Prop 8 Backlash Is 'An Outrage That Must Stop,' Group Says in Support of Church
SALT LAKE CITY, Dec. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints expressed appreciation today for a full-page advertisement
in The New York Times that decries the "violence and intimidation" directed
toward the Church because of its support of Proposition 8.
Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said: "The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints expresses its gratitude to the
signatories of the full-page advertisement that appeared today in The New York
Times. This was a thoughtful and generous gesture at a time when the right of
free expression of people of faith has come under attack. We join with those
of all religious faiths and political persuasions who have called for reasoned
and civil discourse on matters that affect our nation."
The ad was sponsored by The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty and was
signed by scholars, dignitaries and religious leaders from a variety of
faiths.
"Religious groups can't claim some sort of special immunity from
criticism," the advertisement stated. "Nevertheless, there's a world of
difference between legitimate political give-and-take and violent attempts to
cow your opponents into submission. Violence and intimidation are always
wrong, whether the victims are believers, gay people, or anyone else."
The statement in the ad continued: "Participating in ballot initiatives is
legally different from politicking for candidates. It is perfectly lawful for
charities, including religious ones. It is perfectly appropriate as well that
all voices be heard."
The statement by the group also called for others to add their names to
the letter and concluded with a declaration of unified support:
"Therefore, despite our fundamental disagreements with one another, we
announce today that we will stand shoulder to shoulder to defend any house of
worship -- Jewish, Christian, Hindu, whatever -- from violence, regardless of
the cause that violence seeks to serve."
