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The LDS Church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) or religious institutions generally.

The most reliable early manuscripts of the Gospel of Mark do not contain Mark 16:9–20, and the style of the Greek language used in these verses differs from the rest of Mark. This suggests that these concluding verses might not have been written by Mark, but rather by scribes who added accounts of the Savior’s appearances after His Resurrection to bring the ending of Mark’s Gospel more in harmony with the writings of Matthew, Luke, John, and Acts. Whatever the reasons for the manuscript variations, the Church accepts all of Mark 16 as inspired scripture. Its value is based not on which human being wrote it, but on its inspired testimony of truth - LDS New Testament Institute Student Manual, Chapter 14 | wasmormon.org
“The most reliable early manuscripts of the Gospel of Mark do not contain Mark 16:9–20, and the style of the Greek language used in these verses differs from the rest of Mark. This suggests that these concluding verses might not have been written by Mark, but rather by scribes who added accounts of the Savior’s appearances after His Resurrection to bring the ending of Mark’s Gospel more in harmony with the writings of Matthew, Luke, John, and Acts. Whatever the reasons for the manuscript variations, the Church accepts all of Mark 16 as inspired scripture. Its value is based not on which human being wrote it, but on its inspired testimony of truth.” - LDS New Testament Institute Student Manual, Chapter 14
“My father received a revelation which, however, was never presented to the Church, and I refer to this not because it is a revelation to my father, I don't think a revelation because it came through him was any greater than one received through any other president of the Church, but because it seems to pertain to this question... This revelation is either true or it is false. Assuming that it is true, it seems to me that it would be better to offer leniency on the side of the Lord” - John W. Taylor, Son of President John Taylor, Resigned LDS Apostle, Excommunication Trial 1911 for continued opposition to ending polygamy. | wasmormon.org
“My father received a revelation which, however, was never presented to the Church, and I refer to this not because it is a revelation to my father, I don't think a revelation because it came through him was any greater than one received through any other president of the Church, but because it seems to pertain to this question... This revelation is either true or it is false. Assuming that it is true, it seems to me that it would be better to offer leniency on the side of the Lord” - John W. Taylor, Son of President John Taylor, Resigned LDS Apostle, Excommunication Trial 1911 for continued opposition to ending polygamy.
“My son John, you have asked me concerning the New and Everlasting Covenant how far it is binding upon my people. Thus saith the Lord: All commandments that I give must be obeyed by those calling themselves by my name unless they are revoked by me or by my authority, and how can I revoke an everlasting covenant, for I the Lord am everlasting and my everlasting covenants cannot be abrogated nor done away with, but they stand forever. ... I have not revoked this law, nor will I, for it is everlasting, and those who will enter into my glory must obey the conditions thereof; even so, Amen.” - John Taylor, LDS Church President, 1886 Revelation | wasmormon.org
“My son John, you have asked me concerning the New and Everlasting Covenant how far it is binding upon my people. Thus saith the Lord: All commandments that I give must be obeyed by those calling themselves by my name unless they are revoked by me or by my authority, and how can I revoke an everlasting covenant, for I the Lord am everlasting and my everlasting covenants cannot be abrogated nor done away with, but they stand forever. ... I have not revoked this law, nor will I, for it is everlasting, and those who will enter into my glory must obey the conditions thereof; even so, Amen.” - John Taylor, LDS Church President, 1886 Revelation
“Inasmuch as there are numerous reports in circulation that plural marriages have been entered into, contrary to the official declaration ... which forbade any marriages violative of the law of the land, I, Joseph F. Smith, ... hereby affirm and declare that no such marriages have been solemnized with the sanction, consent, or knowledge of the Church. And I hereby announce that all such marriages are prohibited, and if any officer or member of the Church shall assume to solemnize or enter into any such marriage, he will be deemed in transgression against the Church, and will be liable to be dealt with according to the rules and regulations thereof and excommunicated therefrom.” - Joseph F. Smith, 1904 "Second Manifesto" - Official Statement | wasmormon.org
