ARGUING THE HOFMANN CASE

We are appalled that The Times failed to exercise appropriate ethical concern and professional responsibility in publishing David Johnston’s review of two books on confessed murderer-forger Mark W. Hofmann (Book Review, Dec. 18, 1988).

Johnston’s review evidences an evaluation of our church that is as inaccurate as it is unprofessional. His viewpoint might be more understandable if your brief editorial footnote had added that Johnston was excommunicated from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints several years ago because of his own rejection of church doctrine.

The headline and the subheads lead the reader to expect a tandem book review about Hofmann, the confessed forger and murderer. Instead, the review focuses principally on Johnston’s own perception of our church, adding to the book’s accusations and misrepresentations of the actions and motives of church leaders.

Johnston’s comments, which clearly imply that Latter-day Saints justify murder and other evil practices to bring about righteous purposes, defame one of California’s largest, respected and law-abiding church communities and are insulting to the thousands of Latter-day Saints who are readers of The Times.

Contrary to the assertions of Johnston and the authors, the church from April, 1980, through July, 1987, publicly reported the acquisitions of the principal documents purchased or otherwise obtained from Hofmann. The church provided timely and accurate information about the forged documents during this period, even those that some alleged “struck at the foundations of the Church.” Moreover, the church and its officers cooperated fully with federal, state and local law enforcement officials.

Like other document collectors throughout the nation, the church follows time-honored professional practices and relies on competent authorities in document acquisition. With others, it was a victim of the deceit and duplicity that Hofmann acknowledged.

RICHARD P. LINDSAY

Managing Director

Public Communications

Special Affairs Department

The Church of Jesus Christ

of Latter-day Saints

Salt Lake City