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SALT LAKE CITY -- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is reiterating its stance on immigration reform. The Church posted a statement on its website this week that explains the church's support for a package of immigration reform bills passed by the Utah legislature in March.
It's not a new statement but restates what the church has already said multiple times. It comes in response to numerous questions from callers.
I'm not willing to spend $200 for a ticket to be sold the idea that religion moves along oblivious to real-world problems in a kind of blissful naiveté.
–LDS Church spokesman Michael Otterson on "The Book of Mormon" Musical
-- The Book of Mormon hit a milestone this month with the publication of its 150 millionth copy. The book has been fully translated into 82 languages and partially translated in 25 more.
-- The Mormon Times reports Internet searches for the word "Mormon" are at their highest levels since before Mitt Romney ramped up his run for president in 2008, according to Google Insights. Writer Lane Williams notes that part of it is due to online interest generated by the current Broadway musical "The Book of Mormon."
-- The LDS Church hasn't said much about "The Book of Mormon" (the musical), but Michael Otterson of the church's public relations department wrote in a blog for The Washington Post why he won't be seeing it. He writes, "I'm not willing to spend $200 for a ticket to be sold the idea that religion moves along oblivious to real-world problems in a kind of blissful naiveté."
Otterson looked at the church's accomplishments in Africa during the seven years that the musical's creators took to produce the show. He found a contrast with the production's satirical depiction of missionaries' experiences on that continent.
The church previously released an official response to the musical (read it at LDS.org) and published a series showing various aspects of the Church in Africa.
-- Hundreds of worshipers participated in the Palm Sunday procession at The Cathedral of the Madeleine last Sunday. The annual observance celebrates Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. See photos here.
-- The Utah Attorney General's Office is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to weigh in on whether roadside memorial crosses for fallen troopers are an expression of religion.
-- The LDS Church is doing away with its "student" ward and stake designations. They're being replaced by young single adult wards and stakes for any Latter-day Saint — student or not — in the 18-to-30 age group.
-- Utah's Buddhists celebrated the opening of their new temple in West Valley City last weekend.
-- Open house dates have been announced for another LDS temple, this one in El Salvador. The public can tour the building July 1 through July 23, except for Sundays. It will be dedicated Sunday, August 21.
Email: lwilliams@ksl.com
