Exposing Mormonism

Done Blogging

2011-03-29T16:12:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

First and foremost, let me thank all the people who have shown me such great respect, kindness, friendship and support over the years. To realize you were brainwashed and part of a cult isn't easy for anybody ... but especially someone who joined to feel loved, to find something positive in life, and to create a sense of family. That wasn't easy to give up, and facing the truth at the beginning wasn't easy either.

I've been very moved by the kind emails and messages I've gotten. They were mostly encouragement or personal tales of people who have suffered and lost because of this cult. I appreciated you sharing with me your courage and stories about overcoming these events in your life, and sharing your experiences.

I would love to keep working on this blog. But despite all my best intentions, it always ends up falling to the wayside and not being updated. The truth is I just don't have the time to do it. It's unfortunate that those of us trying to expose the truth (especially through personal tales) can't compete with the cult's multi-billion dollar advertising programs and sending out thousands door to door.

I'm very grateful ( I cannot stress this enough) to all the people who have taken the time to put information out on the internet: stories, websites, document copies, books, etc. Their efforts helped lead me out of the cult. A particular thank-you to Samuel the Utahnite -- whose indignation and sarcasm made me laugh out loud, and really helped me to cope and heal.

Again, I am sorry I can't do more. I'd love to put the online-shop up again, and make podcasts and audio available, or videos. I simply don't have the time to focus on this, but rest assured, if circumstances change I will always be willing to come back. I may update or add to the blog from time to time.

*** I WILL NOT BE CHECKING MY EMAIL ANY LONGER. ***

But thank you to those who wrote me.

I truly hope my Mormon friends will leave this cult. The indoctrination is so deep and levelled in after a lifetime, that it looks bleak at this point. But we never know what will happen, and I will always hold out hope for them. They are the main reason I started this blog.

I hope everyone will continue to enjoy the links. Please read the recommended books and material. Check out the amazing websites ... my utmost respect and thanks to the owners of them. Continue researching and learning. It will never fail to amaze you ... the corruption of this organization, the LIES, the scandals, the history, the misogyny, the racism, the antisemitism, the homophobia, the hypocrisy, the cover-ups, the whitewashing, the politics, the greed. It all goes on and on. You can never learn enough. As I start approaching a decade out of this cult -- I still find I learn something new about it each time I research.

* A NOTE ON THE COMMENTS:

For a time, I moderated the comments. As I will not be updating often, and I am choosing to leave this blog as is - the comments are now unmoderated. I apologize in advance for the various idiotic ones you will have to wade through. Mainly LDS members proclaiming the church is true, scolding, advising to 'read the book of Mormon', teenagers proudly proclaiming their testimony, and others threatening and cursing about. Please try to ignore these and focus on the rational, useful ones that provide links, information and great commentary. Also, please do continue to leave your LDS stories if you are an ex-member. Your tale will help someone else going through the same thing.

I am sorry I cannot do more at this time. Thank you to all ex-members and the ex-mo community for the great support and compassion. Thanks to all the readers and those who wrote emails.

I wish you the best.

2010 Calendar

2010-07-25T13:13:00.000-07:00

LMFAO !

I'm looking at these guys and all I can think is: gay, gay, gay! I guess for Mormon women that 'clean-cut', gay-looking 'nice missionary boy' look is appealing? Sure they've got nice abs, but they all look incredibly gay. I have nothing against gay men, I just don't want to sleep with them. I mean come on, at least put them in some ripped jeans, tousle the hair and bend 'em over a car or something. Maybe a bit of grease or sweat.

The "Men on a Mission" Calendar caused a big uproar in the Mormon community when it came out a few years ago. I guess it was pretty 'controversial'. Amusing isn't it? After all, Joseph Smith having sex with teenage girls, marrying mother-daughter combos, marrying other men's wives is all ignored. Brigham Young saying that slavery is a divine institution and ordering hit squads to murder people is ignored. The shock therapy for gays at BYU and the forged 'salamander' documents Hinckley bought are all ignored.

But men without shirts? *Gasp* Being bought by Mormon women? Oh we can't have this! We must freak out and investigate whether these are ex-mormons or active mormons so we can know whether to threaten excommunication or not!

Well I've got to admit, they were right about one thing. I am having "dirty and impure" thoughts. Unfortunately, none of these include a woman being involved. And yes I am wet -- if only because I spilled water on myself laughing so hard. Really, this calendar proves why I was never interested in any boys at Church. Better luck next year folks!

A Magical Tribute to Joseph Smith !

2010-07-25T12:52:00.000-07:00

A Magical Tribute To Joseph Smith!!
Uploaded by samueltheutahnite. - News videos from around the world.

No matter how many times I watch this, I always LMAO.

Meanwhile back at Kolob ......

2010-07-24T18:17:00.000-07:00

Well hello everyone!

It sure has been awhile. In fact, it's been 2 years! I wasn't sure if I'd even be able to log into this blog or my old email account. Luckily, I was able to do both. It's been a very eventful two years for me, and for personal reasons I was away from this blog. Also, it was nice to take a break from Mormonism-related business and just focus on living life, and not the cult.

There were many emails in my inbox which I never responded to, which is a shame. I haven't checked the email account in nearly 2 years. Rest assured that I wasn't ignoring you or unconcerned, I just happened to be away. Thank you for the kind emails, although it was mainly hate-mail. Some idiots decided they would sign up my email address for dirty websites and spam lists -- most of which went into the 'Spam' folder anyway so they were foiled, much to my amusement.

My Youtube account was flagged and removed from YT (despite being all original material that did not conflict with YT guidelines or policy). Presumably the pro-LDS crowd fanatically harassed YT until it was taken down. I haven't got the time or energy to make another one, although I may post the videos onto this blog at a later date.

I also took down the shop, as I didn't have the time to attend to it and did not want to spend the extra money on it. There were many enthusiasts for anti-mormon clothing, so I might re-think the decision at a later date.

I recently spoke to my good friend Samuel the Utahnite, which served as inspiration to come back to this blog. I originally didn't intend to - because I felt I had nothing to share or say that hadn't already been put out there. But upon thinking it over, I realized that it was important to make my voice heard. My life has changed forever (and for the better!) because of the efforts of other people who exposed Mormonism for the fraud it is. If it hadn't been for their time and dedication -- I might still be in the cult. And since I can never repay them, the only way to pay off that debt is by helping others to escape the cult. It's all I can do.

Despite the accusations of Mormons that we are 'obsessed' and hateful and vengeful - I really do not like thinking about Mormonism. I don't like focusing on it. I don't like to be around it, or involved in it. Most of my good friends now are not even aware that I used to be Mormon - that's how embarrassed I am to admit I was formerly a brainwashed member of a cult. The fact is, the truth simply needs to be told.

In an email, a woman berated me for using a nickname and not my real name. She felt that the anti-mormon bloggers that did this had "something to hide". Yes I do! It's called: my identity! I want to safeguard the privacy of my family. Many of us have had threats (including death threats) and there are all kinds of weirdos and insane people out there - the last thing I want is my full name and information on display for anyone in the world to see. I don't think it's a difficult concept to understand.

I originally wanted to do some podcasts and interviews, and may still do so. I haven't decided.

But in the meantime, I will be writing some articles. Mainly I want to keep them short and concise, the general point being to list information, resources, and links that can provide the truth of what I am saying and lead others on to more research and questioning. I won't keep up the effort forever, or even for several more years - but once I am satisfied that I have accumulated enough information and references to be useful to Mormons, then I will take another break or quit. This will be my pet project during moments when I have the time to contribute.

Lastly, if you were wondering where I've been ... I was away ... at Kolob. Yes, it was quite the journey. I finally decided to come home though, as the beer was shit. Plus the hotels and magic underwear were way overpriced.

It's good to be back! I hope to help others and I hope you'll join me in the fight.

Sincerely,

Galatian

Ana's Story

2008-05-21T18:18:00.000-07:00

Another LDS adoption related story. If anyone else has one they'd like to share, just email it to me. This is a story from "Ana". It again showcases the propaganda and pressure tactics the LDS church uses in trying to coerce single-mothers to give up their children.

"I found your YouTube video about your experience with the church and their adoption services. I was in the same boat as you when I was pregnant with my son. I'd like to share my story as there are other mom's who have gone through what you did.

I was raised as a Mormon and when I hit my teens never really got into the religion and people pointed and whispered about me all the time. I was in foster care the last couple months of high school and I remember if I ran into anyone in my ward they kinda snubbed me. Well I moved to a different province (I am Canadian as well) and just lived my life the way I wanted to. I by this point was barely involved in the church I just didn't really believe in the religion anymore it had done no good for me or my family despite them saying if you follow it you will be blessed. I had a one night stand and was in denial for 3 months until I told one of my sister's I thought I was pregnant. I wasn't working at the time and so she bought the test for me and it came back positive. I didn't know what I was going to do I didn't want to tell my parents....my whole family was Mormon and at the time my parents were actively still going to church I thought they would disown me. My sister told my dad and he came to visit me and talked to me about it and I broke down. He explained they would support me with whatever decision I made.

I moved in with my family and soon they had gone to their bishop and explained my situation so he asked if he could meet with me. Well I knew what was coming....I had street smarts I wasn't stupid. They were mormons there was going to be only one thing they would want to discuss....adoption. We met with him and this lady who worked with unwed mothers in the church. They of course started talking about adoption and how my son would have a horrible life if he was not adopted out to a temple worthy mormon family. My dad was shocked and after apologized and told me he had no clue that's what they were going to talk about. I decided to give their counseling a try as I was still a little undecided at that point what I was going to do. By than I believe I was 4 or 5 months pregnant.

All they did was talk about how hard it would be in all aspects if I kept my baby. They told me that only 10% of single mothers succeed. That 90% never get married and live miserably and their children have next to nothing. They tried to show me videos and graphs and do exercises focusing on what would be better for my child. They went as far to ask if I'd marry the guy who got me pregnant and I laughed at them and told them no way. They tried to get me to think of who I could marry. I told them nobody that I wasn't getting married just because I was pregnant.

I remember this one video they showed me that had three different girls....one married the guy who got her pregnant, another placed her baby and the other I can't remember. They all talked about how it affected them. After this video they asked me what I thought and I told them that I didn't connect to these girls at all. They were all church going girls who had a slip up....I was hitting up the bars every other weekend drinking, smoking and living life. I think they were getting annoyed with me though because I was stubborn and there was no way that I was going to let these people bully me into placing my baby for adoption I saw right through them.

They arranged for me to meet two girls who did place their babies for adoption. There was another girl there with her bf to meet with these girls. I was 7 months pregnant by this time and was pretty sure I had made my mind up on keeping my son but hadn't told them yet. The girls shared their story and experience and showed us the albums as they both had open adoptions. I looked at one of the girl's pictures of the little boy she had given up sitting in a pile of leaves and it was at that moment that something hit me and told me I was making the right decision keeping my son.

After they asked us what we were leaning more towards. I told them I was planning on keeping my son and they asked why. I told them I couldn't give him up, that things happen for a reason and I feel there was a reason I was having this baby. When they asked the other girl she said that she really didn't want to give her baby up and than her bf shot her a look and she said but it's what we've decided. I felt sorry for her...my heart went out to this girl who obviously felt like she didn't have a say. It felt like everyone was making the decision for her and had pressured her this was the best decision. I don't know what she decided.....I didn't have a chance to ask. The lady from the counseling services told me she would arrange for me to meet a mom who kept her child to hear her story. It never happened she felt that they couldn't help me anymore as I had made my decision. Never heard from them again and never bothered contacting them ever. It felt as though because they didn't get what they wanted it was time to just leave me and move onto the next.

My son is now 4 and is amazing. My bf who I have been dating on and off since my son was about 4 months old has stepped up and is his dad. Maybe he won't be around forever...maybe we won't get married, but when they tell you nobody wants to marry a single mom they're full of lies. I've dated since having my son and have met many wonderful guys who it doesn't bother them. Of course they're all non members and are so much more open minded to life. My best friend is a mormon and I don't like to talk bad about the religion but since my experience with the church I don't bother. I don't go. My aunts, uncles, grandma are members and it took them a bit but they've all accepted my son and I'm sure behind closed doors don't agree with what my choice was but they don't treat my son different. Now one of my cousins is expecting a baby and lucky for her the church didn't get involved as she's in the states and I assume it's worse down there than here. I'm sure her mom learned from my experience and decided not to contact the church about it.

That's my story and what I went through. I feel for those moms who feel like they have to place their babies for adoption because the church tells them it is right. I can't picture my life without my son. He saved me. If it wasn't for him I'd still be living my dead end life hitting up the bars all the time. Now I enjoy life again and he makes me so happy. One day I will tell him what I went through and one day he'll ask about religion. He'll get to make that decision on his own though. I was never given the choice of what religion I wanted to be and my son will have that choice.

