The Newsroom Blog

Respect for All

With increasingly diverse communities it is critical that we show respect for everyone, regardless of their backgrounds, social views or heritage.  This principle of respect is not new. Nearly two thousand years ago Jesus Christ emphasised that the mark of true Christian discipleship includes looking outward:

‘By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.’

John 13:35

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said diversity was the Creator’s deliberate intention and that the Church – with congregations in more than 180 nations – has room for people from diverse cultures:

“It takes variety – sopranos and altos, baritones and basses – make rich music…When we disparage our uniqueness or try to conform to fictitious stereotypes – stereotypes driven by an insatiable consumer culture and idealised beyond any possible realisation by social media – we lose the richness of tone and timbre that God intended when He created a world of diversity.”

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2017/04/songs-sung-and-unsung?lang=eng

James A. Garfield, that little-known former US President, who himself had lived in a log cabin and grew up in poverty, said:

“I never meet a ragged boy in the street without feeling that I may owe him a salute, for I know not what possibilities may be buttoned up under his coat.”

Let’s be respectful to all and look for the divine spark within everyone.

Browse the Blog

About The Blog: This blog is managed and written by staff of the Public Affairs Department of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The information here is reliable and accurate but should not necessarily be viewed as official statements from the Church. The purpose of this blog is to provide journalists, bloggers, and the public with additional context and information regarding public issues involving the Church. For official news releases and statements from the Church, visit MormonNewsroom.org.

Style Guide Note: When reporting about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, please use the complete name of the Church in the first reference. For more information on the use of the name of the Church, go to our online Style Guide.