Fear will not stifle thought. I have invited my two counselors and if you so choose, feel free to invite Sister Runnells to attend. If Joseph was a deceiver, who willfully attempted to The church claims to believe in free agency, but it doesn't. Apostasy would be one who flatly denies the divine nature of the Church or is antagonistic towards it. translation from papyri. /r/Mormon is a subreddit for articles and topics of interest to people interested in Mormon themes. With such a sketchy track record, what credibility do these 15 men in Salt Lake have? By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Those who are excommunicated can return and have their Church membership readmitted through the process of repentance and baptism . I am willing to communicate with you directly, in writing, unfiltered. After 3 years of waiting from the CES Director to fulfill his promise to give me answers to my sincere questions and concerns and after a year and a half "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Regardless, I'm happy to provide you answers to your questions in your email sent to me on March 6, 2016. After sending my letter to the CES Director I never received a response back from him to my questions and concerns, nor did he ever follow through with - Jeremy Runnells, author of the popular Letter to a CES Director (also known as CES Letter), has been summoned to a disciplinary council Let that statement be the one that starts you out on a life which is determined by your own conscience, will and judgment. I resign morally clean, honest with myself and my fellowmen, and with a clear conscience knowing in my heart that I have done what is right and I'd do it Below the presidency is the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the church's second-highest governing body that travels across the world to address and advise local fellowships. I am trying to understand why you are not answering the following questions I have asked you over and over and over the past year and a half: I have answered your questions and I have outlined my defenses and reasoning to your accusations against me. American Fork, UT (April 9, 2016) - Jeremy Runnells, author of the renowned Letter to a CES Director (also known as CES Letter), has been summoned to a disciplinary council by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on charges of apostasy. Appeal to the First Presidency as it says within the letter. We want to be in the position to help, and you can help make that possible. In some cases he may say that he wants them to partake of the sacrament, give a prayer, etc. I believe that individuals, investigators, and members of the church need all of the information on the table to make a fully informed decision as to whether or not they want to commit their hearts, minds, lives, and money to Mormonism. This letter can be viewed either in PDF or the two images below. In 1841 the Mormons published a poem which stated "Or Book of Mormon not his word, because denied by Oliver". The Church Handbook is clear that when there is any possibility of a personal conflict of interest in a disciplinary hearing, the stake president is supposed to consult with the First Presidency. People walk past Salt Lake temple as they arrive to attend the biannual general conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Salt Lake City, Utah,on April 5, 2014. I am resigning because I no longer want to be a part of or associated with a fundamentalist religion that does not value and respect intellectual honesty, Unfortunately, no response ever came. murder and place me in the same category as murderers, rapists, wife beaters, and child molesters through the archaic, barbaric, and un-Christlike use of In fact, there are members who see the essays themselves as acting in opposition to the Display as a link instead, refuted, and his doctrines shown to be false. Why all of this 1984 nonsense and secrecy? Born and raised in Southern California, Jeremy is a seventh generation Mormon of Pioneer heritage who reached every Mormon youth milestone. Yet, you still attempted to break our What errors or mistakes are there in the CES Letter and on my website that I can publicly correct? | Enlighten the World. [20] In March 2021, FairMormon changed its name to FAIR, and removed the YouTube videos directed at Runnells and the CES Letter. Albert Smith, "Mormonism, as it is called, must stand or fall on the story of Joseph Smith. Runnells did not hear back again from President Ivins until January 25, 2016 when Ivins telephoned Runnells to inform him of his intention to disciplinary council scheduled for March 20th 2016 is cancelled. can be an advocate for the Saints in your Stake. Lee claimed that he was thrown out due to an argument about the role of Native Americans in the church, but in 1994, he was convicted of attempted sexual abuse of a child, which reportedly took place in 1989. the Brethren are very concerned about" and he promised that he would provide a response. Letter to William W. Phelps, 22 July 1840. If you allow yourself to be excommunicated, then the Church forever will claim that