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"If Joseph Smith was a deceiver, who wilfully attempted to mislead the people, then he should be exposed; his claims should be refuted, and his doctrines shown to be false, for the doctrines of an impostor cannot be made to harmonize in all particulars with divine truth." - LDS Church President, Elder Joseph Fielding Smith - Doctrines of Salvation, Vol. I | wasmormon.org — "If Joseph Smith was a deceiver, who wilfully attempted to mislead the people, then he should be exposed; his claims should be refuted, and his doctrines shown to be false, for the doctrines of an impostor cannot be made to harmonize in all particulars with divine truth." - LDS Church President, Elder Joseph Fielding Smith - Doctrines of Salvation, Vol. I

"Mormonism, as it is called, must stand or fall on the story of Joseph Smith. He was either a prophet of God, divinely called, properly appointed and commissioned, or he was one of the biggest frauds this world has ever seen. There is no middle ground." - LDS Church President, Elder Joseph Fielding Smith - Doctrines of Salvation, Vol. I | wasmormon.org — "Mormonism, as it is called, must stand or fall on the story of Joseph Smith. He was either a prophet of God, divinely called, properly appointed and commissioned, or he was one of the biggest frauds this world has ever seen. There is no middle ground." - LDS Church President, Elder Joseph Fielding Smith - Doctrines of Salvation, Vol. I

Treasure Digging in D&C 111: Section Heading and Verses 2-4. 2. I have much treasure in this city for you, for the benefit of Zion... 3. it shall be given you... 4. its wealth pertaining to gold and silver shall be yours. When it became apparent that no money was to be forthcoming, they returned to Kirtland. | wasmormon.org — Treasure Digging in D&C 111: Section Heading and Verses 2-4. 2. I have much treasure in this city for you, for the benefit of Zion... 3. it shall be given you... 4. its wealth pertaining to gold and silver shall be yours. When it became apparent that no money was to be forthcoming, they returned to Kirtland.

"Joseph occasionally used stones he located in the ground to help neighbors find missing objects or search for buried treasure." - LDS Church Website, Church History Topics, Seer Stones | wasmormon.org — "Joseph occasionally used stones he located in the ground to help neighbors find missing objects or search for buried treasure." - LDS Church Website, Church History Topics, Seer Stones

"Joseph Smith was not a money digger, nor did he deceive people with peepstone claims. It is almost beyond belief that writers who value their reputations, would reproduce these silly and untrue charges." - LDS Apostle Elder John A. Widtsoe, 1946 | wasmormon.org — "Joseph Smith was not a money digger, nor did he deceive people with peepstone claims. It is almost beyond belief that writers who value their reputations, would reproduce these silly and untrue charges." - LDS Apostle Elder John A. Widtsoe, 1946

Wallace: From 1830 to 1978... blacks could not become priests in the Mormon Church, right? Hinckley: That's correct. Wallace: Why? Hinckley: Because the leaders of the church at that time interpreted that doctrine that way. Wallace: Church policy had it that blacks had 'the mark of Cain'. Brigham Young said, 'Cain slew his brother and the Lord put a mark upon him, which is the flat nose and black skin,' Hinckley: It's behind us. Look, that's behind us. Don't worry about those little flicks of history. - LDS Church President Gordon B Hinckley interviewed on 60 Minutes | wasmormon.org — Church policy had it that blacks had 'the mark of Cain'. Brigham Young said, 'Cain slew his brother and the Lord put a mark upon him, which is the flat nose and black skin,'"It's behind us. Look, that's behind us. Don't worry about those little flicks of history." - LDS Church President Gordon B Hinckley interviewed on 60 Minutes

"The church doesn't seek apologies, and we don't give them." Elder Dallin H Oaks, LDS First Presidency | wasmormon.org — "The church doesn't seek apologies, and we don't give them." Elder Dallin H Oaks, LDS First Presidency

"The history of the church is not to seek apologies or to give them. We sometimes look back on issues and say, 'Maybe that was counterproductive for what we wish to achieve,' but we look forward and not backward." Elder Dallin H Oaks, LDS First Presidency | wasmormon.org — "The history of the church is not to seek apologies or to give them. We sometimes look back on issues and say, 'Maybe that was counterproductive for what we wish to achieve,' but we look forward and not backward." Elder Dallin H Oaks, LDS First Presidency

