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Whatever the reason, there was saturation across the data that the consequences of avoiding tough conversations or tapping out of a difficult rumble as soon as it gets uncomfortable include: 1) Diminishing trust and engagement; 2) Increases in problematic behavior, including passive-aggressive behavior, talking behind people’s backs, pervasive backchannel communication (or “the meeting after the meeting”), gossip, and the “dirty yes” (when I say yes to your face and then go behind your back); and 3) Decreasing performance due to a lack of clarity and shared purpose. - Brené Brown, Social Psychologist - Clear is Kind. Unclear is Unkind | wasmormon.org — “Consequences of avoiding tough conversations: 1) Diminishing trust and engagement 2) Increases in problematic behavior 3) Decreasing performance due to a lack of clarity and shared purpose.”. - Brené Brown, Social Psychologist - Clear is Kind. Unclear is Unkind

Over the past several years, my team and I have learned something about clarity and the importance of hard conversations that has changed everything from the way we talk to each other to the way we negotiate with external partners. It’s simple but transformative: Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind. - Brené Brown, Social Psychologist - Clear is Kind. Unclear is Unkind | wasmormon.org — Over the past several years, my team and I have learned something about clarity and the importance of hard conversations that has changed everything from the way we talk to each other to the way we negotiate with external partners. It’s simple but transformative: Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind. - Brené Brown, Social Psychologist - Clear is Kind. Unclear is Unkind

Russell M Nelson – truth can destroy – merciful companion to truth is silence

"If you can't say somethin' nice, don't say nothin' at all." - Thumper - Bambi, 1942 | wasmormon.org — "If you can't say somethin' nice, don't say nothin' at all." - Thumper - Bambi, 1942

I knew, of course, that “more good” was not a derivative of the word Mormon. I had studied both Latin and Greek, and I knew that English is derived in some measure from those two languages and that the words more good are not a cognate of the word Mormon... When I have seen the word Mormon used in the media to describe us there flashes into my mind his statement, which has become my motto: Mormon means “more good.” We may not be able to change the nickname, but we can make it shine with added luster... Mormon should mean “more good” - President Gordon B. Hinckley - Mormon should mean “more good” October 1990 | wasmormon.org — I knew, of course, that “more good” was not a derivative of the word Mormon. I had studied both Latin and Greek, and I knew that English is derived in some measure from those two languages and that the words more good are not a cognate of the word Mormon... When I have seen the word Mormon used in the media to describe us there flashes into my mind his statement, which has become my motto: Mormon means “more good.” We may not be able to change the nickname, but we can make it shine with added luster... Mormon should mean “more good” - President Gordon B. Hinckley - Mormon should mean “more good” October 1990

Mormon Means ‘More Good’

“I wish to correct an error among men that profess to be learned, liberal and wise; and I do it the more cheerfully, because I hope sober thinking and sound-reasoning people will sooner listen to the voice of truth, than be led astray by the vain pretentions of the self-wise. The error I speak of, is the definition of the word "MORMON." ... I may safely say that the word Mormon stands independent of the learning and wisdom of this generation... we have the word MOR-MON; which means, literally, more good.” - Joseph Smith, Times and Seasons Volume 4 Number 13. May 15, 1843 | wasmormon.org

The Crusade Against Mormon Monicker The Mormon (LDS) church has been up in arms recently about what to call itself. Or more specifically what others are allowed to call it. Leaders are pushing to remove the Mormon moniker, and only use the full name of the church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, …

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“We preach tithing to the poor people of the world because the poor people of the world have had cycles of poverty, generation after generation. That same poverty continues from one generation to another, until people pay their tithing.” - President Russell M. Nelson | Special Devotional, Nairobi, Kenya, Monday, April 16, 2018 | wasmormon.org — “We preach tithing to the poor people of the world because the poor people of the world have had cycles of poverty, generation after generation. That same poverty continues from one generation to another, until people pay their tithing.” - President Russell M. Nelson | Special Devotional, Nairobi, Kenya, Monday, April 16, 2018

Does Tithing Break the Poverty Cycle?

The cycle of poverty is a vicious trap where a parent’s poverty affects the lives of their children. Families in poverty often have limited resources, which makes it difficult to escape. Some examples of self-reinforcing disadvantages that can trap families in poverty include: Lack of financial capital, Lack of education, Lack of connections, Poor health, and Low working …

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Facts vs Beliefs – No Limit At All On What Church Is Required To Teach Or Not Teach

The LDS Church Corporation is currently involved in many many lawsuits. One such is a RICO case, where the church is being accused of behavior more similar to an organized crime network, like the mafia, than a religious institution. What is RICO? A RICO case refers to charges brought under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt …

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David J. Jordan – there is no limit on what a church is required to teach or not teach

Tithing—a Commandment Even for the Destitute

“If a destitute family is faced with the decision of paying their tithing or eating, they should pay their tithing.” - Lynn G. Robbins, LDS Seventy, General Conference April 2005 | wasmormon.org

Lynn G. Robbins, LDS Seventy and Elder, spoke at General Conference in April 2005. He emphasizes that even the poorest members of the Mormon Church should pay tithing, regardless of their financial hardship. While Robbins likely intended to encourage strong faith and commitment, his approach creates a predatory framework that pressures the financially vulnerable into …

