This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

The Tribune's (all male) editorial board, headed by Tim Fitzpatrick, published "Helping strangers," their opinion of the LDS program to help refugees.

The editorial focused on the "(all male) leadership" of the LDS Church, calling upon women to lead out in providing assistance to the world's refugees. It acknowledges this is no job for the "faint of heart or weak of spirit." It condescendingly characterized the LDS women's previous role as being relegated to "sewing circles and funeral potatoes."

You know not of what you speak.

How dare you attempt to speak for me and other LDS women who are leaders in the community, in church, in providing for people meals for those who have lost a loved one.

Sooner or later we all, including you, will have need of "funeral potatoes." Hopefully there will be someone to join with us to feed us both spiritually and nutritionally. Do not denigrate nor belittle such an outreach to those in need. I reject your right to tell me, or my church, what needs to be done for women to take a "great step forward." We have voices and are leaders in our own right.

P.S. — Might you include a female on your board?

Carolynn Sonda

Sandy