Deseret News | LDS Church apologizes to Catholics

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LDS Church apologizes to Catholics

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How much is enough? | 10:30 a.m. March 11, 2008

I often wonder how much punishment is enough. What these young men did was wrong. They should be punished, but it seems some are calling for blood.

I guess my response is that some are taking this way too far. What these young men did showed a lack of respect. However, did they make the altar unusable? Will it never be the same again? Can the statue not be fixed? Will it be forever without a head?

Once again, what these young men did was wrong. Should we ruin their lives for their mistake in judgement?

me | 10:28 a.m. March 11, 2008

I am so sorry for the action these missionaries took. Apparently there wasn't oone brain between them to stop this descecration.
I as a member in good standing also apologize to the Catholic church and the people that was sorely traumatized by this action.
I feel the missionaries need to make a public apology to those they wronged.

Phoenix Girl | 10:32 a.m. March 11, 2008

I think the saddest thing in all of this is the destroyed reputation that the church will have in Colorado and other places because of the stupid acts of some immature missionaries. The repercussions from this one event will last a long time. The church as a whole will suffer from this disrespect. People will blame us all for their disrespectful actions.
Hopefully people understand that as a church we are taught to respect and care for others (treat others as you would want to be treated) and that we do not condone actions like this. It is too bad it happened.

Comments continue below

Pat | 10:40 a.m. March 11, 2008

I am from the San Luis Valley where this happend, and although I have been away most of my married life, Colorado will always be my home. Half of my family is Mormon and half are Catholic. I was raised in the Mormon faith, but know of many storeis about Brigham Young sending Saints to live in that area from SLC to colonize the church in that area. If it was not for the Spanish Catholics in the area at that time, the Mormon settlers would have perished that first winter. My mothers family helped settle Eastdale that is now close to Sanford and Manassa and growing up we always went to the 24th Pioneer Celebration with the Catholics and Mormons, and we have many friends of both faiths. The actions of these Elders has shocked and saddened us all, but don't let their deeds condem the rest of us. We are trying to love each person for who they are, and have been taught true and correct principles that the Lord would want us to do!

Respect for others | 10:40 a.m. March 11, 2008

Solution!
Treat people the way you want to be treated. If you can't treat others with respect than don't expect any respect in return!

Go ahead cast the first stone | 10:45 a.m. March 11, 2008

What these missionaries did is wrong! They hopefully have confessed, paid restitution, repented and will be forgiven by those injured and God.

I live in the "missionfield" and have seen some very immature elders. How many of us don't have issues in our past, and hopefully NOT in our future, we are ashamed of?

So if there are those of you who feel good about casting the first stone... Here is a big rock, aim well.

Fritz | 10:46 a.m. March 11, 2008

Some of you might remember some missionaries getting in trouble in Thailand for taking pictures on a Buddha statue (Jackie referred to this in an earlier post). It greatly inhibited the missionary work in Thailand for many years. Having served a mission in Japan a few years later, this was a great reminder of showing respect.
Contrary to Darren's, Russ', Fr. Jacobus Timore's and several others' opinions, the LDS church does not teach hatred for the Catholic church or any other church. In fact, leaders of the LDS church have publicly stated, in no uncertain terms, that any member who teaches or professes hatred for any denomination is unchristian and does not have the Spirit of God.
If you think that disagreement over doctrine is hatred, then you would have to agree that Jesus Christ disagreeing with the Pharisees was hatred. Clearly, this is not true. They hated Him, but He did not hate them.
These young men should be held accountable for their actions; I would not be surprised if the LDS church made sure that all damage is 100% repaired: whether by these boys or by the church itself.

Get-A-Life!!! | 10:53 a.m. March 11, 2008

Thank God we live in America where you are presumed innocent until convicted in a court of law, not media! There appear to be four wrongs here: 1- Insensitivity by a couple of young, immature missionaries; 2- Even worse, the person who posted it on the internet; 3- Getting worse, the persons who brought this to media attention and made it a Mormon vs. Catholic issue when that was not the case; 4- Worse yet, those of you who are judge, jury and executioner!

It does not matter what religion a person is. If a Mormon or a Catholic think they are better than the other in God's eyes, how wrong they are. I respect these two young men for giving 2 years of their lives to serve others. I respect the countless others from all religions who serve voluntary missions and/or acts of service like those who go to Mexico or Central or South America every year to build houses, provide medical care, or other services. The rest of you "stone throwers," Get A Life. Spend the same time you are being critical serving others.

