SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a new tool for their missionary work. Although the church monitors content, members of the church are personally telling of their religion.
The new Mormon.org takes an inside look into not just the religion, but who Mormons are. Members are invited to create their own profiles, giving a chance for someone who doesn't know anything about the church the ability to meet a real member. Even if it's only online.
The site's developer says the church thinks knowing actual members, may clear up confusion for people seeking answers.
Ronald Wilson is the manager for Internet and Marketing in the church's missionary department. He said, "If you happen to know a Mormon, your opinion of the church and it's membership is very different. We are normal everyday people."
The website is a missionary tool, so missionaries will be there virtually.
Wilson said, "There's a little chat box that's available to visitors and they can go on and discuss anything with missionaries."
This means missionaries will be on the internet. Traditionally they are very limited on the media they can use, but the Church said they are opening new doors.
Wilson said, "It's become very apparent that the internet is the new town square, that's where people are going to communicate. Traditionally missionaries have always been in the town square to spread the word and we need to allow them to do that virtually as well."
Mormon.org's new site has been up and running for a week now and already 2,000 new member profiles are on the site. 14,000 more are waiting for approval.