“Inasmuch as there are numerous reports in circulation that plural marriages have been entered into, contrary to the official declaration ... which forbade any marriages violative of the law of the land, I, Joseph F. Smith, ... hereby affirm and declare that no such marriages have been solemnized with the sanction, consent, or knowledge of the Church. And I hereby announce that all such marriages are prohibited, and if any officer or member of the Church shall assume to solemnize or enter into any such marriage, he will be deemed in transgression against the Church, and will be liable to be dealt with according to the rules and regulations thereof and excommunicated therefrom.” - Joseph F. Smith, 1904 "Second Manifesto" - Official Statement
“Press dispatches... allege that plural marriages are still being solemnized ... also that in public discourses the leaders of the Church have taught, encouraged and urged the continuance of the practice of polygamy—I, therefore, as President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, do hereby, in the most solemn manner, declare that these charges are false. We are not teaching polygamy or plural marriage, nor permitting any person to enter into its practice, and I deny that either forty or any other number of plural marriages have during that period been solemnized in our Temples or in any other place in the Territory.” - Wilford Woodruff, 1890 Manifesto - D&C Official Declaration 1 | wasmormon.org
“Press dispatches... allege that plural marriages are still being solemnized ... also that in public discourses the leaders of the Church have taught, encouraged and urged the continuance of the practice of polygamy—I, therefore, as President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, do hereby, in the most solemn manner, declare that these charges are false. We are not teaching polygamy or plural marriage, nor permitting any person to enter into its practice, and I deny that either forty or any other number of plural marriages have during that period been solemnized in our Temples or in any other place in the Territory.” - Wilford Woodruff, 1890 Manifesto - D&C Official Declaration 1
There were times when I did believe in the church 100%. That was paying money, and following the rules. I left due to leaders and Bishops spreading lies. And finding out Jesus was not Jesus. - Brian's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/brian-caulfield/
There were times when I did believe in the church 100%. That was paying money, and following the rules. I left due to leaders and Bishops spreading lies. And finding out Jesus was not Jesus. - Brian's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/brian-caulfield/
“In the fall of 1851, the San Bernardino Valley was transformed ... into the largest predominantly Anglo-American settlement in the California southland with the arrival of some 400 Latter-day Saints... The group also included an entire branch of Southern converts, some of whom had given up plantations and come west, bringing with them their African-American servants, including slaves who ultimately received their freedom. This diverse group of colonists, unified by their faith, was well suited to help establish a community where all were welcome and all worked together.... The new community was ethnically diverse. In addition to the LDS pioneers of European descent, there were African-Americans, including colony midwives Biddy Mason and Hannah Smith, who was noted for her daring rides on horseback in the middle of the night to “catch babies.”... Today, descendants of the early African-American pioneers recount stories of good will between their forefathers and the Latter-day Saint pioneers. The enduring strength of such family traditions is a testament to the community spirit of the San Bernardino colony.” - Ensign, February 2003: True Community: Latter-day Saints in San Bernardino, 1851–1857 | wasmormon.org
“In the fall of 1851, the San Bernardino Valley was transformed ... into the largest predominantly Anglo-American settlement in the California southland with the arrival of some 400 Latter-day Saints... The group also included an entire branch of Southern converts, some of whom had given up plantations and come west, bringing with them their African-American servants, including slaves who ultimately received their freedom. This diverse group of colonists, unified by their faith, was well suited to help establish a community where all were welcome and all worked together.... The new community was ethnically diverse. In addition to the LDS pioneers of European descent, there were African-Americans, including colony midwives Biddy Mason and Hannah Smith, who was noted for her daring rides on horseback in the middle of the night to “catch babies.”... Today, descendants of the early African-American pioneers recount stories of good will between their forefathers and the Latter-day Saint pioneers. The enduring strength of such family traditions is a testament to the community spirit of the San Bernardino colony.” - Ensign, February 2003: True Community: Latter-day Saints in San Bernardino, 1851–1857