JT | 10:55 a.m. March 11, 2008

I served a mission and feel safe to say all returned missionaires are embarrassed and disappointed by their actions. It only takes one bad apple to spoil the barrel, and so the good done by hundreds will be drowned out by this. Gee, thanks, elders.

Respecting Others.. | 10:50 a.m. March 11, 2008

How To Treat Others With Respect

1-Don't insult people or make fun of them.
2- Listen to others when they speak.
3- Value other people's opinions.
4- Be considerate of people's likes and dislikes.
5-Don't mock or tease people.
6- Don't talk about people behind their backs.
7- Be sensitive to other people's feelings.
8- Don't pressure someone to do something he or she doesn't want to do.

Treat other in the way you would want to be treated.

Stoners | 11:09 a.m. March 11, 2008

Next person to quote "ye without guilt cast the first stone" please remember you are also being judgemental.

What they did was wrong, and we all know it.

They were representing "the church", but not God during this act. The church should apologize, but not God.

The church is an organization created to worship God. Not the other way around.

Anonymous | 11:03 a.m. March 11, 2008

Here's what the church needs to do to make restitution:

1. Pay for the damage
2. Church Rep to apologize in person
3. Have the missionaries apologize in person
4. Have the entire CO Springs Mission perform a service project at the Catholic properties (with the MO church picking up the tab).
5. Turn the boys over for prosecution (part of making amends is taking personal responsibility).

RE: Get alife!!! | 11:10 a.m. March 11, 2008

Get-A-Life!!!
That goes for you too!!!

klimber510 | 11:39 a.m. March 11, 2008

I believe the LDS Church is acting appropriately in their discpline of the involved missionaries and their apologies to the Catholic Church. I have good Catholic friends who recognize the sincerity of that apology and would differ with those who wish to use this unfortunate incident to find fault with the entire LDS Church. The pure in heart recognize sincerity when they see it.

Bob Mullins - Logan Utah | 11:46 a.m. March 11, 2008

Even though we have had people vandalize our Christus statue in Salt Lake and in other locations, removing the hands more than once...

...We need to pay for a new Statue for this sanctuary of theirs in Colorado. We need to offer this now, not delaying.

I know that the LDS Church contributed more than $200,000 for the remodeling of the Cathedral of the Madeline in Salt Lake City when it was renovated last, however, we as the LDS Church need to help out others when necessary.

Just Ed | 11:51 a.m. March 11, 2008

This particular glass looks at least half full to me. Mormons and Catholics of faith and goodwill are posting here, and they know how to deal with difficult situations like this: Responsibility. Repentence. Forgiveness. Mutual respect. It's so simple, it's almost too simple for some of us. But so many of the posters here have demonstrated exactly the kind of response our Lord expects of us, and that is very encouraging!

There will always be those who emphasize the worst in us. Here's to those who strive for the best. Yes, the glass is half-full . . . maybe even more.

mary | 11:46 a.m. March 11, 2008

Tossing the religious element out the window for just a moment, apparently weï¿½ve forgotten a couple important protections the Constitution affords all, the innocent until proven guilty piece and something called freedom of speech. So far the only thing anyone really knows is 3 stupid teenagers took pictures which were in poor taste and posted them online. But a picture is not vandalism, and will more likely fall into the free speech camp. Whereï¿½s a police report from 2006 for the ï¿½vandalismï¿½ to the chapel? And no one knows if they actually broke the statue, having gone unnoticed for 2 year's who is to say it wasn't broken before they ever got there? What seems to be giving this story legs is the fact that they are Mormon missionaries. Every LDS person is cringing right now, embarrassed and hurt that this happened. And we mean it because we are targets of this very kind of "poor taste", "misjudgment" attacks on our faith - heavens there is an entire industry dedicated to attacking, mocking and distorting our beliefs - where's my apology and where do I send my check to help pay to repair the statue?

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

I keep seeing comments about LDS bias towards the Catholic Church. This is strange to me. I grew up in Provo, I Graduated from BYU and served a Mission in Rome Italy. There are not many places more LDS than Provo and more catholic than Italy. To say that the the LDS church promotes negative feelings towards catholics just isn't factual. I was never taught anything other than to respect other religions. I am deeply saddend by the actions of the missionaries in colorado. Their actions do not speak for the church as a whole. They do not speak for me. Their attempts at humor were not and are not funny. My apologies are extended to all.

