Letter: Be more sympathetic to church’s request
(Keith Johnson | Special to The Tribune) President Russell M. Nelson and his wife, Wendy, wave to the congregation at the conclusion of the 188th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Oct. 7, 2018, in Salt Lake City.
Recently Russell M. Nelson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has asked members and media to use the full name of the church, rather than “Mormon” or “LDS.” He said, “We will want to be courteous and patient in our efforts to correct these errors. Responsible media will be sympathetic in responding to our request.”
I question if The Salt Lake Tribune is “sympathetic” to this request. In your headlines and articles, I still see many referrals to the church as “Mormon” or “LDS.” I understand — and appreciate — your mantra of being Utah’s “independent voice.” I also understand that print space is precious, and shaving off a few characters here and there makes a difference.
However, I encourage The Tribune to do more to honor this request from a faith leader in our community. I would hope your journalists would respond to such a request from any of the world’s faith leaders.
Ben Watkins, Brigham City
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