2025 - wasmormon.org

“Antipolygamy laws enacted by the United States federal government in the 1870s and 1880s targeted Church-sponsored enterprises and the Church as a corporation and eventually threatened to disenfranchise the Church and confiscate its properties. President Wilford Woodruff worked with lawmakers and court officials to comply with new laws, discontinue the practice of plural marriage, and transition Church- affiliated enterprises into private business entities.” - LDS Church Website > Church History Topics > Church Incorporation | wasmormon.org — “Antipolygamy laws enacted by the United States federal government in the 1870s and 1880s targeted Church-sponsored enterprises and the Church as a corporation and eventually threatened to disenfranchise the Church and confiscate its properties. President Wilford Woodruff worked with lawmakers and court officials to comply with new laws, discontinue the practice of plural marriage, and transition Church- affiliated enterprises into private business entities.” - LDS Church Website > Church History Topics > Church Incorporation

“Here are some websites that might be useful for locating lost sheep... Facebook is the most effective way to find someone. There may be many entries but you can sometimes narrow it down by their friend list i.e. known family members or friends. Be certain to try searching by the member's email address as well. If you don't have their email address, try finding it by using their address... Public Access to Court Electronic Records is a national index for U.S. District, Bankruptcy, and Appeal courts. If the member has ever been either a plaintiff or a defendant in the United States Courts, then this site will show you the details (Examples include Incarceration or Bankruptcy). This is a very reliable method of finding people because by law they must provide the courts with accurate contact information...” - LDS Clerk Wiki for Locating Members 2019 | wasmormon.org — “Here are some websites that might be useful for locating lost sheep... Facebook is the most effective way to find someone. There may be many entries but you can sometimes narrow it down by their friend list i.e. known family members or friends. Be certain to try searching by the member's email address as well. If you don't have their email address, try finding it by using their address... Public Access to Court Electronic Records is a national index for U.S. District, Bankruptcy, and Appeal courts. If the member has ever been either a plaintiff or a defendant in the United States Courts, then this site will show you the details (Examples include Incarceration or Bankruptcy). This is a very reliable method of finding people because by law they must provide the courts with accurate contact information...” - LDS Clerk Wiki for Locating Members 2019

“In many states you can check voter registration records online. This method tends to be THE BEST way to find members. The intent of this database is to make sure that the state has your correct address and see which precinct you are in and such, but it can be used as a way to confirm that the John Smith born on 14-Feb-1955 lives/lived at a particular address. When people get a drivers license, they will usually simultaneously register the person to vote which means that the voter registration records will usually match someone's drivers license...” - LDS Clerk Wiki for Locating Members 2019 | wasmormon.org — “In many states you can check voter registration records online. This method tends to be THE BEST way to find members. The intent of this database is to make sure that the state has your correct address and see which precinct you are in and such, but it can be used as a way to confirm that the John Smith born on 14-Feb-1955 lives/lived at a particular address. When people get a drivers license, they will usually simultaneously register the person to vote which means that the voter registration records will usually match someone's drivers license...” - LDS Clerk Wiki for Locating Members 2019

“Don't forget to check the member's MLS Individual Ordinance Summary to find the names and birthdates of parents, spouses, and children. If you can locate one of them they may give you the information you need. You can use this information to find obituaries for parents, which can help you locate the member's city and perhaps their spouse's name. Reverse searches using just the street name without the house number can often show you that you just had the wrong house number, or provide you with contact information for relatives or at least former neighbors or new occupants of the house. Calling these people to ask if they know where so-and-so moved to is a lot easier than visiting in person...” - LDS Clerk Wiki for Locating Members 2019 | wasmormon.org — “Don't forget to check the member's MLS Individual Ordinance Summary to find the names and birthdates of parents, spouses, and children. If you can locate one of them they may give you the information you need. You can use this information to find obituaries for parents, which can help you locate the member's city and perhaps their spouse's name. Reverse searches using just the street name without the house number can often show you that you just had the wrong house number, or provide you with contact information for relatives or at least former neighbors or new occupants of the house. Calling these people to ask if they know where so-and-so moved to is a lot easier than visiting in person...” - LDS Clerk Wiki for Locating Members 2019

