Images

“In Missouri in 1833, our Latter-day Saint values were in direct conflict with the Missouri settlers not of our faith.... Our doctrine respected the American Indians and our desire was to teach them the gospel of Jesus Christ. With respect to slavery our scriptures are clear that no man should be in bondage to another.” - Quinten L. Cook, LDS Apostle, Princeton Theological Seminary, July 2017 | wasmormon.org
“In Missouri in 1833, our Latter-day Saint values were in direct conflict with the Missouri settlers not of our faith.... Our doctrine respected the American Indians and our desire was to teach them the gospel of Jesus Christ. With respect to slavery our scriptures are clear that no man should be in bondage to another.” - Quinten L. Cook, LDS Apostle, Princeton Theological Seminary, July 2017
"How grateful I am that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has from its beginnings stood strongly against racism in any of its malignant manifestations." - Elder Alexander B Morrison, First Quorum of the Seventy | wasmormon.org
"How grateful I am that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has from its beginnings stood strongly against racism in any of its malignant manifestations." - Elder Alexander B Morrison, First Quorum of the Seventy
This is a spotlight on a profile shared at wasmormon.org. These are just the highlights, so please find the full story at https://wasmormon.org/profile/dnc12vs5/. There are stories of Mormon faith journeys contributed by hundreds of users like you. Come check them out and consider sharing your own story at wasmormon.org!
This is a spotlight on a profile shared at wasmormon.org. These are just the highlights, so please find the full story at https://wasmormon.org/profile/dnc12vs5/. There are stories of Mormon faith journeys contributed by hundreds of users like you. Come check them out and consider sharing your own story at wasmormon.org!
The SEC findings opened my eyes to a leadership that misleads its congregations, which then opened the door to explore the historic and social issues that plague the church. - Shane's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/dnc12vs5/
The SEC findings opened my eyes to a leadership that misleads its congregations, which then opened the door to explore the historic and social issues that plague the church. - Shane's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/dnc12vs5/
Determine whether or not the incident of child abuse has already been reported to child protection or law enforcement authorities. If not, Abuse Help Line workers should instruct priesthood leaders to encourage an interested person to report the abuse. - Protocol For Abuse Help Line Calls | LDS Church & Kirton McConkie Law Firm | wasmormon.org
Determine whether or not the incident of child abuse has already been reported to child protection or law enforcement authorities. If not, Abuse Help Line workers should instruct priesthood leaders to encourage an interested person to report the abuse. - Protocol For Abuse Help Line Calls | LDS Church & Kirton McConkie Law Firm
”We actually don't have an abuse help line for just general membership. It's just for bishops or stake presidents.“ - Church Helpline Operator to AP News. “The nature and the purpose of the Church’s help line was seriously mischaracterized in a recent Associated Press article.” “The Church's abuse help line has everything to do with protecting children and has nothing to do with cover-up.” - LDS Church Newsroom: Official Statements August 5 & 17, 2022 | wasmormon.org
”We actually don't have an abuse help line for just general membership. It's just for bishops or stake presidents.“ - Church Helpline Operator to AP News. “The nature and the purpose of the Church’s help line was seriously mischaracterized in a recent Associated Press article.” “The Church's abuse help line has everything to do with protecting children and has nothing to do with cover-up.” - LDS Church Newsroom: Official Statements August 5 & 17, 2022
“These bishops did nothing wrong. They didn’t violate the law, and therefore they can’t be held liable.” - William Maledon, Arizona attorney, Representing LDS Church | wasmormon.org
“These bishops did nothing wrong. They didn’t violate the law, and therefore they can’t be held liable.” - William Maledon, Arizona attorney, Representing LDS Church
The LDS Church claims its abuse helpline instructs bishops to follow reporting laws, yet in Arizona, while clergy may keep abuse confessions confidential, they are not required to, and are even legally protected if they report. Despite this, the helpline advised the bishop not to report the abuse. In practice, the helpline serves less to protect victims and more to shield the institution, keeping abuse cases “in-house.” This approach effectively circumvents law enforcement, protecting the church rather than the victims. | wasmormon.org
The LDS Church claims its abuse helpline instructs bishops to follow reporting laws, yet in Arizona, while clergy may keep abuse confessions confidential, they are not required to, and are even legally protected if they report. Despite this, the helpline advised the bishop not to report the abuse. In practice, the helpline serves less to protect victims and more to shield the institution, keeping abuse cases “in-house.” This approach effectively circumvents law enforcement, protecting the church rather than the victims.