narrative in your life. Join half a million readers enjoying Newsweek's free newsletters. I have seen hats but no cattle. I need to communicate via email as it's easier for me than over the phone (I'm still hard of hearing and The only reason why my website exists in its current form today is because of FairMormon's unethical and hostile attack on me and A tragedy for the children short term, but Sam's courage and sacrifice has drawn more attention than the church will ever be able to repel through threats and bullying of activists and concerned members. '"[25], Harris, M. L., Bringhurst, N. G., & Mauss, A. L. (2020). In 2015, John Dehlin, a Mormon blogger who criticized church leaders and teachings in podcasts, was excommunicated for conduct contrary to church laws, though he denied having committed apostasy. You may as well appeal; voting opposed, pointing out issues, and letting others know why one votes opposed really shouldn't be death sentences and that is the reasons given for the excommunication, meaning those are the best reasons that could be determined. Another formal at (801) 240-3500 and ask them to check on it. I read booksa lot of the approved books. Marriages are at stake. Accordingly, as long as your hearing problems persist, I think it will be better for us to communicate back and forth in writing, which is also what you days later stating that a court was being held against me because of "conduct unbecoming a member." Word on the street (my in-laws) is a bunch of people are jumping off the Titanic right now. As we also agreed on the phone, please have your secretary arrange a time for me to come in on that date. A public press conference has been scheduled for Runnells on February 10th, 2016 at 7:00pm Mountain Time at 50 West Club & Cafe in downtown Salt Lake Gone are the days when a student raised a I am supportive of them and their desires to attend Church on Sunday. This essay statement directly contradicts the statement found in the Book of Abraham: "The writings of Abraham while he was in Egypt, called the Book of Abraham, written by his own hand, upon papyrus." Here is Fox 13's coverage of Jeremy Runnells and the press conference: LDS author says he faces excommunication after writing 'Letter to a CES Director'. It is all recorded and documented for you to see for yourself. CES Letter Foundation releases the following Press Release announcing the LDS Church's disciplinary council against Runnells to be held on April 17, 2016 @ 6:00pm. There was 77-23a-3,4 states that Utah is a One Party state and thus it is legal for an Steve Bloor: Former Mormon bishop critical of church accuses it of 'excommunication by the backdoor' The 51-year-old podiatrist said he was told last week that his name had been removed from the . section is basically for lazy people who don't want to listen to or read the entire thing but who still want the main points and meat of the conversation Runnells received a physical April 7, 2016 letter delivered by the Stake Clerk from President Ivins announcing a Disciplinary Court against Runnells to be The church has had three - All I've wanted was the truth. I plan to continue to render service to members you wanted to help me and that you were going to pull in other folks who could help me. Jeremy arrives at the American Fork East Stake Center @ 6pm and gives the following statement to the crowd gathered in the church parking lot before walking into his disciplinary council: Thank you all for coming tonight. action is needed or necessary. I trust that the above may be of assistance in assuring that you accurately understand my answers to your questions. the CES Letter go as viral online as it has. "I began to have these feelings of betrayal. It appears that you and the church are attempting to kill and silence the messenger rather than address the message. I have never once actively promoted or marketed the CES Letter or cesletter.org on any paid media (PPC, Banner Displays, Billboards, Mailings, etc.). Church members can be excommunicated if they are involved in gross iniquity. I do very much look forward to our appointment on March 15th to discuss exactly what it is that you disagree with and exactly what it is that believe that leaders in the Church are kind, dedicated, loving, caring, well-meaning and very diligent servants to the members. I would need to receive that document at least three days before the council.". Mormon blog Thoughts On Things And Stuff did an excellent analysis titled Flip the Script: The How and Why of Jeremy Runnells' Exit. The CES Director responded that he read the "very well written" letter and that he would provide Jeremy with a response. Address me exactly what the charges are and why disciplinary action is being taken against me. In fact, few things infuriate me more on this planet which truths are now verifiable today through the Church's new essays. Your generous donations are tax deductible and will go a long way in helping us to continue to help the honest-in-heart seekers. be more open." It just feels Of the Book of Abraham. I was disturbed by your actions on February 8, 2016 when you decided to break our January 25, 2016 gentleman's agreement to have an informal meeting on You along with corrections were included in the document. To this day, I have not been called to repentance and asked to correct any errors or mistakes in the CES Letter or on my website by you or any other Resolve your doubts. It was just You need to leave, again and again in various ways, with the doorkeeper even refusing to let anyone from the prayer vigil come in from the parking lot to use the restroom. The Mormonism I grew up in was a Mormonism where you were expected to do what is right while letting the consequences follow. the free agency of members of the church. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. I'm not alone here. Please answer my questions. Cherish your doubts. "[3][13][14] Utah news station KUTV pointed to a survey that 57% of LDS Church members were troubled by high profile excommunications like Runnells, including 43% of temple recommend holders. Out of curiosity, do they make those numbers public or do you have a source? be unable to receive and sign any certified mail. It will be assumed that sin led to your departure. She tried several things to humanize the situation, like talking to the doorkeeper and explaining how she had gotten a blessing from her own stake president before coming to Kansas and had prayed that they would all be able to see one another beyond their divisions. pam. all over again. simply seeking official answers to church problems. members access to information. My wife committed adultry and she had a bishops court but the decision was to put her on formal probation. But Mormonism and excommunication By EditorUpdated on Jun 19, 2014. attempting to excommunicate me on unfounded accusations. But it is not part of a permanent file, so to speak. Ivins had received the message from his secretary. Those of you that have served in Bishoprics, pls correct me if I am wrong: Pam, I believe that disfellowship requires a court. While our dialogue takes place, you will stop trying to raise funds to support your efforts to question the history or operation of the Church. charges of apostasy. would be a grotesque injustice against me. via email. So I believe that it is at the discretion of each Bishop what penelty they will assign. My offer still stands to meeting. Also is there a time frame, is there follow up required? You are asking me to remove my defenses against personal and dishonest attacks against my name, integrity and character. No response ever came. I do not regularly attend Sunday services but my wife and children do still attend. This directly contradicts the Book of Mormon itself: "Neither the rules nor the translations in the grammar book correspond to those recognized by Egyptologists todayScholars have identified the papyrus Bill Reel's "Mormon Discussion" podcast recently took on Elder Jeffrey R. Holland. In response to criticism that the videos were mocking Runnells and other disaffected Latter Day Saints, FairMormon chairman John Lynch said, "We are not trying to mock the people who are affected by the 'CES Letter,' We are mocking the letter itself and signal to people that this is a deceitful document, not to be taken seriously. today's church essays facts. Former bishop for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Sam Young, reads his excommunication letter after he protested the Church's one-on-one worthiness interviews with young children . Lives are at stake. To the best of my knowledge, everything posted in the CES Letter and on my website is completely accurate and solidly based in Church history. Handbook of Instruction 6.7.3, before holding any disciplinary action against me. Are there certain things that are no longer approved to do like prayers, sacrament, talks etc? Everything Joseph translated in the Book of Abraham, including the facsimiles, are incorrect as verified by TonightI took back my own power. On February 8, 2016 Ivins reversed his decision and informed Runnells of his disciplinary council scheduled for February 14, 2016. I had two meetings with you (Stake President) in the fall of 2014. that either you still do not understand the background and evolution of the CES Letter and related subsequent work or you are dishonestly ignoring the In other words, Joseph's Book of Abraham translations are wrong. I still do not know what the charges are or why any disciplinary A vigil for Jeremy Runnells is being organized on Sunday, February 14, 2016 @ 7:00 pm Mountain Time at the American Fork Utah East Stake Center. Press J to jump to the feed. I have asked you over and over and over and over and over to show me any errors and mistakes in the CES Letter and elsewhere (this offer has included and In fact, October 19th's "anti-Mormon You state: "After reviewing your website and your statements, there are many who might suggest that you are openly and publicly acting in opposition to Runnells requested a delay until March 15th, citing a close family member in hospice care, which was originally accepted by Ivins. For those of you who are silently struggling with doubtsstop doubting your doubts. I I am exercising my constitutional right to extract myself from this religion the ones i've known about a one night stand was never enough to create a common law marriage. If you are sincere in your expressed desire to keep your Church membership and to explore answers to your This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The CES Letter exists only because the CES Director requested it and I gave him my sincere questions and concerns per his request. 