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By Kent Larsen
Anti-Mormon Group Opens Office Near LDS Mesa Temple
MESA, ARIZONA -- The anti-Mormon ministry Concerned Christians has moved its
main office to new quarters, just two blocks from the Mesa Temple of The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The ministry, operated by
former LDS Church members Jim and Judy Robertson, expects the new location
to give their work an expanded presence in the community. But LDS Church
spokesman Wilford Anderson says that the move won't get a reaction from the
Church, "The only appropriate response to criticism from others is to live
our religion."
The Robertson's missionary work is aimed at "exposing the lies of
Mormonism." The couple claim that their ministry has persuaded 1,600 people
to leave the LDS Church over the past 29 years. But they say their efforts
are made out of love and concern for others, "The people are wonderful
people," said Judy Robertson. "They are all kind and loving, clean-cut and
wholesome people but deceived, as we were deceived. A lot of people think we
are Mormon haters, but if we hated the Mormon people, we would not be doing
what we're doing."
Until the recent move, the Robertsons ran the ministry from their home,
turning their work into a full-time operation in 1984. The group operates on
donations from evangelical churches in the greater Phoenix area and around
the US. Jim Robertson also travels to speak at protestant churches around
the US and Judy Robertson has written a book, "Out of Mormonism" which is
due out this Fall from Christian publisher Bethany House.
LDS Church spokesman Anderson says he is familiar with Concerned Christians
and their claims that Mormons are not Christian. "Anyone given enough time
could construct a definition of Christianity that would eliminate everyone
in the whole world but themselves. I think the real disservice that
sometimes is done is the misinformation that is spread about the church by
those whose interest is to criticize it."
Anderson also says that the Church supports the freedom of every person to
worship however they wish. "Our 11th Article of Faith says 'We claim the
privilege of worshiping almighty God according to the dictates of our own
conscience and allow all men the same privilege. Let them worship how, where
or what they may.' We support all people in all churches and their sincere
worship of God."
Source:
Anti-LDS group moves near temple
(Phoenix) AZ Republic 21May01 D1
By Kelly Ettenborough: The Arizona Republic
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