January 2004

Breaking out of one's circle is key to bridging Utah's religious divide (1-31-4)
While religion is included in the list of topics many Americans say they avoid in polite conversation, issues involving faith are paramount for discussion in Utah's LDS-dominated culture.

On polygamy, a crackdown and a bid for legitimacy (1-30)
America's often-isolated believers in polygamy are coming into the public eye - confronted by a new crackdown even as some civil rights advocates contend that plural marriage should be legitimized.

Judge to rule on plaza suit (1-27)
It was once referred to as a community gathering place akin to "a little bit of Paris." But now Salt Lake City and LDS Church attorneys say people need an "invitation" to walk across Main Street Plaza.

Ex-Colorado City mayor on ballot (1-27)
Dan Barlow, Colorado City's one and only mayor for nearly 19 years before he suddenly resigned from office two weeks ago, is on the ballot for re-election.

Prayer Request from Ephraim, UT Church of the Bible
Would you please pray with us about a very disturbing situation?

Final Year For "City Of Joseph" Pageant (1-25)
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announce that 2004 will be the last year for the church pageant.

More Mormons flocking to city (1-24)
As they go marching in, and in larger numbers than ever, the Latter-day Saints are making some serious New York moves.

Utah fetal homicide statute is upheld (1-24)
In a landmark decision Friday, the Utah Supreme Court ruled that unborn children at all stages of development are covered under the state's criminal homicide statute.

Debate shifts to LDS over crime bill (1-19)
A press conference supporting a hate-crimes bill nearly turned into an LDS-Church bashing session Sunday night-- almost, but not quite.

Winning Them Softly (1-16)
After years of ineffective and often acrimonious evangelism by various preachers and groups, a new coalition of evangelical clergy in Utah is attempting to treat Latter-day Saints (LDS) with respect.

Anonymous letter decries FLDS leader (1-15)
The writer of an anonymous letter, sent to 460 households in the twin cities of Hildale, Utah, and Colorado City, says he was told in a dream by God that a false prophet is leading the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Polygamy ban contested (1-13)
Three Utahns filed a federal lawsuit Monday seeking to overturn a century-old ban on polygamy , claiming the prohibition against taking plural spouses violates their constitutional rights.

LDS Temple is dedicated in Ghana (1-12)
Expressing gratitude "for the brotherhood that exists among us, that neither color of skin nor land of birth can separate us as thy sons and daughters," President Gordon B. Hinckley dedicated the Accra Ghana Temple Sunday.

Colorado City mayor quits after FLDS action (1-12)
Little more than 24 hours after he was stripped of his priesthood as a member of the polygamous Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Colorado City Mayor Dan Barlow turned in his resignation to the City Council.

Accused Elizabeth Smart kidnapper Wanda Barzee, accepts ruling on her sanity (1-9)
Accused Elizabeth Smart kidnapper Wanda Barzee is no longer challenging the findings of two mental health experts who found her incompetent to stand trial.