 |
|
|
|
 Ruth Williams passes out bulletins at the Third Ward in Washington, D.C., a diverse Mormon church.
November 2nd, 2011
11:32 AM ET
With 'I'm a Mormon' campaign, church counters lily-white imageBy Eric Marrapodi, CNN Belief Blog Co-Editor Washington (CNN) - The scene at a Mormon congregation here on a recent Sunday would surprise Americans who think of Mormons as young white missionaries in stiff white shirts, black ties and name tags. Yes, there are white missionaries handing out bulletins at Washington’s Third Ward - what Mormons call their congregations - but there's also Ruth Williams, an elderly African-American woman, decked out in her Sunday best, doing the same. White, black, Asian and Hispanic Mormons mingle before the service begins. As it gets under way, an African-American tween plays a video game on his smartphone in one pew as a 30-something white woman across the aisle taps away on her iPad. How Mitt Romney's Mormon faith helped shape him On this Sunday, the Sacrament - what Mormons call the remembrance of the Last Supper and what other Christians call Communion - is said in French, a nod to the area's burgeoning West African population. It is not a special multicultural celebration Sunday. For this growing Mormon congregation in northeast Washington, it's just another weekend. “It’s 30% Caucasian, 30% African-American, and the rest is a combination of first-generation immigrants from around the world,” says Bishop Robert Nelson, the lay leader of this congregation.  A diverse group of congregants from the Third Ward listens to a sermon. Washington's Third Ward is a near mirror image of the diverse neighborhood it serves, jarring with the Mormon Church's image as a faith-based club for upper-class whites. Explain it to me: What's Mormonism? And the Mormon Church, officially called the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, says the ward represents the diverse face of modern Mormonism, a message it has been trying to spread as part of a yearlong nationwide push to counter its lily-white image. Since January, the LDS Church has spent millions on an "I'm a Mormon" advertising campaign that features television commercials, billboards and bus signs with Mormons from African-American, Asian, Latino and other ethnic backgrounds. Just last month, the campaign entered 11 new major media markets in Texas, Indiana, Nebraska, Washington, Georgia and Arizona, hitting cities like Atlanta, Denver and Phoenix. (You won't be seeing the ads in Iowa, South Carolina or Florida. With Mitt Romney and Jon Huntsman, both Mormon, competing in the Republican presidential primaries, the church says it wants to steer clear of politics.) The Mormon Church even used the ad campaign to launch a shot across the bow of the hit Broadway musical "The Book of Mormon," buying a digital "I'm a Mormon" billboard just down the street from the theater where the show is playing. The musical satire, co-produced by the creators of the television show "South Park," shows earnest white American Mormon missionaries and their misadventures in proselytization in Africa. But the billboard shows a very different face of Mormons. There is an African-American couple playing Frisbee on the beach, a Latino grandfather and granddaughter, a goateed motorcycle sculptor. Opinion: Who says Mormons aren't Christian? An official church website, Mormon.org, lets those interested in the church search for Mormons from diverse ethnic backgrounds and features videos from the likes of black soul singer Gladys Knight and Brandon Flowers, frontman for the rock band The Killers. "It's to say, 'We're like you,' " said Kathleen Flake, a religious scholar from Vanderbilt Divinity School. "It's an attempt to combat stereotypes so that absolutely people are more open to see the normalcy of Mormonism." The LDS Church says its attempt at an image makeover is as much a reflection of demographic reality as it is a PR effort. While young white missionaries may still be Mormonism's public face in the United States, they are no longer fully representative of the Salt Lake City-based church. “Our doctrine is we’re all sons and daughters of God," says Stephen Allen, managing director of the LDS Church's missionary department. "Skin color or anything else is not a significant issue to us.” As head of global missions, Allen supervises the 52,000 19- to 25-year-old missionaries knocking on doors around the world. He's also executive director of the “I’m a Mormon” campaign, which began in nine markets this year. “In terms of targeting, we’re not specifically targeting or avoiding any particular group," Allen says. "We send our missionaries all over the world to anywhere people will listen.” As the church’s