I haven't met or talked to anyone who went through what I did and it's nice to know there are others. None of my family or friends can relate and I find it hard some days because until you actually go through the whole thing you don't know what it feels like to basically feel like you were used by people because they wanted your baby.

Have a great day!"

** Thanks to 'Ana' for sharing her story **

My Patriarchal Blessing

2008-05-19T21:00:00.000-07:00

*Note: I remember when I received my 'Patriarchal Blessing' in 2002: that I did not feel the Spirit whatsoever, I was uncomfortable trying to remain perfectly still, and I had a slight feeling that the Patriarch was making the whole thing up as he went along. (Which I later felt guilty for and reprimanded myself over, convinced that it must have been a 'holy' experience.)

There was also the Patriarch's wife - if I recall correctly - who was there and tape recorded the entire session, asking the question "Do you say that to everyone?" about being a 'Heavenly Queen', after the session was done.

What is a Patriarchal Blessing?

For those who may be unaware, a Patriarchal Blessing is a blessing/ordinance given by an LDS Patriarch to 'worthy LDS members'. It's supposedly modeled after the blessings that Abraham gave to his sons. Here are some of the stated 'purposes' for a Patriarchal Blessing:

1) Identify which "Tribe of Israel" the LDS member belongs to.
2) Bless the LDS member with 'knowledge and spiritual gifts'.
3) Give advice, especially about the future.

The Patriarch lays his hands upon the LDS member's head, and receives direct revelation from God, concerning that one individual, which he goes on to give as a 'Blessing'. The blessing is recorded and then later translated to a paper copy, which is given to LDS members. All LDS members are assured of the promises given in the Blessing, as long as they are 'worthy' of them throughout life. (So basically if anything fails to fit, it's your own fault somehow.)

LDS members are told to regularly consult their Blessing and re-read it for guidance, assurance, and advice. Most LDS members receive their blessing in their late teens, mostly those who were raised in the church.

My Patriarchal Blessing:

"Galatian", having been commissioned of Jesus Christ and ordained a Patriarch in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I lay my hands upon your head and give you your Patriarchal Blessing. This blessing will be a guide to you in your life and help you to prepare yourself for exaltation and eternal life in the Celestial Kingdom of God. It is important for you to realize that because of your faithfulness in the preexistence, the Lord has given you the encouragement and a suggestion as to how you may alfter your life to be in harmony with the principles of the gospel.

Dear "Galatian", I bless you to know that you are of the House of Israel. Your membership in the House of Israel grants you the privilege of all the blessings of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the Patriarchs of old. Your lineage is through Ephraim and therefore you have the additional responsibility to help prepare the earth for the Second Coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ when He will rule and reign upon the earth and when the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.

Dear "Galatian", I bless you as you seek to find your way in life that you will find the Church and its teachings to be a great blessing in your life. Your association with many of the saints of God will be a lifting experience in your life and help you to emulate the principles of righteous living that will best serve you. Look to those who are committed and converted to the gospel as role models. Follow them, and thus you will be in good stead. Serve with all your heart, might, mind and strength so that these principles may be distilled into your life. Thus your life may be altered sufficiently so that you may have the grace of God in all things, at all times, and in all places.

Dear "Galatian", I bless you in your temporal living that you will take every opportunity to better your situation, educationally and temporally. Seek of the Lord mightily in fasting and prayer that you may have direction and guidance in your life and that you may choose educational and vocational pursuits which will best suit your needs to take care of your temporal living and your obligations unto your fellow men.

Dear "Galatian", I bless you to know that during your lifetime you will have the opportunity to preach the gospel to your associates. The Lord will place people in your path at various times and in various places who are seeking principles which you have espoused by your acceptance of baptism into the Kingdom. They will see in you a Latter-day Saint young woman who is different from the world and therefore ask questions. Be solicitous in your response when directed by the Spirit that your mouth may be opened and you may speak the words which are placed in your mind so that the process of conversion may take place amongst those with whom you are associating. You will have the privilege of serving in various capacities in the Kingdom and this will give you the opportunity of solidifying your knowledge of the gospel and your understanding of the principles of the Kingdom. In the Relief Society organization you will have the opportunity of developing the talents which the Lord has given you. These talents may be unknown to you at the present time but as you develop and grow in the Kingdom they will be made manifest unto you because of your cries unto the Lord for help and deliverance from the various tasks that will be placed upon your shoulders. You are a multi-talented individual and you need to know that the Lord requires that you develop these talents to the best of your ability that you may be of service in the Kingdom and help you move forward in this great work which has been placed in the hands of the Latter-day Saints.

Dear "Galatian", I bless you to prepare for the time when you can go to the House of the Lord and receive your temple endowment and be sealed to a faithful Priesthood bearer for time and eternity. Your helpmate and companion will be a great source of strength to you as you develop together and as you espouse principles of faithfulness to each other. Your service in the temple will be one of the most enjoyable experiences of your life. You will serve long and with great joy.

Dear "Galatian", there are many of your ancestors who look to you for their salvation. Because you have joined the Church, they stand at the doors of the prisons looking out and crying unto you that you seek after them and place their names upon the alters of the temple. It is certainly important for you to have the spirit of Elijah in your life. Thus you may help save the souls of those who have gone before you. Place their names upon the alters of the temples so they may be released from their spirit prison. Then they, too, may eke out their eternal salvation.

Dear "Galatian", I bless your body that it will be strong and healthy and that you will have the ability to resist disease and illness. I bless you that you will have the strength to carry the burdens which will be placed upon your shoulders. You will also have the wisdom to be able to sort through the things which are burdens and which are responsibilities.

Dear "Galatian", I bless you to be free from harm and the accident on the highways and byways of life. Observe rules of decency in your travels that you may listen to the Spirit and be directed and protected from danger.

Dear "Galatian", it is important for you as one who has embraced the Gospel of Jesus Christ to study the scriptures on a daily basis. Become familiar with the doctrines in the Kingdom. Don't waste any time in frivolous activities but become serious in mind in studying the teachings of the Saviour and the doctrines of the Kingdom. You will have the opportunity of teaching in the Church and your studies will stand you in good stead to be one who is authoritative and true in teaching and promoting gospel principles.

Dear "Galatian", I bless you in your associations with your young friends. As you grow on into adulthood, you will have harmony and peace and joy in those associations where your friends will be a strength unto you and you, in turn, will be a strength unto them.

Dear "Galatian", I bless you to be cognizant of your responsibility to keep yourself morally clean, to live the Word of Wisdom, to pay a full and honest tithing and to live the commandments of God. I give you the power over the adversary that you may do these things. Sometimes it will be a sacrifice to pay your tithes and offerings, but remember the admonition of our Prophet -- render unto God that which is God's and He will take care of the rest.

Dear "Galatian", I bless you that you will live a long and fruitful life of service, of kindness and compassion so that when your life is through your associates will say of you that you spent your time in doing good upon the earth and did not mar your life with unrighteous activities.

Dear "Galatian", I seal this blessing upon your through your faithfulness and through your worthiness giving you the power to come forward in the Morning of the First Resurrection where you will be united with your loved ones for time and eternity and take your place upon a throne as a queen in the Celestial Kingdom of God.

Dear "Galatian", I seal this blessing upon you in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Conclusion:

Through that long ramble of hot air, I can see nothing of real value. It's all very generic, it could apply to literally anyone, and half of it is common sense - ex: pursue an education, decency in travels, etc. Typing this out I remember a couple things clearly:

a) Being disappointed in the talk about the Relief Society Organization as I never liked it and never wanted much to do with it.

b) Feeling guilty that I had not yet done Temple Work for my deceased relatives, after hearing they were all in "Spirit Prison" and awaiting ME (the only LDS family member ever) to do the work for them!

Mostly, it's pure crap. It might as well have come from a fortune cookie, 8 Ball, or hand plucked from a large pile of memorized, long-winded speeches.

If you managed to read even MOST of that -- I tip my hat to you! Boring, isn't it?

The Secret Lives of Saints (by Daphne Bramham)

2008-05-18T20:50:00.000-07:00

The United States is not the only country faced with the problem of modern day polygamy. It also occurs in Canada, and has been ignored by politicians, law enforcement, and the public at large. Atrocities carry on under our noses, and yet nothing is done. Here is an excerpt of the book:

"Polygamy has been illegal in Canada and the United States since 1890. But fundamentalist Mormonism is thriving in Utah, Arizona, Texas and British Columbia. There are dozens of different groups and thousands of so-called independents, which makes it impossible to know how many fundamentalists there are. Estimates range from thirty-seven thousand to one million across the continent, yet politicians have been loath to do anything about the people who call themselves Saints. Politicians have not just looked the other way, they have in many instances made it easier for the Saints' leaders to intimidate, control and abuse their followers. Nowhere is that more obvious than in Bountiful, British Columbia, and in the twin towns of Hildale, Utah, and Colorado City, Arizona.

In 1992, the B.C. government refused to enforce Canada's law by charging the bishop of Bountiful, Winston Blackmore, with polygamy. Citing studies by several leading legal experts, the B.C. government said the law would not withstand a challenge under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which, along with the national Constitution, guarantees freedom of religion and association.

Those rights, however, are not unlimited. Twice since its decision not to prosecute polygamy, the B.C. government has successfully gone to court to force children of Jehovah's Witnesses to submit to blood transfusions, even though that goes against their beliefs. The government's argument: religious belief cannot override a child's right to health.

There are other conflicting rights. In 1879, in a landmark case called Reynolds versus United States, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that governments can intervene where the religious practice of polygamy undermines the rights of others. "Suppose one believed that human sacrifices were a necessary part of religious worship, would it be seriously contended that the civil government under which he lived could not interfere to prevent a sacrifice? Or if a wife religiously believed it was her duty to burn herself upon the funeral pile [sic] of her dead husband, would it be beyond the power of the civil government to prevent her carrying her belief into practice?" The justices unanimously answered, "No."

Yet in 1992, the B.C. government effectively legalized polygamy. Since then Bountiful's population has more than tripled. In Utah and Arizona also, politicians have been loath to prosecute polygamists after a failed attempt to do so in 1953. The FLDS population in both states has doubled every decade since. To say that the Saints place a high value on large families is something of an understatement.

Unlike Christians, who believe that the soul comes to the body at birth and leaves the body at death, the Saints believe in both a pre-mortal existence and the "lifting up" of the earthly body into heaven. They believe millions of spirits are waiting to be born into earthly bodies. And, as God's Chosen People, they believe they have a responsibility to bring as many of those spirits as possible into the world as Mormons-rather than as something less worthy. As Joseph Smith's friend and apostle Orson Pratt wrote, "The Lord has not kept them [the spirits] in store for five or six thousand years past and kept them waiting for their bodies all this time to send them among the Hottentots, the African negroes, the idolatrous Hindoos or any other fallen nations that dwell upon the face of the Earth."

Emboldened by the failure of governments to prosecute, Canadian polygamist Winston Blackmore no longer hides. A second-generation leader and one of North America's best-known and wealthiest polygamists, Blackmore makes no secret of the fact that he has many wives. How many, he won't say. But some of his wives, those who have left him, say that he has been married twenty-six times and has more than one hundred children.

On at least two occasions, Blackmore-a spiritual leader, superintendent of a government-supported school and respected businessman-has publicly confessed to having sex with girls who were only fifteen and sixteen years old. That's a criminal offence in Canada. His first admission was in 2005 at a "polygamy summit" organized by his wives in Creston, B.C. Nobody said or did anything when he said he'd married "very young girls" because God and the prophet had told him to. Blackmore has yet to be charged.

Sexual abuse and exploitation of children by teachers and church leaders of all faiths usually lands on the front page of newspapers across North America, but Blackmore's confession did not make the national media and wasn't even reported in the Creston newspaper. Blackmore repeated his confession in December 2006 during an interview on the Cable News Network (CNN) with Larry King. Blackmore said he hadn't realized that one of his wives was only fifteen when they'd married. She had lied about her age, Blackmore said. But all women do that, don't they? he asked King.

Girls may well lie about their age; middle-aged, balding men often do as well. But that's why there are laws to protect children. It's no defence for a predator such as a bishop or a school superintendent to say that he didn't know the girl was only fifteen. It's our society's shame that the laws are not always enforced."

Galatian's Note:

I ask all Canadian residents to please purchase this book, and become informed about what is happening in our own country!

Escape (by Carolyn Jessop)

2008-05-18T20:37:00.000-07:00

Take a look at modern day "fundamentalist Mormonism", which literally follows the teachings of Joseph Smith to the letter. While the mainstream Mormon church has changed its teachings to fit with modern times -- this is what the Joseph Smith and Brigham Young eras of LDS life would have been like. It's what life is like today, following their example. Here's an excerpt:

"I was born into six generations of polygamy on my mother's side and started life in Hildale, Utah, in a fundamentalist Mormon community known as the FLDS, or the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Polygamy was the issue that defined us and the reason we'd split from the mainstream Mormon Church.