Church leaders and members are instructed in the Church’s “General Handbook” that their responsibilities related to abuse are as follows: • Assure that child sexual abuse is stopped. • Help victims receive care, including from professional counselors. • Comply with whatever reporting is required by law. - LDS Church Newsroom: Official Statements August 17, 2022 | wasmormon.org
Church leaders and members are instructed in the Church’s “General Handbook” that their responsibilities related to abuse are as follows: • Assure that child sexual abuse is stopped. • Help victims receive care, including from professional counselors. • Comply with whatever reporting is required by law. - LDS Church Newsroom: Official Statements August 17, 2022
“The nature and the purpose of the Church’s help line was seriously mischaracterized in a recent Associated Press article. The help line is instrumental in ensuring that all legal requirements for reporting are met. It provides a place for local leaders, who serve voluntarily, to receive direction from experts to determine who should make a report and whether they (local leaders) should play a role in that reporting. When a leader calls the help line, the conversation is about how to stop the abuse, care for the victim and ensure compliance with reporting obligations, even in cases when the law provides clergy-penitent privilege or restricts what can be shared from private ecclesiastical conversations.” - Church Offers Statement on Help Line and Abuse Official Statement, LDS Church Newsroom, 5 August 2022 - Salt Lake City | wasmormon.org
“The nature and the purpose of the Church’s help line was seriously mischaracterized in a recent Associated Press article. The help line is instrumental in ensuring that all legal requirements for reporting are met. It provides a place for local leaders, who serve voluntarily, to receive direction from experts to determine who should make a report and whether they (local leaders) should play a role in that reporting. When a leader calls the help line, the conversation is about how to stop the abuse, care for the victim and ensure compliance with reporting obligations, even in cases when the law provides clergy-penitent privilege or restricts what can be shared from private ecclesiastical conversations.” - Church Offers Statement on Help Line and Abuse Official Statement, LDS Church Newsroom, 5 August 2022 - Salt Lake City
"We do not receive financial compensation for serving" - Steven D. Shumway, LDS General Authority Seventy, April 2025. "For 2025, we estimate $183k* in equivalent taxable salary for the living allowance offered to the LDS Church's 120 General Authorities." - The Widow's Mite Report - General Authority Compensation | wasmormon.org
"We do not receive financial compensation for serving" - Steven D. Shumway, LDS General Authority Seventy, April 2025. "For 2025, we estimate $183k* in equivalent taxable salary for the living allowance offered to the LDS Church's 120 General Authorities." - The Widow's Mite Report - General Authority Compensation
This is a spotlight on a profile shared at wasmormon.org. These are just the highlights, so please find the full story at https://wasmormon.org/profile/scubasteven1013/. There are stories of Mormon faith journeys contributed by hundreds of users like you. Come check them out and consider sharing your own story at wasmormon.org!
This is a spotlight on a profile shared at wasmormon.org. These are just the highlights, so please find the full story at https://wasmormon.org/profile/scubasteven1013/. There are stories of Mormon faith journeys contributed by hundreds of users like you. Come check them out and consider sharing your own story at wasmormon.org!
