To the Editor:
I have been completely offended by the string of Mormon-bashing letters sent in to The Dartmouth. It's not surprising to me that there is so much prejudice, but I have been somewhat shocked that people are willing to write in to a newspaper and parade their blatant ignorance in front of the entire community.
I don't pretend to be an expert on a faith to which I do not belong, but it is obvious to me that many of the letters printed here in the preceding days are full of gross exaggerations and inaccuracies. As Mormons, Protestants or Catholics, we all believe in one God and we all believe in Jesus Christ as our Savior. Why don't we focus on these similarities instead of exaggerating differences? In this world where spirituality of any kind is rare, isn't it important to encourage the worship of God rather than point fingers and create disputes?
I am Catholic, but I absolutely sympathize with all of the hatred and misunderstanding that Mormons have to deal with on a daily basis. I, too, have been told that I am not a Christian and been made to feel that I do not belong in so-called 'Christian' groups here at Dartmouth and also back home in Georgia.
Ignorance and hatred should always be shunned by people of faith, and, in my opinion, those are the only things which should be shunned. Christians, especially, should follow the example of Christ and love all people as ourselves. He never hesitated to welcome people into His heart, regardless of whether they were lepers, sinners or unbelievers. As Christians, Jews, Muslims or atheists, we are all children of God.
Love and understanding, these are what is important. If anyone wants to join in prayer and worship with us, who are we to stop them? What could be more horrible to a person of true faith than trying to stop someone from worshipping the Lord? The ignorance and prejudice must end. It hurts the feelings of those being persecuted, and it hurts the souls of those allowing themselves to be trapped inside the cage of hatred.
