The 2002 Olympic Winter Games have provided an opportunity for the world to look at Utah and Church headquarters. Numerous international, national, and local print and broadcast journalists have written articles about the Church, its members and many things that make them unique. Following is a notebook sketch, listing excerpts from some of the hundreds of articles written in past weeks about the Church:

"Their slogan is 'Friends To All Nations', and friendly they are. . . .

"What is likely to make an immediate impression on foreign visitors is the Mormons' ability to talk with them in their own languages. The Church's Temple Square in downtown Salt Lake City sounds like a bustling international city as Church members broadcast tour information in over 30 different languages." — Voice of America, Feb. 3, 2002

"In many Mormon households, Monday is special — it's when Mom, Dad and the kids reserve the evening to be together, playing games, sharing, praying. — The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Feb. 2, 2002

"If proselytizing were an Olympic team sport, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints would be a medal-round favorite. But church leaders have declared they will not compete this month when the world visits the hometown of the faith best known as 'Mormon'." — The Dallas Morning News, Feb. 3, 2002.

In matters of PR, the Mormons are already wearing the gold medal." — Le Monde, Jan. 31, 2002

"It was Mark Twain who said of the empire that the Mormons built at the base of the Wasatch Mountains:

'This was a fairyland to us — a land of enchantment and awful mystery.' Less than a week before the start of the Winter Olympics, as Utah opens its door to the world, Twain's head-scratching over the cryptic nature of the Beehive State still holds." — New York Times, Feb. 3, 2002

"My last days in Salt Lake were spent visiting the church's humanitarian operations.

" 'A man filled with the love of God is not content with blessing his family alone,' said church founder Joseph Smith, 'but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race.'

"Smith would be proud of his flock today. When it comes to compassion and helping others, the Latter-day Saints take a backseat to no one." — Vancouver Sun, Jan. 5, 2002