Poelman Revises Conference Speech Bmggy Fletcher

Poelman Revises Conference Speech bmggy Fletcher

To many American Saints, Elder (see box). In the original the Church missions and for the historical Ronald E. Poelman's Sunday morn- was described as a "divine institu- archives, Elder Poelman returned to ing address, "The Gospel and the tion"; it becomes "the kingdom of the tabernacle a few days after Church," at October conference God on earth" in the revision. In the conference and retaped the speech 1984 was the best they heard. Cole original the Church was "the deliv- with the changes. This tape was R. Capener, Salt Lake City attorney, ery system that provides the then spliced into the original con- said, "It was my personal favorite means and resources to implement ference tape replacing the previous of the conference. I felt his speech [God's] plan in each individual's address. In addition a "cough- was thought provoking, novel in life"; it becomes simply "divinely track" was provided to make it approach, and touched on issues commissioned" in the revision. In sound more like an audience was central to our understanding." His the original, Elder Poelman said present. sentiments were echoed again and that "policies, programs, and According to L. Don LeFevre, a again by appreciative viewers. procedures do change from time to story in the Salt Lake Tribune on Not surprisingly, when word first time as necessary." In the edited November 16, 1984, said, "The most began circulating about a "revised version, that is softened to "may be obvious place to retape his talk version" and a mysterious retap- changed." And, among the most was from the pulpit." When asked ing, people were concerned. The dramatic changes were these if that would give a false impres- rumors proliferated. Purportedly, clauses: "As individually and col- sion that Elder Poelman was actu- Elder Poelman had been repri- lectively we increase our knowl- ally speaking to an audience, manded for his remarks and in edge, acceptance and application LeFevre said, "it could." retaliation had asked for emeritus of gospel principles, we become Although a number of talks have status. Too, it was said that he was less dependent on Church pro- been edited after presentation for asked to offer a public apology and grams. Our lives become gospel publication in the Ensign in the that Church members in his home centered" (original). "As individu- past, no speech has ever been state of California were circulating ally and collectively we increase retaped in this manner. "Well," said a petition to the General Authorities our knowledge, acceptance, and Jerry Cahill, also of LDS Public demanding a public explanation for application of gospel principles, we Communications, "it's a whole new the changes. Most of these rumors can more effectively utilize the technological era." Perhaps retap- proved either exaggerated or false. Church to make our lives increas- ing has been avoided in the past The facts are not nearly so ingly gospel centered" (revised). because of the exorbitant costs ominous. Said Capener, "I felt that the involved. According to one source Immediately following general changes were severe and signifi- in the television industry, the cost conference, those Apostles who cant. I am deeply troubled by the of this video editing was between regularly deal with Mormon apos- changes because of the possible $10,000 and $15,000, including tate groups "pointed out" to Elder chilling effect this might have on camera crew, producers, film, art Poelman that his remarks might by future conference speakers. directors, film editors, translators misinterpreted. He was told that Already the talks are limited to for dubbing, and many others at such apostate groups might use his fairly simplistic topics and $250 per hour. Again, said Cahill, "I remarks to argue that "those fully approaches. To me the value of his don't think that $10,000 is too much versed in and converted to the original ideas for members of the to pay to correct a possible misin- gospel do not need the Church," Church far outweigh any possibility terpretation. Besides, if the according to his brother, Stuart, a of being misunderstood by Brethren require it, we comply." Salt Lake City attorney. Elder apostates." Just who ordered the retaping is Poelman then revised his speech Indeed, subsequent events have unclear but the decision was at with those concerns in mind. tended to give added emphasis to least ratified by the First Presiden- The edited version changes all the speech by Elder Poelman. In cy's office. mention of the "distinctions" order to make the edited version as Many who know of the changes between the gospel and the Church printed consistent with the video and the somewhat covert behavior to "essential harmony" of the two version that is sent to the foreign involved have been saddened by

