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8 October 2012
Mormons lower age for missionaries, setting off changes for parents, women, schools
October 8, 2012
Washington Post
In a surprising move that promises to transform Mormon social and spiritual dynamics, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Saturday (Oct. 6) announced that it is lowering the age of full-time missionary service to age 18 for men (down from 19) and 19 for women (down from 21).
“The Lord is hastening this work,” LDS apostle Jeffrey R. Holland said at a news conference, “and he needs more and more willing missionaries.”
The church is counting on this change to dramatically increase the ranks of its full-time missionaries, currently more than 58,000 worldwide.
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Young Mormons shrug off slammed doors
October 8, 2012
Albany Times Union (New York)
The two Mormon missionaries, clean-cut young men in white dress shirts, black slacks, black oxford shoes and striped ties, approached the house off New Scotland Avenue, knocked on the door and prepared to launch into an upbeat pitch about their faith.
A guy in his 30s answered, sized them up quickly, said he was a Baptist and kept the door open just a crack as he gave them less than 30 seconds of his time.
“You’ll find a pretty tough crowd around here. Keep your chin up,” he said. “What did you think of Romney? He looked pretty good last night, huh?”
http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/A-mission-that-s-not-impossible-just-formidable-3927050.php
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Mission rule could tranform BYU recruiting
October 8, 2012
ESPN
On Saturday, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints made a rather momentous announcement: Going forward, the minimum age requirement for church members’ missions would be lowered. The new rule will allow men to take their missions at age 18, instead of 19, and allows women to embark at age 19, down from 21.
It didn’t take long to measure the impact this wholesale change could have on the recruitment and collegiate careers of LDS athletes at all schools, but particularly schools in Utah, and — most obviously — Brigham Young. The football team alone has 38 players serving in 17 different missions around the world. The Deseret News’s Dick Harmon did the math:
To say this new decision impacts BYU sports is an understatement. It changed the world for LDS athletes who are now 17 and juniors or seniors in high school.
“We’ve already received tweets from people on this,” said Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the LDS Church’s Quorum of the Twelve. “They can go sooner and return sooner and play four straight years.”
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McEntee: Small step for Mormon men, giant leap for LDS women
October 8, 2012
Salt Lake Tribune (Utah)
Willfully or not, Mormon authorities have unleashed a powerful new force upon the global faith: LDS women who increasingly will be seen as spiritual equals to men.
LDS leaders have made a marked change in how missionaries are deployed. They’ve lowered the age at which men and women can go on their missions, which could swell the number of men, and, perhaps more so, women, who step up to serve. During the LDS Church’s conference last weekend, leaders announced that men can begin their missions after high school at age 18 instead of 19 and that women can go at 19, a full two years earlier than in the past.
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/55045419-78/women-lds-mcentee-faith.html.csp
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LDS church president embraces power of prayer
October 8, 2012
Local 8 News (Wyoming)
Mormon church President Thomas S. Monson is urging his faith’s followers to embrace the power of prayer and to reach out to people in need.
Monson said Sunday at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ 182nd semiannual General Conference in Salt Lake City that God hears the faithful and knows them.
He also urged church members to be open to those in need, saying “the opportunity to be a blessing in the life of another often comes unexpectedly.”
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Mormon church lowers age limit for missionaries
October 8, 2012
KIVI (Idaho)
Mormon church president Thomas S. Monson says that the faith will lower its minimum age requirement for missionaries from 19 to 18 for men and from 21 to 19 for women.
Monson made the announcement Saturday at the faith’s 182nd Semiannual General Conference in Salt Lake City. He says the historic change is expected to significantly increase the missionary force of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — currently more than 55,000 worldwide.
http://www.kivitv.com/news/local/173124621.html
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Will Romney’s Secret Service protection hinder Mormon temple visits?
October 6, 2012
Salt Lake Tribune (Utah)
Mitt Romney has gone to church several times since the Secret Service began guarding the Republican nominee, but he’s yet to take in the more sacred Mormon rite: visiting an LDS temple.
