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SALT LAKE CITY — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has added an animated approach to explain its political neutrality.
A blog on Mormonnewsroom.org showcases a video with whiteboard animation used to explain the church's stance.
"(The church's) mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, not elect candidates," the video says.
It also quotes Elder Russell M. Ballard, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, on church members' civic duty to participate in the election process. He encourages members to be involved, but not look to the church as to how to get involved.
The blog points out that the church's stance on political issues is not new and has been available on the newsroom website for years. But, "in an Internet age many people prefer a more immediate way to view and learn about topics and issues of the day than simply reading text," it says.
The article also notes the success of an infographic called "Mormonism 101," which launched two months ago.
Kansas City Temple dedicated
A Mormon temple is now much closer for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints living near Kansas City, Missouri.
Church Pres. Thomas S. Monson dedicated the new Kansas City temple yesterday.
Last week, the Kansas City Star focused on several families who had to travel long distances to attend a temple for much of their lives. They now plan frequent visits to the new temple.
$5 million awarded in discrimination suit
A woman who converted to Islam has been awarded $5 million in punitive damages by a jury that found AT&T created a hostile working environment following her conversion. According to Reuters Susann Bashir claims she was told her to remove her hijab, and was called names by managers and co-workers. After she complained to human resources, she was fired.
Bashir's attorney acknowledged that AT&T, which plans to appeal, has an excellent written policy to prevent discrimination. "If they had just followed the policy none of this would have happened," the attorney said.
Celebrating Buddha's Birthday
Buddhists around the world are celebrating Buddha's birthday.
The Huffington Post reports Buddha's birthday, known as Vesak Day, is celebrated on various dates in the spring throughout the world. Each Buddhist culture has its own traditions. It is usually observed during the first full moon in May."