When I was in the organization, I felt like I was forcing myself to accept something I didn't want to believe in. I would push myself to study, pray, pay a full tithe, fast, attend every meeting, ect. Now my family and I have inside jokes about the trauma we all received. While we continue to work on ourselves without a religion hovering over us. It can be hard at times, because we have so many friends and family members still in the church. - Steven's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/scubasteven1013/
When I was in the organization, I felt like I was forcing myself to accept something I didn't want to believe in. I would push myself to study, pray, pay a full tithe, fast, attend every meeting, ect. Now my family and I have inside jokes about the trauma we all received. While we continue to work on ourselves without a religion hovering over us. It can be hard at times, because we have so many friends and family members still in the church. - Steven's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/scubasteven1013/
I don't believe the Book of Mormon is true. Not only has history proven that things never happened. But Joseph Smith looked into a Hat of Stones to read gold plates that he had to fight people off from stealing from him. He also had to run home with them. Joseph Smith had a bad limp and would not have been able to run with gold plates, away from people. Joseph Smith was a sick con-man. - Steven's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/scubasteven1013/
I don't believe the Book of Mormon is true. Not only has history proven that things never happened. But Joseph Smith looked into a Hat of Stones to read gold plates that he had to fight people off from stealing from him. He also had to run home with them. Joseph Smith had a bad limp and would not have been able to run with gold plates, away from people. Joseph Smith was a sick con-man. - Steven's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/scubasteven1013/
I'm a lot happier than I ever thought was possible. My life and mental health are experiencing new joys all the time. Now I know true happiness. I'm currently working on getting my records removed. It has been slow working with a really busy life. But it is something I want done for closure. - Steven's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/scubasteven1013/
I'm a lot happier than I ever thought was possible. My life and mental health are experiencing new joys all the time. Now I know true happiness. I'm currently working on getting my records removed. It has been slow working with a really busy life. But it is something I want done for closure. - Steven's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/scubasteven1013/
I went from feeling like a weekly disappointment at church, and daily waste of God son, to being the happiest I've ever been after leaving and letting go of the lies I've been fed all my life. Since I left, I've learned so much about that organization. So many things make me sick. While many other things make me extremely angry. - Steven's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/scubasteven1013/
I went from feeling like a weekly disappointment at church, and daily waste of God son, to being the happiest I've ever been after leaving and letting go of the lies I've been fed all my life. Since I left, I've learned so much about that organization. So many things make me sick. While many other things make me extremely angry. - Steven's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/scubasteven1013/
I remarried, and we started off strong in the church. But certain things just weren't adding up for both of us. She decided to leave, and I wanted to. But I decided I would try to stay for our kids. The problem was everything I read, studied, or heard within the church started to feel like a lie. I deep down knew how I felt was true. I started to look into the history, the stories, and research documents on the church, about the church, and the men running it. It shattered my shelf. - Steven's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/scubasteven1013/
I remarried, and we started off strong in the church. But certain things just weren't adding up for both of us. She decided to leave, and I wanted to. But I decided I would try to stay for our kids. The problem was everything I read, studied, or heard within the church started to feel like a lie. I deep down knew how I felt was true. I started to look into the history, the stories, and research documents on the church, about the church, and the men running it. It shattered my shelf. - Steven's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/scubasteven1013/
Looking back, the 1st crack on my shelf was how I was denied my temple recommend because of child support (I owed, because I thought my ex and I would work on our marriage, and get back together. She was deceiving me, and waiting for ORS to have proof against me for Family Law). So while I was paying it back, I was not aloud to receive my recommend, until it was paid off. The crack grew more when I was told that my kids would no longer be sealed to me, because of the divorce. Although neither the bishop, or stake president could give me a reason why, or why not. I was sour about that. But decided that I didn't believe it, and God would work out the rest. - Steven's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/scubasteven1013/
Looking back, the 1st crack on my shelf was how I was denied my temple recommend because of child support (I owed, because I thought my ex and I would work on our marriage, and get back together. She was deceiving me, and waiting for ORS to have proof against me for Family Law). So while I was paying it back, I was not aloud to receive my recommend, until it was paid off. The crack grew more when I was told that my kids would no longer be sealed to me, because of the divorce. Although neither the bishop, or stake president could give me a reason why, or why not. I was sour about that. But decided that I didn't believe it, and God would work out the rest. - Steven's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/scubasteven1013/
