When I first read "Tribune's Utahns of the Year: Mormons Building Bridges" (Tribune, Dec. 25), I thought that all this hoopla over softer relations between Mormons and gays was much ado about nothing. After all, the bottom-line position of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hadn't changed. Being gay was still wrong, and yes, I understand the distinction between being gay and acting on that orientation, and it's simply cruel.

But the more I thought about these Mormon bridge-builders who were "not out to debate politics or doctrine … but to promote love and listening," the more I thought, yeah, they might just make a difference. If even the straightest and most upright Mormons I know truly got to know some of the loving gay couples I know, including married same-sex couples with children, I believe their hearts would soften, they'd be less harsh in their words, and eventually they'd come not only to accept but embrace committed gay couples.

We do need a lot more love and listening, and then eventually Mormonism will change. So, bully for The Tribune's Utahns of the Year!

Michael Pierson

Salt Lake City