44 SUNSTONE 7EVIE NSthis episode. Rodd G. Wagner, the The following paragraphs were changed from Elder Poelman's original Tribune writer who broke the address. The asterisks (' * *) indicate paragraphs in between. story, himself an active Mormon, ORIGINAL REVISED said, "My friends are not particularly liberal minded, just a bit more Both the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Church of Both the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Church of independent than usual; all gener- Jesus Christ are true and divine. However, there is a Jesus Christ are true and divine. and there is an distinction between them which is significant and it 1s essential relationship between them that is significant ally feel upset by the way this was very Important that this distinction be understood. Of and very important. Understanding the proper rela- handled. We can maybe even see a ?qua1 importance is understanding the essential relationship between the gospel and the Church will pre- need to change a few of his ideas tionship between the two and to comprehend their vent confusion, misplaced priorities, and failed expec- proper relationship may lead to confusion and mis- tations and will lead to the realization of gospel goals but why be SO secretive about it? It placed priorities with unrealistic and therefore failed through happy, fulfilling participation in the Church. doesn't show much respect for the expectations Th~sin turn may result in diminished Such understanding will avoid possible disaffection membership." benefits and blessings and, in extreme cases. and will result in great personal blessings. disaffection. In a letter to the editor respond- ... ..* ing to theTribunels story, T. Russell Sometimes traditions, customs, social practices The eternal principles of the gospel implemented Wingate Wrote with Sorrow: and personal preferences of individual Church through the divinely inspired Church apply to a wide "The censorship and self- members may, through repeated or common usage variety of individuals in diverse cultures. Therefore, as be misconstrued as Church procedures or policies. we live the gospel and participate in the Church, the censorship of the challenging Occasionally, such traditions, customs and practices conformity we require of ourselves and of others October conference remarks of may even be regarded by some as eternal gospel should be according to God's standards. The ortho- Elder Ronald E. Poelman of the principles. Under such circumstances those who do doxy upon which we insist must be founded in fun- not conform to these cultural standards may mistak- damental principles, eternal law, and direction given First Quorum of Seventy are con- enly be regarded as unorthodox or even unworthy. In by those authorized in the Church. temptible. I See with grief that the fact, the eternal principles of the gospel and the A necessary perspective is gained by studying and church is making itself into a divinely inspired Church do accommodate a broad pondering the scriptures. spectrum of individual uniqueness and cultural laughing stock. Uniformity Can lose diversity what veracity would gain. . . . The conformity we require should be according to Those who suppose that Elder God's standards. The orthodoxy upon which we insist must be founded in fundamental principles and eter- Poelmafl Was out of line for stating nal law, including free agency and the divine unlque- to all the saints that the Gospel and ness of the individual It is important therefore to the modern church are neither con- know the difference between eternal gospel princ~ples which are unchanging, universally applicable and CUI- gruent nor equally important are tural norms which may vary with time and not as brave as the redeemed circumstance. The source of this perspective is found in the scrip- ought to be." tures and may appear to be presented in a rather unorganized and untidy format. The Lord could have presented the gospel to us in a manual, systemati- cally organized by subject, perhaps using examples and illustrations. However, the eternal principles and divine laws of God are revealed to us through accounts of ind~viduallives in a varietv OI circum- Reviewers stances and conditions. a*. Every Church member has the opportun~ty,right, Every Church member has not only the opportunity. and privilege to receive a personal witness regarding S~litover rlqht, and privileoe to receive a oersonal witness gospel princ~plesand Church practices. Without such regarding gospeiprinciples and'church practices, but a witness, one may feel confused and perhaps even has the need and obligation to obtain such assurance burdened by what may appear to be s~mplyinstitu- one may feel confused and perhaps even burdened by tional requirements of the Church. controver- what may appear to be simply institutional requirements of the Church. We should obey the commandments and counsel of Indeed, it is not enough that we obey the com- Church leaders; but also through study, through sial Book mandments and counsel of Church leaders. In prayer, and by the influence of the Holy Spirit, we esponse to study, prayer. and by the influence of the should