LDS blog calls NBC report 'evenhanded'

LDS blog calls NBC report 'evenhanded'


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SALT LAKE CITY — A blog from Mormon Newsroom calls last week's NBC report on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints "an evenhanded treatment of Mormonism."

NBC's Rock Center with Brian Williams report titled "Mormon in America" was the first network program to devote a full hour of prime-time television to a report on Mormonism.

Mormon Newsroom said although the report didn't get everything right, it was "a sincere attempt to know the faith." It also calls the program "a good example of what we mean when we say we want to be a part of the global discussion of Mormonism."

It notes that NBC spent time at Welfare Square and the Bishop's Central Storehouse, as well as with a variety of Latter-day Saints and their families in their homes, at work and at Sunday worship services. The members explained in their own words why their faith is important to them.


Although NBC doesn't get everything right in this program, it was a sincere attempt to know the faith.

–Mormon Newsroom blog


Mormon Newsroom does call the part of the program that dealt with sacred temple garments "insensitive." The blog explains the purpose of the garments and provides a link on how to report on temple garments.

It also said "the church revelation spelling out health practices (Doctrine and Covenants 89) does not mention the use of caffeine," despite what was reported.

"The Church's health guidelines prohibit alcoholic drinks, smoking or chewing of tobacco and ‘hot drinks' — taught by church leaders to refer specifically to tea and coffee."

Mormon Newsroom listed an ABC News series of reports last week under "Getting it Wrong." The blog says "old stereotypes" prevailed in the ABC report, including the impression that Mormon temples are secretive, mysterious places rarely entered. The story was shot in 2009, according to Mormon Newsroom, and didn't point out that hundreds of thousands of people visit temples prior to their dedication.

ABC reporter Dan Harris also said the church claims to be the fastest growing religion in the world, something the church does not claim.

Read the entire Mormon Newsroom blog at Mormonnewsroom.org.

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