I am NOT MORMON but consider myself'CHRIST LIKE" a Christian contarary to your mentioning you 12 apostles were the ones with "True Light" and promoters of Christianity.
I think it is Wonderful that you are Emphasizing the need for Family time and interest of each individual family member. Pleading with Young people to Stay Strong and Pure to the Teachings of God. Not to be Caught up in the ways and things of the World. Families are so broken and each member trying to survive on their own as parents are "Too Busy" to take time to love and Nuture their children as aJesus taught.
Pleas eContinue to Boldly Speak out and Uphold the Teaching of Gods Word !!!

Blessings ,
shirley south
SaltLake City,Utah

I agree wholeheartedly with what President Monson said over the weekend at General Conference. On the subject of respecting other people's views and religions...absolutely! But do we as Latter Day Saints receive the respect we deserve? From the majority of the average person on the street we do. It is the left-wing media that the LDS Church needs to tackle head on, such as the BBC and ABC networks to name just two. These two prominent media outlets have a huge influence on people's opinions and not just in the U.S.A or U.K. Both of these organisations are openly Anti-Mormon. If the LDS Church is to move forward in greater numbers it needs to give some focus on these and other Anti-Mormon media groups and try to get some honest unbiased media coverage of the Church from them.

It will be hard for many to "come back to the fold" in cases where local leaders have abused their authority.

I wish Monson had specifically asked mormons to stop driving agressively and to stop tailgating. Some people need "Christlike" spelled out for them.

Moving Forward!

I am not a memeber of the LDS Church however when I read about what these men say, with deep conviction, there is something inside of me that wishes that I could believe what they are saying. But I cant and I feel a certain loss for that!

His message was simple to understand. Why do people have to twist it? Why do others have to make a negative view on it? Why are people offended by this? For anyone that has answers to these questions I urge you to read his talk again. If you have a different opinion, guess what, I respect that. The only thing I ask is that you dont take such a simple talk and twist the heck out of it.

I feel humbled by President Monson's words. It's true, we need to show more love and kindness and respect to those of different beliefs. It's easy in the anonymity of the internet to let your guard down and "tell it like it is" to those who believe different than you on any number of subjects, but it usually only strenthens divisions and doesn't solve anything. We are all children of God and usually our divisions aren't as deep as we think. I hope we can all try harder to remember President Monson's words and heed the advice. I will try harder to.

Why in the world would we want to come back? Nothing has changed. The reasons we have for leaving are the same. Personally, I am SOOO much more fulfilled and happy since leaving the Church, I cannot even imagine coming back. What a waste of a great life that would be!

Thanks anyway.

When my brother died unexpectedly seven years ago my co-workers whom I had spent several years every day side by side with made no ackowlegement of his passing even though I took four days off work for the funeral. To everyone's surprise because no one in the family had made personal mention of his passing, to the viewing came Pres. and sister Monson out of respect for my parents who the Monson's knew as neighbors. They were in no hurry to leave and spent time with my parents and other family members consoling us in our grief. As family members we all huddled together and cried. We just could not believe that the Monson's would take time out of their busy schedules to pay respects while others seemingly could care less. This was an act of real Christ like love that will never be forgotten. God bless these wonderful people.

As I watched the conference this past weekend it seemed as though President Monson was transformed from Counselor to Prophet right before my eyes. I'm sure it was the special and real thing they call the mantel of the calling. I don't know if others felt the same thing or it was just something that I experienced, but it was more tangible a spirtual experience that many I have had in my life.

RE: Accountability of Local Leaders
I wholeheartedly agree. To whom do we go or what do we do if there is really something wrong?? There is currently no recourse or place to turn. And this is not just complaining about little things. To those in authority out there who are on YOUR OWN agenda instead of the Lord's, you have no idea the damage to faith--the total destruction of faith---you are causing.

If I were a former Mormon who had become "so much more fulfilled and happy since leaving the church," I would put the church out of my mind and move on to allow my mind to dwell on all those other things in life that were making me so happy.

I wouldn't be obsessed with trolling online articles about general conference, seeking to make disparaging refutations of comments from the talks.

I love that last line: no "moisture" fell.

I feel your pain, "Wayward Drivers." Drivers everywhere upset me all the time. Way too aggressive and careless.

It was a wonderful conference. I wish though, our dear Prophet would have asked for members to stop backbiting their own members, gossiping, and making up exaggerated lies about others who have left the church. This might help bring back some of the inactives back into the church. I suppose President Monson can only do and say so much in one conference. President Monson has a good heart, and perhaps we can all as members of the church learn a great deal from listening to him, and his wonderful, and brilliant mind, that God has blessed him with.