My childhood memories really begin in Salt Lake City. We moved there when I was about five. Even though my parents believed in polygamy, my father had only one wife. He owned a small real estate business that was doing well and decided it made sense to use Salt Lake as a base. We had a lovely house with a porch swing and a landscaped yard and trees. This was a big change from the tiny house in Colorado City with dirt and weeds in the yard and a father who was rarely home.

But the biggest difference in moving to Salt Lake City was that my mother, Nurylon, was happy. She loved the city and delighted in having my father home every night after work. My dad was doing well, and Mom had enough money to buy plenty of groceries when we went to the store and even had some extra for toys.

There were soon four of us. I had two sisters, Linda and Annette. I was in the middle-Linda was eighteen months older than I and Annette two years younger. My baby brother Arthur arrived a few years after Annette. My mother was thrilled to finally have a son because in our culture, boys have more value than girls. Linda and my mother were very close. But my mother always seemed very irritated by me, in part, I think, because I was my father's favorite.

I adored my dad, Arthur Blackmore. He was tall and thin, with large bones and dark, wavy hair. I remember that whenever we were around other families I thought I had the best-looking father in the entire world. I saw him as my personal protector and felt safe when I was in his presence. His face lit up when I entered the room; I was always the daughter he wanted to introduce when friends visited our house. My mother complained that he didn't discipline me as much as he did my sister Linda, but he ignored her and didn't seem to care.

We only lived in Salt Lake City for a year, but it was a happy one. Mother took us to the zoo and to the park, where we'd play on the swings and slides. My father's business was successful and expanding. But he decided we needed to move back to Colorado City, Arizona-a tiny, nondescript FLDS enclave about 350 miles south of Salt Lake City and a stone's throw from Hildale, Utah, where I was born. The reason we went back was that he didn't want my sister Linda attending a regular public school. Even though she would technically be going to a public school in Colorado City, most of the teachers there were FLDS and very conservative. In theory, at least, religion is not to be taught in public schools, but in fact it was an integral part of the curriculum there.

When we returned to Colorado City, my father put an addition onto our house. There was more space to live in, but life became more claustrophobic. Mother changed. When we got up in the morning, she would still be sleeping. My father was on the road a lot now, so she was home alone. When we tried to wake her up, she'd tell us to go back to bed.

She'd finally surface midmorning and come into the kitchen to make us breakfast and talk about how much she wanted to die. While she made us hot cornmeal cereal, toast, or pancakes she'd complain about having nothing to live for and how she'd rather be dead. Those were the good mornings. The really awful mornings were the ones when she'd talk about how she was going to kill herself that day.

I remember how terrified I felt wondering what would happen to us if my mother killed herself. Who'd take care of us? Father was gone nearly all the time. One morning I asked my mother, "Mama, if a mother dies, what will happen to her children? Who will take care of them?"

I don't think Mother noticed my urgency. She had no idea of the impact her words had been having on me. I think she felt my question arose from a general curiosity about dying. Mother was very matter-of-fact in responding to me: "Oh, the children will be all right. The priesthood will give their father a new wife. The new wife will take care of them."

By this time I was about six. I looked at her and said, "Mama, I think that Dad better hurry up and get a new wife."

I was beginning to notice other things about the world around me. One was that some of the women we'd see in the community when we went shopping were wearing dark sunglasses. I was surprised when a woman took her glasses off in the grocery store and I could see that both her eyes were blackened. I asked my mother what was wrong, but the question seemed to make her uncomfortable and she didn't answer me. My curiosity was piqued, however, and every time I saw a woman in dark glasses, I stared at her to see if they were covering strange, mottled bruises."

Galatian's Note:

Please support Carolyn Jessop by buying her book, reading her story, and sharing it with others. Let's not forget the horrible existence that women and children are living through even today - thanks to the cruel teachings of early LDS leaders.

Thomas S. Monson: New President

2008-02-06T02:29:00.000-08:00

(Pictured left: Thomas S. Monson)

Well to no body's surprise, Thomas S. Monson is the new President and presiding Prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

To read a brief history on Monson, see the Wikipedia article: HERE.

Unknown to many Latter Day Saints, Monson has a few skeletons in his closet, which I will be helping to divulge in this article. Here it goes ...

THE VALUES INSTITUTE

During the midst of a second major purge of homosexuals at BYU in the 1970's, the "Institute for Studies in Values and Human Behaviour" was formed; in short it is known as the 'Values Institute'.

The idea was proposed by Dallin Oaks at a meeting (of the Boards of Trustees at BYU, and the Unified Church Educational System) on September 1, 1976.

The purpose of the Values Institute was kept a secret from the general public, but generally comprised of: combating homosexuality, doing research on homosexuality, fighting homosexuality within the church, and writing a book to verify the LDS church's position on homosexuality.
The public was only told that it would conduct "research that would assist in preventing and changing problem behaviors which lead people away from eternal life." The Values Institute was to be provided resources and assistance from LDS Social Services.

The first main goal of the Values Institute was to produce a manuscript "which would set forth significant empirical evidence in support of the Church's position on homosexuality." The book was to be written by Bergin and Victor L. Brown Jr. (of LDS Social Services), approved by a General Authority, published by a popular Eastern Press, and have no appearance of a connection with the church. Then the book was going to be used as "secular evidence" to back up LDS Church claims on homosexuality.

Other goals of the Values Institute were:

1) Reviewing homosexual "indoctrination" created by public gay protest and opposition.

2) Anti-gay papers & rebuttals.

3) Supporting research to vindicate LDS Church positions on homosexuality.

4) Creating church policies to combat homosexuality and 'sexual misconduct'.

Over the course of time, the Values Institute members worked on writing the book, other articles, researching, and collaborating. (There is too much to condense on this subject)

On November 17th, 1978 a two hour presentation was made before the First Presidency, and then after that was made before all the General Authorities and BYU president Dallin Oaks - concerning the manuscript for the 'anti-gay' book.

In March of 1979, Marion G. Romney asked Thomas S. Monson to get a concrete budget for the Values Institute. (Which they did, and I might add that all of the money to fund the Values Institute and its projects were received directly from tithing funds paid by LDS members).

Values Institute leaders met with Thomas S. Monson (and unknown others) on August 9, 1979 to ask formal approval to write an 'anti-gay' book for publication, and related articles. Monson and the committee agreed with the proposal and recommended it to the First Presidency on August 10, 1979 - where it was formally approved.

As time passed and things went sour with the Values Institute -- Dallin Oaks wrote to Thomas S. Monson on September 3, 1979 to explain the many problems and his irritation. And so, in 1980 the Values Institute was disbanded, after spending $150,000 of tithing funds from LDS members.

"AVERSION THERAPY AT BYU"

I won't get into it in extreme detail, as that is for another day -- but as early as the 1960's, aversion "therapies" were conducted at BYU, which continued on for several decades, and were notably in practice in the 1970's when the Values Institute was operational.

BYU professor D. Eugene Thorne oversaw the therapies.

Some examples of the "therapy" practices were:

Electroshock Therapy (electrodes attached to head, hands, arms, and legs which shocked the patient with electricity)

Pornography (homosexual and heterosexual pornography which was used in conducting tests, and to try to "cure" the homosexual behavior)

In addition to the Values Institute and the Aversion Therapies conducted at BYU, there were also anti-homosexual purges done at the school, and even sting-operations to catch and weed out homosexual students. I could go on at length about this as the corruption is appalling (this article makes it seem mundane compared to what it was) ... but there simply isn't enough time as that would fill volumes.

MONSON PARTICIPATION ...

I had an irate Mormon write to me regarding one of my YouTube videos ("Images from Mormon History") because at one point I showed a photo of Thomas S. Monson and wrote that he "helped to found the Values Institute" at BYU. This man took issue with this, claiming he had never heard of the Values Institute, nor did he know of any Monson-connection.

Let me make this perfectly clear:

The Values Institute is WELL-DOCUMENTED and is factual. It did exist, and we know all about it; we have documents, memos, testimonies, etc.

The Aversion Therapies done at BYU for decades are WELL-DOCUMENTED (for all of the reasons I just mentioned above).

And thankfully, we have evidence of connections in all this disgusting corruption and inhumanity, because memos and documents have survived. Some of these link to certain individuals, with Thomas S. Monson being one of them!

So what evidence do we have of Thomas S. Monson's involvement in these scandals?

The Values Institute was proposed by Oaks at a 'combined meeting' (BYU Trustees and Unified Church Educational System) which would have come to Monson's attention. Even if we assume that it didn't ...

Monson was present for a 2-hour presentation which outlined the Values Institute and its agenda, including: writing anti-gay material, and publishing a book which was to be used as "secular evidence" to affirm the Church's position (even though it was written by church members) ... dishonestly fooling LDS members, and the general public at large.

Marion G. Romney wrote to Monson to request funding for the Values Institute.

Values Institute leaders met with Monson to get formal approval for the anti-gay book and other related projects.

Monson recommended the Values Institute book and projects to the First Presidency himself, in 1979.

Dallin Oaks wrote specifically to Monson regarding problems with the Values Institute.

* There's also a history of many other things as well (which are too much to relate), and we know that Thomas S. Monson, Gordon B. Hinckley, Victor L. Brown, Boyd K. Packer, and Kenneth H. Beesley all met for a meeting in response to the infamous "Payne Papers".

That also shows us that Monson was aware of everything that was going on at BYU because he knew about the Payne Papers (a student written paper distributed school wide in defense of homosexuality), he knew -- as General Authorities were made aware-- of the Chipman case and other activities and scandals that were occuring at the school.

There can be no doubt that Thomas S. Monson knew all about BYU's treatment of homosexuals, which included: aversion "therapies", sting-operations, purges, suicides, police investigations, harrassment, student-on-student spying, and more!

We have documents linking him to the Values Institute and approving its related projects, and a BYU Executive Committee Meeting Minutes document relating to a church response (including his personally) to the Payne Papers, etc.

*** Everyone please research about: the history of BYU's treatment of homosexuals; all its scandals, the Values Institute, Evergreen International (currently operational), shock-therapy, the Payne Papers, the Chipman case, the suicides, etc. ***

CONCLUSION

I can only imagine what other cookie jars Monson has dipped his hands into, and what other skeletons lie in his closet. We would never have known about his connection to all of this if we didn't have the documents, memos, and other evidence linking him to it.

Otherwise it would be flat out denials from his camp, and Mormons crying afoul about how ex-mormons are lying and have no evidence, etc.

Any thinking and compassionate person should be outraged at Monson's treatment of gays -- especially within the LDS Church-- and of his previous support in: harassing them, purging them, therapies for them, driving them to suicide and social ruin, helping to found and fund the Values Institute, and supporting unscientific, undocumented, bigoted and hateful rumors, and unsubstantiated theories about homosexual people.

We have discovered what the "S" in Monson's name stands for -- Shocktherapy!

From now on, let us all dub him:

THOMAS "SHOCKTHERAPY" MONSON.

Hey Monson, when are you going to apologize for your hateful and cruel treatment of gay people? We're all still waiting! Don't think people have forgotten about all you've done! We'll be dragging the skeletons out of your closet one by one for everyone to see ... PREPARE YOURSELF!

Resources:

"The Abominable and Detestable Crime Against Nature": A Revised History of Homosexuality & Mormonism, 1840-1980: BY Connell O'Donovan

[Documentation, footnotes and references confirming and validating the statements written in this article can be found numbered throughout the book, and listed at the end of the website.]

*Please Note: The above book was published by Signature Books, but is viewable for free via the link above. It is an EXCELLENT book that I cannot recommend enough, which covers a large history of homosexuality in the LDS church, and specifically at BYU, etc.

Specifically (for more current events) I recommend the sections:

Commie Pinko Queers: The "Boys of Boise" and Salt Lake Scandals

"The Lord's Program": Kimball and Petersen Attack (followed by:)

"Hope for Transgressors" & "New Horizons for Homosexuals" (later aka "A Letter to a Friend")

ANTI-HOMOSEXUAL POLICIES AT BYU (1957-1980) (followed by:)

The Suicides of 1965 & The "Witch Hunts of 1968" & The "Witch Hunts of 1975"

The Values Institute

Shocking Events at the Y

The 'Payne Papers' and Prologue

The David Chipman Case

Oaks' 1979 Memo to Monson

1977 BYU Executive Committee Meeting Minutes memo

An online article about 'Evergreen International': CLICK HERE.

Wikipedia article on "Homosexuality and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints" (conspicuously missing is any mention of aversion therapy at BYU).

Mormon "Love"

2008-02-04T00:51:00.000-08:00

Ahh ... there's nothing like a little Mormon "love" to lighten up your day!

