This morning’s session of the 179th Semiannual LDS General Conference will begin shortly. Warming up for the Prophet’s Seers and Revelators will be the World Famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir in the longest running radio program in the United States, Music and the Spoken Word.

I will be live blogging the Sunday Sessions–perhaps squeak out a tweet or two as well.  There are an abundance of excellent Internet resources to follow General Conference.  For those who tweet, By Common Consent’s Twitter Feed is an excellent source.  I was out of town yesterday and kept abreast of conference by following By Common Consent on Twitter.

LDS Media Talk has links to follow conference as well.  Various Blogs in the Bloggernacle will also have live feeds or open threads.  By Common Consent has an open live thread.  BCC also has some incredible photos up of the Conference.

8:50 a.m. Tabernacle Choir singing Come Thou Font of Every Blessing–very powerful hymn.

8:57 a.m. Choir now leaving us again from within the shadow of the ever lasting hills.

9:00 a.m.

Tabernacle Choir Sing Praise to Him

9:01 a.m.

Conducting President Thomas S. Monson, Prophet, Seer, and Revelator

Greetings to all participating Radio, Television, Internet and the like.

9:02 a.m. Choir I Need Thee Every Hour

9:07 a.m. Invocation Glen L. Pace of the Seventy

9:08 a.m. Choir, Beautiful  Zion Built Above

9:14 a.m. President Henry B.  Eyring, First Counselor First Presidency.

Blessed to speak this Sabbath Day.  We share a desire to be better than we are.  Some feel they are good enough.  Some have given up.  Restored Gospel message is to expect to become better as long as we live.  Moroni: Pray unto the Father so we may be filled with His love.  Any believing Latter-day Saint is an optimist no matter how difficult the present is.  We belive we may become like the Savior.  Even the most humble takes hope in the invitation to become like Christ.  Song, I’m trying to be like Jesus, enlightens us.  Try to show kindness in all that you do.

Savior has prepared the way through His example and Atonement.  Love is motivating principle by which Lord leads us to become like Him.  Our way of live hour by hour must be filled with Love, as it is the First and Great Commmandments.  It is Love of God that leads us to keep his commandments.   Parents to love children and children to love parents.  This is the ideal of all families.   Depending on whether families will be together depend on the choices each family member makes.

Hopes we make choices, even if difficult to make certain no empty chairs in our families in the eternities to come.

1.  Pray for love to see good in our companion.  Pray for love that makes weaknesses and mistakes seem small.  Pray for love to soften sorrows of companions.

2.  Parents of wandering child.  Savior perfect example of patience and love.  How oft will I gather you Israel?  Prodigal son story gives us all hope.  Our children will feel our love and will come back.   Though some of the sheep may wander, the eye of the Shepard is upon them.  Pray for careless and disobedient children, hope on, trust on, pray for your children, love them,  reach out to them in confidence.

3.  Children.  Honor thy father and mother.  You owe your parents your  life.    Christ asked his disciples to bring the children unto him, for such is the Kingdom of God.  Look for opportunities to Love as Christ did.

. I leave unto you said Christ.  None is perfect yet, but, the way lies through Christ.  Joseph Smith was the Prophet of the Restoration.

9:29 a.m. Elder L. Tom Perry, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Attended Manti Pageant with wife this summer.   Over 800 cast members, most under age 18.  Inspiration to see how well organized taking care of all details.  Setting is beautiful in hills around Manti.  Some 15,000 viewed that night.  Also attended Temple session.  Is an older temple and has a special spirit.  Brought back great memories.  Review lessons of the past to face the future, particularly the past of our Mormon Pioneers.  They left everything behind when they embraced the Gospel which literally changed their lives.  They must have been shocked when Brigham declared “this is the place.”   They built the great old Temples of early Utah without power equipment or contractors.

They went to work to make a kingdom.  Yet, the continued to work and leave home as called by the Prophet to continue to build the ..

Recounts building of Manti Temple.  Some were called to build the roof of the Manti Temple.  None were skilled in roofing.  But, they used the lessons of the past and shipbuilding to build a roof.  They began building a ship, which they knew how to do, and then turned the plans upside down to comprise the roof.   This is how we can use the lessons of the past for the future.

We have special access and insight to the Truths of God.  These early pioneers sacrificed everything to build the Kingdom of God.

The Church has turned the missionary program upside down.  They went from emphasis on stake missionary work to a ward based system, which has worked better.  Members more inclusive now.  Members become excited as friends accept Gospel.  Members have opportunity to share testimony with full time Missionaries.

Restoration, Salvation and Gospel of Christ are the three basic areas the full time missionaries teach.  They use inspired manual of Preach My Gospel.

9:43 a.m. Bishop H. David Burton

Let virtue garnish thoughts unceasingly.   Graduating from primary required him to memorize and repeat 13th Article of Faith, which was difficult for him to do, but was successful with the help of a patient a loving primary teacher.   Virtue traits form basis of Christ life.

Civility all but absent in our political discourse.  Fidelity and honesty all but disappeared.  Humility rare.  Many in society feel little responsibility for their own well being.  We need not be a part of the virtue malaise that infects our society.   Need to stand tall and firmly fixed in virtue.  Teaching virtue begins with parents with good parental example.  Poor example gives license for the opposite. Responsibility and accountability critical.   Integrity absent, civility impaired.

Most people won’t commit desperate acts if they know respect and kindness give better chance of success in life.  Virtuous traits must never be forgotten or set aside.  If virtue lost families will be weakened.  Virtue broadly practiced can loosen Satan’s grip on society.   Our society will be strengthened.  God expects his children to be integrity, civility, morality, and all the good virtues.  May be have humility to act on our reponsbility to demonstrate our ablity to live with integrity.

9:57 a.m. Choir and Congregation How Firm a Foundation (For I am Thy God, and will Still give the aid!)

10:00 a.m. Sister Ann M. Dibb Second Counselor Young Women Presidency

Related story of painters who clung to scaffolding after an accident.  They had safety equipment, but chose not to use it.  Many lessons to be learned.  Most won’t face a life situation like this, but many of us feel we are going through scary times.  We may face possibility of failure even in Church callings.  Society’s tolerance of sin has been prophesied by ancient prophets.   These are just as real dangers as falling from scaffolding.  We learn and grow by overcoming challenges with faith and personal righteousness.