Alan of Orem | 12:14 p.m. March 11, 2008

I remember sitting in a mission conference in an LDS chapel in suburban Buenos Aires 35 years ago. The visiting authority was Elder Marvin J. Ashton. And what did that gentle apostle speak to the missionaries about for almost his entire hour: not doing stupid things. This was not long after missionaries had spent six months in a South-east Asian prison for the infamous "Buddha" incident. So, unfortunately, this is nothing new.

Parents and leaders: please teach your young men that their missions are not extended vacations or rites of passage, but a sacred time of Christian service.

Fortuantely, we also hear much less criticism of other religions in our teachings and culture, that in years past. This must also continue, as a healthy respect for the beliefs of others, whether we agree or disagree, must be at the core of our outreach.

former missionary | 12:08 p.m. March 11, 2008

The lds church is still true, but 19 year old boys are not perfect. Of the thousands and thousands of missionarys that have served, unfortunately, everyone makes mistakes. These mistakes aren't that big of a deal. I served, and have been in other faiths churches. Lots of missionarys have preached from the pulpit just like this one

hmmmm....... | 12:28 p.m. March 11, 2008

I'd like to know why some LDS members feel the need to apologize to everyone for the actions of these missionaries. It wasn't your fault that they did something stupid. It was theirs, and therefore they need to be the ones to apologize. I don't think it is in any of our rights to pass judgement on the missionaries. This situation has been taken WAY to far by alot of people. We do not need to go out looking for blood. Let them pay the price of their actions and be done with it. I wonder if the same ammount of coverage would take place if it was a Baptist representative doing this to the Catholics, or how about a Lutheran? If anything, I think that the Catholics are using this as an excuse to make the Mormons look bad. But who am I? Just a man with an oppinion. I don't have a religion, just speaking my mind.

russ | 12:34 p.m. March 11, 2008

to Fritz and unbiased: I can only report what my fellow classmates told me for years and years and years in school in Utah County. There is no mistaking what I was told, repeatedly told. Not by one, not by two, but by Mormon after Mormon classmate, day after day, as they tried to convert me. (Obviously, it did not work...)

Later on, I got myself a step-father who had been raised Catholic, became Mormon, married my mom, and decided late in life to go back to Catholicism. Though she wasn't Catholic. Wow, did he have stories to tell us. wow.

Sorry to blur the picture but Mormonism is inherently and definitely anti-Catholic, and anti-Protestant for that matter too. These boys carried out what they had been fed and then led to believe. It will happen again. Unless the lesson plans change, of course.

Tc | 12:28 p.m. March 11, 2008

Regarding the comment about how Mormons feel about Catholics. Yes the Mormon church feels that the Catholic church does not contain the full truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. However the Catholic church does feel the same way about the Mormon church.
These missionaries were being just plain disrespectful. But this is not a reflection of how the LDS church feels towards the Catholic church. We are raised to let others worship however they please.

John | 12:37 p.m. March 11, 2008

Ok, everybody calm down. Remember, the "senseless act" we're all talking about is vandalism of the statue. Whether or not a missionary actually broke the statue is still being investigated. It is very possible that it was already broken by someone else or even by the weather considering that it was an outdoor statue.

Regardless, everybody agrees that missionaries (or anyone for that matter) should not be engaged in this sort of activity. The LDS church is apologizing and if the missionaries are responsible for breaking the statue, the LDS church will make sure that the Catholic church is repaid.

It is unfortunate that this event occurred and even more unfortunate if it so happens that these missionaries did in fact break the statue. However, there is no reason to attack, place blame upon, or respond with hate toward the LDS church anymore than these would be appropriate responses to the various victimizations of mormons by those of other faiths.

Why don't we all just stay calm and let the various religious leaders work this out for themselves. There is no need for strife here as the church is working to right this wrong.

CeeCee | 12:39 p.m. March 11, 2008

I smile at all of you who say "it may or may not have been vadalism, there's no evidence" -- ok, I'll buy that one and let the "boys" off the hook for the statue, but what about the other offenses that everyone keeps forgetting about? What about them preaching from the Book of Mormon at an altar and pretending to sacrifice one another on the alter? How do you dismiss this? And NO, I don't buy the "their 19 year old boys that do stupid things" defense? I'd buy that defense if they had done something truly worth the "19 year old and stupid" defense, like blowing up a mail box or something like that. BUT for them to be on a RELIGIOUS mission and to MOCK another religion while in their RELIGIOUS UNIFORM then that can not be dismissed as a "stupid prank." They should've KNOWN better. They should've felt the "spirit" and known that their actions were wrong. And, what if this had happend in a mormon church or temple? Would you be so forgiving of someone mocking the LDS religion or pretending to sacrifice someone on the sacrament table?