As the first Mormon heading a major-party presidential ticket, Romney’s newfound position with a Secret Service detail raises a question of how his around-the-clock protection would affect his ability to visit The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ most holy buildings.
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/55032786-90/security-secret-service-romney.html.csp
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Mormon Conference: More Missionaries Could Head For UK And Europe As Boys Now Allowed To Serve At 18
October 8, 2012
Huffington Post
Mormon missionaries in the UK could rapidly increase in number, as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced plans to lower the age limit for its teen missions abroad, to 18 for men and 19 for women.
Speaking at the church’s General Conference in America’s Salt Lake City, President Thomas Monson, announced the plan for the 14-million strong church.
There are currently around 1,000 Mormon missionaries serving in the UK, originally from Europe and North America, and as far afield as Brazil.
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/10/08/mormon-conference-missionary-uk-europe_n_1947595.html
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A View from Mormon Land
October 6, 2012
American Thinker
While working as the CEO of the company I co-founded upon returning to Utah, I have hired many people, Mormon and non-Mormon, and have had both working at all levels of the company. Given a lifelong exposure to and interaction with members of “The Church,” I have one very solid observation to make: Mormons are no different from non-Mormons.
Mormons do have some unique religious rituals, but so do other religions. They have religious requirements to wear certain articles of clothing (called “garments”), but other religions also have their strictures regarding articles of clothing. Like any religion, there are good Mormons and bad Mormons; the vast majority are law-abiding, God-fearing, decent, honest, hard-working people. A few are slimy, knife-you-in-the-back scumbags.
http://www.americanthinker.com/2012/10/a_view_from_mormon_land.html
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More Evidence Ann Romney Not Wearing Mormon Garments (Photo)
October 6, 2012
The Nevada View
I noticed something askew after looking at a photo gallery from Thursday’s 1st Presidential Debate (see photo 13). Only a Mormon would notice something like this. As most Mormons would inevitably feel, I almost felt bad for noticing, and a bit awkward for sharing this. But like Doc from Back to the Future… “I figured what the hell.”
I’m not the first one to bring this up. After appearing on Jay Leno, many Mormon bloggers began to speculate that Ann isn’t wearing her temple garments. For those of you who don’t know, I hesitate to explain further, other than I’m sure you’ve heard or seen some reference to the “magic underwear” Mormon’s wear. It’s pretty sacred stuff, and to even bring it up is sure to offend plenty of Mormons… and to those folks I say “forgiveness is divine.” Mormons are quite sensitive about this stuff. What can I say, I’m a political commentator. Sorry for noticing the truth.
http://thenevadaview.com/3845/more-evidence-ann-romney-not-wearing-mormon-garments-photo/
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Despite disapproval of Romney’s faith, many evangelicals say that won’t affect their vote
October 7, 2012
Chattanooga Times Free Press (Tennessee)
Chattanooga-area evangelical church pastors may believe the Mormon faith is a cult and may not consider Gov. Mitt Romney a Christian, but they said that won’t stop them from considering a vote for him in next month’s presidential election.
More than eight in 10 voters in a Pew Forum poll this summer said they were comfortable with the Republican nominee’s faith or it didn’t matter to them. Nineteen percent said they were uncomfortable with his faith.
“We are electing a president, not a pastor,” said Tim Shoap, co-pastor of Signal Mountain Bible Church. “I want the best and most effective leader we can get, [one] who will represent the interests of the people and the country in keeping with the original intent of the Constitution. For me, that makes the Mormon issue largely irrelevant.”
http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/oct/07/despite-their-disapproval-of-romneys-faith/
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Mormon mission fallout to shake up Utah colleges
October 8, 2012
Salt Lake Tribune (Utah)
The LDS Church’s announcement comes at a time when Utah’s public universities are amping up their efforts to retain students and improve graduation rates. Opinions are mixed on whether younger mission service will hinder or help these goals.
Breaks that slow students’ progress generally are seen as obstacles to graduation, but missionary service often equips students with discipline, a broader view of the world and a second language — qualities and skills that promote college success.
