The Salt Lake Tribune is one of Utah’s largest and longest-running independent newspapers. It was established in the 19th century, by three former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was first published on April 15, 1871, under the name “Mormon Tribune.” The newspaper aimed to provide a voice for those who were critical of the dominant voice, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Its early editorial stance was strongly anti-polygamy and opposed to theocratic control, reflecting the tensions of the time between the LDS Church and non-Mormon settlers in Utah.
On September 28, 1879, the Salt Lake Tribune published an article entitled “Lifting the Veil” about the Mormon endowment and garments. The subtitles of the article state that the article will fully expos” the endowment ceremony and that these ceremonies create “Undying Enmity to the American People.” The article’s intent seems to be to discredit the endowment ceremony its covenants, and the members of the LDS church that made these covenants. The Salt Lake Tribune posted images of the garments, along with other ceremonial temple clothing, which members of the Church consider sacred.
The Salt Lake Tribune garments articles have continued from this first exposé to today. There are too many articles to chronicle every one, in fact, in April 2024 alone, there were over ten articles that addressed the topic of garments. So, why is there such a continued interest in garments? The content of the Salt Lake Tribune’s articles offers some insights into this question.
First, members of the LDS Church who make covenants in temples, are commanded not to talk about the covenants they make. This is because they are deemed sacred. However, this is often construed as secrecy, even suppression, which can inspire curiosity in those who are not members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or even those who are members but have not made these temple covenants.
Second, the leaders and prophets of the church have recently spoken about temple covenants and wearing temple garments, or Mormon endowment garments. They warn against casual covenant keeping and any flippant treatment and wearing of temple garments. While modern society often bristles at any directives by religion, it should be noted that members of the LDS Church are encouraged to exercise good decision-making and they believe that commands and invitations from a prophet are considered commands and invitations from God.
Finally, there are both members of the LDS Church and those outside the church who want to voice their opinions about church practices, doctrines, as well as temple garments and they do this on all kinds of platforms, including the Salt Lake Tribune. One of the often-voiced opinions about garments is that they are uncomfortable or even unsanitary for women, as they may cause yeast infections. Some of these opinions come from anti-Mormon sources, who sometimes degrade garments by calling them things like “Mormon magic pajamas” or “magic underwear.”
The Salt Lake Tribune has played a significant role in shaping public discourse about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and its practices since its inception in 1871. The Tribune’s persistent focus on garments, from the early exposés like “Lifting the Veil” to numerous contemporary articles, underscores a broader societal curiosity and sometimes skepticism about the practices and doctrines of the LDS Church.
This continued interest in garments can be attributed to several factors. The inherent secrecy surrounding temple ceremonies, church leaders’ continued comments about temple garments, and the fact that the Tribune provides a platform for a wide range of voices, including those critical of the church’s practices.
In essence, the Salt Lake Tribune’s coverage of LDS garments is a microcosm of its broader mission to challenge, inform, and engage. By persistently addressing this topic, the Tribune both satisfies public curiosity and ensures that the LDS Church’s practices are continually discussed in the public arena. It seems that as long as there is interest and debate surrounding the sacred aspects of the Mormon faith, the Tribune will continue to play a role in reporting and commenting on these issues.
By Todd Noall, Source Expert
Todd Noall is an author and religious scholar at Mormonism Explained with a focus on the history and theology of religion.
Fact Checked by Mr. Kevin Prince, Source Expert
Kevin Prince is a religious scholar and host of the Gospel Learning Youtube channel. His channel has garnered over 41,000 subscribers and accumulated over 4.5 million views. Mr. Prince also created the Gospel Learning App, a reliable platform where individuals seeking truth can access trustworthy answers to religious questions from top educators worldwide.
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