Q: Do church members call themselves Mormons?

A: It's fairly common for us to be called Mormons, and we refer to ourselves as Mormons, but we prefer to be referred to as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Q: Do Mormons tithe?

A: Tithing is a principle that we believe in, and it is one of the principles of living the gospel to the fullest. It's nothing that's enforced; we feel it's a privilege. We feel it's one of the things that is expected of us to be faithful members.

Q: Do church members wear special undergarments?

A: Worthy members who have received the full blessings of the temple do wear special undergarments. The purpose is for spiritual and physical protection.

Q: Does the church accept polygamy?

A: Church members are expected to be law-abiding citizens and, at least in the United States, that's against the law. It is not an accepted practice of the church.

There have been some groups that have broken away from the church that seem to capture some media attention, but they are not worthy members of the church.

Q: Does the church encourage members to stockpile food?

A: The church feels strongly that we should be prepared in case of emergencies and that we should have a reasonable supply in case of emergency. It's a preparedness issue for us. We think we need to be self-sufficient; that's what we teach are members.

Q: Does the church discourage drinking alcohol and caffeinated products, such as coffee and soda?

A: It's a health issue. We feel that our bodies are sacred and we need to treat them in that manner.

Q: Do Mormons celebrate Christmas?

A: Yes. We certainly do. We celebrate the birth of Christ and recognize Christmas as being a very important time. Church members celebrate the holiday with decorated trees and gifts, pretty much the way everybody else does.

Q: Are blacks and other ethnic minorities allowed to join the church?

A: Certainly. Everybody is welcome.

Q: Will the carpets in the temple be replaced after the open house?