efforts to win converts has expanded internationally, “following the American flag around the world,” as Flake puts it, the LDS Church has grown more diverse. “We’re in most of the free world right now,” Allen says. "We have a presence in Russia and Ukraine and the Baltic countries. We have a growing presence in Africa ... Nigeria, Kenya … then we have, Japan, Korea, Taiwan. There are small congregations in India, and the church is growing in those places.” The church's membership has doubled since 1988, to 14.1 million Mormons worldwide. Six million Mormons live in the United States. Many of the church's members live in the American West and Northwest, in some of the whitest states in the country. But like many other churches, there has been explosive growth in the LDS Church in Latin America. There are more than a million Mormons in both Mexico and Brazil. There are nearly a million Mormons in Asia and 300,000 in Africa, according to church statistics. “This attempt to emphasize diversity and to emphasize a wide range of people who are Mormon does reflect, in a lot of ways, what’s been going on in reality for a while,” says Matthew Bowman, an editor at a Mormon studies journal called Dialogue. Even in the United States, the perception of who Mormons are has changed. “We’ve done a lot of research to see what people think of us and what their perception is,” Allen says. “Twenty-five or 30 years ago, if you said, ‘When you think of the word Mormon, what comes to mind?’ the answer would have been Mormon Tabernacle choir, polygamists, racists, the Osmonds [singers Donny and Marie].” While that's less the case today, Allen says many people still don't know what a Mormon looks like - or don't know that there are Mormons from minority backgrounds. A spokesman for the church said it doesn't keep statistics on members' race or ethnicity. But “it’s no longer just a predominantly white church,” Allen says. “In our early history, you know, it was founded in upstate New York in the United States and was very much a white congregation, but today it’s very diverse.” The complexion of the average Mormon ward reflects the neighborhood where the building resides. “Mormon wards are not self-selecting,” says Richard Bushman, a visiting professor at the School of Religion of Claremont Graduate University. “In Mormon congregations, they are just geographical boundaries, and wherever you live, you go to church.” There is no church shopping. Congregants can’t go to another ward if they don’t like the music or the doughnuts at the social hour, as in many other faith traditions. In Washington's Third Ward, two new converts who had recently been baptized were welcomed into the church on a recent Sunday. Both women were young African-Americans. The men who formed a circle around them and prayed over them were all white. Unlike the ward, the church's global leadership in Salt Lake City is mostly white. It was not until 1978 that African-Americans could serve in priesthood positions in the church, a prohibition that extended back to Mormon leader Brigham Young in the 1850s. "When you see in that ad campaign Mormons, including African-Americans, they are trying to communicate against that stereotype that Mormons are racist, there's no question about this," says Vanderbilt's Flake. "They are trying to say, 'That's not fair. That is not who we are. Even if we were, we are not now.' " Allen says the "I'm a Mormon" campaign was designed to assist the small army of young Mormon missionaries out knocking on doors. "Our feeling was anything we could do to help them was really important," he says. "And helping them means softening people’s hearts.” |
  About this blog
The CNN Belief Blog covers the faith angles of the day's biggest stories, from breaking news to politics to entertainment, fostering a global conversation about the role of religion and belief in readers' lives. It's edited by CNN's Daniel Burke with contributions from Eric Marrapodi and CNN's worldwide news gathering team.  |
|
|
|
The LSD church is true. Period.
Your absolute knowledge that the church is true is exactly what keeps you from doing research on the church.
Roger that! I used to take LSD in college, and it made me see not only god, but unicorns and talking spiders. Is that part of the church service?
Tom, like a muscle, my testimony in the church can weaken or strengthen depending on how much I search and pray and seek to know for myself. With that said, I know the LDS church is true. And I keep knowing it more and more every day.
Why does the article state "white" for "white people" and "africian amierican" for "black people". It should be "white" and "black" NOT "white" and "african american". Be consistant.
