SALT LAKE CITY — In statements to Utah-based news media today, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints firmly rejected news reports that the Church somehow misled citizens and Salt Lake City officials with regard to its purchase of a one-block segment of Main Street. While the Church continues to respect the general request of judges to avoid trying high-profile lawsuits outside the courtroom, leaders are rising to defend the name and reputation of the Church.
Materials accompanying this news release detail the facts:
- The plaza would be private property and serve the religious activities of the Church. At the same time, people are invited to walk, sit and read, and use the plaza.
- References to the property as a "park" are accurate as it will be "a piece of ground in or near a city or town kept for ornament and recreation."
- As part of its religious purposes, the Plaza and other Church property are not a forum for disruptive protests and demonstrations. The plaza is intended to be a place of peace and quiet reflection.
These facts have been clearly defined since the project was first announced. If anyone wishes to inspect the plans, they are publicly available through the Salt Lake City offices.
