The history of relations between evangelicals and Mormons is largely characterized by hostile charges and counter-charges. This has begun to change, as our two communities have begun to see each other as potential partners in addressing some of the key moral issues in our society. But dialogue about the very real issues that divide us in understanding our eternal destiny is still a difficult matter.

A few years ago, in remarks that I made in a brief address at the Mormon Tabernacle, I called for a more honest exchange of ideas between evangelicals and Mormons. I apologized to Mormons, as an evangelical, for the ways in which we have often presented a distorted view of Mormon teachings--our differences are real enough, I said, without our making things worse by bearing false witness against our Mormon neighbors. The fact that my remarks elicited many angry responses on the evangelical side is evidence that Mormons have some significant obstacles they must face if they want to be accepted into the mainstream. At the same time, though, friendly dialogue is quietly taking place on a few fronts.

Martin Marty once wrote that people who have strong convictions are often not very civil, and people who are civil often do not have strong convictions. What we need, he said, is convicted civility. This is certainly true for relations between evangelicals and Mormons. Our belief systems are very different on some matters that are of fundamental significance. We need to talk together--yes, and argue passionately with each other. But it is important to find ways of doing so that will also allow us to work together for the common good.