I just thought that for your personal amusement, I would share some of the comments that Mormons have felt the need to write me ...

A fine display of how a "Christ-like" attitude can warm the hearts of those evil, shallow apostates!

I'll continue to add to this post, as time goes on.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

" ... you stupid faget ass prick ... asswipes like you you piece of shit ... wow u are pathetic you go and make up the crap to try and make a good people loom bad. wel let me tell you something YOU SUCK ..."

" 'Galatian23': Why are you such a bitter person. Had you committed a sin to be cast out of the Church... like your brother Satan did. Sounds like you've joined his cause, and forgotten about Christ. What made you this way?"

"what i think is we need danites in this day and time.porter rockwell and stilman we could use some more like them."

"My guess is that your are bitter against Mormons because they don't except your homosexuality. It is often the case with ex-Mormons anyway."

"G23 Is a liar look up all her references thye are full of holes. Do as the suggest use youre brains and you will see that she isnt about the truth its about hate and bigotry."

"your sick"

" "Galatian23"Youre not only sick. You're disturbed"

"You are being selfish. These children will get to grow up in strong member families! Think of the blessings they will get, their future testimonies. A single parent (and no offense, but you were disobeying the word of God) would not be able to give that to these children. Think of the people that child might convert as a missionary, the children of those converts! One soul raised correctly is an important matter to the Church."

"You are so full of hate I really feel sorry for you and anybody who has to put up with you. I will pray for your salvation as every wright thinking Mormon would. "

"You're lies will haunt you spiritually in this life and in the life to come, unless you Come unto Christ. That is just a friendly warning from one brother to another."

"Mormons are being shot at targeted by hate groups because of these LIES. You need to STOP! THEIR BLOOD IS ON YOUR HANDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You will go to Hell for your lying bigotry"

"...and all you are is a closed minded oppressive tryranical miserable totalitarian A-hole. just your pissed because your mommy didn't hold you enough (or someother Cliché) don't take it out on us just to make you feel more important"

"I only regret that there are no Dannites around to take care of the likes of you now. Maybe we could revive it huh?"

"You are just a sorry and angry loser who got kicked out of the church for your stupid, unfounded, baseless ideas. I know you anti Mormon types cannot stomach the truth and it is a real waste of time to argue.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

I can't help but wonder why so many of these Mormons cannot spell properly and have no sense of punctuation. The only logical conclusion is that the majority of them are under 17 years old, or not terribly bright ... and I swear I have not made any of this up, nor have I changed any of the wording at all.

Stay tuned for more heart-warming displays of Mormon love in the future.

(What's most hilarious about this is they all probably give talks on Sunday about forgiveness, love, Christ-like attitudes, but then behind the anonymity of the web they swear, threaten, condemn, harrass and let their true colors show.)

A Typical Conversation

2008-01-31T18:17:00.000-08:00

Below, is an email exchange of mine with my good friend J-----. I met J----- as a member of the LDS church many years ago, and we've stayed in contact despite moves, his mission, and other things. Recently, after being out of touch for a while, we reconnected. I told him that I had left the church and about this blog. Here is what he had to say:

Hi "Galatian",

I tried calling you a few times in the past two weeks but your phone number isn't connected or isn't working right now. I appreciated hearing from you and about how things are going in your life. In regards to your blog, I have not and will not be visiting it.

I can understand that you have gone through a lot of tough times and that it wasn't easy for you to connect with the Church culture. I can also understand that leaders of the Church today and in the early days of the Church have made and will continue to make mistakes (such is life for all of us). You have read some things that have made you think that the Church is corrupt. One important principle to remember in all of this however, is that the Lord and His Church are perfect and although the members and leaders of His Church are imperfect, He will never allow the Church to be led astray by its leaders.

Doctrines of the Church are established when the majority of the quorum of the 12 Apostles and the First Presidency are agreed to the doctrine and they declare it as doctrine (not as personal opinion or insight). The members are then under the responsibility to seek the Lord for their own personal witness of that declared doctrine. Putting all of historical and logical methods aside, the ONLY way one can know that the Church is true and divine is by the power of the Holy Ghost. How can one truly understand a person and what he/she is about without talking directly with him/her? Likewise, how can one truly understand God and His teachings without communicating with Him? We need the help and influence of the Holy Ghost to know and understand the things of God and we need the constant help of the Holy Ghost to hold on to that divine truth.

When we learn something that is true and from God, it brings peace, joy, understanding, etc. to our souls. Through my best efforts in keeping God's commandments, exercising my mental capacities, and the witness of the Holy Ghost, I know the L.D.S. Church is the Lord's Church and that the Prophets who lead it are called of God. I hope these things I have said will remind you of the feelings you felt when you joined the Church or when you met the missionaries for the first time (at your door). If you get your phone connected again, please let me know.

Luv ya. Sincerely, J------.

(I apologize to J-- for using his email without permission, but seeing as it had no personal or identifying information (only his apologetics) I felt it was reasonable. I write this in case he ever decides to take a look at this blog after all ;-)

Here is my response:

J-----,

Thanks for the note. We'll simply have to agree to disagree. What disturbs me most about the LDS church is its obvious brainwashing which was so apparent in your email ... that's why I call it a cult. It's not a criticism of you, I used to be the same ... just an observation. The problem with the LDS church is that it relies on a personal emotional manifestation of the truth, instead of empirical evidence, facts, or plain logic and reason. I have Muslims, Jehovah's Witnesses and everyone under the sun testifying to me of the truthfulness of their church/book, and how I can know through prayer. Of course, the reason I know they aren't true is observing the doctrine and history, using logic, and plain facts.

I realize that the church leaders aren't perfect, and that's fine. But I disagree with the idea that they can never lead the church astray through the power of the Holy Spirit or God. To accept that, I would have to accept that Brigham Young was divinely inspired when he supported slavery, spoke hatred towards blacks, racism in the church etc. I'd have to believe he was divinely inspired when he said that Adam was God manifested in the flesh, and that Jesus Christ supported slitting people's throats, and that his sacrifice was not enough to atone for ALL sins and that sometimes we must be killed for our sins (Blood Atonement). All of this of course, can be found quoting Brigham directly in the Journal of Discourses. And what did Brigham say of the JoD? Well they are a compilation of his talks and sermons given in church and in the temples. Seeing as he was the Prophet of the Church and claimed it all was doctrinal, revelation ... I think we can take his word for it when he states that anything written in it (and later edited by him) is the word of God and as good of scripture as the Bible itself.

I will not put my logic aside and "pray" to know if something is true. Otherwise my prayer and the so-called Holy Spirit might tell me that I should be a Muslim, or Jehovah's Witness, heck maybe even a Scientologist. No, I will use my logic. And my logic deduces that any church which was racist for hundreds of years (and still is -- because I don't believe black skin is a curse of Cain, nor do I believe I am half descended from cursed Jews), or that had killing squads wipe out its enemies (Danites, etc), or that had Blood Atonement and murdered people, or that had a Prophet having sex with married women, pregnant women, teenage girls (as young as 14), or already-married women, who has proven to have made up the Book of Abraham and Book of Mormon, to which there is NO empirical evidence for, and who falsely translated the Kinderhook Plates, and more ... must be false. It's quite simple.

Mormons claim they have faith in Jesus Christ. But let me ask: who is your faith in? Is your faith in Jesus Christ, or Joseph Smith? For if evidence proves that Smith was a fraud and the church is a lie, why fear? If you proclaim that Jesus is your Saviour, than what difference does it make if the LDS church is false - because you still are saved and have a saviour? It really makes me wonder why Mormons are so fearful of the truth. I can only surmise that their faith truly is in Joseph Smith, and in a church where salvation is based on 'works' (temple work, etc) and not really faith.

And on an end note, I felt something when the missionaries came to my door because I was a young, naive girl who would have believed the moon was made of cheese if they so told me. Thank goodness that is not the case anymore. I tell you all this with much love and affection, though it may seem rude, because I hope you too will come to see the truth ...

Take care, glad you're doing well. xoxo

Luv, 'Galatian'.

Galatian's Note:

I really, truly do love my LDS friends. I have three best friends that are LDS members, whom I hope will always be my friends and be in my life. But let me state quite honestly that sometimes I struggle with our friendships. It's sad, but true.

I originally created this blog for my best friends. I was hoping they would read it if I, a best friend, had created it. I hoped they would give me the benefit of the doubt, have an open mind, and look at it. To my knowledge, none of them have viewed it.

Any conversations we have regarding the LDS church always follow the same pattern: they testify of its truthfulness, they tell me to pray and seek the "Spirit" to validate it, they quote faith-promoting rumors, verses, doctrines, etc. They then tell me that I'm mistaken, that I've been led astray by 'apostate material' and that they don't wish to discuss ANY of the evidence, quotations or questions that I have. They are quite happy to leave their head buried in the sand.

And for me, I have a great deal of difficulty keeping my tongue and my temper, because it's all so absurd. And I feel angry that my friends are in a cult - a full out fraudulent enterprise and religion, donating their time and money and all of it for nothing. But they refuse to accept the truth. What can one do?

I also have an increasingly difficult time feeling close to people who believe I will be going to hell for being an apostate (or denying the Holy Ghost), or at the very least believe they will be up tarrying about in the Celestial Kingdom becoming Gods in all their glory looking down woefully upon their poor apostate friend in the lowest levels of heaven. How arrogant; how ridiculous!

I suppose I should just be plain thankful they haven't completely cut me out of their lives, as the church generally counsels to do -- especially since I, the "apostate" have been giving them the true facts ... or as the church would call it: "anti mormon material" all part of the reason no doubt, they should never associate with me again - lest they learn the facts!

It is just a personally frustrating and sad time for me, looking at my friends' condition. And I can't help but pity them, as they no doubt 'pity' me.

Just another example of how the LDS church breaks apart family and friends ...

Gordon B. Hinckley - Deceased.

2008-01-28T01:40:00.000-08:00

Wow, thanks to Samuel the Utahnite for cluing me in to this big Mormon news.

Here is a video clip about the life and death of Gordon B. Hinckley:

Some basic Hinckley FACTS:

Gordon B. Hinckley was born on June 23rd, 1910, in Salt Lake City Utah. He graduated high school and then attended the University of Utah. He served a mission in England (based in London), during the Great Depression.

After returning he served many positions and functions in the church, he was married in 1937 in the Salt Lake Temple, and later had five children.

In 1958 he became a General Authority, and in 1961 he became a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. In 1981 he became a member of the First Presidency: Second Counsellor.

In 1985 Hinckley became First Counsellor as Ezra Taft Benson became President; and in the early 90's became President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles through seniority.
Hinckley became President of the LDS church in 1995, after the death of his predecessor Howard W. Hunter who only lived nine months.

Gordon B. Hinckley was best known for: being the oldest living prophet of the LDS church, building numerous temples and churches, being "media-accessible", his "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" statement, the Perpetual Education Fund, and his constant travelling.

He died on January 27th, 2008 in Salt Lake City, Utah, at age ninety-seven.

To read more about Hinckley: CLICK HERE.

Now I really urge all readers to check out the Exposing Mormonism Tribute to Gordon B. Hinckley, which includes the videos below (watch them all!) :

Hinckley distorting the facts on Larry King Live/montage:

In it, Hinckley tries to act as though the LDS church simply "adds a little goodness and another testament of Christ" to already existing churches, and as though Christians can be 'saved' without Mormonism. This is of course, blatantly false as anyone who ever has been Mormon knows. The LDS church teaches it is the only true church on earth, with the only priesthood authority, the only living prophet, a "restoration" of true Christianity, and that one must accept Mormonism in order to be saved in the Celestial Kingdom. This and many other lies ... err ... "gentle explanations".

Hinckley speaks out against Racism in the LDS church:

Now I put up the previous video just to showcase the sheer hypocrisy of it all. Hinckley says no racist man can consider himself a disciple of Christ, which is interesting when we look back on statements by Brigham Young that were pro-slavery, and showed hatred of African-Americans (cursed with dark skin, disobedient people will turn black, anyone who marries a black person will die on the spot, this will always be so, etc). In addition, we can add the many racist statements of other prophets, with John Taylor coming particularly to mind.

Then of course, there is our modern day. Is it any wonder there is racism in the LDS church? It does teach after all that Black-skinned people are in fact cursed from Cain (Pearl of Great Price), the descendants of Cain, they were only allowed the priesthood in 1978 (not long ago), and that Natives were once white but cursed with dark skin-- and denies their true history and modern DNA evidence in favor of white supremacist religious ideologies.

To top that off, Utah is one of the most racist states in the US, was one of the last to accept Martin Luther King's national memorial day, and unlike other states will still gather for political functions on his holiday.

