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Moving forward: LDS leader reaches out, urges respect
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Thanks anyway.
I wholeheartedly agree. To whom do we go or what do we do if there is really something wrong?? There is currently no recourse or place to turn. And this is not just complaining about little things. To those in authority out there who are on YOUR OWN agenda instead of the Lord's, you have no idea the damage to faith--the total destruction of faith---you are causing.
I wouldn't be obsessed with trolling online articles about general conference, seeking to make disparaging refutations of comments from the talks.
His messages have universal application, if they are taken in the spirit with which they are given.
President Monson not only talks the talk, he walks the walk. When my uncle was sick, President Monson visited with the family at their home, and the hospital, on several occasions. As was repeated oft times in conference, President Monson oversees a vast organization, however, he has never lost his focus on the individual!
You may not believe in, or agree with, the message of the LDS church, but you cannot deny the true character, and integrity, of a thoughtful leader like President Monson!
There is a path that you can take to talk about the abuse of your local leaders. You can request a review by the area 70. If that does not satify you then you can appeal directly to the 12.
This is all based in scripture, the problem is too many member will not use the path.
Easy to say, and easy for you to judge others. That is why I left. People like you. Arrogant. Self-centered. Lacking empathy for others.
But I am surrounded by family who are still caught up in the same nonsense. So I take interest and stay involved in the discussion, including sharing my opinions on stories.
If that bothers you, perhaps you are sensing the truth of what I am saying. Perhaps you have more doubts than you would like to let on.
But whatever you do, don't lie to yourself and tell yourself that nobody can be happy outside of the Church. It is not true.
I'm sorry for the bad experiences you've had with church members - I bet all of us have had them, and I'm sure people have had bad experiences with me.
However I think we're ALL hypocrites (LDS or not). Us LDS folks in particular because we teach that we should obey all the commandments, but none of us do. We're not perfect, even though God wants us to be.
Please remember that we go to church because of God, not because of other members.
I thank all people who show respect to those different than themselves.
The talks given in General Conference are inspired. For those who think certain subjects should be spoken on need to go to their bishops and stake presidents and mention to them their concerns. As a R.S. Pres at one time that is what I did. My bishop knew my concerns. He was then able to prepare talks to fit the concerns for the ward.
There are not just members of the church living in Utah. Many people from many faiths have moved in. I no longer live in Utah. Most of the people I live around now are Baptists. But to let you know, the back biting and tailgating and other things we do not like goes on everywhere we live. I see that here. And since there are so few Mormons here it is done by those of other faiths. Just keep in mind, the church is true, but people have faults.
We need to live Christ like lives, no matter who or what faith we are.
I am a former member who is happier and more fulfilled since leaving the church. I respond here because the LDS church is so prevalent here and I can�t get away from it. I am forced to deal with �the church� in every aspect of my life. All I want is for the �faithfuls� to accept my decision and leave me alone. Every day I am reminded of my �freak� status by not being part of club. But when members of that club exclude my kids because they don�t go to �THE� church, or my neighbors openly point at me when I have a beer while washing my car or when complete strangers at 7-11 tell me, while I�m pouring my coffee, that I should obey the word of wisdom, then I get a bit upset and feel that I need to respond. When the members start living their gospel and truly �love one another� regardless of their religion or legal status, that is when I�ll shut up and �move on.� In the meantime, remind the ward that their actions reflect on the Church as a whole.
I've heard of neighborhoods where non-LDS are ousted, in a sense, as has been mentioned here. I believe such LDS to be in the minority, however. I'm good friends with a number of non-LDS in my area & all are treated very well & enjoy the neighborhood. It is sad to know it isn't like that everywhere, but please no condeming of any group for the actions of a few.
Also of note ... it is important to be linked to the gospel for the right reasons. For the truth it contains. If a friend-base is the main reason, it is easy to get offended and leave. Upon realization of the purpose of the gospel, one better understands why leaving the church, regardless of reasons, is only a hurt to one-self.
Nonetheless ... tolerance & love towards everyone, however difficult sometimes, should be a goal for everyone.
Around here, where's there's lots of Catholics; I've never heard of LDS kids not being allowed to play with non-LDS kids.