God has given us all the safety equipment we need to return:  Prayer, scriptures, prophets.  It may not be popular, but it is important to choose to use it in our lives.   The Rod of Iron is another piece of safety equipment.  Those who hold fast to the Iron Rod will and can over come temptations.  Read again the vision of the Tree of Life and apply its principles to our lives.  ”Get a Grip.”  Hold on and don’t let go.

Sometimes we let go and think we can find our way back, later.  Lehi saw many who let go, and were lost wandering in strange roads.  We may find ourselves wandering in strange roads if we let go.  We can find our way back through repentance.  We can re commit.   Repent, hold on, and don’t let go.

10:10 a.m. Elder Russel M. Nelson, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Grateful for each of the Saints.  Grateful for miralce of modern communication allowing conference to the world.  Texting technology also allows us to communicate instantly even the world away.  Also impressive is our ability access information from heavy without service fees, hardware or software of any kind.  Seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you.  This is extended to all God’s children.

Keeps pencil and paper at bedside to capture inspiration.  First you must have firm faith and a desire.  Have Faith in Christ and real intentOne really must really intend to follow Divine direction given.  Doctrine and Covenants tells us we must study it out first in our mind.  Then we will be shown that it is right.

Natural man knows little of God and even less of God’s prophets.  They are foolishness to the natural man, because they are spiritually discerned.  The change from natural man to spiritual one is a mighty one.  Natural man is an enemy of God unless he yields to the enticing of the Spirit and comes submissive, humble, meek, patient.

Recently observed such a mighty change in a man.  A father who came to witness his son called to Stake Presidency.  This man was not a member of the Church.  Told him that the day would come when he would want to be sealed to his son, and that Elder Nelson would be pleased to seal them in the Temple.  Over a decade later after losing his hearing the man converted and was in fact sealed by Elder Nelson.

Discern means to sift or distinguish.  Spiritual discernment allows us to see things not visible, and hear things not audible.  It allows Bishops to operate in their callings.

Revelation may be incrimental.  He gives us line upon line here a little and there a little.  He who receives will get even more.  This is how we gain wisdom.

Prophets have described revelation.  Veil taken from minds and the eyes of understanding were opened.  Spirit of Lord rests upon them.  Every saint merits revelation.  We all have the right to divine revelation in our own lives.

10:24 a.m. Choir Love is Spoken Here

10:28 a.m. President Monson, Prophet, Seer and Revalator

Beautiful singing.  Greets Saints with love in his heart.  Related story of Dr. Jack McConnell very successful but well taught by his father to serve others.  We can’t all be the same, but the needs of others are ever present and we can do something to help someone.  When we are in the service of our fellow beings we are only in the service of our God.  Unless we lose our selves in the service of others we live lives not worth livings.  If we serve others we save our lives.

How often have we intended to help, but that day to day living interfered?  We become so caught up in the business of our lives.  We have immersed ourselves in the thick of thin things.  We are neglecting the more important causes in life.   Have we ever felt the tinge of regret for being too kind?

I can barely make it though each day–how can I serve others?  Relates story of interview with Deseret News asking that each member find someone who needs help and render some service.  Members all over the world did this and wrote him of their service in various ways.

We have to live a long time to see how a lonely a room can be that is filled only with furniture.  Do it unto the least of these my brethren, and you have done it unto Christ.

Ask our selves Dr. McConnell’s question, what have I done for someone today?  Remember the Hymn, Have I Done Any Good in the World Today?

10:46 a.m. Choir: Have I done Any Good?

10:50 a.m. Benediction Enrique Farabella

I traditionally live blog all sessions of the LDS General Conference.  This year, I will be out town on Saturday, October 3, 2009 the first day of the conference.  I hope to be back in time for Sunday’s Sessions.  There are other great resources on various  LDS Blogs for conference.  Check out The Mormon Archipelago for threads covering conference.  The Church’s website has links to Internet coverage. See LDS Media Talk for additional links. Those who will address the world during this General Conference are modern day living Prophets and Apostles.  They are called to be special witnesses of Jesus Christ and His message.  I urge all to listen to their words and give them great weight.

Nearly three years ago, when I originally posted on this topic,  America and torture were prevalent in the media.  Over the course of the last several months more details of America’s flirtation with torture in the Bush/Cheney Administration have been exposed to further light. In that original post, many opined the instances of torture, if any, were just limited to a few bad apples in Iraq at Abu Ghraib.  The most recent reports suggest otherwise, here, here, here. If you have the time and want to read the original recent CIA report and not just excerpts, you can find it here.We’ve also learned that the torture policies did not originate with lower level know nothings.  Rather, they originated from and at the request of the higest levels of American leadership.  We also learned that one of the primary authors of the torture memos was an active and endowed member of the Church, Jay Bybee.  For more on Justice Bybee’s LDS background see here.  That an individual as Jay Bybee could author such a document given his religous background, training and experience is simply beyond my ability to comprehend.

The question that prompted my original post was how does the essence of the Golden Rule play into how we treat even our most vile enemies in a preceived war scenario?  Are there exceptions to Christ’s injuction that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us?  If so, where are they found, and when do they apply?  Is it really OK to torture people in the name, of that which we proclaim is right?  Do the ends really justfy the means?

From the legal standpoint, does this conduct merit criminal prosecution?  If so, who should be first in line?  The CIA operative in the field following the orders and guidelines of superiors who assure him/her that “aggressive interrogation techniques” are completly within the bounds of the law?  What about the dutiful Justice Jay Bybee, who created the legal fictions sufficient to support such conduct?  What about the policy makers at the higest levels who requested such conduct be rationalized, legalized, and institutionalized?

Below is what I originally posted over at the Bloggernacle Times about three years ago.

Do Ye Even So To Them

So enjoins Jesus Christ on how we all should treat one another:

Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

On its face, this seems, like a pretty simple injunction. How hard can it be to treat other people as we would like them to treat us?

Yet, there is something about this failing and fallen world that has never quite learned the significance of this simple truth. The incredibly irony, however, is that individuals at the highest leadership levels of the United States government are doing everything within their power to subvert, distort, yea . . . even torture, as it were, Christ’s command that we treat each other as we would be treated.