“We know from a lot of national data the best thing for them academically is to enroll in higher education as soon as possible after high school,” Buhler said. “On the other hand, the mission experience can have a good effect on them deciding to get into higher education.”
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/55043956-78/students-mission-church-utah.html.csp
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Mitt Romney’s distant English relatives surprised by family ties to would-be president
October 8, 2012
New York Daily News
Mitt Romney’s fight to become America’s next president has the backing of one enthusiastic group of supporters, although they don’t actually have a vote: his relatives in England.
Few associate the Republican candidate with Britain but it was in England’s industrial northwest that his ancestors lived for generations and converted to Mormonism before leaving for the United States in 1841 in search of the promised land.
It was a bold escape for a family of lowly carpenters. By sailing for the New World they took a step that eventually brought the Romney clan to the fore of American politics.
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Video: Birthplace of Romney Mormonism in 19th century England
October 8, 2012
Globe and Mail (Canada)
This rain-soaked square in Preston, northwest England, is the spot where the Mormon roots of Republican presidential candidate, Mitt Romney lie.
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Mitt Romney Has a Look-a-Like Cousin in England?
October 8, 2012
Gather Politics
Mitt Romney apparently has a kinsman in Great Britain who is a dead-ringer for the GOP presidential challenger. Mitt has roots in the northern English village of Dalton-on-Furness, the epicenter for Mormon activity in the UK. His great-great grandparents, Miles and Elizabeth, converted to the faith in 1837 and moved to America.
http://politics.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981686293
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Romney’s English roots
October 8, 2012
Reuters
It was in England’s industrial northwest that Mitt Romney’s ancestors lived for generations and converted to Mormonism before leaving for the United States in 1841 in search of the promised land.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/10/08/life-idUSRTR38X4V
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Mitt Romney still has links to English town his relatives left in 19th century
October 8, 2012
Metro (United Kingdom)
Mitt Romney’s great-great grandparents, Elizabeth and Miles, came from Dalton-in-Furness before they left for the US in 1841 after becoming Mormons, it has been revealed.
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Meet Mitt Romney’s English relatives: the Cumbrians who are fourth cousins of Republican contender
October 8, 2012
The Telegraph (United Kingdom)
Mr Romney’s great-great grandparents, Elizabeth and Miles, were baptised and married in Dalton-in-Furness before converting to the Mormon faith in 1837 and moving to the United States, accepting the free ticket offered by early Mormon missionaries.
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Photos: Did Ann Romney forget her Mormon underwear at Denver debate?
October 8, 2012
Westword (Colorado)
[WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS A PHOTO OF TEMPLE GARMENTS]
Most of the talk after last week’s presidential debate in Denver was about how Mitt Romney had won according to most viewers. But another far more important topic was bubbling under the service: Did Ann Romney forgo the Temple garments she presumably wears as a member of the Mormon faith? One observer thinks she did, and presents evidence to back up his theory.
http://blogs.westword.com/latestword/2012/10/ann_romney_mormon_underwear_denver_debate.php
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Poignant funeral for Border Patrol agent as it emerges he may have opened fire on colleague before being shot dead by friendly fire
October 8, 2012
Daily Mail (United Kingdom)
On Monday, as details of the incident continued to trickle out, a horse-drawn carriage carried Ivie’s coffin through the streets of the small town of Sierra Vista to a Mormon church for funeral services. Ivie’s horse, Mouse, also took part in the procession, mounted with an empty saddle.
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Jabari Parker uncertain of mission
October 8, 2012
ESPN
Church president Thomas S. Monson announced Saturday at the 182nd Semiannual General Conference that Mormon men who have graduated from high school may go on their two-year missions at 18 rather than the previous age of 19.
“I am not suggesting that all young men will — or should — serve at this earlier age,” Monson said. “Rather, based on individual circumstances, as well as upon a determination by priesthood leaders, this option is now available. … We affirm that missionary work is a priesthood duty — and we encourage all young men who are worthy and who are physically able and mentally capable, to respond to the call to serve.”
