I recently ran across a reference to our Church’s beliefs in a textbook. Much of what it said is accurate, but some of it is blatantly wrong. Should I write to the author or publisher and explain the inaccuracies?

Richard P. Lindsay, managing director, Church Public Communications/Special Affairs. Unfortunately, we occasionally run across inaccurate information about the Church in textbooks, classes, the media, and even in the minds of non-LDS family members, friends, neighbors, and associates. Often these inaccuracies result from people innocently repeating misinformation.

If you feel that it’s possible to convey accurate information to others in a helpful, kind manner, without contention or debate, use that opportunity. But make sure that you’re generating light, not heat. There is no place for heated debate or hostility in talking with nonmembers about the Church. The Savior warned the Nephites that “he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another.” (3 Ne. 11:29.) Generally, in responding to inaccurate information about the Church, we should keep in mind four points:

1. Most historians’, educators’, and writers’ motives are good, and we should try not to become defensive in dealing with such people.

2. We need to maintain good relationships with those who publish information about the Church, and we need to assist in their efforts to provide honest, accurate information.

3. All Church members can convey accurate information about the Church by the way they live.

4. Truth will ultimately prevail.

Often, the best defense is a good offense. Local Church leaders and ward and stake public communications directors are called, set apart, and trained to convey accurate information to the media by bringing positive, newsworthy stories about Church members, activities, and programs to the attention of journalists. To help local leaders and public communications directors develop the necessary skills to do that, two public communications training sessions have been broadcast over the Church satellite system.

In most cases, contact with the media is best left to local public communications directors or local Church leaders. But if a member has ideas he or she feels might be helpful in clearing up misinformation, he or she should feel free to discuss such matters with his or her ward or stake public communications director.

Of course, not all people who publish information about the Church have good motives. There are a few groups that purposely and maliciously present inaccurate information. In such cases, we need to remember the Savior’s admonition to turn the other cheek (see Matt. 5:39; Luke 6:29; 3 Ne. 12:39) and to “pray for them which despitefully use [us]” (see Matt. 5:44; Luke 6:28; see also 3 Ne. 12:44).

One of the best sources of information about the Church is the lives of faithful members. The Lord has said, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (John 13:35.) There is no substitute for the example of Latter-day Saints who follow the Savior’s teachings in loving and serving the Lord and their neighbors.