Walsh used "intemperate and disrespectful language" in arguing "that inviting the vice president - presumably this particular vice president - is inconsistent with the Church's often-stated political neutrality," the church statement said.

"No disrespect was intended," said Terry Orme, Tribune managing editor for News and Business, of Walsh's column.

"Rebecca has latitude to express an opinion, and is encouraged to make her points forcefully. This is a heated topic in our community right now, and is an obvious subject for an opinion column. The intent was not to offend, but to offer food for thought and debate."

The statement goes on to reiterate the LDS Church's position on political neutrality, and closes with this point: "Is it appropriate for a university - even one that espouses a policy of political neutrality - to have as featured speakers the holders of some of the highest offices in the land? Of course it is. And whoever the visitor - the vice president, the majority leader of the Senate or the chief justice of the Supreme Court (another scheduled fall speaker) - the university and the student body will listen, evaluate and react to them as intelligent citizens capable of making up their own minds about their messages."

For the full statement, as it appears on www.lds.org, click here.