“Warren Snow was Bishop of the Church at Manti, San Pete County, Utah. He had several wives, but there was a fair, buxom young woman in the town that Snow wanted for a wife... She thanked him for the honor offered, but told him she was then engaged to a young man, a member of the Church, and consequently could not marry the old priest. This was no sufficient reason to Snow. He told her it was the will of God that she should marry him, and she must do so... Then the authorities called on the young man and directed him to give up the young woman. This he steadfastly refused to do... He remained true to his intended, and said he would die before he would surrender his intended wife to the embraces of another.” - John D. Lee, Mormonism Unveiled: The life and confessions of the late Mormon bishop, 1877 | wasmormon.org
“Warren Snow was Bishop of the Church at Manti, San Pete County, Utah. He had several wives, but there was a fair, buxom young woman in the town that Snow wanted for a wife... She thanked him for the honor offered, but told him she was then engaged to a young man, a member of the Church, and consequently could not marry the old priest. This was no sufficient reason to Snow. He told her it was the will of God that she should marry him, and she must do so... Then the authorities called on the young man and directed him to give up the young woman. This he steadfastly refused to do... He remained true to his intended, and said he would die before he would surrender his intended wife to the embraces of another.” - John D. Lee, Mormonism Unveiled: The life and confessions of the late Mormon bishop, 1877
“While being transported to the penitentiary, according to his mother, Elizabeth Jones, Lewis “was taken out of the wagon a blanket put round his head & ... like a pig by taking his testicles clean out & he laid at this place in a dangerous state he was out two nights & part of two days before he was found.” Manti­ bishop Warren Snow had ordered her son’s castration... she asked the church president if her son’s punishment was “right and righteous.”... Though he condoned it afterward, it is uncertain whether Young had authorized Thomas Lewis’s castration in advance.” - John G. Turner, Brigham Young - Pioneer Prophet, 2012 | wasmormon.org
“While being transported to the penitentiary, according to his mother, Elizabeth Jones, Lewis “was taken out of the wagon a blanket put round his head & ... like a pig by taking his testicles clean out & he laid at this place in a dangerous state he was out two nights & part of two days before he was found.” Manti­ bishop Warren Snow had ordered her son’s castration... she asked the church president if her son’s punishment was “right and righteous.”... Though he condoned it afterward, it is uncertain whether Young had authorized Thomas Lewis’s castration in advance.” - John G. Turner, Brigham Young - Pioneer Prophet, 2012
“On a cold winter night, Warren, the entire Manti Bishopric, and a few others secreted themselves in some willows near a creek by which the road to Salt Lake City passed. Thomas Lewis, a young member of the church ... was being taken by night to the penitentiary in Salt Lake ... When Lewis and his escort reached the creek, Warren and the others stepped out of the willows, and pulling Lewis from his horse, they dragged him into the brush and emasculated him "in a brutal manner." The prisoner's escort seems to have been an accomplice (hence the night trip), and soon the entire group fled leaving their victim lying on the snow-covered ground on what was described as "a bitter cold night." Lewis laid there in a near senseless condition for forty-eight hours before being found by someone who took him in and saved his life.” - John A. Peterson, "Warren Stone Snow: Mormon defender," Master's Thesis, BYU, 1985 | wasmormon.org
“On a cold winter night, Warren, the entire Manti Bishopric, and a few others secreted themselves in some willows near a creek by which the road to Salt Lake City passed. Thomas Lewis, a young member of the church ... was being taken by night to the penitentiary in Salt Lake ... When Lewis and his escort reached the creek, Warren and the others stepped out of the willows, and pulling Lewis from his horse, they dragged him into the brush and emasculated him "in a brutal manner." The prisoner's escort seems to have been an accomplice (hence the night trip), and soon the entire group fled leaving their victim lying on the snow-covered ground on what was described as "a bitter cold night." Lewis laid there in a near senseless condition for forty-eight hours before being found by someone who took him in and saved his life.” - John A. Peterson, "Warren Stone Snow: Mormon defender," Master's Thesis, BYU, 1985