The current debate raging in the halls of Congress all the way up to the White House is essentially how much abuse and torture can we inflict on individuals suspected of terrorist activities, without crossing the line ourselves into the illegal and the immoral? We read in theNew York Times about turning back the clock on rape:

In international law, where rape and sexual assault have long been classified as torture and war crimes, the world has begun to accept the importance of enforcement. In 1998, a tribunal convicted a paramilitary chief for watching one of his men rape a woman in Serbia. A year ago, the world rose up in outrage when United Nations peacekeepers raped women in Congo.

You’d think this was a settled issue. But it’s been opened up again in the bill on jailing, interrogating and trying terror suspects that President Bush is trying to ram through Congress in a pre-election rush. Both the White House and Senate versions contain provisions on rape and sexual assault that turn back the clock alarmingly. They are among the many flaws that must be fixed before Congress can responsibly pass this legislation.

Rape, sexual assault and sexual abuse are mentioned twice in the bill — once as crimes that could be prosecuted before military tribunals if committed by an “illegal enemy combatant,” and once as “grave breaches” of the Geneva Conventions that could be prosecuted as war crimes if committed by an American against a detainee. But in each case, the wording creates new and disturbing loopholes.

In the bill, rape is narrowly defined as forced or coerced genital or anal penetration. It utterly leaves out other acts, as well as the notion that sex without consent is also rape, as defined by numerous state laws and federal law. That is the more likely case in a prison, where a helpless inmate would be unlikely to resist the sexual overtures of a guard or interrogator.

The section on sexual abuse requires that the act include physical contact. Thus it might not include ordering a terrified female prisoner to strip and dance, which happened in Rwanda, or compelling a male prisoner to strip and wear women’s underwear on his head, or photographing naked prisoners piled together, both of which happened at Abu Ghraib.

The Washington Post opines on the continuing abuse:

The bad news is that Mr. Bush, as he made clear yesterday, intends to continue using the CIA to secretly detain and abuse certain terrorist suspects. He will do so by issuing his own interpretation of the Geneva Conventions in an executive order and by relying on questionable Justice Department opinions that authorize such practices as exposing prisoners to hypothermia and prolonged sleep deprivation. Under the compromise agreed to yesterday, Congress would recognize his authority to take these steps and prevent prisoners from appealing them to U.S. courts. The bill would also immunize CIA personnel from prosecution for all but the most serious abuses and protect those who in the past violated U.S. law against war crimes . . .

But the senators who have fought to rein in the administration’s excesses — led by Sens. McCain, Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.) and John W. Warner (R-Va.) — failed to break Mr. Bush’s commitment to “alternative” methods that virtually every senior officer of the U.S. military regards as unreliable, counterproductive and dangerous for Americans who may be captured by hostile governments.

Mr. Bush wanted Congress to formally approve these practices and to declare them consistent with the Geneva Conventions. It will not. But it will not stop him either, if the legislation is passed in the form agreed on yesterday. Mr. Bush will go down in history for his embrace of torture and bear responsibility for the enormous damage that has caused.

Officially, the government condems the use of torture and abuse:

Freedom from torture is an inalienable human right. The Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment, ratified by the United States and more than 130 other countries since 1984, forbids governments from deliberately inflicting severe physical or mental pain or suffering on those within their custody or control. Yet torture continues to be practiced around the world by rogue regimes whose cruel methods match their determination to crush the human spirit. Beating, burning, rape, and electric shock are some of the grisly tools such regimes use to terrorize their own citizens. These despicable crimes cannot be tolerated by a world committed to justice. . .

The United States is committed to the world-wide elimination of torture and we are leading this fight by example. I call on all governments to join with the United States and the community of law-abiding nations in prohibiting, investigating, and prosecuting all acts of torture and in undertaking to prevent other cruel and unusual punishment.

The tragic reality since the inception of the government’s “war on terror” has been shockingly revealed for the entire world to see in the abused and tortured victims at the hands of some in America’s military and “other” government agencies at various locations around the world. Some are and remain secret. Others have been published for the world to see, such as atAbu Ghraib:

11:01 p.m., Nov. 4, 2003. Detainee with bag over head, standing on box with wires attached.

10:57 p.m., Dec. 12, 2003. Detainee after dog bite.

8:16 p.m., Oct. 24, 2003. The detainee “GUS” has a strap around his neck. The detainee is being pulled from his cell as a form of intimidation. CPL GRANER is taking the picture. SOLDIER: PFC ENGLAND

There are scores more of these types of photographs depicting the abuses and torture that were allowed to occur while good men and women did nothing. I encourage you to follow this link to Salon and view some of the more graphic and telling photos as you contemplate this debate. You will read real life accounts of sexual abuse, infliction of severe pain, and mental abuse–all done in the name of protecting freedom, and the American way of life.

Over a millennium ago, the ancient prophet Mormon described similar abuses and torture of other depraved and degenerate cultures which inhabited this same continent. Mormon wroteto his son Moroni:

7 And now I write somewhat concerning the sufferings of this people. For according to the knowledge which I have received from Amoron, behold, the Lamanites have many prisoners, which they took from the tower of Sherrizah; and there were men, women, and children.

8 And the husbands and fathers of those women and children they have slain; and they feed the women upon the flesh of their husbands, and the children upon the flesh of their fathers; and no water, save a little, do they give unto them.

9 And notwithstanding this great abomination of the Lamanites, it doth not exceed that of our people in Moriantum. For behold, many of the daughters of the Lamanites have they taken prisoners; and after depriving them of that which was most dear and precious above all things, which is chastity and virtue—

10 And after they had done this thing, they did murder them in a most cruel manner, torturing their bodies even unto death; and after they have done this, they devour their flesh like unto wild beasts, because of the hardness of their hearts; and they do it for a token of bravery.

11 O my beloved son, how can a people like this, that are without civilization—

12 (And only a few years have passed away, and they were a civil and a delightsome people)

13 But O my son, how can a people like this, whose delight is in so much abomination—

14 How can we expect that God will stay his hand in judgment against us?

15 Behold, my heart cries: Wo unto this people. Come out in judgment, O God, and hide their sins, and wickedness, and abominations from before thy face!

There is already in place well written and thought out international laws governing the treatment of individuals in times of war. The Geneva Conventions have served the world well. Former warrior and secretary of state Colin Powell argued about the moral implications of the raging debate, in a letter to Senator McCain:

Dear Senator McCain:

I just returned to town and learned about the debate taking place in Congress to redine Cojmmon Article 3 of the Geneva Convention. I do not support such a step and believe would be inconsisten with thd McCain amendment on torture which I supported last year.