seek and obtain an individual, personal wit- loly Spirit we may seek and obtain an individual and ness that the principle or counsel is correct and by Susan Warner personal witness that the principle or counsel is cor- divinely inspired Then we can give enlightened. rect and divinely inspired. Then we can give enllght- enthusiastic obedience. utilizing the Church as a ened, enthusiastic obedience . utilizing the Church means through which to give allegiance, time, talent. through which to give allegiance, tlme, talent and and other resources without reluctance or resentment. Since the book's publication in ther resources without reluctance or resentment. . . . When we see the harmony between the gospel September, America's Saints: . . When we understand the difference between and the Church in our daily lives, we are much more the gospel and the church and the appropriate func- likely to do the r~ghtthings for the right reasons. We The Rise of Mormon Power has tion of each in our dally lives, we are much more will exercise self-discipline and righteous initiative been described as "detailed but hol- ' li' to do the right things for the right reasons. guided by Church leaders and a sense of divine low," preoccupied with politics, k itional discipline is replaced by self-discipline. accountability. Supervision is replaced by a righteous initiate power, and dirty linen and closet and a sense of divine accountability skeletons," "brilliant, incisive, and revealing," and, of course, "contro-

SUNSTONE 45 versial." In any event, the 275page Institute forum at the University of volume by Robert Gottlieb and Utah on November 6. May, a pro- Peter Wiley is a best seller. In fact fessor of history at the University it has already sold 10,000 copies of Utah and editor of the Journal Is God and is now in its second printing. of Mormon History, claimed The book was singled out for authors Gottlieb and Wiley quote criticism in the Church News on misinformation and hearsay as September 2. Richard P. Lindsay, fact, use unnamed sources, are Married? managing director of the Church inconsistent in their interpreta- by Cecella Warner Public Communications Department tions, and base these interpreta- and dubbed by the headline tions on the Church authorities. The idea of a "Married God" to "church spokesman," charged that Gottlieb and Wiley represent the Paul Toscano, staff attorney with rather than judge a tree by what it concerns of yuppies, according to the U.S. bankruptcy court, does not produces, Gottlieb and Wiley "have May; they talked to Mormon yup- resemble a television sitcom like concentrated on what they could pies, and they attack what amount 'Father Knows Bestw-or even find in the dirt surrounding its to yuppie cardinal sins: authoritar- "Heavenly Father Knows Best." It roots." According to Lindsay, "fair- ian organizations, large families, is, rather, a sexual, spiritual, mys- minded, knowledgeable observers" partriarchy, commitment to religion tical union of an anthropomorphic would have written about the "spiri- and prayer, opposition to drugs God and Goddess into an eternal tual heart" of the Church, but these and alcohol, and support of cor- one. authors "consider the Mormon porations, bureaucracy, right wing Toscano and his wife, BYU Greek church (and, perhaps any other politics, and imperialism. and Latin instructor, Margaret, church) as merely a temporal, man- However, Jack Newell, dean of represented the affirmative posi- made institution, imposing on the the college of Liberal Education at tion for the Sunstone Debate book a pervasive bias." Lindsay the University of Utah and coeditor Society topic, "Resolved: God Is cited as an example of such bias of Dialogue: A Journal of Mor- Married." The debate took place the fact that Gottlieb and Wiley mon Thought, countered with a before nearly one hundred partici- "suggest that the Church and its more sympathetic assessment of pants on November 28 at the Uni- leaders are anti-intellectual." the book. versity of Utah. On November 13, Gottlieb met When a church moves into the Believing in a God described face to face with Lindsay on Civic political and economic arenas, then metaphorically in the Bible, the Dialogue, a public affairs program it must be judged by the same Very Reverend William F. Maxwell on Salt Lake educational station standards as other institutions in maintained God is without "body, KUED. "We weren't attempting to the same arena. Gottlieb and Wiley parts, and passions"; therefore, he write a book about the spiritual have thus adopted a legitimate could not be married. "God is per- side of the Church," said Gottlieb. stance toward the Church. Newell fection," he said. "He does not need "We weren't attempting faith- then underscored concerns about to be married to be God." Maxwell promoting literature. We were look- the Church he shares with the also disputed the LDS doctrine ing for a contemporary history of authors: Mormonism's increasingly which deems only temple-married the Church as a political