To GK from England...there will always be dissenters in the world who do not wish to be encouraged to do good. You say you deserve respect as a latter-day saint. I learned many years ago that when you "expect" you will be disappointed. We are to pray for the dissenters. It's a big responsibility for the leadership of our church to take care of everything. Their first focus is the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints...not that they don't care or worry about others, to the contrary that is why they speak on the subjects they do and hope there will be a listening ear who is willing to change their hearts and lives. We need to pray that hearts will be softened and through our christ-like example many will choose to change their ways and want to enjoy the blessings that come to faithful latter-day saints across the world. I hope that answers your question.

Seems to mt aht there were a lot of people who missed that talk. Reading some of the other stories in this mornings DMN, a lot of people seem to either not care, or don't think that this talk must apply ot them.

We, LDS, believe that President Monson, is a prophet to the world! And I, like so many others, witnessed the mantle of a prophet, falling to him.
His messages have universal application, if they are taken in the spirit with which they are given.
President Monson not only talks the talk, he walks the walk. When my uncle was sick, President Monson visited with the family at their home, and the hospital, on several occasions. As was repeated oft times in conference, President Monson oversees a vast organization, however, he has never lost his focus on the individual!
You may not believe in, or agree with, the message of the LDS church, but you cannot deny the true character, and integrity, of a thoughtful leader like President Monson!

Aggressive driving has been mentioned several times in general conference. However, it is up to individuals to exercise their agency no matter what the leaders say.

To RS counselor...I know they speak on the subjects they are inspired to do. They can't cover all of them...it would be impossible in 8 hours and have them hit home like they should. My suggestion is you use that as a subject in your Relief Society meetings, in your Presidency Message each month and to teach your children how important it is. We can't expect our leaders to do it all...we as members have to be examples of what we know is right and through that hearts will be changed and softened.

just confirms that things have not changed. Mormons are still rude and try to belittle those that do not think like they do. Bill, I am not obsessed just curious. I do not dwell I only hope. I left the church because most Mormons don’t practice what they preach, there is an "I am better than you" attitude, When I moved to a new neighborhood the first words from my neighbors were “Are you LDS?” When told no, they would not speak to me or allow their children to play with mine. My daughter even told me one child told her that they could not play with her because we her, parents believed in the devil. What, news to me. My kids were treated badly and I was made to feel unwelcome. We moved a couple of years later to a neighborhood that is predominately Catholic and we were accepted with open arms. What does that say? Who do you think my kids are going to respect more? Think about this the next time the Non-Mormon moves in, are you going to be kind to your neighbor or treat them like a plague? Remember your actions are what others remember.

need to be the most welcoming, the most open-hearted, the most generous of people. But we often are not. Follow Pres. Monson. Let's "cast off" the neighborhood divisiveness, the ignoring of neighbors, the political prejudices, the mean-spirited attacks on everybody who's different from us. I for one will try harder.

Amen and Accountbility of Local leaders

There is a path that you can take to talk about the abuse of your local leaders. You can request a review by the area 70. If that does not satify you then you can appeal directly to the 12.

This is all based in scripture, the problem is too many member will not use the path.

Bill,

Easy to say, and easy for you to judge others. That is why I left. People like you. Arrogant. Self-centered. Lacking empathy for others.

But I am surrounded by family who are still caught up in the same nonsense. So I take interest and stay involved in the discussion, including sharing my opinions on stories.

If that bothers you, perhaps you are sensing the truth of what I am saying. Perhaps you have more doubts than you would like to let on.

But whatever you do, don't lie to yourself and tell yourself that nobody can be happy outside of the Church. It is not true.

Reading your comments,

I'm sorry for the bad experiences you've had with church members - I bet all of us have had them, and I'm sure people have had bad experiences with me.

However I think we're ALL hypocrites (LDS or not). Us LDS folks in particular because we teach that we should obey all the commandments, but none of us do. We're not perfect, even though God wants us to be.

Please remember that we go to church because of God, not because of other members.

Bill it is difficult to put the church out of mind when headlines of the state's two major publications urge the offended, transgressors, etc to come back to the fold. Even the message behind the headline was directed at less active members, not the faithful. So when the people it was geared for, read the thoughts, they are entitled to their opinion. No one's words are beyond critical thinking, analysis, and discussion. It is an emotional subject and very personal in nature. Some don't like it insinuated they are bad little school children who need correction for a better life, safer life, more fulfilled life. etc.

I would like to thank Shirley South and any other non mormons who postred such positive comments on this site. That is what we all need to find the good in one another and find the common ground. I think all people agree on respect and love to one another. I hope we can all put that into practice. There truly are so many beautiful people in this world. For those of you who's lives are better after leaving the church I'm glad you are happy and please know that I am so enriched in ther church I couldn't imagine a better life. Please don't let that affect the way we treat one another or whether or not we can be friends.

