August 8, 2001
Source: The Boston Globe
On August 8, 2001, The Boston Globe reported on the debate in Utah "over the Salt Lake [Mormon] Temple being the literal backdrop of the Olympics and over the extensive involvement of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in hosting them. Critics fear that the state's dominant institution intends to use the Olympics as a public relations tool to carry its mission around the globe in search of converts." The Mormon Church has about 11 million members. "While the church's president... has banned proselytizing on the streets and airports during the Games, the missionaries who give religious tours...will be allowed to spread the Mormon message on church property."