LDS apostle Dallin Oaks issues a rebuke to some of the faith’s parents

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Delivering a Christmas sermon in which he urged “peace and goodwill” to all, senior apostle Dallin H. Oaks, next in line to lead The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, rebuked members who shun those outside the faith.

“We should teach our children to be kind and considerate of everyone,” the 92-year-old leader said during Sunday’s worldwide broadcast. “I am saddened whenever I hear of non-Latter-day Saint parents in this community sorrowing because they believe that their sons and daughters have been excluded or ostracized by our member children or youth. I hope such instances are rare and diminishing. We ought to be the friendliest and most considerate of all peoples anywhere.”

A special report by The Salt Lake Tribune in August suggests the church leader has reason to be concerned, at least when it comes to the Beehive State. In interview after interview about Utah’s religious divide, parents described their children’s struggles making friends with their Latter-day Saint peers.

Some of the othering that kids encountered, interviewees said, was clearly intentional: birthday invitations, for instance, that fall strictly along the lines of church membership. Other times, and perhaps more often, the division appeared to be a byproduct of Utahns simply sticking with what — and who — is most familiar.

There were exceptions, however, communities where Latter-day Saints appeared to be a step ahead of Oaks’ counsel in reaching beyond the fold.

Residents of Salt Lake City’s west side repeatedly described an environment in which neighbors and classmates mingled freely, regardless of religion.

Evangelical Pastor Jeff McCullough said his children have had no problem making friends in South Jordan, although he acknowledged that some members of his faith living in Utah and Davis counties have struggled more.

What else LDS leaders said

The bulk of Oaks’ speech Sunday focused on Christ and the love that he said should permeate the holiday season and always.

He noted that peace and goodwill are not only “for those for whom we already have feelings of love and affection, such as fellow citizens of our church or nation, residents of our hometown or neighborhood, or people of common culture. The heavenly hosts proclaimed goodwill to all men — to casual friends, to strangers, even to enemies.”

Oaks encouraged his listeners to “step across barriers and promote understanding and love with people of all races, creeds and national origins.”

Joining him for the annual First Presidency Christmas Devotional was Russell M. Nelson, though the faith’s 100-year-old prophet-president did not offer any remarks.

Tamara Runia, first counselor in the church’s worldwide Young Women program, exhorted listeners to call upon God’s grace “right now, not at the end of the road when you feel you have things perfectly together.”

Apostle Quentin L. Cook spoke, too, focusing his remarks on Christ’s atonement, which he called “the greatest event and gift that has ever occurred in the history of mankind.”

The renowned Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square performed a host of Yuletide favorites.