My Response to "Tabernacle on Trial"
   
This response to "Tabernacle on Trial," an article appearing on the front page of the Wall Street Journal, was written by Dana King and posted on "Know Your Neighbor: The Back Porch," a niche blog directed to members of the Church. In these brief thoughts, Dana issues each of us a thought-provoking challenge.

GavelI read a very thorough and searching piece in the Wall Street Journal tackling Latter-day Saints' feelings about being in the spotlight because of Mitt Romney's run for president. (Read the article here.)

Do you feel like Marvin Perkins, quoted in the article, who says, "It seems like open season on Mormons"?

The good, bad and ugly has come out on us.

Some truths, some half-truths, and some outright lies—so much, it can seem overwhelming.

With Romney's suspension of his campaign, does the spotlight dim down, even turn off?

Personally, I think perceptions remain unchanged, regardless.

Every good public relations professional will tell you:

Negative perceptions are driven by hearsay;
positive perceptions by experience.
We know that studies back this up. Overwhelmingly, people who know Latter-day Saints have a favorable opinion.

Has this season been a wake-up call for Latter-day Saints?

If so, how do we respond? [Are things like] "Know Your Neighbor" the right response?

How do we want people to come to know us? Through hearsay or experience? What is the way to drive home our story, to tell who we are?