Mormon leaders probe members’ reading habits

Mormon leaders are surveying members about their readership of key websites and Mormon writers, a move that reflects the faith's growing interest in managing its public image as two Mormon candidates compete for the Republican presidential nomination.

Church officials confirmed that the survey on a range of social, political and doctrinal matters—including the trustworthiness of specific journalists—is partly intended to gauge how and where Mormons get their information.

"This kind of survey is one way church leaders have to hear from members," said church spokesman Scott Trotter, though he declined to say exactly what would be done with the results.