"I’m not aware that the word ‘apology’ appears anywhere in the scriptures — Bible or Book of Mormon. The word ‘apology’ contains a lot of connotations in it, and a lot of significance." - Elder Dallin H Oaks, LDS First Presidency | wasmormon.org — "I’m not aware that the word ‘apology’ appears anywhere in the scriptures — Bible or Book of Mormon. The word ‘apology’ contains a lot of connotations in it, and a lot of significance." - Elder Dallin H Oaks, LDS First Presidency

"The Lord will never permit me or any other man who stands as President of this Church to lead you astray. It is not in the programme. It is not in the mind of God. If I were to attempt that, the Lord would remove me out of my place, and so He will any other man who attempts to lead the children of men astray from the oracles of God and from their duty." Official Declaration 1, Excerpts from three addresses by President Wilford Woodruff regarding the Manifesto | wasmormon.org — "The Lord will never permit me or any other man who stands as President of this Church to lead you astray. It is not in the programme. It is not in the mind of God. If I were to attempt that, the Lord would remove me out of my place, and so He will any other man who attempts to lead the children of men astray from the oracles of God and from their duty." Official Declaration 1, Excerpts from three addresses by President Wilford Woodruff regarding the Manifesto

"What about you? If the truthfulness of this Church or the truthfulness of or your beliefs were judged by your errors, would anyone ever believe what you believe? Would there have been fewer mistakes, fewer messes, if God had only restored His Church and gospel through you?" - Elder Kyle S McKay: Lawyer, Seventy and Executive Director of the Church History Department | wasmormon.org — "What about you? If the truthfulness of this Church or the truthfulness of or your beliefs were judged by your errors, would anyone ever believe what you believe? Would there have been fewer mistakes, fewer messes, if God had only restored His Church and gospel through you?" - Elder Kyle S McKay: Lawyer, Seventy and Executive Director of the Church History Department

"So, what do we do with error? You can’t hide or hide from the humanness of humans. But it is equally unproductive to seek out error and wallow in it by making it an emphasis of study." - Elder Kyle S McKay: Lawyer, Seventy and Executive Director of the Church History Department | wasmormon.org — "So, what do we do with error? You can’t hide or hide from the humanness of humans. But it is equally unproductive to seek out error and wallow in it by making it an emphasis of study." - Elder Kyle S McKay: Lawyer, Seventy and Executive Director of the Church History Department

"You will never come to know and understand the truths of God by studying the errors of man. Nor has God appointed you, me, or anyone to be an ongoing arbiter of error in His leaders, scrutinizing every word or act of apostles and prophets to make sure they fit within our current understanding of correctness." - Elder Kyle S McKay: Lawyer, Seventy and Executive Director of the Church History Department | wasmormon.org — "You will never come to know and understand the truths of God by studying the errors of man. Nor has God appointed you, me, or anyone to be an ongoing arbiter of error in His leaders, scrutinizing every word or act of apostles and prophets to make sure they fit within our current understanding of correctness." - Elder Kyle S McKay: Lawyer, Seventy and Executive Director of the Church History Department

The Church has given no public, official guidelines on the use of middle initials in the names of general leaders, so it appears that this is a more informal tradition. Why, then, do we have this tradition? Perhaps it’s simply a way to show esteem for our leaders. | wasmormon.org — Perhaps it’s simply a way to show esteem for our leaders.

“Evil pedophiles will stop at nothing, and they have allies in government, in the media, in big corporations, and even in public institutions. They continue to lie about and attempt to destroy my good name…and they will never stop. I want everyone to know that I and our vast army of supporters will likewise never stop. We will keep fighting for the vulnerable all over the globe, and we know that the truth will always prevail.” - Tim Ballard Issues Statement Affirming Commitment to the Church | wasmormon.org — Tim Ballard Issues Statement Affirming Commitment to the Church

“It has been alleged that an unnamed LDS church spokesperson issued a statement about me through a tabloid that is often hostile to people of faith. Further, my church has not publicly verified its authenticity. We are also highly suspicious about the timing of such a statement given its close proximity to Mitt Romney’s announcement that he is retiring, and my own public comments that I am prayerfully considering running for public office. The LDS church does not engage in political activity.” - Tim Ballard Issues Statement Affirming Commitment to the Church | wasmormon.org — Tim Ballard Issues Statement Affirming Commitment to the Church