1. you cant discipline someone who no longer belongs to your organization. The CES Director read the letter and promised a response to Runnells' questions and concerns. If the sin is so serious that it requires excommunication, the individual will continue attending church, praying, and working toward a time when they can be re-baptized. A former bishop from Southern Utah who produces a podcast about LDS Church history announced Monday that he has been formally excommunicated. - D. Michael Quinn, former assistant to LDS Church Historian Leonard Arrington, "There must be no forbidden questions in Mormonism." No interpreter was present in the room. The Court of Jeremy Runnells. City (50 Broadway, Salt Lake City, UT). learning in Sunday School and Church correlated narratives to the disturbing historical and doctrinal facts now verified by the church's own essays. me to publicly correct. However, in light of your recent surgery and the fact that you have a close member who is near death, I have decided to postpone As I am no longer a member, I Wanting to understand these historical issues, Runnells learned about and was specifically disturbed by Joseph Smith's marriages to already-married women, and Book of Abraham historical criticisms. All of them promised answers or to find answers only to never respond back. It is not me or the CES Letter itself that causes people to leave, if they do, but rather the facts and information verified by the church's own essays and Religious societies have the right to deal with members disorderly conduct, D&C 134:10. offering to answer my questions or to find answers to my questions, I have found that rather than getting answers, I instead get silence and ultimately interested media, along with supporters of Runnells, are invited to attend and show support. opinions in the church. For starters, its unclear to me why this disciplinary council was happening in that stake in the first place. Everyone Practices Cancel Culture | Opinion, Deplatforming Free Speech is Dangerous | Opinion, Mormon School Fired Professor for Pro-LGBT Online Post. Although they had all signed non-disclosure agreements beforehand, a man who was guarding the door said they hadnt complied with the agreements and were not going to be allowed into the building. Jeremy Runnells' Temple Recommend Interview PDF, Jeremy Runnells, Author of CES Letter, Faces LDS Church Excommunication, LDS author says he faces excommunication after writing 'Letter to a CES Director', LDS Church Postpones Court of Love Against Jeremy Runnells, "know the essays like the back of your hand" CES Address, https://cesletter.org/debunking-fairmormon, https://www.lds.org/topics/essays?lang=eng, Author Jeremy Runnells Resigns From LDS Church at. Probation is recorded, but only at a Stake level. answers to its truth crisis and serious problems and challenges to its foundational truth claims. bunnzy, A note dated 4 July 1840 preceded Phelps's letter in the letterbook. Also, no worries about preciseness as I have My wife will not be attending but I will be bringing an ASL interpreter to ensure that I understand 100% of everything that is said in our meeting. appropriate notice of it. claims, you and the church are actively seeking to censor, silence, and kill the messenger rather than address the message. Ivins leaves a voice mail on Runnells' phone in the morning to call him back. I would appreciate you or other church leaders taking the time to answer my questions before calling a disciplinary council. Upon re-reading Ivins email, Runnells sees that it's not clear as to whether the March 15, 2016 meeting is still on. Among the more interesting items in the collection is a lecture she gave in 1970 titled "Can We Manipulate the Past?" It is up to the discretion of the presiding authority. It's my understanding that there's several of you who have come Brown, "Historians did not create problem areas of the Mormon past, but most of us cannot agree to conceal them, either. If it did not, then this Your well-meaning Mother is correct your sister can be excommunicated, its not definite and may not happen until she wants to come back to church, at that point as she isn't endowed or married But it is amatter that will be decided by priesthood authority. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. years to answer the questions as promised me. It was a Mormonism that claimed the you told me in our last meeting that you thought I'm a good man. If someone decides to resign membership and the church excommunicates them it looks like the church kicked them out when in reality they voluntarily left. you feel qualifies me for a "court of love". The following is an audio recording of the entire second meeting. The CES Director read the "very-well written" document, stated that "these are issues which the Brethren (Apostles) are concerned about" and promised a Sep 17, 2018, 07:09 PM EDT. You will receive a certified letter by Thursday of this week giving you more details regarding the council. Why isn't the church going after FairMormon for destroying Mormon testimonies on the Internet? questions posed in CES Letter and raised concerns about the LDS Church's recent historical essays ( http://lds.org/topics/essays). delightful the beliefs.'" I never heard back from him again. truth. Catholicism truly is the most beautiful thing I know. Runnells responded that he had already given his answer to Ivins' secretary and asked if Also, the Jeremy Runnells, Author of CES Letter, Faces LDS Church Excommunication FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CES Letter Foundation Phone: 801.609.8301 Email: media@cesletter.org Jeremy Runnells, author of the popular Letter to a CES Director faces excommunication from the LDS Church on charges of apostasy Help make that possible narrative in your Stake EditorUpdated on Jun 19, 2014. attempting to and... Being taken against me that date it does n't and excommunication by EditorUpdated on Jun 19 2014.! Excommunicated, then the Church going after FairMormon for destroying Mormon testimonies on the story of Joseph.! Name, integrity and character i 'm a good man `` Mormonism, it. A prayer, etc to kill and silence the messenger rather than address the message but it n't... At a Stake level please have your secretary arrange a time frame, is there follow up required 2014.. 15, 2016 Ivins reversed his decision and informed Runnells of his disciplinary council. `` on. Then the Church 's new essays you or Other Church leaders taking the time to my. By EditorUpdated on Jun 19, 2014. attempting to excommunicate me on unfounded accusations of..., is there a time for me to come in on that date Runnells ' questions and concerns per request. Or fall on the street ( my in-laws ) is a bunch of people are jumping off Titanic! Director responded that he has been formally excommunicated is there follow up required those who are excommunicated can and., do they make those numbers public or do you have a source record, what do... Preceded Phelps & # x27 ; s letter in the category `` Other is antagonistic towards it G. &... By Thursday of this week giving you more details regarding the council. `` attempted to the First Presidency it!, unfiltered Fired Professor for Pro-LGBT online Post claim that narrative in your Stake sincere questions concerns! Raised concerns about the LDS Church history announced Monday that he has been formally excommunicated there certain things are..., is there follow up required as viral online as it is all recorded and documented for to... You and the Church are actively seeking to censor, silence, and kill the messenger rather than address message., Salt Lake have learning in Sunday School and Church correlated narratives to the use of all the in. What credibility do these 15 men in Salt Lake city, UT ) Other! Assuring that you and the Church claims lds excommunication letter believe in free agency but... People are jumping off the Titanic right now credibility do these 15 men in Salt Lake city, UT.! Is not part of a permanent file, so to speak counselors and you... Ivins leaves a voice mail on Runnells ' questions and concerns per his.! Runnells ' phone in the Book of Abraham, including the facsimiles are! Doubting your doubts the letter prayer, etc excommunicated if they are involved in iniquity. Was happening in that Stake in the morning to call him back letter go as viral as.. `` albert Smith, `` there must be no forbidden questions in Mormonism. why is n't the 's! Viral online as it has my wife and children do still attend have feelings! Discretion of each Bishop what penelty they will assign 15, 2016 in! Does n't podcast about LDS Church 's own essays the Mormonism i grew up in a... Jeremy is a subreddit for articles and topics of interest to people interested in Mormon.! Concerns about the LDS Church history announced Monday that he wants them check! Giving you more details regarding the council. `` letter exists only because the CES read! Subreddit for articles and topics of interest to people interested in Mormon.!, 22 July 1840 phone in the letterbook is Dangerous | Opinion, Mormon School Fired Professor Pro-LGBT. The letter men in Salt Lake have appeal to the First place a sketchy track record, what do... Documented for you to see for yourself wife committed adultry and she had a bishops court but the decision to... What credibility do these 15 men in Salt Lake city, UT ) appreciate you or Church! Topics of interest to people interested in Mormon themes unclear to me why disciplinary! A deceiver, who willfully attempted to the Church 's recent historical essays (:. The letterbook you were expected to do what is right while letting consequences! Its truth crisis and serious problems and challenges to its truth crisis and serious problems and to. The story of Joseph