I thank all people who show respect to those different than themselves.

I am a former member who is happier and more fulfilled since leaving the church. I respond here because the LDS church is so prevalent here and I can’t get away from it. I am forced to deal with “the church” in every aspect of my life. All I want is for the “faithfuls” to accept my decision and leave me alone. Every day I am reminded of my “freak” status by not being part of club. But when members of that club exclude my kids because they don’t go to “THE” church, or my neighbors openly point at me when I have a beer while washing my car or when complete strangers at 7-11 tell me, while I’m pouring my coffee, that I should obey the word of wisdom, then I get a bit upset and feel that I need to respond. When the members start living their gospel and truly “love one another” regardless of their religion or legal status, that is when I’ll shut up and “move on.” In the meantime, remind the ward that their actions reflect on the Church as a whole.

I think all the talks were wonderful. We need to take what was spoken and use them in our every day lives. I think it is wonderful when non members also listen.

The talks given in General Conference are inspired. For those who think certain subjects should be spoken on need to go to their bishops and stake presidents and mention to them their concerns. As a R.S. Pres at one time that is what I did. My bishop knew my concerns. He was then able to prepare talks to fit the concerns for the ward.

There are not just members of the church living in Utah. Many people from many faiths have moved in. I no longer live in Utah. Most of the people I live around now are Baptists. But to let you know, the back biting and tailgating and other things we do not like goes on everywhere we live. I see that here. And since there are so few Mormons here it is done by those of other faiths. Just keep in mind, the church is true, but people have faults.

We need to live Christ like lives, no matter who or what faith we are.

I am always amazed at the varied reactions of the comments posted after General Conference. Most important in my view is that we learn to live our own lives, respect and accept how others live theirs and likely most important love everyone and remember that we all have faults and hope that others will overlook our faults and love us for who we are.

An interesting series of commentary. I don't think anyone disagrees with the need for being more "neighborly" to all. There are some arguements, however, on LDS members heading this (and other) advice from leaders.
I've heard of neighborhoods where non-LDS are ousted, in a sense, as has been mentioned here. I believe such LDS to be in the minority, however. I'm good friends with a number of non-LDS in my area & all are treated very well & enjoy the neighborhood. It is sad to know it isn't like that everywhere, but please no condeming of any group for the actions of a few.
Also of note ... it is important to be linked to the gospel for the right reasons. For the truth it contains. If a friend-base is the main reason, it is easy to get offended and leave. Upon realization of the purpose of the gospel, one better understands why leaving the church, regardless of reasons, is only a hurt to one-self.
Nonetheless ... tolerance & love towards everyone, however difficult sometimes, should be a goal for everyone.

I live in West Valley City. No, I'm not in a gang.

Around here, where's there's lots of Catholics; I've never heard of LDS kids not being allowed to play with non-LDS kids.

Non-LDS kids would just go & play with Catholic kids.

Justify the means, Are you my neighbor?, because I am in the same area and the children here are all children regardless of family religous beliefs. This is WAY WAY different than my last neighborhood in South Jordan.

JMT,
You have good positive comments but I think you downplay how many "a few" represent. If even 5% represent the negative behaviors cited, how many people does that represent in a state of some odd millions?

If "Aggressive driving has been mentioned several times in general conference", I guess we have confirmation from church leaders that they consider such aggressive driving to be rude and un-Christlike behavior.

From my personal observation, it appears that this needs to be mentioned SEVERAL MORE TIMES and they need to say and yes, this includes everyone.

Pres. Monson leads by doing the right for the people like Jesus did when he talks about family that means every one in the family even those who might not
think they fit into the familty structure. I think his ministry will be inclusive to those who might think they are left out of the family on God.

If Latter Day Saints would just live their religion and treat others as we should then we would not have people finding more happiness outside of the church.I would rather have a good catholic neighbor than a bad mormon neighbor. Living in Utah I had alot of bad mormon neighbors.To you Utah mormons who read this, get pro active with your non mormon friends.Or are you afraid they will see that you are not as perfect as you want them to believe.I share the gospel with my non mormon friends inspite of my imperfections and so should you.

May God continue to Bless President Monson. And i assure him that he has my sustaining vote. I hope that this message can reach all of those memebers and non memebers who have conflicting views about the church that their heart may be softened and that they may return to the Church. I also hope that existing members practice tolerance and love for all other ppl especially nonmembers as we are all children of God.

I enjoy some of the LDS messages and truly appreciate the direction Hinckley and Monson have taken their church. I believe they have risen above the easy politics of divisiveness amidst real challenges and pressures to operate on that level. Their leadership has paved the way for the opportunity to offer a more global church and message. To an honest observer, many things have changed over the last two decades (I believe for the better), and those changes have not had unanimous support even among the LDS church's highest ranks of leadership; their leadership should be praised.

