Anecdote

The organization at which I've been volunteering has had me compile a list of contact information for all the media outlets in the state so that they know where to send their press releases. One of those media outlets was the Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ, who publishes a community affairs newsletter of sorts.

This conversation (or something very similiar) took place after I dialed what I presumed to be the CTUCC phone number:

Unofficial sounding voice on the other end: Hello?

Me: Um... Is this the Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ?

Him: Excuse me?

Me: Um... I was calling for the Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ, but it looks like I have the wrong number...

Him: What organization are you calling for?

Me: (Confused pause) I...don't understand what you mean...

Him: What are you calling for?

Me: I was calling to speak to someone from your newsletter to find out who to send press releases to.

Him: Are you a Born Again?

Me: No...

Him: Have you been touched by salvation?

Me: No...

Him: Do you believe in God?

Me: Yes.

Him: Do you believe in Jesus Christ?

Me: Yes. (Maybe if I continue with their charade, they'll finally give me the email address I need...)

Him: Do you believe he died on the cross?

Me: (Another confused pause) This isn't really helping me right now, so I'm going to try another number.

Him: Hey! What if you died today?... (his voice fades away as I hang up the phone)

Could the Mormons really be that obtuse and intrusive? Apparently not, because when I checked their website, I realized that the number I had was off by a digit and an area code. The real Mormons turned out to be quite friendly and helpful.