“A really, really good thing to have is online property tax records. They vary a lot on what you can do with them. Some even let you enter the VIN for a car and it will show you the progression of owners. This can be used to find a relative since cars are often sold to family members... Another classification of web site that we hope never does us any good (but has at least three times in my efforts) is the sex offender registries and criminal records databases. These are usually done at the state level, but some counties lets you look up bookings and releases within the county. Some cities, especially larger ones, do this also.” - LDS Clerk Wiki for Locating Members 2019 | wasmormon.org — “A really, really good thing to have is online property tax records. They vary a lot on what you can do with them. Some even let you enter the VIN for a car and it will show you the progression of owners. This can be used to find a relative since cars are often sold to family members... Another classification of web site that we hope never does us any good (but has at least three times in my efforts) is the sex offender registries and criminal records databases. These are usually done at the state level, but some counties lets you look up bookings and releases within the county. Some cities, especially larger ones, do this also.” - LDS Clerk Wiki for Locating Members 2019

“You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave.” - Hotel California - The Eagles - 1976 | wasmormon.org — “You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave.” - Hotel California - The Eagles - 1976

Why Did the Mormon Church Stop Polygamy?

For most of the 19th century, the Mormon Church preached polygamy—referred to by leaders as “the new and everlasting covenant,” “the principle,” or “celestial marriage”—as a divine commandment. It wasn’t just a lifestyle; it was taught as a requirement for exaltation in the highest level of heaven. Church leaders claimed they stood immovable on God’s …

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Jane Manning James: Faithful Servant, Denied Sisterhood, Sealed into Slavery

Jane Elizabeth Manning James (a Negro) Do you wish to be attached as a Servitor for eternity to the prophet Joseph Smith and in this capacity be connected with his family and be obedient to him in all things in the Lord as a faithful Servitor? (Yes.) President Joseph F. Smith acting for and in behalf of the Prophet Joseph Smith: Do you wish to receive Jane James as a Servitor to yourself and family? (Yes.) By the authority given me of the Lord I pronounce you, Jane James, a Servitor to the Prophet Joseph Smith (President Joseph F. Smith acting for and and in his behalf) and to his household for all eternity, through your faithfulness in the new and everlasting covenant, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. | Book of Temple Ordinances - Salt Lake Temple Adoption Record: Book A. Sealing of Jane Elizabeth Manning James by Proxy - May 18, 1894 | wasmormon.org

Jane Elizabeth Manning James was a remarkable woman who exemplified deep faith and resilience, despite the racism and systemic exclusion she endured within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Born free in Wilton, Connecticut, in the early 19th century. As a child, she worked as a domestic servant in a prosperous white household. …

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Oaks, On Young Women Becoming Pornography

“Young women, please understand that if you dress immodestly, you are magnifying this problem by becoming pornography to some of the men who see you.” - Dallin H. Oaks, LDS Apostle, General Conference April 2005 | wasmormon.org

LDS Apostle Dallin H. Oaks spoke to the global church about pornography. He warned that pornography was evil, that it “impairs one’s ability to enjoy a normal emotional, romantic, and spiritual relationship with a person,” and “erodes the moral barriers that stand against inappropriate, abnormal, or illegal behavior,” and patrons find their “conscience is desensitized” …

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Mormon Women Belong in the Pew—Not at the Pulpit

“Women have always outnumbered men. Not at the pulpit, but in the pew... So much heavy lifting in the kingdom of God is done by God's daughters.” - Jared Halverson, Unshaken Saints, March 22 2025 | wasmormon.org

Jared Halverson, Assistant Processor of Ancient Scripture at BYU, former CES Teacher, shares Come Follow Me, or LDS Sunday school curriculum, insights on his Unshaken Saints channel. He recently expressed concern over a surprising trend in religion: for the first time in recent history, more women are leaving the church than men. He speaks of …

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“Black Jane wanted to know if I would not let her have her Endowments in the Temple. This I could not do as it was against the Law of God. As Cain killed Abel. All the seed of Cain would have to wait for Redemption until all the seed that Abel would have had that may come through other men can be redeemed.” - LDS Church President, Wilford Woodruff's journal, October 16, 1894 | wasmormon.org — “Black Jane wanted to know if I would not let her have her Endowments in the Temple. This I could not do as it was against the Law of God. As Cain killed Abel. All the seed of Cain would have to wait for Redemption until all the seed that Abel would have had that may come through other men can be redeemed.” - LDS Church President, Wilford Woodruff's journal, October 16, 1894

“My own pioneer forefathers and mothers were among those faithful pioneers who pulled handcarts, rode wagons, and walked to Utah. They, like Sister Jane Manning James, had deep faith in every one of their footsteps as they made their own trek.” - M. Russell Ballard, General Conference, October 2017 | wasmormon.org — “My own pioneer forefathers and mothers were among those faithful pioneers who pulled handcarts, rode wagons, and walked to Utah. They, like Sister Jane Manning James, had deep faith in every one of their footsteps as they made their own trek.” - M. Russell Ballard, General Conference, October 2017

