Michael Otterson

Michael Otterson

Media relations director, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

“On Faith” panelist Michael Otterson has served as director of media relations for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since 1997. As senior spokesman for the church, Otterson has worked with most major publications, TV and radio networks, and other news media in the United States and overseas on issues ranging from the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City to the Church’s burgeoning international growth and diversity. A convert to the Mormon faith, he worked as a journalist for 11 years before being appointed director of the Church’s public affairs office in London in 1976 – the first such office outside the United States. After opening and managing a new Pacific Area public affairs office in Australia, Otterson moved to the United States in 1991 to help oversee the church’s international public affairs from its Salt Lake City headquarters. In a church that operates worldwide with a lay clergy, Otterson has served twice as a stake president (leader of a group of church congregations), in both England and Australia. He is now a US citizen. Close.

Michael Otterson

Media relations director, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

“On Faith” panelist Michael Otterson has served as director of media relations for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since 1997. As senior spokesman for the church, Otterson has worked with most major publications, TV and radio networks, and other news media in the United States and overseas on issues ranging from the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City to the Church’s burgeoning international growth and diversity. more »

Main Page | Michael Otterson Archives | On Faith Archives


February 2008 Archives



February 17, 2008 7:31 PM

Limits of Religious Law

We believe that all religious societies have a right to deal with their members for disorderly conduct, according to the rules and regulations of such societies; provided that such dealings be for fellowship and good standing; but we do not believe that any religious society has authority to try men on the right of property or life, to take from them this world's goods, or to put them in jeopardy of either life or limb, or to inflict any physical punishment upon them. They can only excommunicate them from their society, and withdraw from them their fellowship.

"We believe that men should appeal to the civil law for redress of all wrongs and grievances, where personal abuse is inflicted or the right of property or character infringed, where such laws exist as will protect the same..."

-- From a declaration of belief regarding governments and laws in general, adopted by unanimous vote at a general assembly of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at Kirtland, Ohio, August 17, 1835.

Posted by Michael Otterson | | Comments (53)




February 28, 2008 9:22 AM

The American Quest

De Tocqueville called it “restive curiosity” – that peculiarly American trait of always seeking for something different, something better.

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Posted by Michael Otterson | | Comments (43)


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