 a.m. March 11, 2008

As a nearly 50 year member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, converted by two fine missionaries, both of whom went back to college and earned PhD's following their missions, I can truly say what happened in Colorado was an aberation and outside the norm for our missionaries. Let the investigation and the law continue from this point.

I was a military reservist when I joined the Church and had only been an LDS member a couple years at a time when our congregations and chapels were not nearly as numerous. A visiting General Authoritiy speaking during a Stake Conference advised us if we were far from an LDS chapel on Sunday, "--go to any Christian Church and enjoy the Spirit to be found there." I ended up on a military base one weekend and asked a (barely) practicing Catholic friend to take me to church with him on Sunday. Their speaker was a young Irish Catholic Priest, hugely funny and informative in his speaking approach to his topic. One of the best Sundays in my memory. To this day, Catholics (and other practicing Christians) are my Brothers and Sisters in the gospel.

Marvin | 8:25 a.m. March 11, 2008

Not to rain in anyones parade, but where is the proof that these missionaries did the vandalism.
I am not saying the did or did not, but rather why is EVERYONE assuming they are instantly guilty?
Investigate and then let the chips fall.

Rick | 8:24 a.m. March 11, 2008

I offer my sincere apologies to the Catholic and Sangre de Cristo Community for the thoughtless acts of these young men. I grew up as a member of the LDS Church in a heavily Catholic Community in Maine, and my mother was raised Catholic. I know there are many many great strengths and virtues in the Catholic Faith. Please know that the actions of these young men do not reflect my church's values.

JT | 8:30 a.m. March 11, 2008

The facts aside, Darren's statement shows that what these missionaries did was damaging in several ways. What they did was wrong. Whether is was stupidity, immaturity, or a mistake, does not make what they did any less wrong.

Ed | 8:26 a.m. March 11, 2008

Incredible! I have once again be reassured that people use there biased opinions to continually convict individuals in the court of public opinion and not a court of law. How sad it is that society in its rash judgment has already convicted these men of a crime, without knowing all the facts of the incident. Mormon and Non-Mormon alike have used there religous based beliefs to condemn these men before all the facts of the incident have been presented. Although there acts may have not represented the LDS Church in a proper manner, it does not mean they committed a crime. Let law enforcement conduct an investigation and pursue justice not persecution.

Mona | 8:27 a.m. March 11, 2008

Darren, anytime we make blanket generalizations we are in danger of being absurdly in error. These missionaries don't show the 'true colors' of any LDS member I know. I certainly am not out belittling or vandalizing as I'm too busy serving and volunteering and trying to make the world a better place. And in 20+ years living in the same ward I've never known anyone else to belittle the beliefs of others or vandalize anything. As a former Catholic I have only gratitude for a religion that kept Christianity alive during centuries of ignorance and lawlessness. If you need proof of my sincerity, I have a daughter named after my favorite cousin who for over 40 years has been a nun in a Catholic convent. My cousin and I often discuss religion and we agree that we are each trying to do God's will in the best way we can.

You have either not been to an LDS meeting or have drastically misunderstood the doctrine taught. Perhaps you have confused our teaching of what we believe as making fun of what others believe. I am sorry for you.

Seek not to offend | 8:42 a.m. March 11, 2008

Some poor decisions of immaturity were made. Let's not be equally immature and blow this out of proportion. The Mormon church neither condones the actions, nor makes any excuses for the behavior, but rather offers its most sincere apologies.

I hope all of us can be sensitive and respectful to others beliefs, while not generalizing people (and peoples) on a few ignorant actions.

Freeman | 8:45 a.m. March 11, 2008

A pox on all religions! History is full of examples of the broken or destroyed lives of people who were accused of or who actually disrespected some religion. The Shrine in question is in honor of someone executed defending his religious beliefs. Looks like these kids will be the next victims of religious fanaticism.

Gentile | 8:40 a.m. March 11, 2008

It looks like we all should learn a little more about Manuel Morales, who was depicted int ethe vandalized statue. Here was a man who died fighting for religious freedom, thereby making it possible for ALL missionaries, including Mormons, to proselytize openly in Mexico. It sounds like these three LDS missionaries were not worthy to tie Morales' shoes.

Perhaps in raising the bar, we should do a better job teaching our daughters and reverence for people and respect of other religions.

kathleen | 8:43 a.m. March 11, 2008

As we see the other 55,997 missionaries do their best work as the Savior has requested, we must remember their good work! Some of their work exemplary and touching the lives of many. Some giving up great sports and academic careers to lighten others' burdens. Let's give these young men and women some headlines.
Repentence and RESTITUTION by the 3 involved missionaries should help them to recover and grow into fine young (older) men. Often as adults we tend to smooth over anothers' mistakes - let these young men return to the scene and make restitution.

Texas | 8:45 a.m. March 11, 2008

The missionaries' first mistake was to lose the spirit of their mission.