Non-LDS kids would just go & play with Catholic kids.
You have good positive comments but I think you downplay how many "a few" represent. If even 5% represent the negative behaviors cited, how many people does that represent in a state of some odd millions?
From my personal observation, it appears that this needs to be mentioned SEVERAL MORE TIMES and they need to say and yes, this includes everyone.
think they fit into the familty structure. I think his ministry will be inclusive to those who might think they are left out of the family on God.
On the other hand, I believe a lot of negative ideas and policies still exist. The institution, I believe, is no better or worse than most others - but it is far from perfect and the members themselves are even more distant from that concept (though no better or worse than any other group or membership). Certainly everyone is entitled to their own beliefs - I only thought it fair to lay mine out before making this comment:
My experience in Utah is many people use a person's religion as the only test of character, more so than most places I've been.
President Monson asks members to respect people whose beliefs differ from theirs, but then he labels those others as being �less active, offended, critics, and transgressors� Are those the most �respectful� terms he can think of?
Personally, I get so tired of Church leaders suggesting that I�m �offended� and �sinning� simply because I miss a few meetings. It�s that very attitude that makes me want to stay away--far, far, away.
We've recently moved from W.Jordan to Riverton into a VERY active LDS neighborhood. I have to say the above is NOT our experience. My husband and I and our 4 young children have been welcomed with open arms. We have a cross hanging in our kitchen so I'm sure our new neighbors know we're not Mormon, but their kids and our kids happily run from house to house and are indifferent to what church we attend on Sunday. I've lived in Utah for nearly 20 years and much has changed. I believe President Hinckley is to thank and it is my sincere prayer that President Monson will continue the steps forward. We are all so much more alike then different and there is no reason to shun each other.
I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU! What you said is a true fact. There is no compassion in those kind of bias words.
Being from both sides of the fence (I grew up non
LDS). I think I can talk about this issue.
One - It is true that "Some" LDS people are rude and not very inviting to their non LDS neighbors. Thus the push for the past ten years of "Opening up" to your neighbors from the First Presidency.
Two - It is also true that those who have left the church or have not joined the church, also are not very friendly toward the mormons. Some (I repeat some) flaunt the fact that they are not LDS by not even talking to their neighbors or being obxnouis toward those of the LDS faith.
The real solution is not that "Only" mormons should live their religion.
The true solution is that wheather you are LDS or NOT LDS, you should treat your neighbors with respect and dignity.
It seems to me that both sides needs to do some bending in order to have a better place to live.
How are "less active" and "offended" disrespectful? I would be interested to read your more respectful terms. It sounds to me like you are just looking for a reason to stay away.
My guess is your kids are much too young yet to feel the negative effects of gentile-ism.
Where they will feel the slow and steady effects of being an outsider generally starts in Jr. And Sr. High School age.
The will soon experience the subtle and not-so-subtle effects of what they call PRIMARY. When the LDS kids are headed off campus to PRIMARY and your kids are not - get back with us with theirs and yours experiences.
Best of Luck.
Your Gentile (I hate that term) friend.
If you can borrow a Book of Mormon, you can perform an experiment which found in Alma Chapter 32 (particularly verses 25 and on but the whole chapter is great). Also, read Moroni 10:3-5. This is an experiment that EVERY humble truth seeker ought perform, regardless of which religion you belong to. After you have read and pondered, ask God in faith if the Book of Mormon is true. If the B of M is true, then Joseph Smith was a prophet, and this is Christ's Church on the earth, plain and simple. I can personally testify to you that this experiment works, and by the power of the Holy Ghost you will receive a witness. It may come to your mind, or heart, or both...but it WILL come if you truly desire to know.
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I think it is Wonderful that you are Emphasizing the need for Family time and interest of each individual family member. Pleading with Young people to Stay Strong and Pure to the Teachings of God. Not to be Caught up in the ways and things of the World. Families are so broken and each member trying to survive on their own as parents are "Too Busy" to take time to love and Nuture their children as aJesus taught.
Pleas eContinue to Boldly Speak out and Uphold the Teaching of Gods Word !!!
Blessings ,
shirley south
SaltLake City,Utah