"President Ballard and Tim Ballard (no relation) established a friendship a number of years ago. That friendship was built on a shared interest in looking after God’s children wherever they are and without regard to their circumstance. However, that relationship is in the past. For many months, President Ballard has had no contact with the founder of Operation Underground Railroad (OUR). The nature of that relationship was always in support of vulnerable children being abused, trafficked, and otherwise neglected. Once it became clear Tim Ballard had betrayed their friendship, through the unauthorized use of President Ballard’s name for Tim Ballard’s personal advantage and activity regarded as morally unacceptable, President Ballard withdrew his association. President Ballard never authorized his name, or the name of the Church, to be used for Tim’s personal or financial interests. In addition, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints never endorsed, supported or represented OUR, Tim Ballard or any projects associated with them. President Ballard loves children, all over the world. It has been his mission and life’s work to look after them, care for them, and point them to their Savior." - LDS Church Statement regarding Tim Ballard - Deseret News | wasmormon.org — LDS Church Statement regarding Tim Ballard - Deseret News

“Several weeks ago, an OUR employee who accompanied Tim on an undercover operation filed a sexual harassment complaint against him with OUR’s HR department,” the letter, which was sent this summer to donors to anti-trafficking causes, reads. “This resulted in an extensive internal investigation into Tim and his individual operational tactics and led to more women speaking up as part of the investigation process. “It was ultimately revealed through disturbingly specific and parallel accounts, that Tim has been deceitfully and extensively grooming and manipulating multiple women for the past few years with the ultimate intent of coercing them to participate in sexual acts with him, under the premise of going where it takes and doing ‘whatever it takes’ to save a child.” - Operation Underground Railroad (OUR) Statement regarding Tim Ballard | wasmormon.org — Operation Underground Railroad (OUR) Statement regarding Tim Ballard

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“Wendy, you won’t believe what has been happening for two hours. The Lord has given me detailed instruction about a process I am to follow.” President Russell M. Nelson. A story relayed by Nelson’s wife, as told by Neil Andersen on Facebook in 2018 | wasmormon.org — “Wendy, you won’t believe what has been happening for two hours. The Lord has given me detailed instruction about a process I am to follow.” President Russell M. Nelson. A story relayed by Nelson’s wife, as told by Neil Andersen on Facebook in 2018

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This is not an ad, it's a spotlight on a profile shared at wasmormon.org. These are just the highlights, so please find Evert's full story at https://wasmormon.org/profile/evert/. There are over a hundred more stories of Mormon faith journeys contributed by people like you. Come check them out and consider sharing your own story at wasmormon.org!

"I am happy not to be controlled or influenced by the church. Not happy that my wife chose the church over me." - Evert | "I was a Mormon" https://wasmormon.org/profile/evert/

"I submitted my resignation the next day. So now I am Mormon with no church. A soon to be ex-wife who broke her Covenants she agreed to at the Alter of God when we were sealed for Time and All Eternity. 4 Kids, 28 1/2 years married, 32+ years together. She still believes, so I am the bad guy for not folding like a cheap sheet of paper. All my dreams gone." - Evert | "I was a Mormon" https://wasmormon.org/profile/evert/

"It all turned to crap when my wife told me that she was leaving because the church is true. I did not ask her to choose she decided that all on her own, or maybe someone at church did it for her." - Evert | "I was a Mormon" https://wasmormon.org/profile/evert/

"I do not believe the Scriptures are the literal Word of God or even a historical record. Their purpose is to provide a basic knowledge of God and to help us feel the Spirit. There are many Scriptures including the Bible, Book of Mormon, Qur'an, Tripitaka, Gita, Torah, Guru Granth Sahib and others. They teach the basics, Love God and Love your Neighbour." - Evert | "I was a Mormon" https://wasmormon.org/profile/evert/

"I started to feel uncomfortable at church, I tried to sit at the back but no good, I put my efforts into community service instead and felt more of The Holy Spirit and love of God there." - Evert | "I was a Mormon" https://wasmormon.org/profile/evert/

"I stopped attending Elder's Quorum and Sunday School because I didn't want to challenge the new leadership (I tend to answer questions a lot in class) and Sunday School was just the same, same each time: read your scriptures, pray, keep the commandments... No substance." - Evert | "I was a Mormon" https://wasmormon.org/profile/evert/