Why do people bash on the Mormon church so much?
If you don't agree with Mormon beliefs, that's fine. Just live your life, and don't worry about it.
It's always wise to go the source of any belief, so apparently that's what the church is doing–letting people know what its members believe in order to dissapate the rumors and confusion that non-affiliates like to spread. Check out mormon.org if you really want to know what these people think. It makes sense, right?
No, because mormon.org is entirely self-serving propaganda.
Hmm.. lets see..
– they supported white supremacy
– they were racists..
– they supported polygamy
– they supported child marriages..
– they rejected any kind of contraception and reduce females to being a baby machines..
– they believe in people going up to another planet after death..
How can you not dislike such a cult? Rather, I should say people don't hate their belief.. they hate their stupidity and can't help making fun of them..
Agree with Steve, church propaganda. Use other sources like encyclopedias or historical references.
If only it was a suicide cult we wouldn't have to think about it too much. But as it happens, a "follower" got involved in government and expects us all to listen to him. Good luck getting into the 144k club.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonestown
Just looked and they did not even mention magic panties.
That is a deal breaker.
exactly, if you want to learn to fly a plane you talk to a pilot, if you want to be a lion tamer you talk to a lion tamer, if you want to know about Mormons, ask a Mormon.
all of the things the ex-Mormons are saying here is simply the reason as to why they are not active Mormons (like me) anymore. they did not have an actual true understanding of the doctrine of the Church and its beliefs. plain and simple.
Will that explain 'blood sacrafice' to me?
And nothing of all the good they do in the world?
Jerry, please meet Jim. Jim, Jerry. Have some cool-aid. And I will not be having any with you.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonestown
i could NEVER want to join a church who's leader said in 1978 that God spoke to him telling him now is the time to let black people this your church. that's like the KKK telling people of color to join their group. Are Morman's allowed to be Democrats. What's going to happen when lilly white people start marrying black people? Will they be able to deal with the group becoming mostly bi-racial?
“Check out mormon.org if you really want to know what these people think. “
Check out the official web site of the North Korean government if you want to know what the leaders think. If you want the actual truth about NK you’ll have to go some where else.
The Book of Mormon specifically states that dark skin people are the descendants of Cain and their skin is a curse delivered by God on Cain and all of his descendants. Why would any minority join a religion in which they are ALREADY presumed to be cursed by God?
Give me chapter and verse of where it says that.
Where in the Book of Mormon does it say that the dark skin people are descendants of Cain. Please help me find it, is it in 2 Nephi, 3 Nephi, Alma, please show me or else stop spreading incorrect information. May God bless you. Thanks
yeah...where does it say that?
Well, according to the Mormons, you will all go to Hell for not knowing the Four Secret Handshakes that they learn in the temple to get into heaven.
I love this.. the premise.. It does not matter how much good you do in life.. nor how altruistic you are .. nor how many you help..
if you don't know the secret handshake, straight to hell with you..
Incorrect. There is no condemnation to hell for not being able to go to a temple and participate in temple ordinances.
so whats the point of secret handshakes? do you do stuff in the temple you don't want others to know about?? sounds like a red flag to the law enforcement people..
No offense, but that seems kind of silly. The official church doctrine is what individuals base their beliefs on, and individual interpretations of doctrine that isn't clearly defined can vary... so wouldn't you want the official doctrine so that you could draw your own conclusions?
Wow, FormerMormon there's obviously no bias in that comment. . . (sarcasm). I've been a Mormon for 25 years now, and what you say is false and misleading. My church has taught me to love and serve others, and, theologically, Mormons believe that most people will go to heaven. You must not have spent enough time in the religion to know much about it, or just hate it so bad that you're willing to lie to tarnish its reputation. Let it go man . . . get on with your life.
lori,
Sorry, honestly I'm not trolling here and I'm sorry the video is in animation format. What in particular is incorrect ? I would rather hear it from a average Mormon than read what the official LDS stance is their site.