and eco- conservative stance despite its persons worthy to enter the highest nomic institution and how it relates progressive, liberal beginnings; the heaven, calling it "elitism." He also to larger society." Church's enthusiastic embrace of took issue with the apparent lack Lindsay again maintained that the technology and organizational of scriptural evidence for the LDS the LDS church endorses academic techniques of modernization; its belief in a Mother in Heaven. and intellectual freedom of inquiry. entanglement in social issues For reference, Margaret Toscano But Gottlieb brought up incidents which undermine its moral author- turned to Genesis 1:27, "So God which he felt undercut Lindsay's ity; its insensitivity to women; and created man in his own image, in claims-including changes in the its embracing of images of material the image of God created he him; LDS historical department and success. male and female created he them." chastisement of certain Mormon Los Angeles Times writer She reasoned that God must have a writers by Elder Mark E. Petersen David Johnson (November 18) also female attribute to have created about two years ago. wrote a positive review of the woman in his image. A review of the book by Hal book, which he says "falls just Ms. Toscano also cited the fact Knight for the Deseret News short of perfection." He praised the that Jesus taught in the echoed many of the same criticisms book's chronicle of the internal synagogues-a practice reserved raised by Lindsay. He too found politics and worldly ambitions of for espoused men-which indicates that "the religious and spiritual the Church but felt the book "fell he must have been married. "The heart" or "the spiritual engine that short" in its discussion of Mormon evidence is not substantial," con- drives the Church" was slighted. theology. Mother Jones reviewer ceded Ms. Toscano, "but it is Instead, said Knight, the book deals Dan Whipple (November 1984) had plausible." with "the sort of thing that in a similar praise for Gottlieb and The Reverend Anne Campbell, secular organization might be dis- Wiley: "a brilliant job of reporting chaplain at Westminster College cussed around the office drinking on this elusive body." America's and member of the debate's nega- fountainn-personality conflicts, Saints provides a frightening look tive team, contended there can be internal power struggles, bureau- at where the Moral Majority is try- no literal reading of the Bible as it cratic changes. ing to lead us," wrote Whipple. is always interpretive. Especially The same kinds of reservations "The Mormons, the forerunners of when one cites sections of scrip- were voiced by Dean May, who the Moral Majority, are already ture, she says, there is sure to be reviewed the book at a Hinckley there." personal meaning involved.

46 SUNSTONE 1 Panel Discusses Use 'Inspired Ver-

Working- LDS Women sion' Urges Apostle / !I: by Michelle Maclarlane by Cecelia Warner I; More than 50 percent of Evans noted that at one point she believed that she needed to choose Utah women work and between her career and the Church. will continue to do so for During this time, she was told by much of their lives her bishop that she was according to Sharon unrighteous for working. Evans called this time her "personal Evans. Gethsemane." Evans, who works for the Evans reported that she has Phoenix Institute, a Salt Lake since learned that she can women's resource center, was one accomplish all she needs to with- of five panelists discussing the out shortchanging anything impor- Mormon woman as a professional tant. She finds a great deal of at the University of Utah's fall satisfaction in active participation women's conference. in the Church, motherhood, wife- Evans teaches career skills such hood, and the professional life. It is as goal setting, self-esteem, and not easy to balance all of these time management to disadvan- things. It takes constant prioritiz- taged women. In her work she has ing and reevaluation. But she has found that the majority of her LDS finally given herself the permission clients, even those who have been to succeed. abandoned or divorced, experience enormous guilt about working. Similar sentiments were Because these women work with expressed by Carol Clark, who During the millennium, all things an apology, they are willing to focused her remarks on the mis- will be renewed, says Elder Bruce work for low wages and under poor conceptions that many Latter-day R. McConkie, one of the Twelve working conditions. They will not Saints have about professional Apostles of the Church of Jesus give themselves permission to suc- women. According to Clark, other Christ of Latter-day Saints. That ceed, said Evans. women can be the worst perpetra- includes the restoration of lost as There is a real dichotomy for LDS tors of these misunderstandings. well as sealed scripture. However, women, according to Evans. While Clark, a single professional, has until that time, because the Bible on the one hand they may have a found that