Everyone who lives in Utah realizes that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints exercises a great deal of control over politics and society in that states. Sometimes, though, that control gets exercised an a rather obvious and overt manner.

The Salt Lake Tribune reports:

As it redevelops its two malls on Main Street, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints doesn't want the city to allow department stores to locate in The Gateway and property surrounding the shopping center west of downtown. In a letter Thursday, the church's attorney for its real estate company urged the Planning Commission to keep regulations in place that would prevent anchor stores such as Nordstrom and Target from opening in The Gateway.

I'm sure that other churches aren't able to get special zoning laws passed that ensure that department stores don't open in areas too close to them. Both Target and Nordstrom have indicated that they may leave the city entirely if they are prevented from opening in the above location. I doubt that the Mormon Church cares very much.

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