Hinckley: "Flicks of History" & "It's in the Past"

Two favorite lines of Hinckley's whenever being questioned with anything difficult, including Polygamy and Racism in the LDS church or its history - were to say that those issues are "flicks of history" and "in the past; behind us now". It's amazing to hear considering the immense suffering that Blacks and non-whites endured previously in the LDS church, and the incredible, undeniable suffering of women in polygamy then and now, thanks to Joseph Smith and official Mormon doctrine.

As the video above shows, it is pretty damning. Of course, this coming from "God's One True Church on Earth" and God's 'inspired prophets'!

Hinckley twists and distorts the truth; LIES about Polygamy!

The video title says it all, and the video speaks for itself. What amuses me especially is how Hinckely condemns polygamy and says it is 'not doctrinal' when it is in the Doctrine and Covenants, and previous prophets said it was ESSENTIAL to salvation and godhood.

Hinckley on Mormon Homophobia & Bigotry

Hinckley states: "we're not anti-gay, we're pro-family" but then in the next sentence goes on to say that gay people "have a problem" and the church is "helping" them. He admits he doesn't know if they're born that way or choose to be that way, and says he's 'not an expert' -- despite being the Prophet of God on earth, and leader of his True Church and receiving direct revelation.

Despite "not" being anti-gay, the LDS church has meddled in US politics, supporting bills (politically and financially) that ban gay marriage and equal-rights for homosexuals.
Hinckley doesn't mention the at least 40 or more documented gay & lesbian suicides in the LDS church since 1984, including 3 men in 2000 who committed suicide over the church's involvement in trying to pass Proposition 22: Clay Whitmer, DJ Thompson, and Stuart Matis. He also of course, doesn't mention BYU's history of shock therapy and pornography "treatments" for gays, and other things.

Hinckley gets a BUILDING as a Birthday gift!

It's a good thing that Mormon prophets "don't get paid"! No, they only live the jet-set lifestyle, bought and paid for by LDS Church funds. And apparently if you're really good and live to be 97, you get your own building! That, and the Prophet of the LDS church is also the head of all LDS corporations and businesses (from LDS members' money, without public accounting), and no one knows exactly how much he receives from those. It doesn't hurt of course when a Prophet is white, already wealthy or comes from a long-line of Mormons.

For more on Hinckley's LIES, check out THIS GREAT POST. Give it a read.

Galatian's Note:

Gordon B. Hinckley's run as Prophet will always hold special significance for me because he was the President when I joined, the years I was an active member, and when I left the LDS church.

Probably what I will remember most about Hinckley are his media interviews and attempts to reach out to the press and obtain favorable publicity for the Church. I'm always astonished when I watch his interviews on prominent programs and see him outright lying about Mormon history, doctrines, modern beliefs and church practices. It simply boggles the mind that any true-believing-mormon (TBM) could watch these things and somehow justify them ... but with Mormons it's always "milk before meat" and "lying for the Lord" ... so what if we have to lie to obtain members? If they join and accept "the truth" they'll be thankful later on - won't they?

There's also Hinckley's involvement, and in my opinion - attempted cover-up and damage control, of the Mark Hofmann forgeries and murders. To learn more about Hinckley's dealings in that situation, read "Tracking the White Salamander" and research more in-depth.

It's somewhat sad to me when I reflect on what affection I used to have for the man. As a member I nearly cried one year as we sang songs for Hinckley's birthday at General Conference. Here I thought this was a prophet of God!

Now I only see a frail, elderly man at the end of his life, leading a dishonest organization and pretending to be God's representative on earth. It's difficult for me to respect Hinckley, because I am not even certain he was 'honest' in his faith.

Having grown up in the church and served it all his life, it would be easy to assume and believe that he must be deceived and somehow deluded into believing he speaks for God - and that his dishonesty comes from that.

However, I find it hard to accept that a man with that much experience in the church, knowledge of it, and moderate intelligence -- would not have realized it was a fraud and sham by this point. Being the President, having access to the LDS church archives and restricted documents, having dealt directly with Mark Hofmann and knowing all he does (that regular members do not) I can't quite say that I don't believe he knew it was all a lie but carried it on anyway. Why stop now, after a lifetime of devotion? Being in charge and having people hail you as a 'prophet of God' and treat you like a rock star - why stop it? Having billions at your disposal, flying private jets around the world and meeting with politicians and important figures - why turn it down?

I do feel badly for Hinckley's family because it's always a personal tragedy for people to lose a father, grandfather or loved one. And this is no exception because dishonest or not - he was human and had people who loved him and will miss him.

At the same time however, I can't help but reflect and feel badly for all the families and friends of Mormons who committed suicide due to the destructive teachings and policies of Hinckley and the LDS church. I feel badly for all the missionaries who have died on their missions in the last few years -- all in vain. I feel badly for all the people's lives who have been destroyed by Mormonism during Hinckley's tenure as Prophet.

The man will be praised by Mormons, and perhaps he's done some admirable things in his life; yet I also think of the damage perpetuated by the LDS cult, and Hinckley at the head of it all these years.

On an end note, there is some irony in his death. I generally believe that his life is now over and his body will naturally decay in the earth and go through all the processes which happen biologically. I mean no disrespect by this, I just literally figure that is the case. But even supposing I am wrong and he is 'elsewhere' in some unknown metaphysical place -- I can confidently say that I am CERTAIN he will be discovering that Mormonism is a fraud and that he led a destructive worldwide organization all these years.

So much for speaking on behalf of God ...

Two Year Anniversary

2008-01-14T08:16:00.000-08:00

I am so pleased and happy to announce that today is my Two Year Anniversary of leaving Mormonism!

I looked back on some old journals, and it was recorded on January 14th, 2006 that I had officially decided that Mormonism was a fraud, and that I was going to leave the Mormon Church.

It was the beginning of a new year, and I struggled through the various levels of: denial, bargaining, justification, anger, and sadness, until I reached acceptance ... and finally gratitude.

In the two years since I have learned much about the real history of Mormonism, the truth about the church, and I have finally grown up and found my place in 'the real world'.

I no longer live in a self-deluded fantasy, and I will always be proud of myself for leaving Mormonism, for escaping the indocrination and guilt, and for thinking for myself.

I have studied Christianity, history, religion in general, evolution, science and many more subjects. I have learned more in the last two years of study than I learned in 8 years of Mormonism. But the process of learning is an on-going thing, which will never end.

I am so much happier, and I feel a peace in my heart that was missing for those eight years. I feel self-acceptance, I feel acceptance for others, and I marvel at the beauty of this world that I once so arrogantly condemned and took for granted.

Tears come to my eyes, because I don't even know how to express how grateful I am, to have left Mormonism, how much more free my spirit is, how wonderful life really is.

Leaving Mormonism was painful and difficult, but it was one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life. I'm so proud of myself, so happy to have done it, and I truly hope I can help others in their journey out of it.

I am in debt to those who took the time and effort to expose Mormonism, and to tell the truth. To all those who wrote articles, made videos, made websites and blogs, to those who spoke openly ... I owe my education to you. I owe my freedom to you. Thank you for the work you have done, and please know it has not been in vain.

Is this how it feels to be free?

Is this how it feels to be me?

Today I smiled, because I feel alive --

for the first time, in a long time.

Cheap Mormon Books

2008-01-09T17:23:00.001-08:00

I wanted to do a post to share with everyone some resources on how and where to get cheaply priced Mormon-related books.

The Mormon Historical Reference Library

This is a fantastic collection of books, available very cheaply on cd-rom. For only $9.99 (US) plus $2.00 shipping & handling ($5.00 for international) you will get all the following books -- see below -- plus an assortment of other documents on a variety of topics.

Payment can be made via Paypal, check (US), or Money Order. This is an excellent bargain!

Some of these are real gems. For instance there is John D. Lee's book (his confessions and life), there's Eliza Young's book (one of Brigham's wives and her story), and writings by Mormons and ex-Mormons alike; all painting a real picture of early Utah, the beginning of the LDS church, and what the leaders were like in person. The 6 Volumes of "The Story of the Mormons" is an incredible book - worth the price alone!

For more information, including purchasing/payment: CLICK HERE.

Here is the list:

“The Golden Bible” by Rev M. T. Lamb

“Mormonism Unvailed” by E. D. Howe

“The History of Utah, 1540 - 1886.” by Hubert Howe Bancroft

“Brigham’s Destroying Angel” by Bill Hickman

“Wife No 19” by Ann Eliza Young

“Mormonism Unveiled” by John D. Lee.
(Also known as “The Confessions of John D. Lee”)

“Life In Utah” by J.H. Beadle.

“Reminiscences of Early Utah” by R.N. Baskin

“Exposition of Freemasonry” by Capt William Morgan

“2000 Changes in the Book of Mormon” by Lamoni Call.

“Tell It All” by Mrs. (Fanny) T. B. H. Stenhouse.

“A History of Illinois” by Governor Thomas Ford.
(Excepts from the book concerning the Mormons in Nauvoo)

“1830 Book of Mormon” (Divided into the current Chapters and verse used by the LDS church today)

“Book of Commandments” (Today known as the Doctrine & Covenants)

“John Whitmer History” by John Whitmer

“The Women of Mormondon” by Edward W. Tullidge (.txt format)

“The Seer” by Orson Pratt

“Biographical Sketches of Joseph Smith” by Lucy Smith. (The version that Brigham Young tried to destroy! I also show you why.)

“View of the Hebrews” (2nd Edition) by Ethan Smith

“Manuscript Story” by Solomon Spaulding (I also give you a comparison between this story and the Book of Mormon.)

“Evidences in Proof of the Book of Mormon.” by Charles Thompson

“Book of the Law of the Lord.” by James J. Strang

“Jerald and Sandra Tanner’s Distorted View of Mormonism:A Response to Mormonism—Shadow or Reality?” by a Latter-day Saint Historian (I also give the Tanners’ response)

“A Brief History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” by John Corrill

“The Story of the Mormons” (all 6 volumes) by William Alexander Linn

“A Comprehensive History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” by B. H. Roberts (all 6 volumes) (.txt)

“Mormonism and Masonry” by S. H. Goodwin

“A Collection of Facts Relative to Sidney Rigdon” by Jedediah M. Grant

“Mormonism Exposed” by LaRoy Sunderland

“The Story of Polygamy” by Jennie Anderson Froiseth

“Mountain Meadows Massacre” by Josiah F. Gibbs

Sherlock Holmes in: “A Study in Scarlet” by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

“Riders of the Purple Sage” by Zane Grey

Joseph Smith’s “White Horse Prophecy”

“Oration” by Sidney Rigdon (The controversial 4th of July, 1838 speech)

“Lectures On Faith”

“King Follett Discourse”

“Expulsion of the Mormons” by John P. Greene.

“The Nauvoo Expositor” (The newspaper that Joseph Smith destroyed)

“Manuscript History of Brigham Young” by Brigham Young

“Facts Respecting the Rise and Progress and Pretensions of the Mormons” by William S. West

“Roughing It” by Mark Twain (Excepts from the book concerning the Mormons in Utah–very funny)

JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES

The Journal of Discourses are a very revealing look at some of the first prophets, their teachings, and the early beliefs of the LDS church. It is 26 volumes: a collection of the sermons of Brigham Young, John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, Lorenzo Snow, and Joseph F. Smith.

It's very interesting to read such gems as: Young's teachings on God being Adam, his dreams of slitting throats, his hatred of apostates, thoughts on Doctrine, etc. There's also a lot of chastising personal members, complaining about the Indians, bragging about Mormon exploits, and more.

All 26 volumes are available on PDF format for $10 (US), or cd-rom for $15, not including S&H.

To purchase the PDF format: CLICK HERE.

To purchase the CD Version: CLICK HERE.

Note: To buy the Journal of Discourses in book form, at a place such as Deseret Books would cost you a fair amount. This is a great deal, and these volumes are worth having.

TANNER BOOKS

Sandra and Gerald (now passed) Tanner are ex-mormons who are greatly respected for their research and publications regarding Mormonism. For many years they have researched into Mormon history, and have ascertained a great wealth of knowledge, surpassed by few other people today. With Tanner writings, you know you will always be provided with a good bibliography, references, documentation and quotations. They have extensively covered many aspects of Mormonism and have been the source many times for leaked or never-before-seen documents surfacing in the public arena.

Their books are well written, and available to purchase for cheap prices; they are more concerned with getting the content out than they are with reaping financial rewards.

"Tracking the White Salamander: The Story of Mark Hofman, Murder and Forged Mormon Documents".

Price: $8.00 (US) Not including S&H. To order: CLICK HERE.

"Mormon Claims Answered".

Price: $4.00 (US) Not including S&H. To order: CLICK HERE.

(Although this book was written by Marvin W. Cowan, he has allowed the Tanner's to publish a cheaper paper copy and distribute it.)

"Curse of Cain: Racism in the Mormon Church".

Price: $6.00 (US) Not including S&H. To order: CLICK HERE.

