Underscoring the importance the Church places on the fight against pornography, Elder Richard P. Lindsay of the Second Quorum of the Seventy accepted a Media Awareness award in behalf of the Church.

The award was presented by the Religious Alliance Against Pornography at its annual conference here. The RAAP is a coalition of churches with the common goal of battling pornography by educating the citizens of the United States concerning its devastating effects on society, and through encouraging the enforcement and strengthening of pornography laws.Presented by Dr. Richard Land, a key leader of the Southern Baptist Convention, the award was in recognition of the various media efforts the Church has undertaken to provide materials that could be used by all faiths in the anti-pornography campaign.

In accepting the award, Elder Lindsay said, "It has been a blessing for us to have been a participant in this process of interfaith cooperation in its attempt to improve the moral climate of our divinely blessed nation.

"I would ask a special blessing upon each of you," he continued, "and especially on the leaders of the Religious Alliance Against Pornography, that youT will continue to provide inspired direction and leadership in helping this great nation be the moral and spiritual haven that God meant it to be."

Another prominent Latter-day Saint, Dr. James O. Mason, assistant U.S. secretary of health and human services, addressed the group, emphasizing the societal harms of pornography.

"When pornography becomes influential culturally," he said, "and especially when it begins to shape attitudes and habits, we see respect for people erode, violence becomes more acceptable, and marital commitments deteriorate. Pornography creates a fantasy world where real people are of secondary importance."

It is not, Mason stated emphatically, "a `victimless' crime."

"Pornography is enslaving for some, and makes victims of others," he said. "It is clear that its effects upon society, the family, and the individual are overwhelmingly and quantitatively adverse.

"It is important," he declared, "for the future public health of this country that we continue to seriously discuss and oppose the harmful effects of pornography and child exploitation. Our children deserve a legacy which has taken their well-being and health into full account."

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President George Bush opened the conference with a videotaped message, stating his "total support for the goal of eliminating obscene material, particularly child pornography," and assuring that the Administration "remains firmly committed to take the lead in the battle." He urged conference attenders to redouble their efforts to mobilize leaders and educate Americans about the harm of pornography.

Also speaking at the conference, which was attended by representatives of the Greek Orthodox, Jewish, Protestant and Roman Catholic faiths, was U.S. Attorney General Richard Thornburgh.

Some of the efforts for which the Church received the award included the starting of the educational organization "Citizens for Positive Community Values," the production of an anti-pornography video documentary, the production and distribution of two brochures addressing the issue, and numerous other printed, videotaped and spoken efforts.

Bruce L. Olsen, managing director of Public Communications for the Church, also attended the conference. "I'm delighted," he said, "to see the vital role the Church is playing in the national battle against obscenity and pornography. Church members in many areas are helping to make a difference. The passage of a bill in California opposing child pornography is an example of outstanding efforts and results."

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