Response to the media

Most of us already have been informed or have heard of the t.v. show "Big Love" and what they are going to be airing on t.v about the Temple. I was very dissapointed when I found out what they were planing on doing and wondered what I coud do about it. In the following article it states what we as members should do. I thought I would share this with you guys and I know it has nothing to do with the playgroup but we can all learn from this.

Public Affairs Representatives:

Many of you will see or hear about the impending broadcast of LDS Temple ceremonies and exploitation of our sacred temple clothes by HBO "Big Love" this week. TV Guide will deliver an ad showing one of the "Big Love" polygamist wives dressed in full temple clothes. It is already circulating on the internet. As has been their practice, the creatives of "Big Love" hijack our customs and sacred symbols and misrepresent them in settings of their own making. Please be aware that the executives of HBO made a commitment to the LDS Church at the outset of "Big Love" that they would never desecrate our sacred rites or clothing in promotion or in their drama.Our Church leaders are fully informed and are considering whether to dignify the show with a response.The head writer of "Big Love" this season, is Dustin Black, the recent Oscar-winner for "Milk." Raised a Mormon, he is clearly versed in our culture.Brothers and Sisters, "Big Love" is not a ratings winner and we don't wish to build their ratings for them. TV Guide does not experience the readership it once had. Some of your friends and neighbors will see the images in print and see our temple ceremonies acted out in the drama. Perhaps the greatest position of strength for us, is to stand by our beliefs and teach the gospel. No, HBO does not represent accurately the sacred dress or beliefs or ceremonies of the LDS Church. Yes, like the Catholics, the Jews, the Muslims, the Buddhists and many other faiths, we do have some sacred ceremonial clothing for our Temples.Our Temples are places where we unite our families forever. They are places where we go to learn the highest principles of character, honor, and devotion to God. THAT's what we can share with our neighbors and friends, and that kind of answer will no doubt....satisfy their questions.Unless otherwise directed, at this sensitive time, I suggest that Public Affairs leaders NOT urge response to the TV Guide ad, or to the HBO program.....and avoid increasing the show's ratings or attention.According to industry sources, "Big Love" will end this season.

Sincerely,

Sonja Eddings Brown

Media Specialist Southern California

Public Affairs Council

Also here's a really good article from the LDS. ORG NEWSROOM

http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/commentary/the-publicity-dilemma

I posted the link instead of the article cause it's really long.
Please read it's really good!

"If the Church allowed critics and opponents to choose the ground on which its battles are fought, it would risk being distracted from the focus and mission it has pursued successfully for nearly 180 years. Instead, the Church itself will determine its own course as it continues to preach the restored gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world. "