Mormon Facts, Information, Talks : Mormonpedia

This site will launch September 15th, 2008. We are currently hiring historians, online marketers, and writers. We are also searching for qualified individuals to serve on our board. Email Us to inquire about these opportunities.

Check out the Mormonpedia Blog

Why We Are Doing This

Transcript of Elder M. Russell Ballard’s speech given at Brigham Young University Management Society in Washington, D.C., April 19, 2008.

Many of these people are simply puzzled. If they know a Latter-day Saint, they may have a positive impression and consider Mormons model citizens. Still, they hear assertions or descriptions of our Christian doctrines that seem unfamiliar. They hear harsh - sometimes mean-spirited - criticisms or accusations. Many want answers, and the places they are most likely to seek those answers are either on the Internet or from their Mormon acquaintances.

I probably don't need to tell you that there is much questionable information and even outright falsehoods about the Church on the Internet and in the media–much bad mixed with the good...this is currently a very difficult Public Affairs challenge.

We are working to rectify that situation, both at Church headquarters and through the actions of our own faithful members.

Gradually, accurate and positive information is rising to the top of lists generated by various search engines. Those seeking information are more likely to encounter accurate information today than at any time since the Internet began, even though we still have a long way to go.

So let me pose a question. What are you prepared to do about it? If you are a member of the Church, what is your responsibility during this period of unusual attention and debate?Interest has continued at a high level and probably will for some time. If a national conversation is going on about the Church, are you going to be an active participant or a silent observer?

Church leaders must not be reluctant to participate in public discussion... But Church leaders can't do it all, especially at the grass-roots, community level. While we do speak authoritatively for the Church, we look to our responsible and faithful members to engage personally with blogs, to write thoughtful, online letters to news organizations, and to act in other ways to correct the record with their own opinions.