I have read the powerful and eloquent letter sent to you by one of my distinguished predecessors as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Jack Vessey. I fully endorse in tone and tint his powerful argument. The world is begining to doubt the moral basis of our fight against terrorism. To redefine Common Article 3 would add to those doubts. Furthermore, it would put our own troops at risk.

I am as familliar with The Armed Forces Officer as is Jack Vessey. It was written after all the horrors World War II and General George c. Marshall, then Secretary of Defense, used it to tell the world and to remind our soldiers of our moral obligations with respect to those in our custody.

Sincerely,

Colin Powell

As an American I am ashamed the leaders of my government are having this debate. America was once a moral beacon of light to the world. As former President Reagan discussed America in his farewell address to the nation, he spoke of a shining city on a hill:

And that’s about all I have to say tonight. Except for one thng. The past few days when I’ve been at that window upstairs, I’ve thought a bit of the “shining city upon a hill.” The phrase comes from John Winthrop, who wrote it to describe the America he imagined. What he imagined was important because he was an early Pilgrim, an early freedom man. He journeyed here on what today we’d call a little wooden boat; and like the other Pilgrims, he was looking for a home that would be free.

I’ve spoken of the shining city all my political life, but I don’t know if I ever quite communicated what I saw when I said it. But in my mind it was a tall proud city built on rocks stronger than oceans, wind-swept, God-blessed, and teeming with people of all kinds living in harmony and peace, a city with free ports that hummed with commerce and creativity, and if there had to be city walls, the walls had doors and the doors were open to anyone with the will and the heart to get here. That’s how I saw it and see it still.

As an American today, I feel our actions, or the actions of our leaders over the last several years have tarnished the shine of that city on the hill.

As a Latter-day Saint, I am concerned about the moral and spiritual well being of America, the cradle of the Restoration. Truly Mormon and Moroni saw our day over 1600 years ago. They warn us today through The Book of Mormon of what they saw, and what today we are living. Will we heed their counsel and warning? Will we change our course? Or, will we, like the Jaredites and Nephites, before us which inhabited this land of promise, a land choice above all other lands, be swept off because we refuse to serve the true and only God?

Let me be one of the first to Welcome the Church, to the Bloggernacle–well, maybe not the ‘nacle, but certainly to the wide world of Blogging.  The LDS Newsroom launched a new official Blog today.  It doesn’t look like it will be quite as interactive (probably a good thing too) as we are used to in the ‘nacle.  But, I applaud the Church’s use of this technology to get the official word out regarding Church news releases and the like.  Welcome Newsroom Blog.  See also the official announcement from the Newsroom.  Steve Evans has also commented over at By Common Consent.

Glenn Beck, the right wing fringe commentator has not only embarrassed himself by calling President Obama a racist–he has embarrassed the Church and Mormons everywhere.  In late July the firebrand exclaimed:

This president, I think, has exposed himself as a guy — over and over and over again — who has a deep seated hatred for white people or white culture, I don’t know what it is . . .  I’m not saying he doesn’t like white people. I’m saying he has a problem, this guy is, I believe, a racist.

Of course the claim is nonsense, of the same genre as much of  Rush Limbaugh’s hate speech, and that of Shawn Hanity.  But, what makes Glenn Beck’s comments more harmful is that he claims he is an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  The Church does not need this type of publicity or association.  Mormons everywhere ought to denouce the comments and Beck for making them.  Why–because these comments perpetuate erroneous and harmful stereotypes of the Church and its membership.  The post Proposition 8 media spin has already harmed the Church’s image painting Mormons who stood for religious principle as propagating hate and intolerance and being on the fringe.  Glenn Beck’s comments only fuel that fire.

The more reasoned secular world is distancing itself from Beck’s ridiculous claims.  Already advertisers are pulling their ads from his show–and rightly so.  Mormons should do likewise.  I, for one, as an active participant in the community of Saints denounce Glenn Beck, his comments, and the harm it does to the Church.  With friends like Glenn Beck–the Church needs no further enemies.

UPDATE 7:30 p.m.  David G’s comment just saved from the spam filter has some important links I wanted to highlight–Thanks David:

Glenn Beck and the Revivalism of Mormon Millenarianism?

The government is the devil:  Glen Beck and Mormonism Redux

Glenn Beck on Smoking (Make certain to watch the video)

Glenn Beck and Drinking Wine

Other Links

Are Glenn Beck’s Values Mormon Values?

Glenn Beck: Mormon Sadly

The Glenn Beck conundrum

Latter day taint

(This post has been recently updated toward the end with additional links) The Church has released this news update on the “kissing” incident on the Plaza, now an extension of Temple Square and Church Headquarters: (Hat Tip Geoff B.):

SALT LAKE CITY 17 July 2009 There has been a good deal of publicity surrounding an incident where two men were cited for trespassing because of belligerent and profane behavior on the Church Plaza, which is an extension of the Salt Lake City Temple grounds and Church headquarters. While this property is owned by the Church, we want it to be a place of beauty and serenity in downtown Salt Lake City for everyone.

As we said earlier on this matter, these men were asked to stop engaging in behavior deemed inappropriate for any couple on the Plaza. There was much more involved than a simple kiss on the cheek. They engaged in passionate kissing, groping, profane and lewd language, and had obviously been using alcohol. They were politely told that the Plaza was not the place for such behavior and asked to stop. When they became belligerent, the two individuals were asked to leave Church property. Church security detained them and Salt Lake City police were called.

There is nothing satisfying in learning that there have been problems for anyone on Church property. We hope the Plaza will continue to be an asset to the community and enjoyed by the many that cross it each day.

I am pleased to see the Church clarify what actually happened on Temple Square, and to reiteriate how important that location is not only to faithful LDS the world over but also as an intregal part of downtown Salt Lake City.    It is extremely unfortuante that those with rank political and social agendas seek to further besmirch the Church and its image by telling lies not only about the incident but the motivations for the clearly justified expulsion of these two obnoxious and belligerent men.

I liked Geoff’s comment below and the original over at M* and wanted to highlight it in this main part of the post.  I agree wholeheartedly.