When you are ready Christ will be there for you. And any other religion that has good moral values.
Religion can't give someone moral values. People have to decide that for themselves. Otherwise their values will have no real meaning.
I wonder why Martin Luther King, Jr. wasn't a mormon?
You Racist!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You white Devil!!!!!!!!!!!!
He is now.
Who knows, perhaps MLK Jr is a Mormon now. When this life is over, it will be interesting to know the many who are "Mormons" on the other side.
I wonder if they tell their new members of color what the LDS belief system says about non-whites? That god cursed Cain and made him black, so that all black people are descendents of the curse of god and must be purified. Mormons believe they are the true chosen people of god (Hebrews) and that Jesus visited the American Hebrews before the Native Americans ever arrived on this land. Mormonism is as close to Ayrian Nation beliefs as you will ever come. Wake up, people, and smell the coffee (another sin according to LDS belief – not because of the caffeine, but because of the hot beverage which is tabboo)! And for an accurate non-religious take on the Mormon church (not really called a church internally, they call themselves "wards" or "stakes)," read Jon Krakauer's "Under the Banner of Heaven." And I'm an ex-mormon, so don't think I don't know what I'm talking about.
Jon Krakauer's book is not accurate. It is still biased and an attempt to link an unfortunate event to LDS church leadership.
You don't know what you're talking about.
I'm Mormon, and you don't know what you are talking about.
If you really knew what you were talking about you would know that Mormons believe that the Hebrews/Jews that you talk about are the ancient inhabitants of the Americas ant that the so-called native americans are descendants of the Hebrew/Jews who came to the Americas in ancient times.
"Walkslikeaduck": I'm so sorry your experiences with the church have been so negative–truly. I wonder how any member of the church could spend three hours in church every Sunday listening to talks about the Savior and the scriptures and come away with such non-important things. In all that time, did you not understand that the most important thing about the church is the focus on the Savior and His teachings? Were you not listening; did you not hear the message? –turn to Christ is the message over and over again. Still, you seem to focus on such insignifance, strange, and disillusioned ideas. Who really cares about caffine–none of us in the church focus on this–only outsiders do. Obstaining from caffine is a health code that actually has merit to it–same with cigarettes and alcohol. If what you took away from the church is all about caffine and buildings called "wards," come back and try again. This time, really make an effort to listen to what is being said over the pulpit and in each of the classes.
yeah... you were clearly never Mormon...
Never met a Mormon who treated me badly and I met alot of them. Can't say that for mainstream
Christianity.
Here, go ahead, take the whole pitcher of cool-aid.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonestown
I guess you've never lived in Utah then.
Something tells me that you are a middle-class American of Caucasian descent. They are remarkably less friendly toward other groups.
Steven-in-MA. You must be a middle-class african. Of those I've met, the one's who came over themselves, they were pretty friendly. But most of the one's I've met born here are really inconsiderate.
Mormonism = Cult
All religions = Ancient Mythology
"If the 'cult' of Mormonism means that you raise a solid family, work hard, make money and do good for the greater community of mankind, then by all means pass the Kool-Aid." – Kathleen Parker
I could really care less about one's religion..UNTIL they mix it with politics. And Mormon's (among others) do just that. You want to live some crazy puritanical lifestlyle, GO FOR IT. How dare you try to legislate it into MY life, hough. You don't have that right!
So did the founding father's and all those who wanted to come to America.
Here, have some cool-aid.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonestown
Free the black mormans!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hey Leroy, I'm sensing you have something against the Mormons...
At least most Mormons are not out raping and pillaging?
Why use violence when you can brainwash? It's much more effective. I use it on all my followers.
"Don't forget the cool-aid!'
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonestown
black, white, brown, yellow, blue... no matter what color you are, if you're a mormon, you're still a moron.
Has anyone ever met a mormon democrat? I never have. And I've known lots of mormons.
Senator Harry Reid, my Grandpa, my husband... to name a few.
