One of the most frequent complaints facing critics of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the charge of persecution against the Church. Examples of this 'persecution,' according to Mormons, varies from articles and films which raise questions about the veracity of the Church to people attending temple openings or pageants in order to hand out literature exposing little known facts about the Church's teachings. But does this constitute persecution?

For example, one could argue that President Clinton is currently suffering persecution during the investigation into his alleged relationship with Monica Lewinsky. No doubt some of the behavior exhibited by President Clinton's detractors could qualify as persecution. However, the majority of the investigative reporting has been carried out in a purely professional manner. Though unpleasant, it is a necessary undertaking if the truth is to be known.

If the information brought forward is found to be libelous or slanderous, Clinton will have justification in claiming he has been unfairly treated. However, if the accusations prove to be true, his cry of persecution is unwarranted. Regardless of the outcome, the investigation and reporting of the facts are the vehicle by which President Clinton is held responsible for his actions. Such accountability is required of everyone -- whether president, postal worker or day-care provider.

Just as President Clinton must be held accountable for his behavior, so must the LDS Church. The fact that Mormonism is a religion does not alleviate this responsibility. Unlike the case of the secular office of president, the actions of the LDS Church require an even higher degree of accountability as it claims to be God's representative on earth.

Who, exactly, is holding the Church accountable for its actions? From my experience as a Mormon -- and now as an outside observer -- there is no one who exercises that kind of regulative power. Those within the camp of Mormonism who do speak out against perceived abuses are usually censured, silenced, and sometimes excommunicated. Strangely, this brand of authoritarianism is a far cry from the motivating spirit behind the formation of the LDS Church -- when leaders and members felt free to challenge the Christianity around them; free to speak, free to form a new church, free to 'restore' true Christianity as they saw fit. Yet this 'restorationist' movement immediately plunged into a policy of repression and out-right deception, claiming absolute authority from God. Sadly, history tells us that there will always be presidents and prophets who forget that their position is not about exemption from law, or entitlement, but about honesty and selfless service.

After a century and a half of separatist and isolationist policies, Latter-day Saints today are asserting that they are Christians. Television commercials are aired which offers free Bibles instead of free Books of Mormon. Anxious to have others see them as they see themselves, they no longer want to be regarded as separate from the historic Body of Christ. They want to be included in the Christian community, to partake of its many benefits.

Yet community implies accountability, whether secular or religious. Mormonism has a responsibility to represent itself in a truthful fashion. It has the responsibility to faithfully represent who God is. Historically, the LDS Church has not done this. When any person or group refuses the discipline of self-regulation, the larger community has a moral obligation to do what these folks have declined to do.

Facing criticism from Christians for its unorthodox theological views and questionable past, the LDS Church continues to ignore its responsibility to truth, choosing instead to divert attention away from its doctrine and history by calling such legitimate criticism 'persecution.' However, what some may label persecution is actually a call to true repentance and reformation. As long as the LDS Church continues to follow a god who is antithetical to the God of historic Christianity, it will be regarded by the Christian community as non-Christian. As long as it continues to withhold this and other pivotal doctrines from non-members, there will always be the need for concerned Christians to hold the LDS Church accountable, persistently and publicly calling for repentance and reform.