"3,913 Changes to the Book of Mormon".

Price $14.00 (US) Not including S&H. To order: CLICK HERE.

(Note: This book is the photo reprint 1830 Book of Mormon with all the changes marked in and noted, as well as a 16 page introduction by the Tanners explaining the significance.)

The Tanner's also have the following books available in cheap paper copies:

"Mountain Meadow's Massacre" by Josiah F. Gibbs. ($4.00) CLICK HERE.

"Brigham's Destroying Angel: Being the Life, Confession, and Startling Disclosures of the Notorious Bill Hickman." ($5.00) CLICK HERE.

"Exposition of Freemasonry" by Captain William Morgan. ($5.00) CLICK HERE.

MORE BOOKS:

"By His Own Hand Upon Papyrus" by Charles M. Larson.

For a limited time, this book is offered FREE to LDS members, with only a $3.00 shipping charge (US) or $5.00 shipping charge (international).

It can also be ordered from IRR for only $8.95 (plus shipping) for non LDS members, or when the free offer expires.

For more information, or to order: CLICK HERE.

***

I will be adding to this list as time goes by, it will be an ongoing article. If anyone has any suggestions on other great cheaply-priced books and documentation, leave me a note or email.

Michael Hunter (Update)

2008-01-05T08:01:00.000-08:00

It appears that Shawn McDonald has lost his court battle to gain custody of his own son, Michael Hunter. Shawn McDonald is the biological father to Michael-Hunter, and was not aware of his son until two days before he was born.

Hunter was given up for adoption through LDS Family Services by his mother, without Shawn's consent. The baby was taken to Idaho and given to an LDS couple there, whom Shawn has been fighting in court. Shawn already has a 3 and 1/2 year old daughter with his ex, but for some reason she felt the need to give Hunter up for adoption, and she and LDS Family Services clearly conspired to hide the pregnancy and ensuing adoption from Shawn.

Shawn has been going through a living nightmare, that I cannot even begin to imagine, although I sympathize fully and completely. He was granted visitation with his son, and some monetary compensation to cover legal bills. This recent ruling is a major blow, and in my opinion - extremely unjust. LDS Family Services gets away with their kidnapping tactics yet again!

Here are some words from Shawn, a little over a year ago:

On his daughter: "She's missing out on her brother, too."

On how LDS Services wins: "And that's how they get it done, they just drain people, make you spend all your money on lawyers when they got endless amounts of money, you know."

What Shawn's previous lawyer, Rob Kersey had to say: "I've never seen an agency take off with a child. Nobody has a custody order. Nobody has anything."

Well obviously Mr. Kersey had never dealt with LDS "Family Services" before, but lawyers all across the country are getting an education in LDS illegal/immoral tactics more than ever!

(For a link to the original article: click HERE)

I would like to know how much the LDS church is contributing towards legal bills for the Hess's, and if they are covering all the legal fees entirely.

A video about the latest ruling:

Another earlier video, about the case:

We will see what legal proceedings are left for Shawn to pursue, and what will happen from here. The jury did award Shawn visitation which is good, but a minor consolation compared to having his own son - which should be his right! But as Shawn himself says, fathers have no real rights.
It's especially difficult for anyone to battle a multi-billion dollar corporation. The LDS church has millions at its disposal to throw away in order to ensure that an LDS couple gets the baby they want, and they have the resources to pump the ol' PR machine and make the father look as bad as possible. What average person can compete against such odds?

I will be keeping an eye on this case, and updating everyone as events occur. Shawn I just want you to know that many of us (probably all), in the ex-mo community support you fully, and our hearts go out to you in what must be an incredibly horrible ordeal.

BADMOUTHING FATHERS

I've been sickened (but not surprised) to read on message boards and forums, the nasty things people have to say about the fathers in these cases, particularly LDS people. They claim the fathers are unfit, bad people, selfish, arrogant and that the babies are better off in "two-parent" homes. The gossip abounds about the fathers being criminals or anything else that's negative and unsubstantiated.

First of all, no one is arguing that a two-parent stable home is not the ideal. Of course it is. But this is the real world, and not every baby is born into that situation. What gives the LDS church (or anyone else for that matter) the right to rip children away from parents that love and want them -- and give them to someone else based on religious/social standing?

Perhaps we should start taking children away from all single parents and giving them to LDS couples. If you earn under $40,000 a year? Your baby gets taken and given to an LDS couple. Did you used to have an addiction? Ever been to rehab or counselling for depression? Your baby is going to an LDS couple! Did you grow up in an imperfect family, or have a case of high blood pressure and heart disease? The baby is going to an LDS family! Did you once purchase an X-rated magazine as a teenage boy, or cheat during a high school exam? Your baby is going to an LDS family!

I mean, it's absolutely ludicrous! What person is perfect? What family is perfect? Who can score A+ in every part of life and meet unrealistic qualifications? No one! The only reason the LDS church is able to get away with this is because they usually do it very secretively, and they are experts at kidnapping children, no exaggeration! It's swept under the rug because no one wants to face the issue, no one wants to deal with it, and everyone is too damn PC. And the LDS people won't complain because ... when Mormons do it, it can't be wrong! The church is always true!

Everything these spectators have to say about the fathers amazes me, since they don't even know them personally. But somehow everyone knows everything, and "knows" that these men could not be good parents, or are rotten people, or that the LDS couple can provide a better life. How do they know? I suppose it must be the burning bosom!

The mud slinging is just fantastically pathetic, but typical. It's like my own brother who witnessed a stabbing. He held the victim as he was dying, trying to stop the bleeding and save his life. Only to have it thrown back at him later on in court, with LDS Family Services implying that he's unfit to be a father because he is "implicated in a murder". I mean, it sure makes it sound a lot different than what actually happened!

I for one, am utterly repulsed at the rude messages, judgmental messages, and LDS-can-do-no-wrong-brainwashed messages people have written about Shawn McDonald, Matt Tenneson, Cody O'Dea and others. All because these men WANT THEIR OWN CHILDREN! Their own flesh and blood children whom they were denied for no proper reason ... children that were simply moved out of state and given away to LDS couples like some toy or trinket!

How can the states, and the government of America allow such kidnappings to go on and turn a blind eye? This is incredible! And it needs to be exposed for the country and world at large to see!

I am not advocating the idea that fathers should win custody merely because they are the father. For instance, a father who is a known heroin addict, who has been convicted of spousal abuse, and who has a history of molestation or violence in his family obviously should not get custody. But come on, we all know that those sort of cases are a rare event! Most fathers trying to win their children back from LDS couples are normal, loving people with normal families who are losing because they don't have the money to fight, and they aren't Mormon. If a father is functional, loving, and not abusive -- his rights should be considered first, as is only logical, ethical and fair under the law.

At least give the fathers equal rights. Judge them based on their own merits. They deserve that much! They deserve the same consideration and treatment that LDS couples receive.

LDS FAMILIES ARE NOT PERFECT

LDS people are like anyone else: imperfect. They have the same flaws and struggles as non-LDS people do. I was a Mormon for 8 years, and knew many Mormon families, and they were not perfect. Case in point:

I knew a woman (whom I respect greatly) who was an LDS member. She babysat my son. She was a kindhearted, smart, loving woman that I can't say a bad thing about. She and her husband were not able to conceive and so they adopted a daughter through LDS Family Services.
A few years later, her husband had an affair and left her. This "temple worthy, two parent home" underwent a very sad divorce and situation. Did giving this girl to an LDS home ensure that her life would be perfect, or that she would have two parents? No.

That is not an isolated case. I know many stories very similar, and the same, as the one just mentioned. Yes, there are great LDS families, but there are many imperfect ones, dysfunctional ones, or sad ones as well. Because LDS people are just like everyone else. And pretending that they are perfect and can give a superior life to a child as opposed to the father or non-LDS people is just the epitomy of arrogance and foolishness.

If LDS children were being taken from the mothers and given to Catholic couples, or Jewish couples on a regular basis -- the church would be in an uproar! But somehow, because it's LDS couples taking other people's children, it's "God's will" and acceptable. And seeing as Utah is the most corrupt state in terms of adoptions (and many other things), everyone turns a blind eye. The legislature regarding adoption isn't going to change any time soon - because Utah is Mormon controlled! And the corruption goes on ...

Every day I cannot open a newspaper, or go on the internet, or do anything without seeing how the LDS church is destroying people's lives. For such a small organization (only 13 million worldwide or less) it causes catastrophes everywhere. I'm in awe of how such a small cult can create such devastation continually.

There needs to be proper investigations, publicity and measures taken to change the adoption laws in Utah, and elsewhere. And we need proper watchdog groups monitoring LDS Family Services and others, and holding people accountable for kidnapping and baby selling.

We sure as hell can't count on the Mormon church doing it. Mormon members generally believe they are following 'God's will', and that they are right, their church can do no wrong, that they have the one and only "true church and truth" of the universe, and are on their way to Godhood in eternity everlasting! There is no reasoning with these people or this organization. We need outside, non-LDS intervention NOW!

Adoption Center of Choice

2008-01-02T05:50:00.000-08:00

Tip of the Iceberg?

Well it's no surprise to any of us in the ex-mormon community that aside from the LDS church being a huge con-job sucking in millions of well-meaning people, that LDS Family Services is a rotten, money-making web of deceit, illegal ventures, kidnapping and absolute corruption.

But there is another adoption agency which time and time again comes into the news for its bitter custody disputes, kidnapping techniques and complaints. It's called the "Adoption Center of Choice".

As I mentioned in a previous entry, a current battle going on in the courts is that of Cody O'Dea who is fighting for the right to have custody over his own child whom he never gave consent to adopt out. The reason I included his story, is because originally he was dealing with LDS Family Services who then opted out of the adoption (unlike in so many cases), although they still have their fingerprints all over this story! Read more about it at: http://www.babyselling.com/

There are several other high profile cases involving the Adoption Center of Choice, which you can look up on Google, read complaints about, or see on the O'Dea's website.

An Ugly Connection?

We all know that LDS is rotten to the core, in everything they touch. Whether it's hiding polygamy, taking in billions in tithes (not accounting for the money), past murders, hiding/buying up embarrassing documents, kidnapping children through LDSFS, doing temple ordinances for Nazis, the list goes on ...

But could there be an ugly Utah-adoption connection?

When we look at the Adoption Center of Choice we find striking parallels in how it conducts itself and the complaints of those who have been abused by it, namely fathers. Could there be an LDS (Mormon) connection?

Everything from the slick maneuvering to the state-jumping, to the winning on gross "technicalities" and more, is classic LDSFS territory.

At RipoffReport.com, "Kathy" writes:

"Very briefly I would like to say the attorney who represents this fraud-practicing adoption agency is named Larry Jenkins.

His law office is called Wood, Crapo LLC located at 500 Eagle Gate Tower at 60 E. South Temple in Salt Lake City, Utah with a zip code of 84111.

My concern about this agency since this lawyer is located in the same office building where the Mormon church's principal adoption lawyer is also located, is that Adoption Center of Choice comprises an elaborate fraud scheme especially since no contact names are ever listed for this adoption agency."

I myself know little about the Adoption Center of Choice other than the official website I've viewed, stories I've read, and what little information is available on the internet. From what I've gathered there seems to be numerous horror stories relating to this agency, and it just gets uglier the deeper you scratch.

What disturbs me is the fact that Larry Jenkins office building is apparently located in such close vicinity to the Mormon church's principal adoption lawyer, and that his agency uses classic LDS techniques when it comes to unethically giving away children.

You'll remember now that Larry Jenkins is also representing the Neilson's in their on-going battle to keep Harvey. (Although they were court ordered to give custody over to the father until everything was sorted out, they are refusing and continuing on in their illegal and immoral conduct -- with the help of Jenkins!)

Now you can be assured that if the Mormon church isn't completely footing the bill for the Neilson's (which it probably is), then it is at least contributing significantly. Interestingly, the Neilson's did not hire an LDS lawyer, but hired Jenkins. Or is Jenkins LDS? That would certainly be interesting to know!

If the LDS church is footing the bill, then that means that it is paying Jenkins directly.

Information on a Connection?

If anyone has ANY information on a possible connection or links between the Adoption Center of Choice and the LDS (Mormon) Church ... please let me know!

Is the ACoC just another 'secular' branch of the LDS adoption system? Using the LDS techniques and members but going by another name and under different paperwork?

Are the ACoC lawyers and employees mainly comprised of LDS faithful members?

At the very least, do the ACoC and the LDSFS have some sort of working relationship or 'understanding'? Because it seems to me in a lot of these stories, even when the LDS Family Services is not involved directly, the ACoC is conducting bad operations for LDS couples!

Any useful information or tips would be helpful. Thanks.

