SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The Mormon church is discouraging its members from participating in large-scale events such as pageants and says church leaders are talking about ways to "appropriately end, modify or continue" existing pageants.
A statement released Saturday by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints encouraged local church leaders and members to focus on gospel learnings in their homes and participate in Sabbath worship and church programs for children, youth, individuals and families.
The Salt Lake City-based church's statement said local celebrations of culture and history "may be appropriate" but that larger productions, such as pageants" are discouraged."
According to the statement, the goal of church activity "should be to increase faith in Lord Jesus Christ and to share his gospel message throughout the world."