David Haldane of the Los Angeles Times offers a fascinating report on the growing ties and affection between the LDS Church and Muslims.

As Haitham Bundakji, former chairman of the Orange County, California, Islamic Society, puts it:

When I go to a Mormon church I feel at ease. When I heard the president [of LDS] speak a few years ago, if I'd closed my eyes I'd have thought he was an imam.

Back at you, says LDS member Steve Young:

A Mormon living in an Islamic society would be very comfortable.

Haldane explains:

Based on shared values and a sense of isolation from mainstream America, the connection was intensified by 9/11 and cemented by the Southeast Asia tsunami. It is especially evident in Southern California, with large Mormons and Muslim populations.

"We are very aware of the history of Mormons as a group that was chastised in America," says Maher Hathout, of the Muslim Public Affairs Council in LA. "They can be a good model for any group that feels alienated."

"Their beliefs are similar to ours," says Mormon Bishop Robert Bremmer. "They have modest dress, and so do we. ..."

The LATimes article does not draw any comparisons on the status of women in the two religions.