“Sister Emma came to me & asked me how I would like to be adopted to them as a child. I did not comprehend her & she came again. I was so green I did not give her a decided answer & Joseph died & I remain as I am. If I could be adopted to him as a child my soul would be satisfied.” - Jane Manning James, Letter to John Taylor, December 27, 1884 | wasmormon.org — “Sister Emma came to me & asked me how I would like to be adopted to them as a child. I did not comprehend her & she came again. I was so green I did not give her a decided answer & Joseph died & I remain as I am. If I could be adopted to him as a child my soul would be satisfied.” - Jane Manning James, Letter to John Taylor, December 27, 1884

“I realize my race & color & can't expect my endowments as others who are white. My race was handed down through the flood & God promised Abraham that in his seed all the nations of the earth should be blessed & as this is the fullness of all dispensations. Is there no blessing for me?” - Jane Manning James, Letter to John Taylor, December 27, 1884 | wasmormon.org — “I realize my race & color & can't expect my endowments as others who are white. My race was handed down through the flood & God promised Abraham that in his seed all the nations of the earth should be blessed & as this is the fullness of all dispensations. Is there no blessing for me?” - Jane Manning James, Letter to John Taylor, December 27, 1884

“I take this opportunity of writing to ask you if I can get my endowments and also finish the work I have begun for my dead. Dear Brother, I would like to see and talk with you about it. Will you please write to me and tell me how soon–when and where. I shall come and I will be there. By doing so, you will be conferring a great favour. (I have enclosed a stamped envelope for reply)” - Jane Elizabeth James Manning, Letter to Joseph F. Smith, Aug 31, 1903 | wasmormon.org — “I take this opportunity of writing to ask you if I can get my endowments and also finish the work I have begun for my dead. Dear Brother, I would like to see and talk with you about it. Will you please write to me and tell me how soon–when and where. I shall come and I will be there. By doing so, you will be conferring a great favour. (I have enclosed a stamped envelope for reply)” - Jane Elizabeth James Manning, Letter to Joseph F. Smith, Aug 31, 1903

“Please excuse me taking the liberty of writing to you, but be a Brother. I am anxious for my welfare for the future and I hope to be one bye and bye... First... a coloured brother, Brother Lewis wished me to be sealed to Him. He has been dead 35 or 36 years. Can I be sealed to him? Parley P. Pratt ordained Him an Elder. When can I ever be sealed to Him? Second, can I obtain my endowments for my dead? Third, can I also be adopted in Brother Joseph Smiths the prophets family. I think you are somewhat acquainted with me. I lived in the prophets family with Emma and others, about a year, and Emma said Joseph told her to tell me I could be adopted in their family. She asked me if I should like to. I did not understand the law of adoption then, but understanding it now, can that be accomplished and when?” - Jane Elizabeth James Manning, Letter to Joseph F. Smith, Feb 7, 1890 | wasmormon.org — “Please excuse me taking the liberty of writing to you, but be a Brother. I am anxious for my welfare for the future and I hope to be one bye and bye... First... a coloured brother, Brother Lewis wished me to be sealed to Him. He has been dead 35 or 36 years. Can I be sealed to him? Parley P. Pratt ordained Him an Elder. When can I ever be sealed to Him? Second, can I obtain my endowments for my dead? Third, can I also be adopted in Brother Joseph Smiths the prophets family. I think you are somewhat acquainted with me. I lived in the prophets family with Emma and others, about a year, and Emma said Joseph told her to tell me I could be adopted in their family. She asked me if I should like to. I did not understand the law of adoption then, but understanding it now, can that be accomplished and when?” - Jane Elizabeth James Manning, Letter to Joseph F. Smith, Feb 7, 1890

“Unfortunately, neither righteousness, taking the name of Jesus upon her by baptism, nor her great faith in the Lord qualified Jane to enter the holy temple for herself. In May 1894, while Jane was still alive..., Jane was sealed to Joseph & Emma Smith. NOT as one of their children as they had offered and Jane requested. Not as one of Joseph’s wives. But as their eternal servant... An eternal servant. A slave. A relationship that in the eternal law of God doesn’t exist and that is even today a spit in the face to all black women.” - Alice Faulkner Burch, President of the Relief Society in the Genesis Group, Mormon Women's History Initiative Annual Breakfast 2016 | wasmormon.org — “Unfortunately, neither righteousness, taking the name of Jesus upon her by baptism, nor her great faith in the Lord qualified Jane to enter the holy temple for herself. In May 1894, while Jane was still alive..., Jane was sealed to Joseph & Emma Smith. NOT as one of their children as they had offered and Jane requested. Not as one of Joseph’s wives. But as their eternal servant... An eternal servant. A slave. A relationship that in the eternal law of God doesn’t exist and that is even today a spit in the face to all black women.” - Alice Faulkner Burch, President of the Relief Society in the Genesis Group, Mormon Women's History Initiative Annual Breakfast 2016

