An understanding heart. Whether taking positions in government affairs, education, welfare reform or other sensitive and often divisive topics; we need to listen to others’ opinions and be willing to compromise where we can and in cases where we cannot, we can agree to disagree with more kindness, love and respect. When the Savior walked [...]

Which Memphis-area house of worship do you find most beautiful, spiritual, sacred? And why? Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints worship on Sundays at their local chapel but their highest form of sacred worship takes place in their Temples, one of which is located in Bartlett. These buildings are modestly beautiful from [...]

What should we – individually and collectively – be doing differently about hunger issues in our community? There are many different theories as to why Memphis is the “Hungriest City with a population over 500,000 in the Nation”; the importance is to learn from the past and change our future course. Thankfully, there are agencies in [...]

What is your favorite verse of holy scripture and why? All the Holy Scriptures are my favorite, a meaningful verse(s) to me is: Matthew 28:6,9 (KJV) “He is not here: for he is risen…Come, see …And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.” This verse is instructive as 1) it proclaims the [...]

By Bob McBride Special to The Commercial Appeal Charitable giving is high on the list of priorities for Mormons. Besides donating 10 percent of one’s income in the form of tithing and paying an offering after fasting, church members donate monies for humanitarian aid and welfare relief. Perhaps this is why Salt Lake City, the headquarters for [...]

The Episcopal Church will now allow priests to conduct services blessing same-sex relationships. The denomination’s House of Bishops approved the policy Monday, and delegates to the national convention approved the measure on Tuesday becoming the largest U.S. religious denomination to approve such a ritual. What’s your response? Is this an…[Read more]

According to the 2010 Census, of the 168,000 children living in Memphis, nearly 67,000 — about 4 in 10 — are living in a family with a female householder and NO FATHER PRESENT. Later this month, Memphis Mayor A C Wharton will host the Second Annual Memphis Training Camp for Dads. (Wharton is writing a [...]

In a recent interview, Rev. Franklin Graham questioned the Christian credentials of President Barack Obama and GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney. He apologized Tuesday for questioning President Obama’s faith. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, members of the NAACP’s religious roundtable called on Graham and all Christian leaders to “refrain from using…[Read more]

In 50 words or less send a holiday greeting to the Memphis community. What is your holiday wish your fellow Memphis area residents? May you have a greater hope in our Creator; may you enjoy a greater peace that comes through increased understanding and faith, and may we each exhibit a greater love for our fellow [...]

As a member of the community of faith in the Memphis area, what are you thankful for and why – in 50 words or less? I am grateful to live in a community where giving and serving are a way of life. Whenever there is a significant challenge, whether a short or long term need, the [...]

Which translation of the Bible do you use and why? Why King James? Why not King James? How do you decide which translation/version of the Bible or other holy scriptures to use? Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have also been commemorating the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible this year. [...]

When someone we know is nearing death, how do we help them die with dignity? How do we help the family navigate the medical desire to preserve life at all cost? How can we prepare to die with dignity? The preparation to die well begins at birth and is manifest through the development of our faith. [...]

In 140 characters or less (Twitter’s limit per Tweet), can you sum up your personal faith? In other words, Tweet your faith to Memphis. Or Tweet your faith message to Memphis. The Gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored to the earth. Jesus is the Christ, the Savior of the world; He atoned for our sins. [...]

Sunday marks the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. How has America changed since then? How did 9/11 change faith in America? What impact did 9/11 have on the soul of America? As I contemplate the changes that have occurred since the tragic events of September 11, 2001, my first thoughts are drawn to long lines [...]

What’s your view of public prayer at public school and other government sponsored or funded or organized events? What should and should not be allowed and why? One of the tenants of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is that “we believe in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law” (Articles of Faith). To this [...]

How should religious leaders and people of faith respond to people (especially the poor) who come to America either legally or illegally? Few people will argue against the need to secure our boarders and to reduce and even eliminate the number of undocumented immigrants from coming into our country. This is a responsibility that our federally [...]

The bombing in downtown Oslo and the shooting massacre at a youth camp outside the capital were intended to start a revolution to inspire Norwegians to retake their country from Muslims and other immigrants, the suspect said. What was your reaction, and given the heated rhetoric on Muslims and multiculturalism in this country, what are your [...]

On July 6, WHBQ-TV broadcast four segments on their 9 p.m. newscast that dealt with the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often referred to as the Mormons. While much of the show was well done, some of the information was confusing and may have been misunderstood by the general public. I [...]

As we prepare to celebrate July 4, studies show that the wealthier a country is, the less important religion is to that country. The ONE EXCEPTION is the United States of America. Our question to you this week: Why? Drawing on your life, your work and your time here in Memphis, how do you explain America the [...]

This year marks the 75 th anniversary since the formal inception of the Welfare Program of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In 1936, while struggling through the depths of the Great Depression,  Church leaders instituted an extensive system unlike any other – a program that provides temporary relief while at the same time [...]