Rochester, N.Y. - You can't turn on the radio or television without hearing or seeing someone say: "I am a Mormon..."
The spots do catch your attention. They feature Mormons, some from the Rochester area, sharing their stories, their hobbies, their occupations and professing how proud they are of their Mormon faith.
David Cook is an Elder in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is also a local lawyer at the Faraci-Lang firm and the father of four sons. Cook is not featured in the ads, but says he loves them.
When some of his friends asked, "What's the point?" Cook said he hopes the ads will break down barriers and end stereotypes surrounding the Mormon faith.
Cook said, "I think most people have the image we are all white, all western and all conservatives. That's not at all reality, especially not in the Northeast."
He said Mormons are a diverse group, encompassing people of all races, nationalities, and political beliefs.
Cook isn't sure why Rochester was chosen as one of nine cities in which to test the ads. However, he hopes it will make people more aware of the Mormon faith and more welcoming and inviting to their neighbors.
He said he hoped it would help boost attendance at the annual Hill Cumorah Pageant in Palmyra.