a lot of women have a "abounds in errors and rnistransla- financial or emotional need to hard time seeing beyond their tions," he instructs us to "use and work, on the other hand LDS cul- world of the home. "Many have an rely on the Joseph.Smith Transla- ture teaches them that a profession unfortunate lack of understanding. tion, the so-called Inspired is unrighteous. They believe that the career woman Version." Evans's personal experiences is somehow suspect, that she has Elder McConkie preached this have been similar to those of some chosen a career over marriage." message on August 17 to seminary, of her clients. She grew up plan- While strength in a mother is institute, and religion instructors at ning to marry in the temple and live applauded, the same strength in a BYU. He delivered a similar dictum happily ever after. "It never professional woman is often seen to students on November 3 at the occurred to me that I should finish as a negative characteristic which BYU Symposium on the Joseph college. I had no intention of ever alienates men and lessens the Smith Translation. working, just doing Church jobs woman's chances for marriage, The Book of Mormon is "in the and having a perfect marriage." Clark said. real and true sense of the word the only way to understand the Bible. When Evans married at age 20, Clark believes that these mis- The Bible is true," he states, she dropped out of college against conceptions are not gospel oriented "because the Book of Mormon is the wishes of her husband. "I got a but are societal. She sees a need true." job to help my husband through for Church members to educate one Both volumes of scripture con- school, but I was never committed another. "There is a real need for tain sealed portions, says the to it. I was working just until. . . . " theologian. When Joseph Smith Gradually her life changed. She balance, space, and understanding." received and translated the Book or began to achieve successes in her Also participating on the panel Mormon, one-third remained work and both she and her hus- were Sheri Dew, editor of This unopened. Also, the Apostle cites band were proud of what she was People magazine, Margaret the fact that the Brass Plates accomplishing. Now she feels that Smoot, anchorwoman for KSL-TV, "which also contain the fullness of her profession is a very important and Maurine Ward, a writer in Salt the gospel," have yet to be part of her life. Lake City. translated.

SUNSTONE 47 At the same time the Bible is with the Joseph Smith Translation. the Helsinki Watch Group, and he sealed in the sense that verses, "Of course we believe in the continues to work for human rights chapters, even books have been Bible," he says, "but there is that around the world. lost because of "intellectuals, unbe- reservation about parts being In another session, Amnesty lievers, ministers," and Satan "who translated correctly and in some lnternational USA president Jack hates and spurns the scriptures." minds there is a nagging uncer- Healy called upon students to Elder McConkie lists books by tainty about the so-called lnspired become actively involved in the such prophets as Adam, Noah, Version. Some say, 'After all, the release process of political prison- Melchizedek, and Abraham (who he prophet didn't finish his work, and ers. "People have to take care of says certainly wrote more than how can we be sure what he did people-governments don't," he what we have in the Pearl of Great finish was correct.' Any negative declared as he explained the Price) which will come forth during feelings and attitudes toward the "Campaign against Torture": the restoration of the Bible. Joseph Smith Translation are Amnesty working through govern- However, he says, "I am clear in simply part of the devil's program ments to exchange prisoners for my mind that the sealed portion of to keep the cospel from the child- military installations. Amnesty the Book of Mormon will not come ren of men."Of course Joseph lnternational has also organized forth until the millennium. The Smith's changes are true," he con- fifty thousand people to write let- same thing is undoubtedly true of tinues. "Of course we should use ters and to send telegrams the fullness of the Bible." However, the lnspired Version in our study demanding the release of illegally he adds, "some additions could and teaching." incarcerated andlor tortured well be made before that time." He also notes, however, that the prisoners. The Lord, says Elder McConkie, King James Version remains the Healy emphasized Amnesty has already done this to a degree official Bible of the LDS church. lnternational is nonpartisan, saying the organization is not allied with the left, right, rich, poor, East, or West, and it does not compare U.S. presidents and administrations. "We just want to work with the Symposium powers that be to be effective," he on said, "and we want them to uphold the [declaration of human rights] signed in the U.N." Human Rights In a panel discussion, four -by Cecelia Warner Brigham Young University profes- According to the sors addressed the question, human rights movement. "Should human rights have a part Doctrine and Covenants Addressing a standing-room only in foreign relations and policy?" 