There will be some who will cast aspersions on Church regarding this issue. My perspective is the exact opposite — it is Church critics, especially on the gay marriage issue, who have acted in an uncharitable and dishonest way. The fact that Church critics have not come under greater scrutiny or criticism is just a sign of our times — when good is called bad and bad is called good.

I simply would like to point out that I worked with Church public affairs for several years. I know most of the people who work in Church public affairs in SLC, and I know how they operate. I would trust my life with them — without a doubt. In this particular case, given my experience, there is no doubt in my mind that what happened is that Church public affairs and/or Church counsel interviewed the security guards extensively to double and triple-check their story. They decided to release this statement several days after the incident so they would have time to check it. After interviewing the security guards, the Brethren were consulted, and, very likely, several meetings were held to discuss the matter.

If such a statement was released, it is supported by the Brethren completely and has been cleared by probably dozens of people. That’s definitely good enough for me.

Amen, preach it brother.

Update 07/18/09  Voice of Deseret has a good post up with further details and eyewitness accounts.

Further Update 07/18/09 From today’s Deseret News:

In the wake of one “kiss-in” protest carried out last Sunday and ahead of another one planned for this Sunday, the LDS Church issued a statement Friday defending its Main Street Plaza property rights and its actions involving a pair of men cited there last week for their public displays of affection.

Echoing previous comments made by a church spokeswoman following the July 9 incident, Friday’s statement said the pair were asked “to stop engaging in behavior deemed inappropriate for any couple of the plaza,” which was “more involved than a simple kiss on the cheek.”

“They engaged in passionate kissing, groping, profane and lewd language and had obviously been using alcohol,” the statement continued. “They were politely told that the plaza was not the place for such behavior and asked to stop. When they became belligerent, the two individuals were asked to leave church property.”

The two — Derek Jones and Matthew Aune — were detained by church security, cited by Salt Lake police for trespassing, an infraction of city ordinances, and later released.

It is good to get the facts out to the media in light of these ridiculous “kiss in’s”  planned.  These guys were not cited for a kiss in–they were cited for demonstrably obnoxious behavior–not the peck on the cheek lie perpetuated by many.

Jones did not return repeated calls from the Deseret News seeking his response to the church’s statement.

Why not?  Mr. Jones,  why so shy now?  I’m sure the public would love to hear your version of the facts.  Looks like what started as a stunt to make the Church look bad has now taken an enexpected turn for these two guys as more and more evidence emerges contradicting their intial claims.

Meanwhile, Salt Lake City prosecutor Sim Gill said his office plans to examine the case thoroughly to ensure that the charges are valid and his office has all the evidence it needs to proceed with a prosecution.

“It appears there are some missing pieces that still need to be gathered,” Gill said. “We want to make sure there was sufficient evidence in the police report and make sure the charges are appropriate.”

Gill said the case against the pair is set for a routine arraignment hearing July 23 before Salt Lake City Municipal Court Judge John Baxter. Gill said infractions of city ordinances do not carry jail time as potential sentences, but fines up to $500 can be imposed.

This is interesting, and is the first media report to note the upcoming legal proceedings against these individuals.  Some have suggested the videos be produced.  Perhaps, the Church is waiting for the prosecution to release the videos.  Or perhaps they have already been turned over to law enforcement.  I wonder what the “missing pieces” are–the video tapes?   How fitting too, these two hoodlums will be prosecuted just before Pioneer Day.  Can you imagine this happening in say 1899 rather than 2009?  My how times have changed.

I hope the prosecution goes forward and further evidence of the incident is released to the publice via the media reports.  And, more importantly–I hope they are convicted and fined up to $500.00.

From today’s Salt Lake Tribune:

Derek Jones and Matt Aune were cited July 9 for trespassing on the plaza on their way home to the Marmalade neighborhood from a Gallivan Center concert.

“I guess they consider hugging groping,” Aune said Friday. “Regardless of if a kiss is on the cheek or on the lips, it still is not inappropriate — unless you are gay, according to the LDS Church.”

Aune said he held Jones’ hand in the plaza and gave him a kiss on the face.

“These men,” the church statement said, “were asked to stop engaging in behavior deemed inappropriate for any couple on the plaza.”

Aune and Jones have acknowledged they had been drinking at the Gallivan show earlier, and that they refused to leave the church plaza, using profanity, after they were stopped by the guards. Both were handcuffed by the guards and Jones, Aune said, was thrown to the ground. (The guard denied any roughness when asked by a police officer.)

“As far as being lewd and profane [in language],” Aune said, “I think anyone who was detained against their will in the way we were … would be upset.” Aune said the couple plan to contest the trespassing charges in court.

So, the peck on the cheek has graduated to a kiss on the face–nice backtracking there Mr. Aune.  Going to contest the charges in court?  Outstanding–the impeachment material–by the time the hearing arrives should fill volumes.  I wish I could attend the hearing personally.  Anyone who lives in Salt Lake area available to attend this hearing?  Please let me know–would love to hear your report and post it online.  Let me know.

The Salt Lake Tribune is reporting the Salt Lake City Police Report on the expulsion of two men for unwanted kissing and hugging on Church property has been released (I’m assuming by the SLCPD–but the article is unclear).  The Tribune did post the entire report.  You can read the actual report here, which is linked at the bottom of the article.   So, what does the report say?  According to the Tribune:

Church security guards cited kissing and hugging as the “unwanted” behavior two gay men displayed before they were detained and ticketed for trespassing on a plaza near the LDS Temple, according to the police report. Spokesmen for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Salt Lake City police department have thus far declined to specify the behavior that prompted guards to ask Matt Aune, 28, and his partner, Derek Jones, 25, to leave the plaza at 50 E. North Temple.

So, the unwanted behavior was two men kissing and hugging on Temple Square.  I see absolutely nothing wrong in citing these two men for engaging in this behavior.  Two men kissing within the shadow of the LDS Temple in Salt Lake City (or any other LDS Temple anywhere) is not the same as a man-woman couple hugging and kissing.  It’s innappropriate for the venue.  I would be offended if I saw it.  I believe Church security was well within its rights to ask the two men to leave.

According to one of the men, he was physically mistreated by Church security:

Aune said that the guards “slammed him to the ground” while detaining him; a guard disputed that claim, according to the police report.