You must be a desinformed person or dodo bird...Senator Harry Reid, the Lider of the Majority in the Senate is MORMON, you morron
Harry Reid
Harry Reid...The highest ranking democrat besides President Obama is a mormon.
Have you ever met a good decent person who was a democrat??
So?
You ever met an intelligent white man?
You RACIST!!!!!!!!
Someone is "desinformed" if they don't study mormonism and the members of the religion, and their party affiliation? Get out of you mormon bubble real quick.
In atheist forums I've met plenty of ex-mormon, current democrats. You know what they will tell you? Mormon democrats just don't exist.
Ever heard of Harry Reid (the Senate Majority Leader of the US)? He's a Democrat. And he's a Mormon.
You ever heard of Harry Reid...? You know, that no-name Senator guy from Nevada?
Ever heard of Harry Reid?
Harry Reid is a Mormon.......however, I'm sure the church would like to renounce his membership.
I know that's RIGHT!
I've met many. Senator Harry Reid is a rather prominent mormon democrat
My brother and his wife are both devout Mormons and strong Democrats. Many other Mormons I know would align themselves politically with the Democratic party, if abortion rights were not such a strong plank in their platform.
Really, you've don't know any Mormons? How about Harry Reid, senior Senator from Nevada. Yes, he's Mormon.
You should tell that to Harry Reid.
Ever heard of Harry Reid (a democrat Mormon)?
Harry Reid, Democratic Senate Majority Leader, is an active and practicing Mormon.
Harry Reid is a Democrat and a Mormon. I'm a very strong Democrat and a Mormon.
What's your point?
Man, the cool-aid is so refreshing. Have some!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonestown
They are certainly a minority among members of the LDS church, but there are still quite a few; even several prominent ones. James E. Faust, from the Presidency of the Church was a Democrat and even served as a chairperson for the Utah State Democratic Party. He served in the First Presidency along side Thomas S. Monson (they were then both counselors to Gordon B. Hinckley, a registered Independent) who was and is still Republican. A great example of how people with different political views can work together and achieve great things.
Just a thought...
If Mormons are Christians then you would exptect them to describe God/Christ in the same way...but they don't.
All major Christian denominations even including Catholicism have an orthodox core of shared doctrine. The mormons don't share in this. It's kinda like asking a person what a tree is like...if they say "Oh it's purple and silver with music coming out of it..." Then they are obviously talking about something different from a tree...this is mormonism is a nutshell.
I understand your point. What I think Mormons want to get across is that they believe that Jesus Christ is the literal Son of God, and that through the atonement of Christ, all mankind can be saved. Whether that is your definition of Christian or not, that's what Mormons believe and considered as a Christian idea.
Not really true. It's more like saying I think Barack Obama is a pandering, unqualified social worker pretending to be the President and you saying Barack Obama is the most qualified person for the job. We're talking about the exact same person, but we hold different opinions of who he is and what he's doing.
Nothing to see here.
Just go to lds.org.
They are giving away free magic panties.
I lived in Utah for three years. As a Catholic, I've been told by coworkers that the cross/crucifix necklace I wore was "evil." Also told me that "water" is evil. As a female, also told me that I have to give up my career to "serve" my future husband and kids. That's why I moved back to California.
I guess you never go the magic panties, eh?
What a shame.
Wow where in Utah were you at? I live in SLC and am not Mormon. I have been here since 84 and never had anyone say anything remotely like that to me, or my Catholic friends and family. We wear our crosses proud and are invited in activities with our Mormon friends. Sounds like you had a very isolated incident, but please don't judge their entire faith based on a few people. Deep down they are good honest people.
Dont worry LostinSLC, I'm sure it was a lie anyway
I'm hoping that was just one demented person telling you that. That's not what Mormons profess. True, they don't use the cross as a symbol in their church, but it's not evil. They just focus on the resurrected Christ and not the dead Christ. I'm sorry you had those experiences.
Now you know what it feels like to be an atheist surrounded by evangelical Christians. It's not a pleasant experience.