J.B. Haws spoke on LDS public perception Thursday in the second part of the Raymond E. and Ida Lee Beckham Lecture in Communication series. Assistant professor in the Department of Church History and Doctrine, Haws presented BYU students with a timeline of critical events that have shaped the way outsiders view Mormons—in both positive and negative respects.

Haws’ interest in the Church’s public perception can be traced back to his elementary school days in the small town of Hooper, Utah. As a 10 year old 2^nd grader, Haws vividly remembers the experience of President Ronald Reagan visiting the LDS cannery in Ogden, as well as the glowing remarks the Commander in Chief related of his experience.

“There was something very affirming about the President of our nation speaking well of our church,” Haws said.

Since 1957, the Church Information Service has continued to evolve in its involvement in public relations and affairs. Haws pointed to the Church’s involvement in the 1964-65 New York World Fair as a key moment in exposing Mormonism to the public. Of the six million visitors who passed the Mormon’s designated pavilion, one million requested follow up calls from the missionaries.

But it wasn’t always clear sailing for the Church’s growing public image, as the rise of Republican presidential hopeful George Romney shined a light on the Church’s controversial policy of withholding the Priesthood from African American males. Haws went on to describe other troubles in the 1980’s, as a rising tide of anti-Mormon sediment stemmed from Evangelical targeting.

“During the 1980’s, we witnessed something of a philosophical (search) for LDS public relations,” Haws said. “In these years the department was finding its identity in some way after it’s marketing side was transferred to the missionary department.”

            Despite the controversy that surrounded most of the 80’s and 90’s, Haws pointed to the recent positive experiences the Church has had in the public eye, including the 2002 Olympics and recent presidential candidacy of George Romney’s son, Mitt Romney. Innovations in social media also has contributed to a growth in understanding the doctrine and values of the LDS church.

            “I see LDS public affairs as constantly being with the mission of its parents organization rather than in anyway compromising that mission.”   

**This post is for extra credit in comms 239 and 211