It is inconceivable that the Church security guards physically slammed anyone to the ground, particularly for the conduct described.  I’ve been to Temple Square, as have millions of others, countless times.  I have never been treated by anyone employed by the Church on the Square with other than the utmost courtesy.  I have never, ever seen anyone employed by the Church on Temple Square treat anyone else other than with the utmost courtesy.   And, if it were true, where did Mr. Anne treat immediately upon leaving Temple Square for the physical injuries which would naturally been a consequence of having been slammed to the ground?  I don’t believe it.   In my view, Mr. Anne is lying.

Aune and Jones said they have seen heterosexual couples holding hands and kissing without incident on the plaza. Church spokeswoman Kim Farah has said the Aune and Jones were not singled out for being gay and that they were “politely asked to stop engaging in inappropriate behavior.”

So?  As I have said before:  There is a big difference between hetrosexual couples holding hands and kissing on Temple Square and the Plaza, and two men holding hands, hugging and kissing at the same location.   Are Anne and Jones suggesting that as a gay couple they have some legal rights superior and paramount to the Church’s rights to prohibit this conduct?  Why point out what hetrosexual couples do, if they did not think they were above the rules and regulations the Church has set out for conduct on Temple Square and the Plaza.

Kim Farah’s disclosure that the two men were not singled out and were politely asked to leave is most likely exaclty what happened.  Politely approaching and asking people to refrain from certain conduct is much more in line with what I have seen on Temple Square by Church employees.

However, the police report does not indicate the men were given the option to stay if they stopped kissing or hugging. It states only that the guard told the men that “they need to leave [church] property for the behavior and that [it] is unwanted,” and that the men were detained when Jones said he would not leave.

Why should these two men be given any option to stay?  It is clear from their response and the earlier reports they had absolutely no intention of cooperating and leaving quitely.  Rather, they became confrontational and verbally abusive and profane to Church security.   It was Jones who provoked the confrontation–NOT Church security officers.

The Tribune concluded with:

The men’s detention reignited controversies over the church’s efforts against gay marriage and the city’s sale of the plaza to the church 10 years ago. The city had kept a public easement on the pedestrian thoroughfare but later gave it up, allowing the church to control activities on the plaza. Sunbathing and protesting now are banned.  Scores of demonstrators staged a “kiss in” to support Aune and Jones on Sunday morning near the plaza.

I hope the actual report surfaces for all to see exactly what it says without any media filters or spin. [Note, the report is now posted online at the Tribune] Everyone can then read it and come to their own conclusions from the actual report.  Even based on the Tribune’s account of the report, I think Church security has been exonorated.  It’s abundantly clear the two men who engaged in the unwanted conduct provoked the confrontation, and did so in an effort to generate negative publicity about the Church.  Jones and Anne were wrong.  Church security should have asked them to leave.  They did so in an appropriate manner.  The entire matter escalated as a direct result of the obnoxious behavior of Anne and Jones.

UPDATE 10:13 p.m.

The actual report is now linked on the Tribune website.  The all important narrative is reproduced below:

Call came in on trespassers at the above address. I arrived and saw both AP’s in custody for trespassing. Nickel said that he observed Matt and Derek kissing and hugging on their property. Nickel told both AP’s that he is with Church Security and that they need to leave their property for the behavior and that is is unwanted. That is when Derek refused to leave and said “NO, I am not leaving”.

Other Church Security came and detained both AP’s for trespassing and then called PD. When I made contact with Matt I asked for his name and he would not give me his name. I then told him that by law he needs to give me his name and DOB. He then game me his name. He told me that the Security Guards slammed him to the ground. I asked him why they did that? He told that him and his boyfriend Derek had been drinking at the Gallavin Center and they just came through Main St. He said they sat down and he gave Derek a kiss. That is when he was contacted by two guys in suits.

He said that he did not know they were Church Security and that he said nobody has the right to tell them to leave on public grounds. He said once he found out that they were Church Security, he told them “NO” that he was not going to leave and to call the Police.

I asked Nickel if they slammed him to the ground ? Nickel said they did not slam him to the ground when they put handcuffs on him. I told Matt and Derek that it is private property and that he will be issued a citation because he was asked to leave and he told them “No”. Matt and Derek were both issued citations for trespassing.

I did not see any signs of injury on either AP’s. I could smell alcohol on Matt’s breath and he speech was slightly slurred when he spoke to me.

Very interesting factual details emerge from the actual report:

1.  SLCPD arrived on scene after being called by Church security;

2.  Church security officer did observe the two men hugging and kissing on Church property;

3.  One of the men, Derek, when informed he was on private property and asked to leave, refused saying No;

4.  An additional Church security officer arrived to assist the first officer;

5.  When asked by SLCPD his name, Matt initially refused to provide his name to an actual law enforcement officer;

6.  Matt told the SLCPD officer he and his “boyfriend” had been drinking at the Gallavin Center;

7.  They sat down on the Plaza, now LDS Church property, and gave Derek a kiss;

8.  At this point Church security arrives and asks both men to leave;

9.  Once identified as Church security, Matt told them that he would not leave as he had been asked;

10.  Church security denied having slammed the men to the ground while handcuffing them;

11.  Both men were issued tresspassing citations by SLCPD;

12.  SLCPD observed no injuries to either man, despite their claim of having been slammed to the ground;

13.  SLCPD officer could smell alcohol on Matt’s breath and detected some sluring of speech.

So, there you have it.  Facts contained in the police report completely exonerating Church security and contradicting the intial media reports and claims that the men were slammed to the ground and were simply walking innocently through the Plaza.  We also find out that at least one of the men had been drinking and showed objective signs of possible intoxication.   There you have it.

Matt Aune and Derek Jones, photo by Scott Sommerdorf Salt Lake Tribune

The Salt Lake Tribune reports that two men, Matt Aune, and Derek Jones (above) were cited by the Salt Lake City Police Department for tresspassing on private religious property:

A gay couple says they were detained by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints security guards after one man kissed another on the cheek Thursday on Main Street Plaza.  ”They targeted us,” said Matt Aune, 28. “We weren’t doing anything inappropriate or illegal, or anything most people would consider inappropriate for any other couple.”  Aune and his partner, Derek Jones, 25, were cited by Salt Lake City police for trespassing on the plaza, located at 50 East North Temple, according to Sgt. Robin Snyder.