Bishop Warren S. Snow’s Teenage Brides and The Castration of Thomas Lewis

In 1857, just as tensions with the U.S. government were escalating toward the Utah War, a dark and largely forgotten episode of Mormon frontier justice played out in Manti, Utah. It involved a young man named Thomas Lewis, potentially an unnamed teenage girl, and Warren S. Snow, a high-ranking Mormon bishop and militia leader. What …

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“Search the book of Covenants, in which you will see the belief of the church concerning masters and servants... we have no right to interfere with slaves contrary to the mind and will of their masters. In fact, it would be much better and more prudent, not to preach at all to slaves, until after their masters are converted: and then, teach the master to use them with kindness... and that servants are bound to serve their masters, with singleness of heart, without murmuring. I do, most sincerely hope, that no one who is authorized from this church to preach the gospel, will so far depart from the scripture as to be found stirring up strife and sedition against our brethren of the South.” - Joseph Smith, Letter to Oliver Cowdery, April 9, 1836 | wasmormon.org
“Search the book of Covenants, in which you will see the belief of the church concerning masters and servants... we have no right to interfere with slaves contrary to the mind and will of their masters. In fact, it would be much better and more prudent, not to preach at all to slaves, until after their masters are converted: and then, teach the master to use them with kindness... and that servants are bound to serve their masters, with singleness of heart, without murmuring. I do, most sincerely hope, that no one who is authorized from this church to preach the gospel, will so far depart from the scripture as to be found stirring up strife and sedition against our brethren of the South.” - Joseph Smith, Letter to Oliver Cowdery, April 9, 1836

Joseph Smith on Slavery

In recent years, LDS apostle Quentin L. Cook has claimed that early members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were persecuted because they were abolitionists and anti-slavery. Today leaders promote the narrative that latter-day saints of the day were driven out of Missouri in significant part because they were opposed to slavery. …

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Leadership Suppress Dissenfecting Light – The Nauvoo Expositor

On June 7, 1844, a bold and short-lived newspaper called the Nauvoo Expositor published its first—and only—issue in Nauvoo, Illinois. It was created by former Mormon insiders who could no longer remain silent. They leveled charges against Joseph Smith, including abuse of power, political tyranny, and most explosively, his secret polygamy. The Nauvoo Expositor printed …

