A lot to improve

This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2007, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

I am writing to agree with S.J. Moormeister's sentiments (Forum, April 3) hoping for a productive interfaith dialogue between Mormons and those of other beliefs in Utah.

I also lament the tensions that General Conference protesters and DVD distributors have aroused. But, the Mormon cultural, social and political dominance in Utah has contributed to the fact that no such dialogue is taking place. From the intolerance seen in certain state legislators to the religious divisions in society beginning with grade-school children, Utah has a lot to improve on.

The LDS Church, with its power in Utah, is perfectly positioned to initiate such dialogue and promote tolerance, though it hasn't yet happened to any meaningful degree.

Instead, many non-Mormon Utahns feel that they are either a potential convert, or quickly forgotten. Cooperative dialogue requires respect for the beliefs of others, a simple concept that could heal many divisions within Utah.

Jason Kane

Salt Lake City