"I was given a calling in the Bishopric that I was not prepared for and no support was given. On meeting with the Bishop I shared that the 'call' was a mistake, I did not get confirmation when I prayed and fasted over the 'call.' This kicked off a diatribe where I was told that the Bishop does not make mistakes. I was released promptly and was not given a calling for 6 months." - Evert | "I was a Mormon" https://wasmormon.org/profile/evert/

"I attended Church regularly, met a girl, fell in love, went on a mission, she went on a mission, we got home and married in the temple. My non-Mormon family was not allowed to come and that created some conflict with my parents but, you know, "The Church is True", so the sacrifice was supposedly worth it." - Evert | "I was a Mormon" https://wasmormon.org/profile/evert/

"I joined the church at 20 when I felt a call from God, I was an atheist before then. After I accepted God into my life, the missionaries found me and I was baptized. I was a Mormon, then it was forbidden, I am still a Mormon just not a member of the church anymore." - Evert | "I was a Mormon" https://wasmormon.org/profile/evert/

"Since I left I've been running an ex-mormon women's support group with my best friend. Life is definitely better without the church. I can recognize abusive relationships now, and think about my needs. It's a decision I've never regretted." - Emma | wasmormon.org

"I started feeling more, my personality could finally start to grow. It was kind of amazing. Of course there is the faith crisis and realizing you've been brainwashed your whole life, and I do still struggle with how much the church took from me." - Emma | wasmormon.org

"I was told that I was just confused, or it's okay to step away for a little, but I have to come back or else I won't go to heaven. My father told me that all ex-mormons are bad people with bad agendas. It felt like the whole world was telling me not to remove my records, but I held firm and removed them anyway." - Emma | wasmormon.org

"I found Zelph on the Shelf, and that started my branch to finding the ex-mormon reddit, and ex-mormon content creators. I soon saw patterns in how other people were treated in church and how I was treated in church. I started learning about church history and the amount of abuse the church has hidden. I was disgusted and wanted nothing to do with the church. I decided to leave the church." - Emma | wasmormon.org

"After that, I definitely didn't want to go to church. I started questioning why God would choose such awful people for those callings. I didn't have anyone who had gone through a faith crisis in my circle, in fact the church had me believe that hardly anyone ever leaves the church." - Emma | wasmormon.org

"No one in my ward was concerned about me missing from the group or what happened to me. After that trip I didn't feel safe at church, mostly around my bishop. I took a hiatus from church to mentally prepare to go back to church. My young women's leader noticed I wasn't attending church and took me out for ice cream. She asked what was going on and I explained to her what happened in Nauvoo. She laughed in my face. I didn't know what to think of it and awkwardly laughed too." - Emma | wasmormon.org

"In 2019 all of the youth in my stake went to Nauvoo. The youth in my ward abandoned me, not knowing the area or where I was supposed to go. I eventually found the bishop and his wife who said I could walk with them. I had severe asthma, and walking through the groves to the temple I started having an asthma attack and I collapsed to the ground. The bishop looked back at me and said, "I promised to be at the temple in 5 minutes and you're not going to be the reason I'm late." And they left me there. I got sunburned laying there. Eventually the Albuterol kicked in and I made my way to the temple." - Emma | wasmormon.org

"I never felt that I belonged. It seemed that it was a chore for the other youth to include me, when they would include me. I was the only plus sized person in my ward. I always felt out of place, like I didn't look like a Mormon girl. The next big thing that happened is really what triggered my shelf breaking." - Emma | wasmormon.org

"I was born into the church. I left the church in 2020, after taking a hiatus from church for about a year. I decided I didn't want anything to do with the church and chose to leave instead of going back. I'm still healing from this journey and wouldn't change it for the world. I was a mormon." - Emma | wasmormon.org

"There were a always a few questions I had as a believing member but I put them off and just told myself I'd figure it out later." - Madison | wasmormon.org

Madison was a Mormon. https://wasmormon.org/profile/madisonc/

"If there was some divine power out there it was female. I prayed to a Heavenly Mother just one time, please please help me! Is this church true or not? I have to know, I have to know now. And the feeling I got was that She said no. No it's not true, and I'm you, I'm your daughter, and I'm love. I gave my daughter a baby blessing a few months later." - Madison | wasmormon.org

"My activity was less and less until I had my daughter. And I knew almost instantly that I would never set foot in a Mormon church again. How could I force onto her the shame I've held onto my whole life? This perfect little girl was my responsibility, my body grew her, gave her life." - Madison | wasmormon.org