Craig | 12:41 p.m. March 11, 2008

I want to apologize for all the stupid people on here who want to pass judgement and tar and feather these former missionaries without knowing a thing about them.

I want to also apologize for the people on here who want to tar and feather the boy's parents too.

I apologize for all the people on here who want to make such a big deal out of this.

i'm so sorry

Whatreallymatters | 12:57 p.m. March 11, 2008

Bottom Line...the missionaries made a wrong choice and should be held accountable for their actions. The members of the Catholic church in Colorado have every right to be offended and angry. One of the biggest challenges we each face is the agency of others to make their own choices. What we do have control over is our own actions and attitudes. If we spent more time exercising the Christlike attributes of compassion and forgiveness rather than anger and hate imagine the difference it would make in the world. Hopefully, the missionaries will recognize their grave decisions and learn from it while they face the consequences of their actions. Hopefully, those hurt in Colorado and throughout the Catholic church, will exercise an extra measure of forgivenss whether the world deems the missionaries deserve it. And hopefully, we all can exhibit more Christlike behavior whether we are Catholic, Protestant, Baptist, Mormon, or otherwise. Happy Easter!!

Relocated Southerner | 1:01 p.m. March 11, 2008

Yes, I would be offended if similar actions took place in one of our buildings or on our property, but I honestly can tell you that while I think those actions are childish and immature, I don't think they are "criminal". I have worked in the legal field for years, and I am truly appalled at what we define as "criminal" sometimes. Do I think it was poor judgment, disrespectful, and unkind for these young men to do that? Absolutely! Do I think a criminal act was committed for standing behind a pulpit or pretending to sacrifice another at the altar? Absolutely not? Childish, immature, disrespectful -- yes! Criminal act -- no! I do think they should offer a sincere, public apology not only to the Catholic Church but to all LDS members, as well. I don't think, however, that their lives should be ruined with a criminal record for this youthful mistake. How many people eventually "grow up" and realize how stupid some of the things were that they did in their youth? And while they do meet the definition of adults, we all know how immature so many young men and women are at that age.

Troy | 12:58 p.m. March 11, 2008

How many LDS churches have been vandilized and burned to the ground? I don't remember anyone mentioning what religion the vandals were...

Missionaries are young and not perfect... with millions around the world, its suprising we don't hear of more incidents that happen.

I highly doubt they set out that day to do vandalism, and it was more of a "hey look at me" that went too far.

AMAZED! | 1:05 p.m. March 11, 2008

Wow! Aren't we all overworking this just a bit?
The actions of these missionaries, while arrogant and wrong and illegal, in no way rise to the mountain we're making of this little mole hill.
If Catholics and Mormons are truly christians, i.e. "followers of Christ" in word and deed--which I believe most are--they will not condemn the wrongdoer, but forgive them. They will turn the other cheek, pray for their enemies, and do good to those who despitefully use them. How ironic it is to disregard the basic tenets of chrisianity, in an attempt to defend it.

Another Utah Catholic | 1:06 p.m. March 11, 2008

My son was recently working at the Utah food bank. As he is proud of his religion (not to shove it in others faces) he wears a cross so it was evident to others that he was not LDS. He tried many time to strike up a conversation with some of the other kids working their but was ignored. Since the others seemed to know each other my son asked what group they were with. They answered him that it was an LDS project. One asked if my son was there doing a court required community service. My son said no he was just volunteering. He shrugged it off and went on with what he was doing. This wasn't the first time something like this has happened to him. Now I don't know if this was done in malice or just not understanding that others have compassion as well.
Maybe the message of co-existence is not reaching the youth of today or maybe because of the predominance of the LDS culture in Utah has desensitized them to other cultures.
Just something to think about.

Craig | 1:13 p.m. March 11, 2008

Every member a mission president...

LP | 1:14 p.m. March 11, 2008

Maybe we should pray for these young men instead of being so quick to criticize. Haven't we all made a few mistakes? I sincerely hope they are truly repentant for the offensive misconduct and not just compelled to be. However, I believe the punishment imposed via the media, The LDS Church, the general public and their own conscience will far exceed any penalty that could be inflicted by a court of law. Two words come to mind: Repentance and Forgiveness!

