As a Mormon, I'm often bombarded with questions and comments about Mormons, how we act and what we believe that don't truly reflect the beliefs of The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I have always been an open book when it comes to myself and my faith, so I am always more than happy to answer these questions. Below are a few myths about Mormons that I get asked about most often.

Myth #1: Mormons are polygamists.

Truth: "In 1890, the Lord inspired Church President Wilford Woodruff to issue a statement that led to the end of the practice of plural marriage in the Church. In this statement, known as the Manifesto, President Woodruff declared his intention to abide by U.S. law forbidding plural marriage and to use his influence to convince members of the Church to do likewise." So no, the Church does not practice polygamy. There is a group of people who do, (we are often confused with them) and they identify themselves as Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS) and they are in no way affiliated with the LDS church.

Myth #2: Mormons hate the LGBTQ community.

Truth: "The experience of same-sex attraction is a complex reality for many people. The attraction itself is not a sin, but acting on it is. Even though individuals do not choose to have such attractions, they do choose how to respond to them. With love and understanding, the Church reaches out to all God’s children, including our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters."

Bottom line, we have been instructed by our Savior to love one another. It is the greatest commandment of all. For more information about Mormons and their relationship with the LGBTQ community, click here.

Myth #3: Mormons worship Joseph Smith.

Truth: “We do not worship [Joseph Smith] the Prophet. We worship God our Eternal Father and the risen Lord Jesus Christ. But we acknowledge the Prophet; we proclaim him; we respect him; we reverence him as an instrument in the hands of the Almighty in restoring to the earth the ancient truths of the divine gospel, together with the priesthood through which the authority of God is exercised in the affairs of His Church and for the blessing of His people." -Gordon B Hinckley, former president of the Church

Myth #4: Mormons are in a cult.

Truth: "One definition listed for ‘cult’ in Webster’s Dictionary is “a religion regarded as unorthodox.” Since the roots of Mormonism are not a break off from the Catholic or Protestant churches, it is seen by some as “unorthodox.” For example, the LDS definition of the Godhead differs from the Nicene Creed accepted by most Catholic or Protestant churches. The “cult” label is usually applied by Church opponents attempting to criticize or discredit the Church. However, sometimes it’s simply a matter of characterization that has grown up over time by the lack of understanding. Such misunderstandings often vanish when people begin to realize the commonality of what The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints really teaches and believes. That Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that He is the Savior and Redeemer of the world whom we love and worship. When people begin to see and recognize these things about Mormons, then their opinion of the Church usually changes, and old beliefs are replaced with new understanding." -Official statement from the LDS Church

Myth #5: Mormons are all conservative republicans.

Truth: “Principles compatible with the gospel are found in the platforms of all major political parties. While the Church does not endorse political candidates, platforms, or parties, members are urged to be full participants in political, governmental, and community affairs.” The church does not endorse particular parties or specific candidates. There is a variety of Mormons with a lot of different political views. Check out LDS Democrats & Mormons For Bernie

I will be the first to tell you, that I am not perfect. I do not claim to be nor do I try to be because I know there is only one perfect person that has ever walked this earth. As members of the LDS Church, we strive to be like Him. We go to church every Sunday, read the Bible and the Book of Mormon, and do our very best. But just like everyone else, we fall short of the glory of God. No Mormon is perfect. We're all just sinners who keep on trying. I chose these five myths because they are the most commonly asked in my experience but there are plenty more. If you are interested in learning more about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints, check out this website. It has specific answers to the most frequently asked questions. By all means continue to ask questions about my faith and why I chose to live it and why I'm not alone. After all, we are 15 million strong and growing!