Man: "Wear decent clothes" Woman: "Have decent thoughts" @lainey.molnar

The 2015 Boise Rescue Transcript: An Attempt to Rein in Apostasy

“We need to define the difference between doubts and questions. Questions, when asked with a sincere desire to increase one's understanding and faith, are to be encouraged. Such questions, questions we call them, are asked with the real intent of better understanding and more fully obeying the will of the Lord. Questions are very different from doubts.” - Dallin H. Oaks, LDS Apostle, "Boise Rescue," Boise, Idaho Devotional, June 13, 2015 | wasmormon.org

On June 13, 2015, a special multi-stake fireside or devotional was held in Boise, Idaho, featuring Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Assistant Church Historian Richard E. Turley Jr. The event, now colloquially known as the “Boise Rescue,” was organized in response to a wave of local concerns over …

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“More women are leaving religion than men are. That's shocking to me as a historian of religion in America. There was actually a great article I read called Religious History is Women's History. Women have always outnumbered men. Not at the pulpit, but in the pew.” - Jared Halverson, Unshaken Saints, March 22 2025 | wasmormon.org — “More women are leaving religion than men are. That's shocking to me as a historian of religion in America. There was actually a great article I read called Religious History is Women's History. Women have always outnumbered men. Not at the pulpit, but in the pew.” - Jared Halverson, Unshaken Saints, March 22 2025

“It's these sister saints organizing benevolent societies, ours is called the Relief Society, doing incredible things. So much heavy lifting in the kingdom of God is done by God's daughters.” - Jared Halverson, Unshaken Saints, March 22 2025 | wasmormon.org — “It's these sister saints organizing benevolent societies, ours is called the Relief Society, doing incredible things. So much heavy lifting in the kingdom of God is done by God's daughters.” - Jared Halverson, Unshaken Saints, March 22 2025

“I read a book once on the history of secularization in Great Britain in the 20th century. One of the author's main points was religion seemed to collapse in Great Britain when women stopped coming to church... They held the church up, until they stopped doing that, and there wasn't much left to keep it afloat. Sister saints, be aware of just how important you are in the kingdom of God.” - Jared Halverson, Unshaken Saints, March 22 2025 | wasmormon.org — “I read a book once on the history of secularization in Great Britain in the 20th century. One of the author's main points was religion seemed to collapse in Great Britain when women stopped coming to church... They held the church up, until they stopped doing that, and there wasn't much left to keep it afloat. Sister saints, be aware of just how important you are in the kingdom of God.” - Jared Halverson, Unshaken Saints, March 22 2025

The Mormon Church’ Guide to Stalking, or Locating Members

“While the results of search efforts may be passed from person to person by mouth, it may prove helpful during changes in leadership and other instances to have the search results documented and kept on file in the clerks office. A form can be used for documenting the results of a search (see this sample form, which also contains suggestions on where to search)...” "This sheet is to be used when a member of the ward (usually a member of the bishopric or auxiliary leadership) is assigned to find a member that has not been contacted for some time. Once the steps below are complete, including the recommended changes to membership records and any notes are written, this form should be returned to the ward clerk." - LDS Clerk Wiki for Locating Members 2019 | Ward Sleuthing Form 2008 | wasmormon.org

One of the most common accusations levied against those who leave the Mormon Church is that we just “can’t leave it alone.” It’s a phrase that gets tossed around in talks, in social media, and in conversations with believing family and friends. The idea is that if someone really didn’t believe anymore, they would just …

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“Whatsoever is, is in God, and without God nothing can be, or be conceived” - Baruch de Spinoza or Benedictus de Spinoza (1632 - 1677), Portuguese-Jewish Philosopher, Forerunner of the Age of Enlightenment and Leading Philosopher of the Dutch Golden Age | wasmormon.org — “Whatsoever is, is in God, and without God nothing can be, or be conceived” - Baruch de Spinoza or Benedictus de Spinoza (1632 - 1677), Portuguese-Jewish Philosopher, Forerunner of the Age of Enlightenment and Leading Philosopher of the Dutch Golden Age.

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