When I went through my divorce. My ex blasted me to the ward. Despite the many times I had been around them, they did not have enough respect to speak to me. I moved, and over the next two years I worked on being a good member while being told repeatedly how I failed to keep my family "together forever". - Steven's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/scubasteven1013/
When I went through my divorce. My ex blasted me to the ward. Despite the many times I had been around them, they did not have enough respect to speak to me. I moved, and over the next two years I worked on being a good member while being told repeatedly how I failed to keep my family "together forever". - Steven's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/scubasteven1013/
When I was 15 I left the church to be rebellious. I really was the most well behaved rebellious kid out there. At 18, I started to come back. I felt at the time it was what I was missing. When I turned 19 I decided to skip the mission, and continue to learn from the church. Soon after I met my now ex-wife. I dedicated my life to being a good Priesthood holder, Husband and Father. I worked my tail off to be a great example to my kids in the church. After 11 years in a very unhealthy marriage, I decided to divorce my ex. Over the next 5 years, I tried to be as faithful in the church, as I could. But that's when things changed for me. - Steven's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/scubasteven1013/
When I was 15 I left the church to be rebellious. I really was the most well behaved rebellious kid out there. At 18, I started to come back. I felt at the time it was what I was missing. When I turned 19 I decided to skip the mission, and continue to learn from the church. Soon after I met my now ex-wife. I dedicated my life to being a good Priesthood holder, Husband and Father. I worked my tail off to be a great example to my kids in the church. After 11 years in a very unhealthy marriage, I decided to divorce my ex. Over the next 5 years, I tried to be as faithful in the church, as I could. But that's when things changed for me. - Steven's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/scubasteven1013/
“The present effort of trying to find some other explanation for the organization of the Church, for the origin of the Book of Mormon, and for the priesthood with its keys and powers will be similar to other anti-Mormon fads which have come and blossomed and faded. Truth will prevail. A knowledge of that truth comes by effort and study, yes. But it comes primarily as a gift from God to those who seek in faith.” - President Gordon B. Hinckley, "Lord, Increase Our Faith," Ensign November 1987 | wasmormon.org
“The present effort of trying to find some other explanation for the organization of the Church, for the origin of the Book of Mormon, and for the priesthood with its keys and powers will be similar to other anti-Mormon fads which have come and blossomed and faded. Truth will prevail. A knowledge of that truth comes by effort and study, yes. But it comes primarily as a gift from God to those who seek in faith.” - President Gordon B. Hinckley, "Lord, Increase Our Faith," Ensign November 1987
“Say you would rather read something you trust, like the scriptures. Spending a lot of time and energy reading anti-Mormon literature would be a waste. If you run across it, discuss it with someone who is knowledgeable about the gospel. Never take anti-Mormon literature at face value. Honest inquiry is good, but everything needs a proper perspective and context. If the misrepresentations in anti-Mormon literature really disturb you, then tell your friend how you feel so that he’ll leave you alone about it.” - New Era, 2007, July: Q&A: Dealing With Anti-Mormon Literature | wasmormon.org
“Say you would rather read something you trust, like the scriptures. Spending a lot of time and energy reading anti-Mormon literature would be a waste. If you run across it, discuss it with someone who is knowledgeable about the gospel. Never take anti-Mormon literature at face value. Honest inquiry is good, but everything needs a proper perspective and context. If the misrepresentations in anti-Mormon literature really disturb you, then tell your friend how you feel so that he’ll leave you alone about it.” - New Era, 2007, July: Q&A: Dealing With Anti-Mormon Literature
Comic with two people in a boat watching a third person climb overboard, they say: "Stay in the boat!" and "You'll drown out there!" The person disregards their warnings and climbs out saying, "You guys realize we're on land, right?" Those in the boat can't comprehend and simply state to each other, "I feel so sorry for him." Meanwhile the person who is free says, "I'm gonna go do land stuff. Good luck with all... this." https://www.crustaceansingles.com/2016/03/stay-afloat.html
Comic with two people in a boat watching a third person climb overboard, they say: "Stay in the boat!" and "You'll drown out there!" The person disregards their warnings and climbs out saying, "You guys realize we're on land, right?" Those in the boat can't comprehend and simply state to each other, "I feel so sorry for him." Meanwhile the person who is free says, "I'm gonna go do land stuff. Good luck with all... this." https://www.crustaceansingles.com/2016/03/stay-afloat.html
The reason for the asymmetry between men and women regarding priesthood office ordination has not been revealed. Any proposed reason for that asymmetry with regard to priesthood office ordination is speculative. The absence of a reason doesn’t give us license to change the asymmetry just because we want to. - Dale G. Renlund, LDS Apostle, Women's Devotional Pasadena California Stake, March 7, 2025 | wasmormon.org
The reason for the asymmetry between men and women regarding priesthood office ordination has not been revealed. Any proposed reason for that asymmetry with regard to priesthood office ordination is speculative. The absence of a reason doesn’t give us license to change the asymmetry just because we want to. - Dale G. Renlund, LDS Apostle, Women's Devotional Pasadena California Stake, March 7, 2025
This is a spotlight on a profile shared at wasmormon.org. These are just the highlights, so please find the full story at https://wasmormon.org/profile/brianolsen/. There are stories of Mormon faith journeys contributed by hundreds of users like you. Come check them out and consider sharing your own story at wasmormon.org!
