Here were the two concerns, with my response.
1. Will this be an incognito way for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to proselytize? (or any other church, for that matter)
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes called the Mormon Church) is the dominant religion in Utah Valley, where Utah Valley University is located. This is a very real concern to many members of many religions. Let me give a very clear response to this question. The answer is unequivically "No, it will not." I will elaborate.
First, this is not an organization housed or sponsored directly by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is sponsored by the University, registered as a University Organization, and the advisor is Linda Walton, the University Chaplain.
Second, the leadership is completely incognito as far as our own religious preference. We do not announce what religious group to affiliate ourselves with.
Third, Linda Walton has a firm history of supporting all religions equally. I have the utmost respect for her, and I recommend her completely. I have never seen her once give preference, extra attention, or show bias in any way.
Fourth, I believe that our mission statement (to be announced in the future), our programs, and the structure of our organization will speak for themselves.
2. Will this organization have an anti-Mormon attitude or slant? (or anti-anyone for that matter)
This is a valid concern for many members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Many of them have come in contact with religious alliances and associations that either directly attacked their religion or quietly excluded them, essentially becoming anti-Mormon coalitions. I would like to answer equally clearly. "This will not be one of them." I will elaborate.
First, the Interfaith Student Association is sponsored by and registered with Utah Valley University, which has a no place for any religious intolerance. This policy has been reemphasized by President Sederburg.
Second, the Interfaith Student Association is not a group of select religions. The Interfaith Student Association is inclusive of all world religions. We do not classify, group, define, nor describe any religion, meaning that we welcome all established religions.
Third, the Interfaith Student Association has a firm track record of dismissing requests to exclude members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from participation. In some instances, other parties, generally from outside the state, have contacted us and made such requests. These have all been rejected, and that will continue to be the case.
Fourth, we hope to work in cooperation with representatives of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, especially with faculty members of the Orem Institute of Religion. They are valued participants and will be treated as such.
More to come soon.
I can be reached at president.isa.uvu@gmail.com.
Curtis Jensen
President - Interfaith Student Association
PR Club President
Communications Department Student Rep.
