One of the most frequent complaints I see from commenters on this blog is that we bloggers are too critical of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I would argue that my criticism of the Church comes from my deep love of and care for it, especially as an active member myself. Although I don’t believe some of those commenters are writing in good faith, I do think it’s important to recognize the complexity of our institutions and to hold the good and the bad simultaneously.

In that spirit, I wanted to highlight a place where the Church is doing well and actively improving: encouraging missionaries to be respectful, kind, and inclusive. As an adult convert, I’ve never served a mission or been presented with much of an opportunity to do so. However, I’m very grateful for my friends who served in that way and for the missionaries who taught me about the Church and helped me find my spiritual home.

I recently learned in a news article that the Church manual Missionary Standards for Disciples of Jesus Christ was recently updated. The update that intrigued me the most was the one in Chapter 3: Missionary Conduct, which “describes missionary standards of behavior and Christlike qualities you are expected to practice and develop during your mission as you become a more dedicated disciple of Jesus Christ.” I like how it emphasizes that missionaries shouldn’t only be practicing these things but working to develop them further. It goes on to quote a delightful scripture: “Remember the word of God which saith by their works ye shall know them; for if their works be good, then they are good also” (Moroni 7:5).

What is the “Christlike behavior” the manual encourages missionaries to strive for and emulate? The text is clear:

“Be kind, positive, and uplifting. Be thoughtful of each person’s situation, asking yourself questions such as these:

• Is it too late or early to contact this person? Would this inappropriately interrupt family or personal time?
• Is there a way I can be helpful in this situation?
• Could this action or comment embarrass, intimidate, or offend someone?
• What is appropriate for this culture?

You are a guest in the area where you serve and should treat people and places with respect and appreciation. Respect the customs, religious beliefs and practices, and sacred sites in your area at all times. Be careful that your actions will not offend anyone. Remember, what you say and what you do may be heard, observed, and recorded.”

What would our wards and branches be like if all of us were more kind, positive, and uplifting – leading with kindness first (even before positivity)? What if we were all more thoughtful of each person’s situation, social location, and culture? What if we all acted like a guest to those whom we served and respected them and their customs, religious beliefs and practices, and whatever they consider sacred? What if instead of judging people for being offended, we made a serious effort not to offend? These are excellent standards for missionaries, Christians, and all people to abide by if you ask me.

To my delight, the change that was made to this section – the whole reason it was mentioned in the article I read – was adding a reference to the “Prejudice” section of the General Handbook. That section isn’t perfect, but it declares important truths like, “God “hath made of one blood all nations” (Acts 17:26). “All are alike” unto Him (2 Nephi 26:33). Each person is “as precious in his sight as the other” (Jacob 2:21).” These are especially important to reinforce given the racist history of Christian missionaries in general and the racist history of Mormon missionaries in particular preaching the Gospel in ways that devalued and dehumanized certain groups of people. (I even previously wrote a satirical blog post about white Mormon returned missionaries who mean well but exoticize their missions.)

The Church handbook also urges members to be forward-leaning on issues of prejudice, saying “The Church calls on all people to abandon attitudes and actions of prejudice toward any group or individual. Members of the Church should lead out in promoting respect for all of God’s children. Members follow the Savior’s commandment to love others (see Matthew 22:35–39). They strive to be persons of goodwill toward all, rejecting prejudice of any kind. This includes prejudice based on race, ethnicity, nationality, tribe, gender, age, disability, socioeconomic status, religious belief or nonbelief, and sexual orientation” (emphasis mine).

Per this section, it’s not enough to wait for the tide of public opinion to swing towards greater inclusion: we should be leading the charge. It’s also not enough to keep our prejudiced thoughts to ourselves but should labor to mitigate and eradicate them as we seek to become eventually perfected. The most Christlike missionaries do this, encourage those around them to do this, and inspire me to be better.