Also, whenever LDS is involved ... you can always smell money down the trail. It should be of no surprise to anyone then, when I mention that the adoption industry brings in billions a year, and that it costs tremendous amounts of money to become a prospective adoptive parent through the LDS system (and others), and to finalize an adoption.

Here is a great blog that everyone should visit:

http://beyondbabytamia.blogspot.com/

Documenting the adoption corruption in Utah -- a full time job in itself!

Harvey's Story (Update) / Michael's Story

2008-01-01T18:47:00.000-08:00

This adorable boy is named Harvey. As reported earlier, he was kidnapped from his biological father, and unjustly adopted by a Mormon couple.

The father of the baby has been going through legal battles in order to get him back, while Harvey lives with the Neilsons, his "adoptive" parents.

Last week, a judge ordered that Harvey's father should have temporary primary custody of him while the whole affair is sorted out. But the Neilsons are refusing to give Harvey back.

From Deseret News:

"During a court hearing last week, an Idaho judge gave the birth father, Matt Tenneson, 20, temporary primary custody of the 5 1/2 month old baby.

But Jed and Callie Neilson, who have had the baby since June, say they won't give baby Harvey back without a legal fight. In fact, they say they are thinking optimistically and have been buying Christmas presents for the baby."

"The Neilsons are now being represented by adoption attorney Larry Jenkins, with Wood Crapo LLC, of Salt Lake City. "

" LDS Family Services, which handled the Neilsons' adoption, is appealing the custody issue to the Idaho Supreme Court. LDS Family Services has employed Idaho Falls adoption attorney Kent Foster.

As an agency, LDS Family Services is reserving public comment until after the court case is resolved. "

To read the entire article, click on the LINK.

The article does mention that the father had a nursery ready, had taken child-development classes and read books in preparation. It also states that the magistrate who ruled in Matt's favor believed that the Tenneson's could provide a good home for Harvey.

Deseret cynically contacted Matt to ask "why" he wants custody of his own son, and then reports, "Tenneson declined to comment on why he wants custody of the baby. Knight says she believes Tenneson's mother is the driving force behind the fights for custody."

Why the paper needs to ask the father why he wants custody of his own baby is beyond me. It doesn't appear to be rocket science, does it? Also, since Knight has done everything in her power to help the Nielson's I don't think we need to believe her statement about Matt's mother. What good mother wouldn't help her son try to gain custody, and wouldn't want to see her own grandchild?

I imagine that the Mormon church is the one paying all the legal costs associated with this, for the Neilson's. And that LDS Family Services and the Mormon church will arrogantly and despicably do everything in their power not to return Harvey to his own father who wants him!

Also in the article, they mention about the Idaho Putative Father Registry. The Father Registry is for fathers who are not married to the birth mother and who have not established paternity through legal proceedings. All men should be registered in case any legal dispute should occur in the future.

My comments on this are the following: most fathers do not know that they need to register, and have no idea what the PFR in any state/province is, or its importance.

Also, as the LDS Family Services told me during my own personal ordeal ... most fathers do not know about it, will not know about it in time, and they can easily squeak by on the technicality that the fathers did not place their name and had no desire for the child. They literally told me this! So it was of no surprise to me to see this mentioned in the article.

Another Kidnapping: Michael Hunter

This is just so appalling and sickening. Shawn McDonald from north Texas, has also lost his son. His son was given up for adoption without his consent through (surprise!) LDS Family Services, and according to Shawn he didn't even know about his son's existence until 2 days before the birth!

His son is now 18 months old and he still is fighting through the courts. Imagine going every night and day through agony thinking about your own child (nearly two years old) who should have been with you in the first place. Thankfully so far he has at least been awarded visitation and $100,000 to cover legal expenses.

Here's a story from CBS:

North Texas Father Fights For His Parental Rights Jack Fink Reporting (CBS 11 News)

DALLAS -- Shawn McDonald says he only found out about his baby two days before the child was born. He says he was powerless to stop the mother from giving the baby up for adoption. This legal battle is now being fought here at the Henry Wade Juvenile Justice Center.

A jury must decide if the father will lose his parental rights for good. “I'd love to be a father to him,” McDonald said. McDonald says he never got the chance to be a father to his son, Hunter. The boy is now 18 months old and since birth, has lived with his adoptive parents, Travis and Sabra Hess, in Idaho.

"[It] Really hurts emotionally... work time... every thought is nothing but this," McDonald said. Now a Dallas County jury will decide whether the Hess’ can keep Hunter and terminate McDonald's parental rights.

Kathryn Lanigan-Wieser is McDonald's attorney. "This case involves a kidnapping,” she said. “They stole Shawn's child." McDonald's attorney accuses the birth mother Samantha Myers and Eric Larson, of Latter Day Saints Family Services, of conspiring to keep the birth and adoption a secret.

McDonald says he had previously broken up with Myers, and that they share custody of a three and a half year old girl. McDonald says he only found out about Hunter on July 2, 2005, two days before he was born in Fort Worth.

"The baby was shipped off to Idaho before Shawn could do anything,” Lanigan-Wieser said. “In fact, they hid the identity of the Hess’. Shawn didn't know where the baby was until the Hess’ intervened in the lawsuit in September, 2006.”

The Hess’, LDS Family Services and the birth mother all declined comment. But in court papers, LDS Family Services and its social worker, Eric Larson say McDonald knew Myers was pregnant and abandoned the child.

But the adoptive parents said in court papers that LDS told them McDonald was "out of the picture" and "could not be located." The Hess’ want to keep Hunter. They say that changing his home now could negatively impact the baby.

That's not something Shawn McDonald wants to consider. "I would have to think about that for the rest of my life,” McDonald said. Among the options for the jury include terminating McDonald's parental rights and leaving the child with the adoptive parents, giving McDonald sole custody, or giving primary custody to one of the parties with the other getting visitation.

Keep strong Shawn, keep strong! We're all rooting for you.

Visit Shawn's MySpace page and show your support:

http://www.myspace.com/babymichaelhunter

Cody's Story / My Story / Harvey's Story

2007-12-30T06:25:00.001-08:00

I have decided to add another on-going section to my blog, which will cover stories about LDS Family Services, or LDS adoptions in general. Last night I came across a very sad story of yet another child basically kidnapped by LDS Family Services. It is a familiar tale, not surprising at all ... and I believe this aspect of the Mormon church needs to be covered for all to learn about.

LDS Family Services, like the Mormon hierarchy and leaders -- is rotten and corrupt to the core. Here is the painful video I came across on YouTube:

The makers of the video also have a website that I urge everyone to visit:

www.babyselling.com

For those of you who may have come across my blog recently, and who are not familiar with my story or the tactics of LDS adoption services, please read:

LINK TO GALATIAN & HER BROTHER'S STORY

That is my story, along with my brother's, which I emailed to Samuel the Utahnite.

For a condensed version, here is a YouTube video on the subject:

And as another example that this is a regular occurrence, here is a video about yet another man desperate for his child, (and an LDS adoption gone wrong) posted by Samuel:

My Missionary Talk

2007-11-16T16:46:00.001-08:00

Today as I was walking home, I stopped on the street corner waiting for the crosswalk light to turn on. As I stood there I noticed two men in black coats talking to a woman, and I wondered if they were missionaries. Turns out, they were! Upon noticing me glancing over, one of the young men came up to me and introduced himself. Thus, our discussion begun.

It started simply enough as they began speaking about the church and representing it. I then began to ask questions about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon, which they answered. I asked why I should believe in the Book of Mormon when there was no empirical evidence for it. The answer? There is! Apparently, according to this Elder, there is loads of archeological evidence confirming the Lamanites and the stories in the Book of Mormon. I asked him to quote me a source for his claims and he couldn't name any websites or verifiable institutions. He just referred to one book - which he could not remember the name of - and a few LDS members, which he could not remember the names of either.

I then asked him about Joseph Smith's 33 wives. He went on to confirm that there had indeed been polygamy in the past, that it was wrong, the church had renounced it, and that it was no longer practiced. At this point, I simply introduced myself as an ex-member who knew all about the church and had left it.

To save time, I won't get into detail about everything. But we discussed a broad range of issues. I asked about Joseph's polygamy - and got the standard responses. Even when I discussed his sexual practices with young women, his lying about it, his conveniently timed "revelation" to Emma and more, I only got cookie-cutter LDS replies. I asked about everything including:

> No Empirical Evidence > Joseph's Polygamy > Brigham's Polygamy > Hill Cumorah in New York > No DNA Evidence (in fact disproving Mormonism) > The Book of Abraham Papyri > The Kinderhook Bell-Plates > Joseph's Changing First Visions and Angel accounts > Changes to the Book of Mormon > Brigham's Murder Squads and Martial Law in Utah > How "The Great Apostasy" could happen if John the Revelator and the 3 Nephites were still alive and Priesthood holders > Joseph getting Drunk the night before he died, and him shooting 3 men with a pistol > How the Witnesses saw the plates in a "spiritual vision" and not Literally

I know there's more, but that's the most of what I can remember. We must have stood on the street corner for roughly 40 minutes talking. At last we had to part because it was so chilly out we were all shaking, not to mention it was getting late and I needed to send my sitter home.

I think what surprised me most about the discussion we had, was the knowledge of one missionary and his responses. His companion seemed stunned every now and then at everything I was saying, and I noticed him scribbling something down on a card (which he then gave to me, he had written "fairlds.org").

The one Elder was very well-informed and knew almost everything that I spoke about, give or take a few things. He told me he already knew all of this, but that it did not affect his testimony. He made the usual excuses: 'prophets acting as men not prophets', 'nobody is perfect but are called to do the work', 'even the Biblical prophets weren't perfect', 'nobody knows the truth, only our own opinions', ETC.

It was deeply disturbing. I had expected surprise on their part, and denial about my claims (some he did say I was mistaken about, but not much), and an attempt to argue a revisionist history. But surprisingly, they were generally informed about many matters, and sadly, did not seem to care. What absolutely stunned and shocked me - was that they already knew all of this, and yet somehow were still able to convince themselves that the church was true.

In addition to the points listed above, I also mentioned my disgust at how the LDS church is less than honest in how it portrays Joseph Smith and the church history. The Elder (it was one that did most of the talking) disagreed and seemed to somehow believe that these things are common knowledge among members. I assured him that for every member I spoke with, about 9/10 did not know most of (if any) the points we had discussed, and that he was unusually informed about them. He did admit to me that as a teenager he had been forced to go to church by his mother, and that he had always disliked and resented the church. He told me he himself had often questioned, and had heard of some things from "anti-mormons". Perhaps that is where he learned some of the information. All I know is, the majority of the members know none of this stuff -- and it is absolutely ridiculous to act as though the church is upfront about it. I might add that he stated however, that before his mission he had a 'total true conversion' to Mormonism, realized and "knew" the church was true, and was eager to spread it.

They then went on and on about their testimonies, and how we need to have faith and feel the spirit within us. They said that everyone could argue about facts and claim to have evidence, but the most important thing was a testimony through the Spirit. I then told them that a "testimony" meant nothing since it was only your own good feelings or reassuring yourself. I told them that Muslims and Jehovah's Witnesses had testimonies too, how would I know which testimony to believe? How? Well by empirical evidence, common sense, and research of course. But they denied this, claiming you only needed to pray, ask, and wait for the Spirit to confirm it.

Essentially they told me that they did not need evidence, proof, or care about arguing either side of the issues - but only needed their testimonies to continue membership and believing. I argued everything I could think of - but it did not seem to rattle them much. It was truly a sad sight indeed. These two naive young men, believing the most ridiculous nonsense from that charlatan snake oil salesman Joseph Smith -- and claiming we did not need to concern ourselves with evidence disproving him, but only needed our "testimonies from the Spirit".

They said of course, that the church was true, and God's only church on earth. And that it had the restored Priesthood, and Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God. They knew all this not according to scientific principles, documented fact, or even circumstantial evidence -- but from the burning bosom Spirit!

They told me they were glad that they had met me this evening, and hoped I would one day return to the church. What interested me as well, was that they asked if I had been excommunicated. I told them I had not been, but had left of my own free will. They then went on to talk about the 'tragedy' of excommunication, and how most of them had sinned terribly, or had become miserable people, or that the light of the Spirit had left them. I laughed this off as Mormon propaganda and told them most excommunicated people were decent enough, many had not sinned at all, and that a lot of scholars and intellectuals had been excommunicated for telling the truth about the Mormon church. They disagreed with that last statement.

Finally it ended with them bearing their testimonies. I then bore my own testimony, my "anti testimony". I stated that I did not know whether God existed or not, but was not concerned. I told them I did not believe Jesus Christ was the Saviour of mankind, but merely a man, and that I did not need the Bible for salvation. I told them that I believed in being a good person out of a mere desire for it - not from fear of punishment or reward. I told them that I believed in the goodness of man, and our ability to progress and form a better future and greater societies.

