The possibility that Jon Huntsman, the U.S. ambassador to China, might join Mitt Romney in the run for president has again drawn attention to the Mormon faith, a religion that has gained a higher profile in recent years, including in the political sphere, The Washington Post writes.
“I think back in 2007, a lot of the approach to our church was simple curiosity. They knew nothing at all about us,” a church spokesman told the Post. “Now, we’re getting to a point where people are looking at us more seriously.” The article is here.
The ideological diversity of the community is on display in Sen. Harry M. Reid, a Democrat from Nevada; Huntsman, a centrist from Utah; and Romney, a conservative and former governor of Massachusetts. Conservative commentator Glenn Beck is a Mormon convert.
The Mormon faith is visible in the Sierra foothills, where the religion has some deep historical roots. Our former Congressman John Doolittle was a Mormon.
To many Mormons, there are signs that the community has finally “arrived,” as the church spokesman put it, the Post article said. But researchers say there remains a deep mistrust of Mormons and that little has changed in public opinion to suggest that voters will be more open this year than they were in 2007, it added.
“I would like to say that [perceptions of Mormonism have improved], but I have no reason to think that,” David Campbell, professor at the University of Notre Dame and co-author of “American Grace,” a book on religion in America, told the Post.
“Mormons rank really low, just above Muslims. Mormons have a lot of ground to make up to be thought of on par with even evangelicals.”
The church was instrumental in the 2008 passage of Proposition 8, the voter initiative that banned gay marriage in California.
I am interested in many religions, and mormonism is one of them. A dear journalism colleague of mine for many years, Karen Southwick, was a Mormon. She died after a long bout with cancer, and I spoke at her memorial. Her faith was very powerful in helping her deal with death.
My great grandfather was editor of the Park City (Utah) record at the turn of the century and later a printer at the L.A. Times. He and his wife had six daughters. Though not practicing Mormons, the religion was predominant on her side of the family.
I am respectful of the Mormon’s strong faith, their practice of tithing and interest in genealogy. I do not agree with all of their views — on Prop. 8, for example — but I can understand their perspective from a religious point of view. My friend Karen told me it could be challenging for strong, independent women such as herself.
One of my biggest bugaboos about all religions is tolerance for others. We are a diverse bunch in America. Romney and Huntsman’s run for President will be another test for Mormonism.
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