Disciplinary actions against loyal and devoted scholars suggest that authorities care more about suppression of discussion than following the high ideals they proclaim. They create a public relations disaster for the church.

As Sterling McMurrin said in a letter to the editor in these pages almost 10 years ago, “The LDS Church has considerable power and wealth, with a strong tradition of leadership and action. It is not a fledgling sect that can survive only on conformity and obedience. In its theology, the church celebrates freedom, intelligence, knowledge and love as the great values. It can afford to practice what it preaches.”

Let the church begin by stopping any further actions that offend against free thought and expression.

William T. Dobbs

Salt Lake City