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

To Relocated Southerner: I can agree with you about it being immature, stupid and disrespectful. And, if it is proven that they had something to do with breaking the statue then they should be punished. I just thought it was interesting how many of the people posting were only focusing on the statue and wether or not it was vandalism and they forgot the other stupid things they had done.

Will the missionaries lives truly be "ruined" if there are criminal charges? Wouldn't it only be vandalism charges that they face? Maybe I don't know my law all that well but I don't remember vandalism being a huge charge and many people have lived great lives having such a stupid charge on their record. The difference is that most of those people get the charge when they are much younger.

I like your idea of the missionaries also apologizing to the LDS members as well.

Platinum Rule | 1:12 p.m. March 11, 2008

May I suggest that the Golden Rule - "Do Unto Others As You Would Have Done Unto You" is often better replaced by the Platinum Rule - "Do Unto Others As They Would Have Done Unto Themselves". In a world where our needs and perspectives are not always the same as others it encourages us to see things the way others do rather than assuming others want and need the same thing we do. It encourages us to be empathetic especially in culturally sensitive situations.

Also, sending 50,000 19-21 year olds into the world always has and always will result in some embarassing situations. They just don't all become front page stories.

To Relocated Southerner | 1:12 p.m. March 11, 2008

Since when is "Criminal Trespass" not criminal? Were they there to pray? I don't think so. They were in the building doing something that has nothing to do with the intentions of the building. If it is not trespassing, can I take my son down to the LDS temple in SLC at night when no one is there and take pictures mocking the LDS? I don't think so!
Not that my son would do something like that. He was taught compassion and respect for ALL others.

Anonymous | 1:13 p.m. March 11, 2008

For all of you who think the church is ruined in Colorado, I really don't think so. This is nothing to get in a tizzy about.
Sure, they are acting so mad now...but eventually, they will forget about it. Those who do not forget about it, have their own problem.

If you are going to spurn a whole religion and harbor bad feelings toward it just because one person broke a statue, then you have bigger issues to deal with.

And from the comments I have been reading here, MANY of you have bigger issues to deal with.

Re Troy | 1:19 p.m. March 11, 2008

If an ordained minister of another religion burned an LDS chapel to the ground, I assure you his/her religion would be mentioned publically.

Bob Allen Lequia | 1:16 p.m. March 11, 2008

It is a sad commentary that these young missionaries were immature and disrespectful towards the Catholic Church and it's sanctuary. These representatives of the church were disciplined and should realize the act that they did. Unfortunately, there is already enough bad publicity out there against the L.D.S. Church and now people will remember this and use this against the L.D.S. Church

A Catholic | 1:22 p.m. March 11, 2008

When I was little, my LDS friends said I belonged to the church of the devil. Granted, that was a long time ago, but I think a little of that thinking may still be out there.

A disorder of mind | 1:27 p.m. March 11, 2008

I was born into a LDS family and was never baptized as a child do to inactive parents. I decided later in life one day to have the missionary come and give me the discussions. I was asked by the missionaries meaning I had been born into a LDS family if I had been excommunicated. I was appalled by this and then again I was asked the same question by the Bishop. I have since grown away from the church because members seem so quick to judge everyone rather then know the truth or the complete story or someone. My judgment was miner in comparison to others I know. Perhaps these young missionaries need to speak for themselves instead of everyone else making judgments and speaking for them. I will listen.

oscar-AK | 1:29 p.m. March 11, 2008

Both the LDS Church & Catholic Church have suffered discrimination. Its sad when members of thier own church mocks the other's beliefs.

Let the law take its course, and eduacational institutions consider this sad episode of their lives, and potential employers--do you want to hire them?

One thing for certain--we're not perfect. not even close

To Amazed | 1:31 p.m. March 11, 2008

If someone clearly representing an organization did something to an LDS church would you forgive and forget? I don't think so and I don't blame you. I hear so often about how the LDS church in Nauvoo was burned and the LDS people forced out. I am reminded oh so often. I understand the significance of this moment in LDS history. Is this comparable? Not on the severity, but the action is not dissimilar. It is a hateful disrespect of another's culture. This cannot be overlooked. While I do not believe that the actions of these three were sanctioned or condoned by the LDS church (if fact I believe that the LDS church detest these actions as well) it was carried out by those representing the LDS church. Will they be forgiven and probably already have by the parishioners. To go on as if nothing happened is as reprehensible as forgetting Nauvoo. Everyone needs to teach respect for each others cultures. If you really knew the significance of the statues and that particular church maybe you would understand. It represent a group of people that were martyred for their belief. I believe that your church does understand Martyrdom.