They targeted them?  Who’s they, and what on earth does that mean?  Of course, there is much more to this story:

In a written statement, church spokeswoman Kim Farah denied the two were singled out for being gay.  The church contends the couple was “asked to stop engaging in inappropriate behavior just as  any other couple would have been. They became argumentative and used profanity and refused to leave the property. They were arrested and then given a citation for criminal trespass by SLPD.”

So, these two men were asked to stop engaging in inappropriate behavior.  They became argumentative and used profanity.  One can easily imagine this part of the confrontation.  This apparently, according to these two men, what constitutes “targeting” and discriminatory behavior.

The Tribune noted the history of this particular piece of property:

Though Salt Lake City sold the property to the church in the late 1990s, it remains a popular pedestrian thoroughfare, and a site where couples often pose affectionately for photos.

The Salt Lake Police Department on Friday denied a Salt Lake Tribune request for a full police report on the incident, citing Utah laws giving them five business days to respond to records requests.  Snyder refused to name the reason security guards gave for alerting police, saying it is “irrelevant.”

I’m just a little confused.  Is that what Monsieurs Anne and Jones were doing–posing affectionately for photos?  I don’t think so.   What about the Tribune?  Is it their custom and practice to go to press with every tresspass story and request the full police report?  When would they ever have time or room to print real news?

Snyder refused to name the reason security guards gave for alerting police, saying it is “irrelevant.”  ”If a person is asked to leave private property for whatever reason and refuses to do so, that is technically trespassing,” she said.

Sounds reasonable to me.

Aune said the incident started when he and Jones were walking back to their Salt Lake City home from a Twilight Concert Series show at the Gallivan Center. The couple live just blocks away from the plaza in the Marmalade district of the Capitol Hill neighborhood.

The pair crossed the plaza holding hands, Aune said. About 20 feet from the edge of the plaza, Aune said he stopped, put his arm on Jones’ back and kissed him on the cheek.  Several security guards then arrived and asked the pair to leave, saying that public displays of affection are not allowed on the church property, Aune and Jones said. They protested, saying they often see other couples holding hands and kissing there, said Jones.  ”We were kind of standing up for ourselves,” Jones said. “It was obviously because we were gay.”

This is where I think the fundamental and potentially unresolvable conflict arises.  Yes, countless couples (comprised of a man and woman) do pose affectionally on Temple Square for wedding photos.  They’ve been doing that for decades–and hopefully will be able to continue.  Is that wrong?  Is that a discriminatory policy, subject to constitutional challenge?  That is exactly what genderless marriage proponents want to convey and more importantly it is what they want society to believe.  Nevermind that it is a lie.

Sexual orientation is one thing.  Public displays of affection reflecting that sexual orientation extend further than mere “orientation”.  It extends to behavior that based on religious beliefs (constitutionally protected religious beliefs) offends many people.  These two men were not singled out for “being gay” (whatever that might mean in this context).  Rather, they were singled out for engaging in certain conduct that was prohibited on this particular parcel of private property–religiously owned private property.  The Church has every right both under the United States Constitution and the Utah Constitution to prohibt certain types of conduct on its property. It is really that simple.

The problem is that genderless marriage advocates want societal acceptance of a certain lifestyle, and they want it at all costs.  It is clear from this small incident on Temple Square that certain segements in society would impose very clear and disturbing limitations on the most protected of fundamental Constitutional rights:  The right to the free exercise of religion.   Monsieurs Anne and Jones and many more like them urge the abrogation of religious liberty and freedom in order for them to engage in certain conduct they find acceptable, but that others find unacceptable.  We were told over and over before, during and even after the Proposition 8 battles that people of faith would not lose their religious liberties.

This is where this debate is headed.  It extends far beyond “gay marriage.”  It goes to the  fundamental conflict and collision between the so called new civil rights movement and their newly created “fundamental rights” and the most traditional and protected rights under the First Amendment.    Buckle up–there’s more to come.

(Update 6:15 p.m.)   The Deseret News reports on a follow up demonstration which took place both near Temple Square, and some of it spilling onto Temple Square:

A “kiss-in” drew about 60 people sporting pink paper hearts to the sidewalk just off of LDS Church property near Temple Square on Sunday to protest actions taken by the LDS church’s security late last week.

Dozens of gay and straight couples smooched, posed for photos and talked with reporters while a few reminders to stay on the sidewalks were issued by church security personnel.

But, as the gathering was beginning to disperse, about 35 protesters crossed onto LDS church property and walked around the reflecting pond, eliciting a call to police by church representatives.

Kim Farah, spokeswoman for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, issued a statement about Sunday’s action.

“Church security asked the demonstrators repeatedly not to come onto the plaza to demonstrate,” Farah said. “Though the requests were issued calmly and respectfully, demonstrators ignored the requests, and the police were phoned.”

Salt Lake Police Lt. Lamar Ewell said he and another officer responding to the call asked those involved to move off of church property and explained that the plaza and walkway through the plaza were private property. Ewell said demonstrators complied with directives from police and no citations were issued.

Further demonstrable evidence that genderless marraige proponents are not the least bit interested in respecting the Constitutionally protected religious liberties and rights of those who have differing view points.

Former Salt Lake City Councilwoman Deeda Seed launched the idea from her Facebook page after two gay men, Derek Jones and Matthew Aune, were asked to leave the church-owned pedestrian walkway between North Temple and South Temple Thursday because of “inappropriate behavior.” The men said they had been holding hands and kissed. Church officials called police, who cited the men for trespassing, after they became argumentative, used profanity and refused to leave the private property, said Farah.

Seed called the actions “heavy-handed,” and invited people to meet downtown Sunday morning near Main Street and South Temple to “engage in gentle, tasteful displays of public affection.” Friends and couples did just that at the feet of a statue of Brigham Young near the entrance to the plaza just after 9 a.m.

Heavy handed?  Really?  How would Ms. Seed like for the Elders to come knocking on her door, forcing their way inside to her living room and begin teaching from Preach My Gospel?  She would have no problem with that–I’m sure.  Her comments are ludicrous.

Seed said the idea behind the gathering was to illustrate the innocence of a simple display of affection, no matter where it occurs.

“We’re giving a visual demonstration of the power of love,” Seed said. “And, saying that it should be OK for people to show affections regardless of their sexual orientation or age.”

