Comments about ‘Other pioneers: Members of various faiths made their way to set root in the Salt Lake Valley’

Can't we just have a holiday to remember our pioneers and our heritage without always being so politically correct. I have nothing against other faiths or their history. But, honestly, do we always have to be so sensitive about making sure no one gets offended?

In the mid-1970's, about the time I was ten years old, while traveling from Utah back to our home in Seattle, my family attended an Easter service at a Protestant church, in La Grande, Oregon I think. (My father was an adult convert and was eager for us to experience another church service, The CJCLDS chapel was far from our hotel, and the church we attended was having an Easter breakfast!:) I've wondered since then which denomination it was.

Recently, being away from my home ward in Juneau, Alaska I've taken the opportunity to visit the meetings of other denominations: two weeks each I've visited (if I can remember the order correctly and not leave anyone out) a black church, and then Presbyterian, Assembly of God, Methodist, Baptist, Catholic, and Lutheran churches, and then last week I attended an Episcopal service. Each was delightful! And I may have found the answer to my question: the administration of the Sacrament in the Episcopal service is near to what I recall from the service in La Grande! (Russian Orthodox, Jehovah Witness, and Jewish services are next on my list:-)

And I'm scheduled to attend a Vineyard study group tomorrow night! More very good people!

MJF, I don't think this is about being politically correct or so sensitive that no one gets offended. I think it's about being culturally aware of the other religions in our community. I, personally, appreciated the opportunity to learn more about their histories. Thanks for a good read, Deseret News!

MJF, I agree with desnewsreader and don't think it was about being politically correct. I see your point that the focus is on the July 24, 1847 event - as it probably should be - but the point of the article is that many other religious groups quickly made their way to Utah and established themselves here as well. I am always suprised at how quickly other groups "pioneered" the Utah Territory. The Episcopalians were here before the railroad was. In my mind that makes them pioneers.

Yes, but July 24th celebrations SHOULD be about the Mormon Pioneers...I don't go to the Greek Festival and want my Mormon ancestors honored. I'm there to enjoy the Greek heritage in Utah. I don't go to Oktoberfest for the Mormon influence...well, you get the idea.

I think what MJF was saying is that we're so concerned with being politically correct, we've gone too far the other way. Can't even give the Mormons one day of their own to celebrate.