Set example to improve image of Church
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PROVO, UTAH
Significant misperceptions shape the Church's image and standing in America, said Elder L. Tom Perry.
Speaking on May 1 during Women's Conference at Brigham Young University, Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve asked more than 20,000 women gathered in the BYU Marriott Center to dedicate themselves to strengthening the image of the Church.
Now in its 34th year, Women's Conference draws thousands to Provo annually. The two-day event is cosponsored by BYU and the Relief Society.
Offering the conference's closing general address, Elder Perry said that Church leaders have been looking at the Church's image to better understand how the organization approaches its missionary efforts. "We have employed some professional firms to help us define and project our true image to the world," he said.
Recent studies, he noted, found that "51 percent of people have no awareness of Mormon practices and beliefs," that "47 percent of people do not have a favorable view of Mormons," and "that 31 percent of people believe that Mormons are not Christian."
"These statistics clearly show the imperfect way we have communicated who we are and what we believe," said Elder Perry.
Further, he said, one-word impressions of the Church include: polygamy, family, cult, different and dedicated. Three wrong impressions out of five "is not a good batting average for us," he said.
It is evident, he added, that significant misperceptions exist about the Church and its members.
Elder Perry said that although 84 percent of Americans have seen Latter-day Saint ads, been given LDS literature, and/or had missionaries approach them, fewer than 30 percent can identify the Church's main claim — "that we follow Jesus Christ, and are the re-established original Christian church."
He asked the women, "How do we close the gap between how we see ourselves, and how the world sees us?"
A person's view of the Church is the sum of personal experiences they have had that relate in any way to the Church organization, he said. Outside influences, Church media, missionaries and members all shape the image of the Church, said Elder Perry. But, he added, the members are the most important.
There are several things Church members can do to help people become "more aware of our true beliefs," he said. They can:
Listen. "We need to develop the art of learning to listen. As we establish common ground with our friends and neighbors, we then have a common base for a good solid discussion on religion."
Know the doctrine. Church members have been blessed with three very basic discussions used by our full-time missionaries, Elder Perry said. The three basic discussions are: the Restoration, the Plan of Salvation, and the Gospel — faith, repentance, baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost. "All members of the Church should know the doctrinal base of these three and be able to discuss them."
Live their standards. "Of course, we should be living what we preach," he said.
Be exemplary citizens. "This nation was founded on Christian principles," he said. "Under such a banner, it was prepared to be the birthplace of the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our citizens who understand the principles, values, and standards of our Founding Fathers must be able to strongly support and defend them."
Be good neighbors. "Sharing the gospel is a natural outcome of our interaction with and love for our neighbors," he said.
Open their mouths. "The image will not be changed unless we let people know who we are and what we believe."
Extend invitations. Elder Perry said that research indicates that often a person's friends and neighbors are simply waiting for an invitation to discuss faith with them.
Use technology. The Church is creating tools, such as Mormon.org and videos on YouTube and Facebook, to help members share their beliefs with others.
Be bold, but not overbearing. "Your personal experiences can be of comfort and a blessing to many," Elder Perry told the women.
