Posted in 2003
Now I must speak directly to some of those who are in special circumstances with relation to their beliefs and their physical existence. These special circumstances exist for a variety of reasons, but they all exhibit a similar symptom: disfranchisement.
To be disfranchised in a general sense is to have been denied something. The groups to whom I must directly speak messages about Reform Mormonism have, for various reasons, been denied experiences of both Mormonism and, in the case of some, society at large. They are familiar with the results of this denial, and in some cases their pain has been greatly compounded by the unsolicited official withdrawal of their church from their lives. Many may have left the LDS faith of their own volition as a result of these circumstances.
As Reform Mormons, we are in disagreement with the LDS faith that a church should withdraw itself from a person for any reason, and we have discussed already some of the reasons why. But for those in the special circumstances discussed below, a distinct message must be sent that allows them to understand the Reform Mormon position relative to their circumstance. Everyone interested in Reform Mormonism should have an interest in what is said to these people, since God exists in everyone, and God is engaged in restoring to these people that which has been denied them.
To those who are intellectually active, or have pursued the history and philosophy of the LDS faith, and are currently or formerly members of the LDS faith:
You have known intense religious pressure to conform your life and your life’s objectives to a predetermined pattern, one that does not necessarily take into consideration that which you want to pursue in your life, but one that is predictable and comfortable for others. You have been asked to stop asking questions of a certain type, to not pursue answers of a certain type, and to not disclose to the world the results of your research if of a certain type. You have been denied access to information that should be publicly available. Your skills and intent have been unfairly attacked. You have been accused of destroying the faith of others.
All this you have endured and yet you have held your faith, or held it as long as you could bear, and sought the understanding of God to help resolve the unfairness and lack of respect that your religion has asked you to shoulder. This has not been easy for you to do. Many times you suffered through the hurt and fear that this had brought to you rather than speak up against or fight the unfairness, and thereby risk your religion and the things it has promised you. That you have endured so much is remarkable; you deserve great acknowledgement for this.
I have a special message for you, and in the message is a great truth: you do not have to give up your religion in order to receive the respect you deserve and resolve the unfairness placed in your way. You never have to do that.
As Reform Mormons, all of your religious beliefs are maintained, and no one can ever take them away from you. You are encouraged to pursue the path in life that you and God work out. Reform Mormonism does not engage in information suppression, viewing that as anathema to the purposes of progression and the church’s role in supporting progression. We do not support attacking those who have new information to present, or information that does not conform to a prescribed set of criteria. We apologize to you for those children of God who attacked your credentials, intentions and efforts – they did not understand. We know your intent was to build knowledge about the truth, not to destroy – how wrong for others to have misjudged you and mischaracterized your intent! And how inappropriate to suggest that your efforts to reveal the truth have “destroyed” anything; please accept our apologies for the pain this has caused you. The people who said these things were wrong.
Your efforts are at the vanguard of Reform Mormonism, for your scholarly efforts and courage to reveal truth and explore the unknown set the example for those who are interested in progression: suppression of ideas is not acceptable; suppression of knowledge is anathema to progression; the truth must be discovered, explored, and understood. Do not let intimidation and threats dissuade you from your callings. God has a great and marvelous work he is accomplishing through you, and the light you bring forth is literally the knowledge of God, to be used by many people as they enhance and further their own progression. We acknowledge your critical role. We applaud your work. We use it to better understand the divine – what greater contribution to mankind could you have made?
From all those who understand, and for all those who down the road will ultimately understand: Thank you.