The Society of Professional Journalists code of ethics states, “ethical journalism treats sources, subjects, colleagues and members of the public as human beings deserving of respect.” How can The Tribune treat members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with respect while continuing to publish the term “Mormon” and “Mormonism” despite the Church’s 2018 request to end that practice? Publishing Jana Riess’ recent editorial is an example of The Tribune choosing to ignore this appeal.
At the request of their respective communities, the use of correct genders, pronouns, and racial identity has rightly been adopted in Tribune publications. Those groups are, as the SPJ code of ethics mandates, deserving of respect. It is therefore discouraging to see the Tribune publish opinion pieces from regular contributors who misidentify members of the church.
Sometimes it’s difficult to see powerful institutions, like the church, as a collection of real people. It then becomes easy to justify exceptions or overlook editorial policy on using correct identities. As a human being, I’m therefore directly appealing to be treated with respect and for The Tribune to end the practice of including publications that reference me and my religion as “Mormons.”
David Warden, Lehi