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“One of the first things a bishop must do to help the needy is ask them to pay their tithing.” - Lynn G. Robbins, LDS Seventy, General Conference April 2005 | wasmormon.org — “One of the first things a bishop must do to help the needy is ask them to pay their tithing.” - Lynn G. Robbins, LDS Seventy, General Conference April 2005

Landon Was a Mormon, an Ex-Mormon Profile Spotlight

Landon’s decision to leave the Mormon Church came after years of deeply ingrained expectations, personal struggles, and growing disillusionment. Raised in a devout Mormon family, he did everything the Church asked of him—from being baptized at eight to serving a mission in one of the most dangerous parts of the world. Yet, despite his efforts …

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“A man came to get his temple recommend signed. I questioned him in the usual way and asked, among other things, whether he was paying an honest tithing. He candidly replied that he was not, that he could not afford to because of his many debts. I felt impressed to tell him that he would not pay his debts until he paid his tithing.” - Gordon B. Hinckley, LDS Apostle in First Presidency, April 1982 | wasmormon.org — “A man came to get his temple recommend signed. I questioned him in the usual way and asked, among other things, whether he was paying an honest tithing. He candidly replied that he was not, that he could not afford to because of his many debts. I felt impressed to tell him that he would not pay his debts until he paid his tithing.” - Gordon B. Hinckley, LDS Apostle in First Presidency, April 1982

“When we’re desperate to have more money, we eagerly follow the Lord’s law of finances—which is, of course, tithing! When his bishop commented on the large amount of tithing poor young George was paying, George said something like: “Oh bishop, I’m not paying tithing on what I make. I’m paying tithing on what I want to make.” And the very next year George earned exactly the amount of money he had paid tithing on the year before!” - Wendy Watson Nelson Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults, January 10, 2016 | wasmormon.org — “When we’re desperate to have more money, we eagerly follow the Lord’s law of finances—which is, of course, tithing! When his bishop commented on the large amount of tithing poor young George was paying, George said something like: “Oh bishop, I’m not paying tithing on what I make. I’m paying tithing on what I want to make.” And the very next year George earned exactly the amount of money he had paid tithing on the year before!” - Wendy Watson Nelson Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults, January 10, 2016

“The scriptures contain many evidences of the Lord’s willingness to prosper his people with the riches of the earth... We have the Lord’s assurance that he will bless and prosper his people if they will keep his commandments and remember to look to him as the source of their blessings... As we succeed, we have the sure promise of the Lord that he will prosper us in every way necessary for our well-being.” - Dean L. Larsen, LDS Presidency of the Seventy, October 1992 | wasmormon.org — “The scriptures contain many evidences of the Lord’s willingness to prosper his people with the riches of the earth... We have the Lord’s assurance that he will bless and prosper his people if they will keep his commandments and remember to look to him as the source of their blessings... As we succeed, we have the sure promise of the Lord that he will prosper us in every way necessary for our well-being.” - Dean L. Larsen, LDS Presidency of the Seventy, October 1992

No bishop, no missionary should ever hesitate or lack the faith to teach the law of tithing to the poor. The sentiment of “They can’t afford to” needs to be replaced with “They can’t afford not to.” - Lynn G. Robbins, LDS Seventy, General Conference April 2005 | wasmormon.org — No bishop, no missionary should ever hesitate or lack the faith to teach the law of tithing to the poor. The sentiment of “They can’t afford to” needs to be replaced with “They can’t afford not to.” - Lynn G. Robbins, LDS Seventy, General Conference April 2005

“There has been laid upon the Church a tremendous responsibility. Tithing is the source of income for the Church to carry forward its mandated activities. The need is always greater than the availability. God help us to be faithful in observing this great principle which comes from him with his marvelous promise.” - Gordon B. Hinckley, LDS Apostle in First Presidency, April 1982 | wasmormon.org — “There has been laid upon the Church a tremendous responsibility. Tithing is the source of income for the Church to carry forward its mandated activities. The need is always greater than the availability. God help us to be faithful in observing this great principle which comes from him with his marvelous promise.” - Gordon B. Hinckley, LDS Apostle in First Presidency, April 1982

“I plead with the Latter-day Saints to live honestly with the Lord in the payment of tithes and offerings... I plead with you who are Church officers to plead with the people for their benefit and blessing to increase their faithfulness in the payment of tithes and offerings.” - Gordon B. Hinckley, LDS Apostle in First Presidency, April 1982 | wasmormon.org — “I plead with the Latter-day Saints to live honestly with the Lord in the payment of tithes and offerings... I plead with you who are Church officers to plead with the people for their benefit and blessing to increase their faithfulness in the payment of tithes and offerings.” - Gordon B. Hinckley, LDS Apostle in First Presidency, April 1982

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Email to Sydney Australia Mortdale Stake: Pilot Program – Informed Consent

Sydney Australia Mortdale Stake | Pilot Program: Informed Consent | wasmormon.org

The members of the Sydney Australia Mortdale Stake received an email informing them the area had been selected for a Pilot Program named Informed Consent. The program announced two objectives: 1) to ensure that converts are fully informed before they commit to baptism, and 2) for all members to have a “short” lesson to make …

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