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The church’s whitewashed, faith-promoting history glosses over many crucial parts of Green Flake’s story. It omits that in Nauvoo, the Flake family donated his slave labor to help build the temple. It skips the fact that he was sent west not as a free pioneer, but to perform slave duties—and that when he arrived in the Salt Lake Valley, he plowed the land, planted the first crops, and built a log cabin, all in preparation for the arrival of his enslavers. The church also fails to mention that Green was later given to the church itself as tithing and “served” Brigham Young as a personal servant—a euphemism for slave—for at least a year. Even his eventual emancipation is left unspoken, likely because the details remain unclear and uncomfortable to confront.
The church’s whitewashed, faith-promoting history glosses over many crucial parts of Green Flake’s story. It omits that in Nauvoo, the Flake family donated his slave labor to help build the temple. It skips the fact that he was sent west not as a free pioneer, but to perform slave duties—and that when he arrived in the Salt Lake Valley, he plowed the land, planted the first crops, and built a log cabin, all in preparation for the arrival of his enslavers. The church also fails to mention that Green was later given to the church itself as tithing and “served” Brigham Young as a personal servant—a euphemism for slave—for at least a year. Even his eventual emancipation is left unspoken, likely because the details remain unclear and uncomfortable to confront.
In 1851, his mother and family went with C. C. Rich and A. M. Lyman to settle San Bernardino. Previous to going she gave her negro slave Green Flake (one of the Pioneers of 1847) to the Church as tithing. He then worked two years for Pres Young and Heber C. Kimball, and then got his liberty and settled near Union. - William J. Flake, February 14, 1894 | wasmormon.org
In 1851, his mother and family went with C. C. Rich and A. M. Lyman to settle San Bernardino. Previous to going she gave her negro slave Green Flake (one of the Pioneers of 1847) to the Church as tithing. He then worked two years for Pres Young and Heber C. Kimball, and then got his liberty and settled near Union. - William J. Flake, February 14, 1894
“Sister Agnes Flake wishes me to inquire of you if there is any chance for her to receive any help by way of the negro man she left when she came here. She has a family on her hands for which to provide. Her health is also very delicate health and if she could realize something from this quarter it would be a benefit to her. Thomas I. Williams told me if he could, he would purchase the negro and pay for him. A word from you on this subject would be received a favor.” - Amasa Mason Lyman, LDS Apostle, in California, Letter to Brigham Young, LDS Church President, in Utah, July 21, 1854 | wasmormon.org
“Sister Agnes Flake wishes me to inquire of you if there is any chance for her to receive any help by way of the negro man she left when she came here. She has a family on her hands for which to provide. Her health is also very delicate health and if she could realize something from this quarter it would be a benefit to her. Thomas I. Williams told me if he could, he would purchase the negro and pay for him. A word from you on this subject would be received a favor.” - Amasa Mason Lyman, LDS Apostle, in California, Letter to Brigham Young, LDS Church President, in Utah, July 21, 1854
“Some Latter-day Saints may feel that modesty is a tradition of the Church or that it has evolved from conservative, puritanical behavior. Modesty is not just cultural. Modesty is a gospel principle that applies to people of all cultures and ages. In fact, modesty is fundamental to being worthy of the Spirit. To be modest is to be humble, and being humble invites the Spirit to be with us.” - Robert D. Hales, LDS Apostle, 2008 | wasmormon.org
“Some Latter-day Saints may feel that modesty is a tradition of the Church or that it has evolved from conservative, puritanical behavior. Modesty is not just cultural. Modesty is a gospel principle that applies to people of all cultures and ages. In fact, modesty is fundamental to being worthy of the Spirit. To be modest is to be humble, and being humble invites the Spirit to be with us.” - Robert D. Hales, LDS Apostle, 2008
“Some Latter-day Saints may feel that modesty is a tradition of the Church or that it has evolved from conservative, puritanical behavior. Modesty is not just cultural. Modesty is a gospel principle that applies to people of all cultures and ages. In fact, modesty is fundamental to being worthy of the Spirit. To be modest is to be humble, and being humble invites the Spirit to be with us.” - Robert D. Hales, LDS Apostle, 2008 | wasmormon.org
“Some Latter-day Saints may feel that modesty is a tradition of the Church or that it has evolved from conservative, puritanical behavior. Modesty is not just cultural. Modesty is a gospel principle that applies to people of all cultures and ages. In fact, modesty is fundamental to being worthy of the Spirit. To be modest is to be humble, and being humble invites the Spirit to be with us.” - Robert D. Hales, LDS Apostle, 2008
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is providing redesigned options in styles and fabrics for sacred temple garments worn by endowed members, including for those residing in hot, humid areas. “Devout Latter-day Saints cherish the privilege of wearing the temple garment. Some of those members live in hot and humid areas,” said Church spokesman Doug Andersen in a statement. - Church News | wasmormon.org
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is providing redesigned options in styles and fabrics for sacred temple garments worn by endowed members, including for those residing in hot, humid areas. “Devout Latter-day Saints cherish the privilege of wearing the temple garment. Some of those members live in hot and humid areas,” said Church spokesman Doug Andersen in a statement. - Church News

Green Flake, The Man and Slave Labor The Church Accepted as Tithing

Today, the LDS Church no longer condones slavery, and leaders assert that the church has always been against slavery and racism, but there is a hidden history of racism and even slavery in the church. There are even instances where slaves were given as tithing to the church—the church used slave labor in temple construction. Green Flake …

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Can Mormons Wear Tank Tops? What are Porn Shoulders?