I also told them that I knew Joseph Smith was not a Prophet, but a liar, charlatan, and vile man who had committed dastardly deeds. I told them I knew Brigham Young was never a Prophet, but a murderer and evil man. I told them I knew the church was not true, and that it was built on a foundation of lies and deceit. I told them I was grateful not to be a member as I can now rejoice in the true beauties of life, and have real freedom of spirit. I told them that I hoped one day they would leave the church, and that I rejoiced every time someone left it or refrained from joining it.

The more outgoing Elder told me he knew I still had "some of the Spirit in me" and he wished good things for my future. I told them I knew they were good people, doing what they thought was right, and I appreciated that. I said that as much as I disagreed with their beliefs, and even what they were doing (spreading them) I also knew that they believed what they were saying, that they were not intentionally lying to anyone, and that I took comfort in knowing they cared enough about people to try to spread their message - even if it was wrong and they could not see it.

We parted on polite terms. We shook hands, thanked one another for the discussion, and wished one another the best. Before they left, I wrote down on one of their cards this blog address http://www.exposingmormonism.blogspot.com/. I told them that I hoped when they returned from their mission they would visit my blog. "What is it a music site or something?" asked one Elder. I shook my head and they looked at the card - you should have seen their faces! That was definitely when it ended and we all went our separate ways.

As I waited for the light to turn, I glanced down the street and saw them walking away. One of the Elders was shaking the other one in congratulation, and they seemed rather jovial. I suspect he was congratulating his partner on a job well done, and on how he had conducted himself and fought back against the "anti-mormon" arguments.

I had mixed feelings. On the one hand, I truly liked these young men. They were polite, gracious, obviously believed they were doing good, and I thought they were awesome people. I liked them, personally, as people. It made my heart glad to see such kind, respectable young men who were genuinely great and I could easily be friends with.

On the other hand, I felt a tragic sadness in my heart. For I knew they were deceived, spreading lies, participating in this cult and dedicating 2 years of their lives - and maybe even their entire lives - to it. I thought back to Joseph Smith's horrible deeds, and Brigham Young's horrible deeds, and all the people they had murdered, all the women they had dishonored, all the suffering and horrors inflicted upon people because of their lies and savagery - and I felt a deep feeling of revulsion.

These young men are good people. I like them. Most Mormons are good people, and I like them. But Mormonism as a whole, started based on lies, greed, terror, horror and foolish blind faith of the unquestioning. Mormonism is a lie. A damned lie! From start to finish, it's nothing more than deceit, cover-ups, and taking advantage of good-hearted people. It makes me ill.

One day Elder, one day I hope you realize the truth of Mormonism. I'd pray but uh, I don't believe in the power of prayer - HA! I do though, deep down in my heart, wish nothing but the best for both of you and I sincerely hope with every fibre of my being, that you set yourselves free from this great lie.

If you should ever discover the truth, and happen upon this site, please do contact me. I would love to hear from you or interview you.

And you know, experiences like this only make me even more committed to what I am doing: spreading the truth! Never again, let us stand by as innocent people are sucked into this brainwashing cult. Never again, let us do nothing as people's lives are destroyed, their dignity taken, their money wasted, and their efforts spoilt by this cult!

I vow to FIGHT MORMONISM until the day I die. And how many I can help along the way I am not sure, but all I know is that every single person counts, and I want people to have the freedom that I have now - knowing the TRUTH!

I realize that at this time, this is only a small blog. But believe me, it will get bigger and better! An ex-mormon store, videos, blogs and entries, and that is only the beginning! I plan on doing podcasts, great interviews, and MORE! I have many surprises up ahead, believe me. It will only get better from here on out ...

Mormon Suicide List

2007-10-27T12:52:00.000-07:00

Why make this list? Some may accuse me of sensationalism or being morbid, but I assure you that is not the case. This list is to remember those who took their own lives, because of their Mormon upbringing and beliefs.

At first I was going to make a "Mormon Murder List", but changed my mind. If I had done that, I would have to put literally hundreds of names on it: those from the Mountain Meadows Massacre, those killed by Danites and Brigham Young's murder squads, those killed by early saints for leaving Utah, on and on. Then I thought I would make a "Mormon Death List" to at least commemorate those that had died at the hands of Mormonism in recent years - but realized that would be criticized as well.

There are dozens upon dozens of men and women that have committed suicide because of the Mormon church. However, on this list I have chosen to represent those that committed suicide specifically because of the LDS church and its teachings; and whose deaths are KNOWN to be for that reason, and cannot be disputed.

People say the work that we ex-mormons do is useless, or a waste of time. But I know it is not. Look down the list at these people that have killed themselves and ask yourself: would they have still done it, if they knew the church was not true? These people thought this was God's one and only true church on earth. They believed it was true. If they had known the truth - that it is a fraud - would they be alive today? I will never, ever believe the work I do is pointless when it might save lives!

Below: a list of people who have committed suicide thanks to Mormonism. Their name and a brief summary of information is listed. Please note: this information has been taken from public sources such as newspapers, articles, or other websites like "Affirmation". If you have other information to add, or know of someone to add to the list, please email me.

This will be an ongoing article.

BRAD LAURITZEN (1947-1971)

The son of Gilbert Fay and Lucy Pettingill Lauritzen, Brad G. Lauritzen born in Brigham City, Utah on October 26, 1947.

In 1966, Brad registered in Brigham Young University's Study Abroad Program and spent a semester in Grenoble, France. While a student at BYU, Brad became affiliated with a social group for gay people in 1967 and early 1968 that met regularly in the "step down lounge" at the Wilkinson Center.

Brad was outed by Donald Attridge, another gay student, in the early spring of 1968. Attridge had turned in a lengthy list of names to Apostle Spencer Kimball after receiving assurances from both BYU's head of Standards Office, Kenneth Lauritzen (no relation to Brad), and Kimball that those on the list would be "helped" by Kimball.

Instead, Brad was hospitalized in the psychiatric ward of a mental institution by his family. He later escaped and ran away to San Francisco, where he committed suicide just before Christmas, on December 18, 1971. He was 24 years old.

KIP ELIASON (1966-1982)

"On March 2, 1982, Kip Eliason, age 16, distraught and filled with self-hate over his inability to stop masturbating, committed suicide. Before asphyxiating himself, Kip left his father a note:

"Dear Dad,I love you more than what words can say. If it were possible, I would stay alive for only you, for I really only have you. But it isn't possible. I must first love myself, and I do not. The strange feeling of darkness and self-hate overpowers all my defenses. I must unfortunately yield to it. This turbulent feeling is only for a few to truly understand. I feel that you do not comprehend the immense feeling of self-hatred I have. This is the only way I feel that I can relieve myself of these feelings now. Carry on with your life and be happy. I love you more than words can say.—Your son, Kip"

Kip Eliason's five-year struggle to overcome masturbation started at age 11 when his grandmother persuaded him to join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), whose members are better known as Mormons.

Kip was an intelligent and sensitive young man, perhaps too sensitive. The death of his mother when the boy was six had profoundly affected him. At times he was quiet and reflective, spending hours alone in his room, and yet he was outgoing by nature. He was a born leader. His classmates and teachers admired him for his friendly way and all-American good looks. Kip was truthful and possessed a farm-community naïveté.

Kip was not the kind of youngster you'd think would commit suicide, but when his church told him that he'd find guilt, depression and self-hate if he masturbated, he believed so. When it said he'd go to hell if he didn't stop, he believed that too. And when he was told that masturbation was a "building block of suicide," he took the church at its word."

JAY LYNN PETERSON (1966-1998)

Jay Lynn Peterson was born on January 23, 1966, in West Valley City, Utah.
He was baptized in the LDS Church on May 3, 1975.
After high school, Jay served in the US Navy.

On January 31, 1998, Jay was involved in a violent altercation at the Exchange Place, downtown Salt Lake City, with a man who made a derogatory statement about Jay's sexual orientation. After the altercation, Jay drove to his apartment in the Avenues and committed suicide. He was 32 years old.
Jay is buried at the Utah Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Riverton, Utah.

HENRY STUART MATIS (1967 - 2000)

On February 25, 2000, Stuart Matis drove to the LDS chapel in Los Altos, California, and took his life. He was frustrated by the efforts by the LDS Church to pass Proposition 22, and he felt that he could not reconcile his religion and his homosexuality. He was 32 years old.

After high school, Stuart enrolled in BYU and served a mission in Italy (where he met Clay Whitmer). After graduation, in 1996, he started to work for Andersen Consulting in California.

His brother Bill wrote the following: "To those who feel that my brother was no better than a murderer or an adulterer, I would like to say that the murderer and adulterer choose to be what they are. My brother didn't choose to be homosexual any more than you or I chose the color of our skin. Many who knew him say that he was one of the most Christ-like people they had ever met. He was a son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and true friend."

Words by Stuart: "I implore the students at BYU [Brigham Young University] to re-assess their homophobic feelings. Seek to understand first before you make comments. We have the same needs as you. We desire to love and be loved. We desire to live our lives with happiness. We are not a threat to you or your families. We are your sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, neighbors, co-workers and friends, and most importantly, we are all children of God."

CLAY WHITMER (1965-2000)

Clay Douglass Whitmer was born May 21, 1965. He was an incredibly intelligent person. He had an M.B.A. and a J.D. He could pick up just about any subject matter with complete ease. He was someone who had very high aspirations.

Clay had been involved with Affirmation: Gay and Lesbian Mormons as a member of the San Francisco chapter. His family lives in Kansas City, Missouri. Clay had a very complicated relationship with his parents, and they have decided not to memorialize his life or death.

Clay committed suicide in the San Francisco Bay Area on March 20, 2000--three weeks after his friend Stuart Matis. Stuart was Clay's very dear friend. They went to Brigham Young University together and served Mormon missions together in Italy.

The death of his friend Stuart may have been the last straw in Clay's life. He wrote in his suicide note that he wanted to say good-bye to all his friends and to apologize for the pain he knew he would cause them. He also chose a place to commit the suicide which he knew none of his friends had any particular connection to. Peculiar as it may sound, even in contemplating his own death, he thought of others. This was the type of person he was.

BRIAN DJ HYER THOMPSON (1967-2000)

Brian David James Hyer Thompson was born on June 22, 1967. During his life he was intensely involved in the LDS Church, Affirmation (Gay and Lesbian Mormons), and the community at large. He graduated from Bingham High School in South Jordan, Utah. After serving a Mormon mission in Seattle, he returned to Utah, where he was elected president of the Utah Log Cabin Republicans and participated in several gay and lesbian organizations.

DJ had a strong connection with Mormonism, especially through Affirmation, Reconciliation, and his Salt Lake City singles ward in the Avenues. Years after coming out, he was still attending that ward and discussing gay issues with his bishop. DJ was a strong advocate for gay rights. He was proud to be gay and proud to be Mormon.

DJ lived in many places and tried very hard to find happiness. He loved French culture and once traveled to Paris as an artist's assistant. He loved movies, paintings, and art. He loved hiking, nature, and animals—especially cats. He loved to grow flowers and was a talented cook.

At the time of his death, DJ was living with a gay couple near Kingman, Arizona. He was very frustrated over the LDS Church's involvement with Proposition 22 in California and the recent suicide of Stuart Matis.

DJ committed suicide near Kingman, Arizona, on March 9, 2000. He was 32 years old.

BRYAN JORDAN SMITH (1983 - 2004)

Bryan Jordan Smith was born March 27, 1983 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

He graduated from American Fork High School and LDS Seminary. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served an LDS mission in Omaha, Nebraska.

Bryan was a loving son and brother who enjoyed the outdoors, scrap booking, animals, and gardening. He loved cars and especially, his white Ford convertible Mustang. Bryan worked for Alpine School District at the Pony Express Elementary School. He planned on attending Joseph Patrick Academy of Hair this fall.

Bryan committed suicide on Wednesday, August 18, 2004 in American Fork. He left a suicide note stating that he could not handle the fact that he was gay and that was at least one of the reasons for his suicide. He is survived by his mother, sister, brother, grandparents, and numerous other relatives. Funeral services were held August 24, 2004 in the American Fork LDS West Stake Center (700 East 500 North). Bryan is buried in the American Fork Cemetery.

JORDAN JAMES JENSEN ( 1989-2007)

Jordan was born September 19, 1989 in Richmond, Virgina to Tony Merrill and Jamie Porter Jensen. He passed away October 15, 2007.

He was an honor student at Alta High School and an Eagle Scout. His friendly personality drew many friends to him. Jordan will be severely missed by his family and friends and will forever be remembered for his loving nature, beautiful smile, many talents and his keen mind.

OTHER SITES:

For a list of gay & lesbian Mormon suicides: CLICK HERE.

For a memorial list of Mormon Missionary deaths: CLICK HERE.

For a memorial of those who died at Mountain Meadows: CLICK HERE.