Parker, who is Mormon and will turn 18 in March, had planned on attending college for at least one year, then deciding whether to go on a mission or enter the NBA draft. Parker told Sports Illustrated he was torn between heading on a mission and his dream of playing in the NBA.
http://espn.go.com/chicago/ncb/story/_/id/8479249/new-mormon-rule-affect-top-recruit-jabari-parker
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Why Mitt’s Mormonism Doesn’t Matter
October 8, 2012
Utah Policy
At Reason, Steve Chapman looks at one of the biggest surprises of this election year: Unlike in 2007-08, the vast majority of voters don’t seem to care that Mitt Romney is a Mormon.
Mormonism has gotten attention once again, thanks in part to the Broadway musical “The Book of Mormon.” But his previous candidacy apparently inoculated him against sectarian distrust. This time, Romney has been largely silent on his religion, which has become a practical irrelevancy.
“The vast majority of those who are aware of Romney’s faith say it doesn’t concern them,” said the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life in summarizing a July poll. Of those who know he’s a Mormon, only 19 percent said it made them uncomfortable.
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Why Harry Reid Hates Mitt Romney
October 8, 2012
BuzzFeed
“Reid’s a good, committed Mormon, his faith is very important to him and he takes it very seriously,” Manley told BuzzFeed. That, in turn, gives him the ability to raise “an issue few have brought up during this campaign election.”
But Manley also said the religious digs went deeper than political opportunism, and reflected Reid’s genuinely dim view of Romney’s fealty to Mormon teachings about compassion and taking care of the needy.
Reid’s ideological differences with Romney represent deeper fault lines that run through American Mormonism. While the vast majority of U.S. Mormons are politically conservative, the church also contains a small but growing group of progressives, many of whom take defiant delight in parking their Obama bumper-stickered mini-vans in their church parking lots. Reid is a sort of folk hero to these types of liberal Latter-day Saints, and has long used his position to argue that Democrats have an important place in the faith.
http://www.buzzfeed.com/johnstanton/why-harry-reid-hates-mitt-romney
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Mitt Romney: The Whitest Man in the Room?
October 8, 2012
American Thinker
Some time back, I suggested that Romney is so squeaky-clean that, in their campaign, the Obamanistas would be reduced to snark-attacks focusing on the three things upon which they feel they can hurt him — viz., that he is a rich, white Mormon.
That is precisely how the campaign has played out. The Obama allies in the mainstream media (MSM) — which is to say, the entire MSM — have written dozens of hit pieces on Mormonism — pieces that never appeared, needless to say, during the time that rich, white Mormon Harry Reid (D-NV) has ruled the U.S. Senate.
http://www.americanthinker.com/2012/10/mitt_romney_the_whitest_man_in_the_room.html
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Battlegrounds: Colorado is ‘ground zero’ of presidential election
October 8, 2012
CNN
In addition to evangelicals, Stratton said Romney can safely count on deep support from the state’s Mormon voters – like Romney members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
“In some places, as you know, there are concerns about Mormonism,” Stratton said. “People here all know Mormons. They are family people. You won’t hear as in some parts of the country, ‘who are these people? Are they some weird cult or something?’ … The Mormon thing helps him here.”
http://www.cnn.com/2012/10/08/politics/king-battlegrounds-colorado/index.html
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Why Jabari Parker may never set foot on a college court
October 8, 2012
NBC Sports
It’s no secret that Parker is a Mormon. That’s why BYU was able to find a place in Parker’s recently released list of top five schools while Kentucky — who we’ve been told can get any recruit that they want — wasn’t. The way that the system was previously set up allowed for athletes — and Mormon college students in general — to go to school for a year before heading off on their two-year mission.
But with the lowered age-requirements, that year in college is no longer required. Top 50 recruit and BYU commit Nick Emery, the high-scoring little brother of former BYU star Jackson Emery, has already made clear his desire to go on a mission directly out of high school.
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