MORMONS: Open door to understanding

I would like to address Laura D.'s letter posted Jan. 19. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (nicknamed Mormons), I would like to clear up some misunderstanding about our beliefs. In her letter she says we are not Christian; that we do not believe in the Trinity. This could not be further from the truth. The name of our church includes our Savior's name, for starters. Back in the time of Joseph Smith he wrote a letter to a newspaper editor by the name of John Wentworth. This letter contained 13 short statements explaining the basic beliefs of the church I am a member of. These 13 statements later became known as the 13 Articles of Faith. The 1st article of faith states, "We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost." The full list of articles can be found at: http://mormon.org/articles-of-faith.

We, like you, are watchmen and women, as well as shepherds and just as concerned about how far this great nation has drifted away from their creator.

I would like to invite anyone interested in knowing more about our beliefs to check us out at www.mormon.org. One of the tabs on this page is called "Our Faith" which will help clear up many of the misconceived ideas that have been taught by various groups, since 1830; the link is: http://mormon.org/faith. You can chat with members either by phone or Internet at: http://mormon.org/chat.

LARRY BARNES

Coeur d'Alene