Mormons launch campaign to fight 'misconceptions'
 
by Marie Saavedra
3TV - Phoenix
AZFamily
 
PHOENIX -- The Mormon faith as taken several publicity hits with the conviction of self-proclaimed FLDS prophet Warren Jeffs and the hit Broadway musical "Book of Mormon." But now the religion is fighting back with a new campaign launching this month in Phoenix.

From a leading candidate for president in Mitt Romney, to the Broadway smash hit 'The Book of Mormon', the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a hot topic, and the church itself is taking advantage.

Jennifer Wheeler is one of the more than 190,000 members of the Church in the Valley whose faith is represented in the "I'm a Mormon" campaign.

The videos show mothers, artists and families facing everyday life as Mormons. Misconceptions have dogged the faith, particularly on polygamy, which the official church banned in 1890. But with Warren Jeffs' conviction on child rape and TV shows centered on polygamist families, questions remain.

"Our church hasn't practiced polygamy for years and years and there's no association with our church and Warren Jeffs whatsoever," Wheeler said.

So can these videos make a difference? One public relations pro says it does make the information more accessible.

"People who would be apprehensive about opening up a door are going to be much more receptive to opening up their computer to learning about people and asking questions through social media," said Charlotte Shaff with The Media Push.

Whether people really do learn from it remains to be seen.

"They are individuals that are telling how their beliefs affect their lives and what effect worshiping Jesus Christ makes in their lives and that's something a lot of people can relate to," Wheeler said.

See the site for yourself here: I'm a Mormon
 
AZFamily.com
Originally published October 3, 2011
 
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