In Mormonism, modesty has long been tied to righteousness, especially for women and girls. From early youth activities to temple preparation, countless lessons reinforce the idea that spiritual worth is directly connected to how much skin is covered. Among the most scrutinized body parts? Shoulders. For generations, sleeveless dresses have been seen as taboo—unworthy of …

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“I have arrived at a point in the History of my life as the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints where I am under the necessity of acting for the Temporal Salvation of the Church. The United State Government has taken a stand & passed Laws to destroy the Latter day Saints upon the subject of polygamy or Patriarchal order of Marriage. And after praying to the Lord & feeling inspired by his spirit I have issued the following Proclamation...” - Wilford Woodruff, LDS Church President, Journal, September 25, 1890 | wasmormon.org
“I have arrived at a point in the History of my life as the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints where I am under the necessity of acting for the Temporal Salvation of the Church. The United State Government has taken a stand & passed Laws to destroy the Latter day Saints upon the subject of polygamy or Patriarchal order of Marriage. And after praying to the Lord & feeling inspired by his spirit I have issued the following Proclamation...” - Wilford Woodruff, LDS Church President, Journal, September 25, 1890
Church leaders prayerfully sought guidance from the Lord and struggled to understand what they should do. Both President John Taylor and President Wilford Woodruff felt the Lord directing them to stay the course and not renounce plural marriage. This inspiration came when paths for legal redress were still open. The last of the paths closed in May 1890... President Woodruff saw that the Church’s temples and its ordinances were now at risk. Burdened by this threat, he prayed intensely over the matter. “The Lord showed me by vision and revelation,” he later said, “exactly what would take place if we did not stop this practice,” referring to plural marriage. “All the temples [would] go out of our hands.” God “has told me exactly what to do, and what the result would be if we did not do it.” - LDS Church Website > Gospel Topics Essay > The Manifesto and the End of Plural Marriage | wasmormon.org
Church leaders prayerfully sought guidance from the Lord and struggled to understand what they should do. Both President John Taylor and President Wilford Woodruff felt the Lord directing them to stay the course and not renounce plural marriage. This inspiration came when paths for legal redress were still open. The last of the paths closed in May 1890... President Woodruff saw that the Church’s temples and its ordinances were now at risk. Burdened by this threat, he prayed intensely over the matter. “The Lord showed me by vision and revelation,” he later said, “exactly what would take place if we did not stop this practice,” referring to plural marriage. “All the temples [would] go out of our hands.” God “has told me exactly what to do, and what the result would be if we did not do it.” - LDS Church Website > Gospel Topics Essay > The Manifesto and the End of Plural Marriage
“Latter-day Saints sincerely desired to be loyal citizens of the United States, which they considered a divinely founded nation. But they also accepted plural marriage as a commandment from God and believed the court was unjustly depriving them of their right to follow God’s commands. Confronted with these contradictory allegiances, Church leaders encouraged members to obey God rather than man.” - LDS Church Website > Gospel Topics Essay > The Manifesto and the End of Plural Marriage | wasmormon.org
“Latter-day Saints sincerely desired to be loyal citizens of the United States, which they considered a divinely founded nation. But they also accepted plural marriage as a commandment from God and believed the court was unjustly depriving them of their right to follow God’s commands. Confronted with these contradictory allegiances, Church leaders encouraged members to obey God rather than man.” - LDS Church Website > Gospel Topics Essay > The Manifesto and the End of Plural Marriage
“Government opposition strengthened the Saints’ resolve to resist what they deemed to be unjust laws... This antipolygamy campaign created great disruption in Mormon communities. The departure of husbands left wives and children to tend farms and businesses, causing incomes to drop and economic recession to set in... Between 1885 and 1889, most Apostles and stake presidents were in hiding or in prison. After federal agents began seizing Church property in accordance with the Edmunds-Tucker legislation, management of the Church became more difficult.” - LDS Church Website > Gospel Topics Essay > The Manifesto and the End of Plural Marriage | wasmormon.org
“Government opposition strengthened the Saints’ resolve to resist what they deemed to be unjust laws... This antipolygamy campaign created great disruption in Mormon communities. The departure of husbands left wives and children to tend farms and businesses, causing incomes to drop and economic recession to set in... Between 1885 and 1889, most Apostles and stake presidents were in hiding or in prison. After federal agents began seizing Church property in accordance with the Edmunds-Tucker legislation, management of the Church became more difficult.” - LDS Church Website > Gospel Topics Essay > The Manifesto and the End of Plural Marriage