Boronia couple on living the real Book of Mormon

WITH their religion creating a buzz all over Melbourne, a couple from the outer east shares what it’s like to really be a Mormon.

WITH their religion creating a buzz all over Melbourne, a Boronia couple has shared what it’s like to really be a Mormon.

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The Book of Mormon has had rave reviews since opening at the Princess Theatre earlier this month — but Jeremy and Cassie Nicholl, members of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Wantirna South, don’t plan to see it.

“I won’t be going to see it because spiritual, sacred things, like the Bible and the Book of Mormon, are holy things that should remain separate to crass humour,” Mr Nicholl said.

But Mrs Nicholl said it didn’t offend her if others chose to go.

The Wantirna South church opened in 2000 at a 2.4ha site in Cathies Lane, and has 2500 members.

“We’re labelled the Mormons because we obviously believe in the Book of Mormon which is another testament of Jesus Christ, so as Mormons, we believe and use the bible and know that to be the word of God,” Mr Nicholl said.

People from three wards (similar to a congregation) — Waverley, Wantirna South, and Wantirna — attend the church each Sunday for services in the chapel.

The temple, a separate building, is for sacred events like weddings and Mormons need to meet certain standards to enter.

“We believe it is the Lord’s House, so to be able to enter... you need to be doing certain types of things, including being kind to neighbours, and you have to believe in him (The Lord) and his son Jesus Christ.

Mr Nicholl, 32, a marketing manager, and Mrs Nicholl, 26, a midwife, are parents to one-year-old Trey.

MORMON CHURCH FACTS:

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the official name of the religion called the Mormon Church

It was founded on April 6, 1830, by Joseph Smith, the first president of the church

The first LDS Church missionaries arrived in Australia in 1840 and there are now almost 150,000 members of the church around the country, including more than 30,000 Mormons in Victoria

They were both born into the church, having Mormon parents.

The couple is used to people misunderstanding their religion.

“I guess it depends who you speak to — some people are very familiar with Mormons ... but some people have no idea about members of the Church of Latter-Day Saints and what they believe in,” Mr Nicholl said.

“We are people that do good in our communities, that believe in Jesus Christ — just everyday people.”

Mr Nicholl said a belief that Mormons still took part in polygamy was wrong.

“Polygamy was introduced in the church with some members in the 1800s but it hasn’t been practised in over 130 years,” Mr Nicholl said.

The couple don’t drink, smoke or take drugs. They also don’t drink tea or coffee but are allowed to drink caffeinated soft drinks and eat meat.

Mormons are encouraged to store food in case of an emergency, such as a natural disaster, so they can provide for their family, which the couple does.

When asked their view on homosexuality, Mr Nicholl said:

“We do, as the saviour would do if he was here, he loves absolutely everyone and treats everyone equally and it doesn’t matter what religion or race or gender preference you have, you need to love and respect everyone,” Mr Nicholl said.

But they don’t believe in same-sex marriage.

“We believe that marriage is ordained of God and it should be between a man and a woman and that is the church’s stance and our personal stance on same-sex marriage.”

Birth control is fine to use and is left up to individuals.

Mrs Nicholl said it was a personal decision between the couple and the “Heavenly Father”.

“It’s nothing that the church would say ‘no you can’t you use it’,” Mrs Nicholl said.

“It’s something you would discuss as a couple and pray about.”

Mormons are also strongly encouraged to spend time serving as missionaries — two years for men and 18 months for women.

During their service, missionaries are only able to phone home on Mother’s Day and Christmas Day or in an emergency, and can only send emails once a week.

Mr Nicholl served as missionary in Sydney for two years when he was 19.

“For the two years I probably doorknocked 18 hours a week to try and talk to people,” Mr Nicholl said.

“Some people were extremely grateful for you being there; some people didn’t want to see you at all.”

Mr Nicholl invited people to attend the church and find out more about their faith.

Details: mormon.org.au