After they lost the spirit of their mission, they lost their love for other people, if indeed they every had any.

Once they lost their love for other people, they had no respect for things that other people value deeply - even as deeply as the missionaries ostensibly valued their own faith.

But this event is worth reflecting on. What I worry about is that we (I include myself) as a culture think we are so much better than others, and the plain fact is that we aren't so better than others.

Let's face it: we aren't all that kind to strangers in our meetings, we aren't very gracious in our social dealings, and we really aren't that humble. I speak as a 6th generation Mormon, with ancestors that go back to Kurtland, and with no ax to grind and no complaint about or issue at all with the Church or the Bretheren.

I feel that we can all do better, particularly myself.

suzyk | 8:46 a.m. March 11, 2008

BRAVO PAUL G..couldn't have said it better myself.

The First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will see that responsibility is taken for the disrespect and vandalism. It will not be disregarded...it will be taken care of. These boys knew better and they will learn quickly that when you choose to do wrong it will always be followed by a consequence you cannot choose.

Luke | 8:53 a.m. March 11, 2008

As a Latter-day Saint I am sad to see the expected array of LDS responses to this act.
-Some parse the issue, saying that there is no proof they broke off the head of the statue, as if this made any difference in regard to this morally reprehensible act!
-Many feel a need to respond forcefully to the few who made negative inferences about the Church as a whole from this act.
-Still others make excuses, saying they did similar things at that age - boys will be boys! - once again, ignoring the fact that what they did was wrong.
-Others argue that the missionaries should be punished harshly.
-Others argue from faith that we should readily forgive them.

The problem with all of these responses is that they fail to apologize for this reprehensible act. We should all feel responsible when a representative of our Church does something like this. Rather than focusing on the individual missionaries, we should be talking about the changes we must make in the culture of our faith. I think many react so strongly to criticism because they know their is some truth in what Darren B. and others said.

Just Ed | 8:55 a.m. March 11, 2008

Here's a salute and a hearty Amen, Brother/Sister!, to all the people here, be they LDS, Catholic (like me) or from another church, who set aside cheap and easy outrage and blanket condemnations in favor of sincere concern, regret, pardon, and reconciliation.

It's great that there are too many of you all to acknowledge individually! But thank you.

"Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it." (Ps 34:13-14)

From the Top | 8:54 a.m. March 11, 2008

If the guilty elders ever read these comments, this is what you guys should do: With all sincerity, publicly apologize in print and also hold a press conference to do the same. Confess in fullness as to what you did, ask everyone's forgiveness; especially from the Catholic members, humbly accept all legal and religious punishments and then move on with your lives. Your future peace of mind will depend on how well and completely you do the above. If you're sincere, you WILL be able to forgive yourselves and put it behind you. True Christians will be in a position to forgive you, while wolves in sheep's clothing will continue to rant and rave.

Dufuses! | 9:01 a.m. March 11, 2008

What they did was wrong and embarrassing. They obviously did not have the spirit with them. I however have not heard that they actually broke the head. Innocent until proven guilty. If it eluded detection as being broken for the last year and a half, who's to say it wasn't broken years ago. I'll bet they did not break the head. What they did was wrong but no one has said they did break the statue.

Observed 3 things | 9:11 a.m. March 11, 2008

Two things I have learned:
1. The mob "string 'em up" mentality is alive and well in the US.
2. Good Catholics and good Mormons are far more tolerant and forgiving than others.
3. That people who claim to be so open-minded aren't.

To "From The top" | 9:12 a.m. March 11, 2008

Brava!
That's very similar to what I suggested publicly, a few days ago (except I said they should march down the main street of that town, carrying signs that say "I'm sorry!" as well as publicly apologize).

Remember, everyone. This is a very holy time to most churches, and Easter is approaching quickly. It's Lent.

How will it end? | 9:10 a.m. March 11, 2008

Like so many other comments in today's and yesterday's stories, I too am deeply sorry and ashamed that such an incident has happened. I, too, served a mission for the LDS church. I agree that the young men involved be disciplined and punished to the full extent of the law. I must say, though, am deeply saddened and fairly disillusioned when I read some of the comments. For a few of you, nothing less than the entire LDS church being completely blown off the face of the earth would seem to appease you. There is too much religious intolerance on all sides, and most of us, in one way or other has (or has had at one time) blood on their hands in this regard. How will this incident end? In an eternal grudge? Or another holy war? That wouldn't seem to fit the example of Him who both these churches profess to follow. Maybe we all--myself included--need to live our religion, or else what good is it?! For some, though, I guess that will never happen; it remains for the rest of us to see through such cynicism and ill-will and do the best we can to get along.

