Inside Voices: How LDS and non-LDS Utahns overcome the ‘unspoken divide’

Happy Friday, and welcome to Inside Voices, a weekly newsletter that features a collection of ideas, perspectives and solutions from across Utah — without any of the vitriol or yelling that’s become all too common on other platforms. Subscribe here.

This week, our religion team rolled out a series of stories examining the “unspoken divide” that so often separates Utah Latter-day Saints from their neighbors belonging to other religions — or no religion at all. Reporter Tamarra Kemsley spoke with many Utahns about their experiences, and I highly recommend reading the entire series when you get a chance. You can start here.

As The Tribune continues to examine this, we want to hear your experiences and what solutions you might have for crossing this divide. We asked, and you answered:

• “I come from ‘Mormon’ stock,’ I was not raised in the LDS Church,” says Jenny in Maryland. “My parents set a poor example in how we treated and talked about LDS people. As I have opened up to LDS people over time, I can see how there is simply a lot of prejudice against LDS people and the religion all over the country. This goes back to the founding of the religion. LDS people were literally chased out of other states when the church was founded. Even now when I tell my friends that I come from LDS stock, my usually very open-minded friends say it is ‘weird.’ (I guess they are thinking about FLDS groups, which are talked about in documentary films and television shows.) I have learned that LDS people are often saddened, hurt and wary of non-LDS people because of the mean-spirited things directed at them. I only have to think of the things my late mother and I said to my devoted LDS sister-in-law about the LDS Church. What I am trying to say is, let’s all just be kind and open to each other, open and curious. Let’s deconstruct all of these walls we put up… have open hearts and minds!”

• “I’ve noticed that parents at my kids’ school or sporting events immediately want to know your last name and where you live,” writes Josie in Draper. “The undercurrent being ‘What church/ward do you go to?’ I’ve heard this dynamic play out between families in Draper over and over — rather than answering where they live, they often answer with what church and ward they belong to. So when I answer with where I actually live and give them an unknown last name, I feel like I’m immediately not in the club. I think it would be helpful, when meeting someone new, to just talk to them rather than trying to place them within the context of the LDS community.”

• “Be genuinely kind, caring and compassionate,” says Anne from Beaver. “Invite once, and then continue the kindness, caring compassion in sincerity whatever the response to church invites may be. When, as a [non Latter-day Saint], I moved to Utah, a man came by weekly with produce from his garden, and I thought this was heavenly. But after a month or so, he said that — if I wanted more — I’d have to watch some LDS videos. That’s just wrong. Don’t do those kinds of things. It’s a bad witness. Just be kind. He was the exception, not the norm. All other Latter-day Saints here have been extremely gracious and sincerely kind — even very loving. We all represent our faith, may it be a sweet representation.”

• “Neighborhood activities should not be exclusively instigated by LDS members,” writes Kathy in South Ogden. “They take on the feel of church activities. Nonmembers don’t usually feel like their participation is genuinely wanted. It feels more like a ward activity. LDS members need to reach out and include nonmembers in the planning. I experienced this when I was involved in PTA and several board members would bring what happened in church into the meetings. It was very off-putting for those of us who were nonmembers. I grew up in California, and one’s religion was never an issue. What you did, what kind of person you were, what volunteer, sport, etc., activities you were involved in were the impetus for friendships — never one’s religion.”

• “A few (not many, thankfully) neighborhood children were not allowed to play with my brothers and me. Most outrageously, on Sundays — we’re talking early 1960s here — people seemed to think nothing of parking in front of our driveway, presumably thinking everyone on the street would naturally be walking to the ward on our corner for the day’s service,” writes Thomas in Salt Lake City. “I suspect that, as the proportion of self-identifying Utah Mormons continues to shrink, the divide will continue to shrink as well.”

The Tribune will continue to examine this unspoken divide. Share your stories and solutions.

Utah Voices

The following excerpts come from op-eds recently published in The Tribune.

• “Ten years ago, we firmly believed Salt Lake City would be our final home,” writes Andrew Bjelland. “During the last two years, however, the health hazards associated with increasing environmental pollution — especially those associated with the neurotoxins and other pollutants being released due to the depletion of the Great Salt Lake — have led us to reassess our decision to remain.” Read more.

• “Utahns will soon learn if their Legislature will double down by passing another dangerous and unpopular abortion ban. If they do, Planned Parenthood Association of Utah will challenge them in court — again,” writes Jason Stevenson, the senior director of Public Policy at Planned Parenthood Action Council of Utah. “But Utah lawmakers could also change their approach. For example, they could expand prenatal health care for thousands of low-income, pregnant Utahns. When this bill came up during the 2024 session, anti-abortion legislators killed it despite the state’s own data showing 49% of abortions in Utah in 2021 were driven by financial burdens. By giving pregnant Utahns better access to health care, lawmakers could prevent more abortions than any new ban.” Read more.

• “I’m thrilled to see Salt Lake City embracing new sporting teams and preparing to host the Olympics,” writes Autumn Barney, a University of Utah student and an intern at Alliance for a Better Utah. “But as we celebrate these milestones, we must also ensure our city remains diverse, accessible and safe for everyone. Imagine a Salt Lake made for everyone — a city in which our west side boasts safe transportation corridors connecting every corner of our city.” Read more.

• “With the downward trajectory expected to continue, the Biden administration’s decision to end coal leasing in the Powder River Basin — the nation’s largest coal-producing region — reflects clear market trends,” writes consultant and journalist Peter Gartrell. “And far from killing coal, the administration’s plan allows mining to continue as the market transitions.” Read more.

• “While all the facts regarding the recent employment changes in [Utah State University] athletics aren’t public, we need to be slow to judge and quick to support them in the jobs we hired them to do,” writes Jim Laub, a Cache Valley native and lifelong supporter of Aggie Athletics. “I have total confidence in President Cantwell and Athletic Director Sabau’s ability to deal with these issues and make the university stronger.” Read more.

Share your perspective

Have you left or considered leaving Utah? Why or why not? What would get you to stay? Share your perspective.

From Bagley’s Desk

I’m always looking for unique perspectives, ideas and solutions that move our state forward. Learn more about our guidelines for an op-ed, guest essay, letter to the editor and more here, and drop me a note at voices@sltrib.com.