Wasn't the picture taken in 2006? Chances are the kids are home now...although I suppose that wouldn't prevent them from having to return for their day in court.

I am pretty sure that one's an urban legend.

If we're going to be mullahs about definitions, then I guess I have to point out that 19-year-old young men are still teenagers. Twenty-year-olds are technically not, but turning 20 doesn't magically bestow powers of maturity, either.

If the offended party chooses to prosecute, due process is followed, and the young men receive a punishment, then I think they should abide by it. I just think there is room here for some mercy, recognizing the foolishness of youth. If a similar thing were done in a place I hold sacred by similarly stupid young men, I would be upset and probably want an apology, but I don't know that I would insist on a punishment that could haunt them for the rest of their lives.

The Christian gospel is supposed to be about helping people, not tearing them down. I'd wager these boys have already learned their lesson.

I read in the comments that two were already home, and one was sent home from his mission (probably the guy that apologized).

I wonder if the other two will be forced to apologize, under the threat of excommunication. Doubt it. No hints of apostasy.

what if 20 year old men broke into a temple and vandalized it? And then posted pictures of their handiwork on the internet. How would you respond to that?

I'm the father of four boys and scout leader. Boys do stupid things all the time and should be mentored with great patients. Missionaries are not boys -they are men. There is a distinct difference.

I believe I already said how I would respond.

And for the record, it doesn't appear that they vandalized it. They desecrated it (which I'm not saying isn't serious), but they didn't permanently damage or destroy any property.

What is wrong with CG this morning? No sense of proportion in anything? The Great Evil Tex has been turned into the Angel of Compassion! Have you not had your coffee yet or something?

Right, once they turn 19 you should bite their head off. That'll work.

The reality is we send young men that age to die for our country. In many states they are old enough to drink. We permit them to vote, to marry and HOLD the Melchizedek priesthood! It's time we expected more of our young men.

I'm with tooblue. Time for these boys to man up. Although I do think they should be demoted to deacon.