Elder Faust said... | 9:21 a.m. March 11, 2008

Here's a good quote from Elder Faust that brings a great perspective to this discussion: "Sometimes we make poor choices. . . . Unfortunately, some of our poor choices are irreversible, but many are not. Often we can change course and get back on the right track. Getting back on the right track may involve the principles of repentance. . . . Learning by experience has value, but the 'school of hard knocks' is deserving of its name. Progression comes faster and easier by learning from our parents, those who love us, and our teachers. We can also learn from the mistakes of others, observing the consequences of their wrong choices."
Topic: Choices

(James E. Faust, "Choices," Ensign, May 2004, 51-52)

Sean | 9:24 a.m. March 11, 2008

Let the first person in the town or on here who has no sin cast the first stone.

You are all so quick to condemn and only a few of us talk of the boys future. Should they go to prison and come out with a scar which could ruin their lives forever. The town will heal faster than these boys and that is WITH OUT legal action so far.

I can understand that justice needs be served. But to ruin their lives is more horrific their ruining a statue. A statue can more easily be replaced.

They were stupid AND YOUNG.

The women to be stoned was guilty of one of the worst crimes of that period. Christ answered that crowd well.

Today we bicker over something small in comparison.

Hurt feelings is what this is about. The crowd that speaks more of punishment and nothing of forgiveness or the boys future is not a crowd of love.

I'm amazed that anyone could parent with the mind frame of no forgiveness.

When punishing, consider the hinge on their life and draw it until their 90 years old. Then decide their fate.

A society of punishment, Not of repair.

Time to Move On | 9:30 a.m. March 11, 2008

I'm Catholic. We have some kids that do dumb things precisely because they are kids. Apparently the same is true for the LDS Church. Our goofy kids don't define us any more than yours define you. Appologies have been made and should be accepted, the missionaries involved are going to have to deal with the consequences of their actions. The rest of us need to move on.

Justice | 9:31 a.m. March 11, 2008

There is no justification for what these Missionaries did. The Chruch has apologized and is working with the law. What can be done is being done. This was a random act by 3 missionaries. There was no cover up by the Church. Time to let the law handle it and move on. Time to stop swallowing camels and choking on gnats!

Agree with Legal Beagle | 9:28 a.m. March 11, 2008

I saw two photos on the TV news story. Just because one of the missionaries was holding the stone head in his hands doesn't mean HE is the one who broke it. It seems like everyone, including the church leaders, are ready to string these guys up for their stupid antics. But let there be an investigation. See what they say about who broke what. They appear to be guilty of stupidity, disrespect and poor choices. But that doesn't automatically mean they vandalized the shrine.

John Lambert | 9:38 a.m. March 11, 2008

I think the parish and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints should seek an agreement on repairing the statues. I am fairly certain the Church would be willing to help. I think it is far too early to talk about law suits and that is not the best way to solve the problems.

Josh | 9:43 a.m. March 11, 2008

Where can I contribute to a fund to pay for repairing the damage?

Idaokie | 9:47 a.m. March 11, 2008

Let's review the words of the father of a very great man and prophet. "Forget yourselves and get to work".
Enough with the comments, jabs, and innuendos. We cannot change the past. We cannot control others. We have power over ourselves and how we proceed.
It's not my job to judge or to punish these young men. It is my job to teach my children tolerance and respect. If we each put our own houses in order, all will work out. The Lord's work will continue. No doubt.
My prayers are with those young men who made a very bad decision. They probably look like deer in headlights about now. I'd say to them, "Make it right. Don't give up. The Lord's power of the atonement is infinite enough for you too".

John Lambert | 9:51 a.m. March 11, 2008

Those who point out that such attitudes are not learned over night do have a good point. However I would not agree that they neccesarily reflect on the attitudes of the church in general.
The main thing they reflect on is the high level of sacrelige in our society. Nothing is treated as sacred. TV shows mock the most sacred tenants of multiple religions.
People who have grown up imbibing this broad array of destructive dialogue will repreat it. There are many sources of disrespect in our society, and one can not just up and identify one over others.

Chuckles55 | 9:49 a.m. March 11, 2008

As a church, we need to help repair the damage. I believe that all Mormons should feel the pain of the stupidity of three of our dedicated missionaries. Where can I send money to help?

mikee | 9:55 a.m. March 11, 2008

I am from Ozamiz City Philippines. The news about 3 LDS missionaries catch my eyes in foxnews. I was saddened about thier youthful behavior. Our country dominated by catholics and its wonderful to have access friendship and looking forward better relationship in the future. I agree the damaged has been done and those missionaries involved will surely learned the lesson the hard way. Again LDS Church leaders voice thier sincere apologies,regrets and misbehaving towards the incidents and I support as well. Lets pray for speedy reconciliation and look for better vision tomorrow.