Well, the implementation of the idea into action and further physical tresspass on privately owned religious property again reflects the absolute truth that genderless marriage advocates do not recognize Constitutionally protected fundamental rights such as the freedom of religion, and the freedom to hold and protect certain religious beliefs.  For Ms. Seed and others it’s all about what’s in it for me and my cause?  It doesn’t matter which or whose rights upon which they trample.    How far is it OK to show affections?  Even Salt Lake City likely has laws against certain displays of public affection even on public street corners.  There is no such thing as absolute rights without some accompanying and concurrent responsiblity.  This concept is completely lost on Ms. Seed and those like her.

Salt Lake City Councilman Luke Garrott’s comments were even more obnoxious:

Salt Lake City Councilman Luke Garrott attended the event but was less pragmatic than Seed in his evaluation of the incident that sparked the demonstration.

“It’s another instance of indignity being visited on gays and lesbians,” Garrott said. “I knew this couple personally, they’re friends of mine, so it hits close to home.”

Garrott said the way church security officers handled the situation with Jones and Aune was reflective of a pattern of intolerance.

“The big picture seems still to be lost on the church leadership,” Garrott said. “The church is coming across not as defending traditional marriage but as being cruel to gay and lesbian couples. … I represent downtown Salt Lake City and it’s unacceptable to me.”

West Jordan couple Eric and Leia Jones attended the protest Sunday and said they were motivated, in part, by the rhetoric they read in comments posted on local newspaper sites reporting on the Thursday incident.

“Some people’s words and comments were pretty awful,” Eric Jones said. “We came down to be part of something more positive.”

It was indeed kind of Mr. Garrott to share his wisdom and counsel with The Brethren.   The problem is that it is Mr. Garrott upon whom the “big picture” is lost.  The big picture is not the ability of individual persons with private agendas to be able to tresspass at will on privately owned religious property.  Rather, Mr. Garrott, the big picture is embodied in the concept of fundamental rights.  Rights that are

objectively, ‘deeply rooted in this Nation’s history and tradition,’  and ‘implicit in the concept of ordered liberty,’ such that ‘neither liberty nor justice would exist if they were sacrificed.

By encouraging this type of protest and trespass you are sacraficing rights that are implicit in the concept of ordered liberty on the altar of popular political opportunism.   This is where the battle lines are being drawn.  This is where the true erosion of religious freedom and liberty is taking place–right in our back yard on Temple Square.

[Admin Note:  The following post is currently posted over at Patheos.com.   For those who have not visited Patheos, you can read about the site in this review at Times and Seasons, and of course visit Patheos yourself and see their content.   They are also running an opposing view point by Nate Oman.   If you are so inclined to comment, please do so over at Patheos, as I have closed comments for this post over here.]

There are many religious-based reasons to support the institution of Man-Woman marriage. Most of Christianity looks to traditional biblical support, including both Old and New Testament sources – and there are many others. For the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it goes beyond biblical precedent. One of the core doctrines that sets us apart from other Christian denominations is the principle of continued and direct revelation between man and God. It was the Rock upon which Christ (Matthew 16:17-19) built His Church both during His earthly ministry and at the inception of the Restoration of His Church in modern time.

The core document describing the doctrinal foundation of Mormon belief about men, women, family, and marriage is The Family: A Proclamation to the World. LDS believe this document is divinely inspired from modern Prophets, Apostles, Seers, and Revelators, whom we believe speak for God on earth. Some, with good reason, sustain the Proclamation as scripture, meaning “the will of the Lord, the mind of the Lord, the word of the Lord, the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation” (D&C 68:4). Such proclamations are rare. This one was issued in the united and unanimous voices of the Quorums of the Twelve Apostles and the First Presidency, the highest governing bodies in the Mormon Church.

It establishes:

1. Its principles are vital to the happiness and well being of all families;

2. Marriage between a man and woman is ordained of God, and essential to His eternal plan;

3. The family is central to God’s eternal plan for mankind;

4. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose;

5. We are commanded to multiply and replenish the earth;

6. Power of procreation is to be used only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife;

7. Children are entitled to be born into the bonds of marriage and be reared by both a mother and a father;

8. The disintegration of the family will bring well-prophesied calamities upon individuals, communities, and nations.

These Divine guidelines are plain, precious, easily understood, and unambiguous. They form the basis of why Mormons believe marriage is reserved for men and women only. Expounding on the Proclamation, the Church has noted that marriage is much more than just a civil contract between any number of consenting adults forming a genderless union:

Marriage is not primarily a contract between individuals to ratify their affections and provide for mutual obligations. Rather, marriage and family are vital instruments for rearing children and teaching them to become responsible adults. While governments did not invent marriage, throughout the ages governments of all types have recognized and affirmed marriage as an essential institution in preserving social stability and perpetuating life itself. Hence, regardless of whether marriages were performed as a religious rite or a civil ceremony, married couples in almost every culture have been granted special benefits aimed primarily at sustaining their relationship and promoting the environment in which children are reared. A husband and a wife do not receive these benefits to elevate them above any other two people who may share a residence or social tie, but rather in order to preserve, protect, and defend the all-important institutions of marriage and family.

These revealed teachings are fundamental to the core Mormon religious beliefs about men, women, marriage, and the family. As such we hold those beliefs to be the most protected of beliefs under our constitutional system of government. Yet, our very right to maintain and assert these beliefs has come under vicious assault from genderless marriage militants, who would deny Mormons the most fundamental and protected of rights – Free Exercise of Religious Belief.

Compromising on genderless marriage compromises the most core and fundamental Mormon religious beliefs. Yet there is an unabated assault on those religious values by a certain segment of society, hostile to anything but full societal acceptance of a lifestyle that millions, not just Mormons, believe is contrary to God’s laws and divine design for the family.

This hostility to well-established religious belief and its free exercise was clearly evident in the Proposition 8 campaign, including its lead-up and aftermath.The Church and its leaders have urged compassion, understanding, and tolerance. Mormons for the most part heed that counsel and are compassionate, understanding, and tolerant individuals; however, in return the other side requires Mormons to sacrifice and compromise their most fundamental religious beliefs and doctrines by acceptance of a lifestyle clearly at odds with modern revelation on men, women, marriage, and the family. The insistence on the sacrifice and compromise of such core and fundamental foundations to Mormon belief will continue to keep both sides living in separate realities with little common ground.

O’re the Land of the Free, and the Home of The Brave.

Happy Birthday America.  You are still the World’s last and greatest hope.