Utah Kid | 1:37 p.m. March 11, 2008

Well, as a life long Mormon and returned missionary (served in a nation that is predominantly Catholic), I am am ashamed by the behavior of these 3 missionaries. I am also ashamed of my own behavior when I was a missionary. I recall that there was a prevailing notion amongst the missionaries that the Catholic Church was the "great and abominable Church". At times that notion affected my addititude in a negative way. I think we as a Mormon culture (parents, Church leaders, Mission Leaders and Church Authorities) can do a better job of dispelling such notions. While we may believe that our Religion has some attributes that are superior to others, let us not use that as an excuse to be insensitive or disrespectful toward other religions. And while I am preaching, we Mormons are at times are also the victims of insensitivity by representatives of other faiths such as those horrible protests during LDS general conference. So lets all consider our own actions and show respect for each other's faiths and not over react to this obviously stupid behavior on the part of 3 young men.

Lloyd | 1:38 p.m. March 11, 2008

As a father, grandfather, police officer and a memeber of the LDS church, these "boys" were irresponsible, insensitive, and childish. AND, broke the law, but that is where it begins and ends. The law should take the reins on this, the "boys" the responsiblility and the punishment, then they need to work on repentance. Some of my best friends are Catholic, and I respect them deeply. What I do not respect is one who will in the name of the Lord denigerate or defame anothers beliefs and mock those beliefs. That is ignorance, and someone related, it begins at home, not on the mission. As for Darrin B. and a couple more, your colors, ignorance and bigotry or evident, and I'm glad you have the "Mormons" for your outlet of anger. It's okay, we can take it.

Fr. J | 1:43 p.m. March 11, 2008

The actions of the missionaries were blasphemy. They trespassed, destroyed property, vandalized a sacred place, and ridiculed what Catholics hold most sacred. Where did they learn such disrespect and hatred? Ask yourselves that question. I believe, after reading the responses here, that they learned it in church. After all you consider the Catholic Church to be an abomination. Do you wonder why we don't consider Mormons to be Christian? It is strange that you take this vandalism so lightly. Maybe it is not so strange though, as I asked "where did they learn this?" From you.

Should we forgive? Yes and we no doubt will. Should Mormons learn something from this? Yes and you probably won't. Will the missionaries lives be destroyed? Very unlikely as they will probably plead out on lesser charges. They will get a slap on the wrist.

So many here refuse to confront the behavior and the pain that Mormons cause others with such disrespect. Many non-Mormons are familiar with this disrespect. I will remember your responses next time one of your temples in vandalized. Perhaps then you will understand our anger at this blasphemy.

S Townsend | 1:44 p.m. March 11, 2008

Oh, for heaven's sake, at 19 I was ignorant.
I am now Mormon, convert from the Catholic Church. Everyone, at some time in their life does things they are not proud of. Look at what the Catholics did to the Jews in 1939-45. My father was Jewish. He taught me to forgive and forget. Let's learn from this to respect all. The missionaries that did this were not good ambassadors but how many, many more are? I am sorry that this happened. My abject apologies to all Roman Catholics.

Funnny. | 1:48 p.m. March 11, 2008

I love the comments that go something like:
"What they did was wrong, but..." or "19 year olds aren't perfect..." or "What about the abuses MY church has endured?" You all sound like a bunch of kids on the playground making excuses for why little Timmy is crying.

To Utah Kid | 1:47 p.m. March 11, 2008

Well said. As a Utah Catholic I think the protests during General Conferences are deplorable and as disrespectful. I fully recognize you as a very respectful member of God wonderful design and accept you as a brother in Christ. I respect your beliefs and thank you very much for respecting mine.

Mark | 1:49 p.m. March 11, 2008

As a Latter-day Saint, I'd like to apologize for the ethnocentric, ignorant, arrogant, myopic, and narrow-minded comments on this board.

Apologies must be given and restitution must be made for these acts. What the young men did was horrible and wrong. Vandalizing the statue is NOTHING compared to the mindset and lack of spiritual sensitivity that this and the other acts conveyed.

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