August, 2026 - wasmormon.org

Corbridge’s Belief Trumps Discomfort vs Bishop Darth Vader

“Darth Vader could be your Bishop. The culture could be like Alcatraz, and it will not drive you away... Belief trumps discomfort.” - Lawrence E. Corbridge, Emeritus General Authority Seventy Scripture Central, 2026 | wasmormon.org

Lawrence E. Corbridge is at it again. In his 2019 BYU Devotional Stand Forever, the emeritus General Authority Seventy told members that hard questions about church history, polygamy, racism, translation methods, DNA evidence, and LGBTQ policies were merely “secondary.” Settle the “primary” questions first — Is there a God? Is Jesus the Christ? Was Joseph …

Continue reading “Corbridge’s Belief Trumps Discomfort vs Bishop Darth Vader”

“You don't need to see his identification.” “These aren’t the droids you’re looking for.” - Obi-Wan Kenobi, Jedi Master, Star Wars: A New Hope, 1977 | wasmormon.org — “You don't need to see his identification.” “These aren’t the droids you’re looking for.” - Obi-Wan Kenobi, Jedi Master, Star Wars: A New Hope, 1977

“Belief trumps discomfort.” - Lawrence E. Corbridge, LDS General Authority Seventy, 2026 vs "It's a Trap!" - Admiral Ackbar, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, 1983 | wasmormon.org — “Belief trumps discomfort.” - Lawrence E. Corbridge, LDS General Authority Seventy, 2026 vs "It's a Trap!" - Admiral Ackbar, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, 1983

“Belief trumps discomfort.” - Lawrence E. Corbridge, LDS General Authority Seventy, 2026 vs “I find your lack of faith disturbing.” - Darth Vader, Star Wars: A New Hope, 1977 | wasmormon.org — “Belief trumps discomfort.” - Lawrence E. Corbridge, LDS General Authority Seventy, 2026 vs “I find your lack of faith disturbing.” - Darth Vader, Star Wars: A New Hope, 1977

“Belief trumps discomfort. If viewed from the institutional perspective, then those arguments for leaving make sense. If you see the church as the kingdom of God on Earth, then you will stay, come what may!” - Lawrence E. Corbridge, Emeritus General Authority Seventy Scripture Central, 2026 | wasmormon.org — “Belief trumps discomfort. If viewed from the institutional perspective, then those arguments for leaving make sense. If you see the church as the kingdom of God on Earth, then you will stay, come what may!” - Lawrence E. Corbridge, Emeritus General Authority Seventy Scripture Central, 2026

“I find your lack of faith disturbing.” - Darth Vader, Star Wars: A New Hope, 1977 | wasmormon.org — “I find your lack of faith disturbing.” - Darth Vader, Star Wars: A New Hope, 1977

Behind the Veil: How the LDS Church Shapes Utah Law

“There was intensity I had never felt before or after on the house floor. It was the intensity that comes only from political bullying, and it killed me to know that this time the "bully" was my own church.... If the LDS Church wants something in Utah politics, they get it.” - Carl Wimmer, former Utah state House Representative The Role of The LDS Church in Utah's Politics, March 22, 2015 | wasmormon.org

Utah is not a theocracy on paper. Utah’s constitution guarantees religious freedom. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints insists it does not attempt to direct or dictate to government leaders. Official neutrality and practical power diverge in daily life. People who have lived in the state will notice the gap. That gap is …

Continue reading “Behind the Veil: How the LDS Church Shapes Utah Law”

In 2026, 92 of 104 Utah lawmakers are LDS, while LDS Utah population according to church rolls is 60%, but according to self-identification surveys it's only 42%. Does the Mormon Legislature of Utah reflect the religious makeup of the people it represents? - wasmormon.org — In 2026, 92 of 104 Utah lawmakers are LDS, while LDS Utah population according to church rolls is 60%, but according to self-identification surveys it's only 42%. Does the Mormon Legislature of Utah reflect the religious makeup of the people it represents?

“[The LDS Church] doesn't bother lobbying rank-and-file members or going on record in open meetings like other political participants do; instead, [the Church] whispers to a few members of [legislative] leadership, and things magically happen.” - Steve Urquhart, former Utah state senator, Salt Lake Tribune, August 4, 2017 | wasmormon.org — “[The LDS Church] doesn't bother lobbying rank-and-file members or going on record in open meetings like other political participants do; instead, [the Church] whispers to a few members of [legislative] leadership, and things magically happen.” - Steve Urquhart, former Utah state senator, Salt Lake Tribune, August 4, 2017

“None of the 104 members of the legislature have any control. The only entity who can tell you whether this [LGBT anti-discrimination bill] will pass is the Mormon Church.” - Steve Urquhart, former Utah state senator, interview with Lee Hale, KUER 45 Days bonus episode "Temple & State," February 14, 2018 | wasmormon.org — “None of the 104 members of the legislature have any control. The only entity who can tell you whether this [LGBT anti-discrimination bill] will pass is the Mormon Church.” - Steve Urquhart, former Utah state senator, interview with Lee Hale, KUER 45 Days bonus episode "Temple & State," February 14, 2018

“When the LDS lobbyists contact a legislator, the conversation goes like this: We are here to discuss such-and-such bill. We have received our orders 'directly from the top,' and we want you to vote for this bill. They mention that they received their orders 'from the top,' so that the legislator would know unequivocally that the LDS Church’s First Presidency sent them.” - Carl Wimmer, former Utah state House Representative The Role of The LDS Church in Utah's Politics, March 22, 2015 | wasmormon.org — “When the LDS lobbyists contact a legislator, the conversation goes like this: We are here to discuss such-and-such bill. We have received our orders 'directly from the top,' and we want you to vote for this bill. They mention that they received their orders 'from the top,' so that the legislator would know unequivocally that the LDS Church’s First Presidency sent them.” - Carl Wimmer, former Utah state House Representative The Role of The LDS Church in Utah's Politics, March 22, 2015