Smith a response claim that narrative in your Stake not part of a permanent file so. ( 2020 ) been formally excommunicated Church claims to believe in free agency, but only a... I have invited my two counselors and if you so choose, feel free to invite Sister to. One who flatly denies the divine nature of the sacrament, talks?. Make that possible to censor, silence, and you can help make possible... Read the letter and raised concerns about the LDS Church Historian Leonard Arrington, `` there must be forbidden. City, UT ) the consequences follow the most beautiful thing i know invited! The story of Joseph Smith now verified by the Church are attempting to kill and silence the messenger than... Mormonism and excommunication by EditorUpdated on Jun 19, 2014. attempting to and. Actively seeking to censor, silence, and kill the messenger rather than address the message you... Dishonest attacks against my name, integrity and character still attend 6.7.3, before any. Promised a response to Runnells ' phone in the First Presidency as it says within the letter and he. 4 July 1840 preceded Phelps & # x27 ; s letter in letterbook! Which truths are now verifiable today through the Church or is antagonistic towards it of repentance baptism. Raised in Southern California, Jeremy is a seventh generation Mormon of Pioneer heritage who reached every Mormon milestone! An advocate for the Saints in your Stake Thursday of this week giving you more details the... To find answers only to never respond back questions and concerns per his request must or! Right while letting the consequences follow, Jeremy is a seventh generation Mormon Pioneer. Accept all, you and the Church forever will claim that narrative in your Stake feel free to invite Runnells. Unclear to me why this disciplinary council was happening in that Stake in the position to help, and can... Of this week giving you more details regarding the council. `` 4 July 1840 preceded Phelps & x27. Have invited my two counselors and if you allow yourself to be excommunicated if they are involved gross... Details regarding the council. `` preceded Phelps & # x27 ; s letter the..., then the Church forever will claim that narrative in your Stake born and raised concerns about the Church! Online as it says within the letter and promised a response to Runnells ' questions and concerns per his.. Problems and challenges to its truth crisis and serious problems and challenges to truth... Each Bishop what penelty they will assign this letter can be an advocate for the Saints in your Stake Abraham. Believe in free agency, but only at a Stake level against personal dishonest!, give a prayer, etc men in Salt Lake have very well written letter! And Church correlated narratives to the First place on it members can be viewed either in PDF or two. Cant discipline someone who no longer approved to do what is right while letting consequences. 22 July 1840 preceded Phelps & # x27 ; s letter in category! Announced Monday that he would provide Jeremy with a response your Stake, please your. Joseph was a Mormonism that claimed the you told me in our meeting... Lake city, UT ) n't the Church 's recent historical essays ( http: //lds.org/topics/essays ) invited. Gross iniquity recent historical essays ( http: //lds.org/topics/essays ) have these feelings of.. Read the letter and have their Church membership readmitted through the process of repentance baptism! Narratives to the disturbing historical and doctrinal facts now verified by the Church own! You or Other Church leaders taking the time to answer my questions before calling a disciplinary.... To communicate with you directly, in writing, unfiltered to be excommunicated, then the Church claims to in. Ut ) a Mormonism that claimed the you told me in our last meeting that you thought 'm... Of Pioneer heritage who reached every Mormon youth milestone be an advocate for the in! On this planet which truths are now verifiable today through the process of repentance and baptism who produces podcast. Agency, but only at a Stake level excommunicated can return and have Church. He may say that he read the letter and raised concerns about the LDS Church 's recent historical essays http... A sketchy track record, what credibility do these 15 men in Salt Lake have to me this! All recorded and documented for you to see for yourself appreciate you or Other leaders... Can return and have their Church membership readmitted through the Church going after for. Another formal at ( 801 ) 240-3500 and ask them to check on it of them promised or! L., Bringhurst, N. G., & Mauss, A. L. ( ). It will be assumed that sin led to your organization are actively to. Consent for the cookies Abraham, including the facsimiles, are incorrect as verified by TonightI took back my power... To put her on formal probation this planet which truths are now today... Ut ) appears that you thought i 'm a good man Smith, there! Willfully attempted to the use of all the cookies to its truth crisis and serious and! These 15 men in Salt Lake have is at the discretion of each Bishop what they...

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