When I first heard that a Mormon was running for president, I grew very excited. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I knew what I would find in former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney's campaign before I ever checked his Website.

Sure enough, I read about a family man with all-American, apple pie Republican values; everything I knew I could respect in a conservative candidate for the presidency. His reverence for life is apparent in his pro-life stance. His concern for our nation is visible in his plans for immigration, tax, education, and his stance on the war in Iraq.

As the weeks passed, Romney's name became more and more prevalent in the press and to the public. I did not acknowledge the public's reaction until I saw the questions he was being asked about our religion. I was appalled that he would face inquiries about such sacred, private matters as temple garments, or about such irrelevant matters as polygamy, Mountain Meadows, or any other aspects of "Mormonism" that have nothing to do with his abilities as a potential president.

The LDS Church's history, our sacred ordinances and texts, our leadership and our principles were being scrutinized, misinterpreted, and used against him. I asked myself, "How can this happen? What about Article VI and the First Amendment of the Constitution? How can these people feel entitled to insult his faith-our faith-like this?"

Confronting prejudice

I do worry, however, about the many people that are misinformed by false statements and prejudices about my religion. I do worry about the lack of religious tolerance that exists in our nation. Personally, I could never imagine myself interrogating a Catholic about indulgences or accosting a Protestant about Martin Luther's complete history and published works.

But questions similar to these about polygamy, Joseph Smith, and our faith in Christ have been asked of Latter-day Saints. I would not view these questions as rude if I believed that the people asking them actually cared about the answers, or achieving religious tolerance. However, these questions never seem to achieve such a sincere end. Romney has extensive experience with such questions, and has explained why they offend LDS faithful.

"I'm not going to get into discussions about how I feel about all my church's beliefs and my church's doctrines," Romney stated in 1994, as mentioned in an article on NPR earlier this year. "All that does, in my view, is play into religious bigotry."

A personal struggle

I have made many efforts to explain my beliefs and my "outdated" policies and my reasoning for subscribing to them. I have tried to clarify my views on important issues like abortion, the war in Iraq, and the responsibility of citizens in relation to their rights. My efforts have been misunderstood to be proselytizing on numerous occasions, and I do not expect my friends to vote for Romney in the next election.

However, I hope that the dialogue we have shared will allow them to ask important, moral-driven questions of their chosen candidates.

But speaking to my peers is not enough for me. As a member of the LDS blogging community, I cannot sit and watch silently as my faith is dragged through the mud by the muckraking media.

I use my blog, my section of "the Bloggernacle," to make my voice heard on everything from politics to scripture; from education to religious tolerance. The written word is a powerful craft that should be used to serve a nobler pursuit than hate mongering and discrimination.

I am currently in my senior year of high school and intend to enter Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, to pursue a double major in English and Journalism. Taking my place within the American press seems daunting because I fear I will be judged by my colleagues for the faith I will not sacrifice, just as Romney is judged by his.

But with every opposition is the chance to overcome, and to leave this nation in better condition than when we inherited it. Whether Romney achieves the presidency or not, he has stepped up to the opportunity, which is more than most people ever do. He has been an example to the American people, regardless of creed, on how to endure persecution. I trust that he will endure through this (unconstitutional) religious test, and I look forward to learning more from him in the future.

Without reservation, I proudly hope that Romney will appear on the ballot as the Republican candidate, and I look forward to voting for him.