Spanky | 9:54 a.m. March 11, 2008

Maybe the LDS church should consider implementing a few courses in ethics, morality, respect for other people and religions, in the MTC before they send out foolish young boys to represent their religion. But then I've always wondered why immature, inexperienced kids are sent out to try and convert people who have actually lived a little. I've had teen age LDS missionaries approach me when I was over 40 years old and attempt to tell me how I should be living my life. It was good for a few laughs, but that's about it.

Ken J Hulse | 10:02 a.m. March 11, 2008

Missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are set apart and sent forth as full-time representatives of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. On that black name tag these young people wear the name of the Church, which they are representing full-time. The name of Christ, Whom they should be honoring in all action and also the name of their family. So yes, you can not paint with a such a broad brush to say, "all mormons are this way", but at the same time these actions are reflected upon all of us a members of the LDS church, why? Young men serving as full-time representatives did this.
I did have the opportunity in my life to serve as a full-time missionary, and I am happy to say it was full-time. I labored in Brazil, a country steeped in Catholic heritage and tradition. At times I did not understand the workings of their faith, but I never spoke or set lightly the beliefs of any one. I have actually grown to love and respect my brothers and sisters of all faiths. We believe in Christ, some should do better to show that to the world.

Josh | 10:02 a.m. March 11, 2008

I'm sorry for the actions of these missionaries and hope that our Catholic friends and neighbors can forgive us. I'm also sorry that so many in both the Catholic and LDS communities have been hurt or offended in the aftermath of these events. I can only hope that the love of Christ whom we worship (Catholics and Mormons alike) will allow a spirit of peace and forgiveness to return and that whatever may happen will abound to the glory of God.

Rachel | 10:02 a.m. March 11, 2008

I'm not "defending" them here, but did it occur to anyone that it could have already been broken, and they, in major stupidity, took those photos? Everyone is assuming they did the actual vandalism, but it is possible all they are guilty of is a very insensitive display of making fun of things those belonging to another faith hold dear. Frankly, there are countless posts on the internet of other "faiths" doing this very thing to LDS beliefs. I'm horrified by what they did and possibly did. But we experience the feelings those Catholic parissioners, (I'm sorry if I spelled that wrong) are experiencing right now, over and over as Latter Day Saints, when we happen to make the mistake of clicking on an anti mormon site put out there by Catholic priests, Lutheran pastors, Baptist preachers, etc, or go to our local chapel and find it vandalized, or walk in SLC towards Temple Square and have to put up with people spitting in our face and ranting hatefully in our childrens ears.

Relocated Southerner | 10:03 a.m. March 11, 2008

As an active member of the LDS Church, I want to express my apologies for the disrespectful way these young men treated your church and its artifacts. They should make restitution and issue a sincere, public apology for their actions. While I find the "preaching from the pulpit" photo distasteful, however, I do not find it to be criminal. With regard to the photo of the young man holding the head of the statue, if it is determined that the young men did, in fact, disfigure the statue (remove the head), this is an act of criminal vandalism and should be punished by the dictates of the law. If the statue was already broken, however, while taking the photo the way they did was stupid and in very poor taste, it is not a criminal act, just the actions of stupid, immature young men. And I would feel the same way were someone to come onto Temple Square and "desecrate" our statues of early Church leaders. I would be offended if they took silly photos with it, but I would not expect them to suffer lifelong criminal consequences if they did not actually inflict the damage.

Colorado | 10:07 a.m. March 11, 2008

For those of you who are minimizing their actions and crying out for proof that these men vandalized the shrine, try reading a more complete news account---maybe one actually in Colorado.

The parishioners of Sangre de Cristo are not fishing for a scapegoat. These idiots were stupid enough to mock the Catholic faithï¿½.Stupid enough to post the photos on Photobucketï¿½..And furthermore stupid enough to actually include a caption under the photo of the missionary holding the statue, which declared to the world---ï¿½Hannemann broke off the head of a saint.ï¿½ The LDS Church released a statement indicating that they wereï¿½ ï¿½evidently responsible..ï¿½

Itï¿½s out there, gangï¿½. AP picked up the story.

To Luke | 10:08 a.m. March 11, 2008

Where was your apology? After all, according to you, all LDS members are guilty of this "crime".

Sheesh, I just don't get some of the posters here. In saying, "I, too, did stuff I now regret at that age," I'm not saying I condone their actions. Actions do carry consequences, and from what I can tell from the article, these young men will suffer the consequences, the first effects of which have already been felt by one.

We're human. We make mistakes. Most times, we suffer the consequences. The people with the authority to do so have apologized for the Church. The young men should make their own apologies, in addition to any restitution that may be in order. Keep in mind, you only have evidence of their disrespect; there is not yet evidence the vandalism was performed by them. Let the proper authorities do their job in discovering guilt.

I apologize for my own actions in the past whether intentional or not, that either were, or would have been had they been observed, offensive to those of other faiths.

Thank you to the Catholics on here who have accepted the apology of the church leaders.

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