Mormon Diplomacy

Since last week, I trust we are looking to fill the gaping hole in our metaphorical hearts that was once occupied by clever military comparisons to religion. Never fear – I have just the solution. Rather than the enlisting in the Lord's Army, we can apply for service in the Lord's Diplomatic Corps!

I know what I said about repetitive metaphors, but in this case, I make an exception. The reason? This isn't a metaphor at all. In every literal sense of the word, as Mormons, or as representatives of any group, we automatically become diplomats to the rest of the world.

I admit that I have an unusual passion for diplomacy. I believe that good diplomacy is an essential tool for progress in the world. In fact, my own career goal is to become a diplomat for the United States. I believe this fondness for diplomacy stems from the diplomatic opportunities I have had in life, including visiting 35 different countries, and living in four, and representing both my religion and my country as a missionary and a Peace Corps volunteer, respectively. Countless time I have been the first American that somebody has ever met. Even more frequently, I have been the first Mormon that they have ever met.

Perhaps this is a scary thought. But the truth is, it could be any of us. Whether the impressions we make are good or bad depends on our diplomatic efforts.

For whatever reason, Mormons stand out sharply wherever they go. Maybe it's because of our “peculiar” way of life, maybe it is because of a glowing countenance, or maybe we just smell different, I don't know. Whatever the reason, it usually takes less than fifteen minutes after meeting somebody before they find out that I'm a Mormon. No matter where I am, I find that my job as a Mormon Diplomat is unceasing.

There are many different definitions of diplomacy. One of my favorites that I learned in graduate school is this: “Diplomacy is telling someone to 'go to hell' in such a way that they look forward to the trip.” While it makes me laugh, I'm quite certain that isn't the message a religious organization wants to send. To me, true diplomacy is being open and honest about who you are in a way that helps people 1) respect you for who you are, and 2) desire to know more about you. It is building relationships of mutual trust and cooperation.

Some might say that missionaries are the diplomats of the Church. True, for many, the face of Mormonism is found in the faces of these young men and women. However, I think even more far reaching are the diplomatic impressions made by members everywhere. Sometimes those impressions are good, and other times, well, let's just say they need to work on their approach a bit.

To make it even more difficult, it seems that for some reason Mormons are held to a higher standard of scrutiny. Former church President Gordon B. Hinckley described this as a sort of “back-handed compliment.” Suffice it to say, the impressions we make as Mormon Diplomats can have long-reaching effects.

I have witnessed the handiwork of successful Mormon Diplomats in the past. I recall moving into an apartment. During my first conversation with the landlady, she found out I grew up in Utah. Immediately, she asked “oh, are you Mormon?” I admitted that I was, and was met by an awkward pause. I thought I had lost the apartment. However, after a few seconds she said “Well why didn't you say so? I am happy to rent to a Mormon!” She even refused to accept a deposit from me, saying “I know I won't have to worry about you.” Her respect for Mormons, she claimed, stemmed from having a Mormon roommate in college who left lasting positive impressions on her. A great diplomat.

Mormon Diplomats are always facing pre-conceptions, many of which are negative. Indeed, other groups have similar obstacles they face when making their diplomatic case to the world. No matter who we are, if we improve our skills of diplomacy, the difference will be amazing. Whatever cause you represent, do so with the heart and mind of a diplomat.

What diplomatic experiences have you had? Have you benefited from the diplomatic skills of others?