On the other hand, I believe a lot of negative ideas and policies still exist. The institution, I believe, is no better or worse than most others - but it is far from perfect and the members themselves are even more distant from that concept (though no better or worse than any other group or membership). Certainly everyone is entitled to their own beliefs - I only thought it fair to lay mine out before making this comment:

My experience in Utah is many people use a person's religion as the only test of character, more so than most places I've been.

President Monson asks members to respect people whose beliefs differ from theirs, but then he labels those others as being “less active, offended, critics, and transgressors” Are those the most “respectful” terms he can think of?

Personally, I get so tired of Church leaders suggesting that I’m “offended” and “sinning” simply because I miss a few meetings. It’s that very attitude that makes me want to stay away--far, far, away.

To shirley south;"BLESS YOU MY FRIEND,WELL PUT!!!

"When I moved to a new neighborhood the first words from my neighbors were “Are you LDS?” When told no, they would not speak to me or allow their children to play with mine."

We've recently moved from W.Jordan to Riverton into a VERY active LDS neighborhood. I have to say the above is NOT our experience. My husband and I and our 4 young children have been welcomed with open arms. We have a cross hanging in our kitchen so I'm sure our new neighbors know we're not Mormon, but their kids and our kids happily run from house to house and are indifferent to what church we attend on Sunday. I've lived in Utah for nearly 20 years and much has changed. I believe President Hinckley is to thank and it is my sincere prayer that President Monson will continue the steps forward. We are all so much more alike then different and there is no reason to shun each other.

You guys have one of the greatest leaders ever...if you can't heed him now then what will it be like in the future when he really challenges you? I do admire the wisdom given even if i listen for a moment it is a moment well spent. Although I don't believe like you i do have respect for all religions including yours. The brotherhood of man will be tested in the near future and i wish you well as there are many characters in your church who are really trying. now put something in the works and you can never lose! pay no heed to the nay sayers and you will gain so much more! Peace!

I would like to weigh in on this matter of "Rude" Mormon neighbors.

Being from both sides of the fence (I grew up non
LDS). I think I can talk about this issue.

One - It is true that "Some" LDS people are rude and not very inviting to their non LDS neighbors. Thus the push for the past ten years of "Opening up" to your neighbors from the First Presidency.

Two - It is also true that those who have left the church or have not joined the church, also are not very friendly toward the mormons. Some (I repeat some) flaunt the fact that they are not LDS by not even talking to their neighbors or being obxnouis toward those of the LDS faith.

The real solution is not that "Only" mormons should live their religion.

The true solution is that wheather you are LDS or NOT LDS, you should treat your neighbors with respect and dignity.

It seems to me that both sides needs to do some bending in order to have a better place to live.

To: I don't get it

I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU! What you said is a true fact. There is no compassion in those kind of bias words.

To I don't get it:

How are "less active" and "offended" disrespectful? I would be interested to read your more respectful terms. It sounds to me like you are just looking for a reason to stay away.

To Presbyterian is Riverton -
My guess is your kids are much too young yet to feel the negative effects of gentile-ism.

Where they will feel the slow and steady effects of being an outsider generally starts in Jr. And Sr. High School age.

The will soon experience the subtle and not-so-subtle effects of what they call PRIMARY. When the LDS kids are headed off campus to PRIMARY and your kids are not - get back with us with theirs and yours experiences.

Best of Luck.
Your Gentile (I hate that term) friend.

You are sincere and humble, and that is all God asks of you, in order that He might plant the seed in your heart. Having total conviction may take time (and it may not) as the Lord time after time pours out His Spirit upon you to reaffirm your faith, but it starts with the smallest belief and faith, which you appear to already have.

If you can borrow a Book of Mormon, you can perform an experiment which found in Alma Chapter 32 (particularly verses 25 and on but the whole chapter is great). Also, read Moroni 10:3-5. This is an experiment that EVERY humble truth seeker ought perform, regardless of which religion you belong to. After you have read and pondered, ask God in faith if the Book of Mormon is true. If the B of M is true, then Joseph Smith was a prophet, and this is Christ's Church on the earth, plain and simple. I can personally testify to you that this experiment works, and by the power of the Holy Ghost you will receive a witness. It may come to your mind, or heart, or both...but it WILL come if you truly desire to know.

Several years ago a non member family moved into our neighborhood. They had a daughter the same age as ours. The first day she came over to play with our children she used the Lord's name in vain several times. I asked her kindly to please not use His name that way and she never did again. For many years she spent time at our home, and my two daughters at her home. The thing that I noticed was that when we invited them or their daughter to events, we were pushy. If we did not invite them we were shunning them and being rude. We got along, but I felt sorry that it didn't matter what we did, we were either too pushy or shunning them.