This is a spotlight on a profile shared at wasmormon.org. These are just the highlights, so please find the full story at https://wasmormon.org/profile/brianolsen/. There are stories of Mormon faith journeys contributed by hundreds of users like you. Come check them out and consider sharing your own story at wasmormon.org!
I can see now that none if it is true. It was all made up. All the nonsense I was taught as a kid is literally just nonsense. The prophets don't walk around the temple talking to Jesus. I wasn't some special kid in heaven. God isn't coming back anytime soon. Joseph never translated anything! - Brain's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/brianolsen/
I can see now that none if it is true. It was all made up. All the nonsense I was taught as a kid is literally just nonsense. The prophets don't walk around the temple talking to Jesus. I wasn't some special kid in heaven. God isn't coming back anytime soon. Joseph never translated anything! - Brain's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/brianolsen/
Recently, I started my look into the truth claims and history of the church. The first time I watched the temple ceremony on YouTube I was actually afraid something bad was going to happen. Once I got over that, I was able to start deconstructing for real! - Brain's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/brianolsen/
Recently, I started my look into the truth claims and history of the church. The first time I watched the temple ceremony on YouTube I was actually afraid something bad was going to happen. Once I got over that, I was able to start deconstructing for real! - Brain's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/brianolsen/
Hi, 👋 Brian here I'm a disabled Veteran. Father of three boys not raised in the church. Born In The Covenant. My mother and many others in my family still are TBM. I was a Mormon. - Brain's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/brianolsen/
Hi, 👋 Brian here I'm a disabled Veteran. Father of three boys not raised in the church. Born In The Covenant. My mother and many others in my family still are TBM. I was a Mormon. - Brain's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/brianolsen/
He focused on the dents in the boat instead of on the capability of the boat to lead him to the blessings of the Atonement of Jesus Christ... The blogosphere cannot replace scripture study and reading the words of living prophets and apostles. Foster your faith by going to trustworthy sources to find answers to your questions. - Dale G Renlund, LDS Apostle, and Sister Ruth L Renlund, Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults • January 13, 2019 • BYU–Hawaii | wasmormon.org
He focused on the dents in the boat instead of on the capability of the boat to lead him to the blessings of the Atonement of Jesus Christ... The blogosphere cannot replace scripture study and reading the words of living prophets and apostles. Foster your faith by going to trustworthy sources to find answers to your questions. - Dale G Renlund, LDS Apostle, and Sister Ruth L Renlund, Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults • January 13, 2019 • BYU–Hawaii
What we consider dents and peeling paint on the well-used boat may turn out to be divinely sanctioned and divinely directed from an eternal perspective. The Lord has either had a hand in the dents and the peeling paint or He uses them for His own purposes. - Dale G Renlund, LDS Apostle, and Sister Ruth L Renlund, Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults • January 13, 2019 • BYU–Hawaii | wasmormon.org
What we consider dents and peeling paint on the well-used boat may turn out to be divinely sanctioned and divinely directed from an eternal perspective. The Lord has either had a hand in the dents and the peeling paint or He uses them for His own purposes. - Dale G Renlund, LDS Apostle, and Sister Ruth L Renlund, Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults • January 13, 2019 • BYU–Hawaii
Those who choose to stay on the well-used, dented boat with the chipped paint are those who recognize that the boat saved them from drowning and can get them safely to shore. In other words, they get on the covenant path and stay on the covenant path. - Dale G Renlund, LDS Apostle, and Sister Ruth L Renlund, Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults • January 13, 2019 • BYU–Hawaii | wasmormon.org
Those who choose to stay on the well-used, dented boat with the chipped paint are those who recognize that the boat saved them from drowning and can get them safely to shore. In other words, they get on the covenant path and stay on the covenant path. - Dale G Renlund, LDS Apostle, and Sister Ruth L Renlund, Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults • January 13, 2019 • BYU–Hawaii