134:2: "We believe that audience, Soviet dissident Alex- According to Ray Hillam of the no government can exist ander Ginzburg related his expe- political science department, the riences while working for human Universal Declaration of Human in peace, except such rights in Russia. Such work Rights has become "lip service" laws are framed and held resulted in three prison terms total- because so many governments inviolate as will secure to ing nine years. don't abide by it. He specifically Ginzburg began his own "war of cited countries which regularly vio- each individual the free words" for human rights in the late standards, including China, exercise of conscience, Soviet Union in 1956 when he and Campuchia, Vietnam, the Philip- the right and control of friends hand-typed two hundred pines, and South Korea. copies of a poetry journal. After property, and the protec- Concerning foreign policies the three issues he was arrested. U.S. should use toward such coun- tion of life." When that Following a two year sentence in a tries, Hillam suggested we should right is violated, work camp, he again became not disassociate from them and members of The Church involved in dissident publications. end economic, political, and mil- When two writers, who were well- itary relations. "This is impractical of Jesus Christ of Latter- known for publishing in the West, and too late," said Hillam. "What day Saints should learn were arrested, Ginzburg obtained we should do," he continued, "is what they can do to secret recordings of their trial reaffirm and support our commit- which he published alongside the ment to human rights, set an change it. "official account." His effort to example, use quiet diplomacy, and This was the message of the expose "Soviet propaganda and the avoid nuclear war by ending the Symposium on Human Rights system," earned him another five- arms race." sponsored by the Brigham Young year prison term. F. Lamond Tullis, also of the pol- University Academics Office and In 1979 Ginzburg was again itical science department, defined the student peace group, Response. arrested, this time after writing respect for human rights in Central Held October 23-25, topics ranged four books disclosing human rights and South America as "dignity of from human rights violations in violations after the Soviet Union person, freedom from arbitrary Central America and South Africa had signed the Universal Declara- arrest, being killed, executed, and to Asia and even the United States. tion of Human Rights in 1975. tortured, the right to a fair trial- Participants were not only BYU Soon after he was traded for two and doing the same to family faculty members and students but Russian spies held by the United members." also world-known figures in the States, Ginzburg aided in founding

48 SUNSTONE Tullis suggested what individuals may do to stop human rights violations: (1) Take an informed stand; (2) remember this is the time for Response at B YU concern; (3) ignore short-term gains and look to long-term by Cecelia Warner accomplishments by educating poli- ticians to understand that without As of early 1984, Brigham Young The group is not hesitant, how- human rights we will eventually University students concerned ever, to avow Christian principles. lose our national security; by help- about human rights, peace, and the "We think if there is a little less ing corporate heads understand threat of nuclear war have an offi- prejudice, hostility and fear and a that profits will eventually be lost; cially recognized organization: little more love, understanding and and by helping to educate the Response. cooperation-and a more moral public. Though their numbers are few Christian obligation-the world Also oarticbatinn in the panel (between thirty and fifty members), would be much better," says the were oolitical science Professor the group meets regularly and so group's founder, Paul Wake. "We ~enni'sThompson, who spoke on far has sponsored the Symposium need to have a club on campus that human rights violations in South on Peace, which took place last won't be banned," he continues, Africa, and German and slavic lan- March, and the Symposium on "but that will provide dialogue and guage Professor Gary Browning, Human Rights in October. a chance for students to deal with who discussed such violations in Their goal is "to make people these issues." the Soviet Union. aware of the issues while remain- One recent Response initiative During the question and answer ing politically unaligned." Neutral- was to sponsor a "Food for Ethio- period, Tullis cited several human ity is mandatory in order to receive pia" booth in the campus commons and civil rights violations imposed university sanction, as BYU recog- which raised $5,000 in two days. by the Sandinista government nizes only Young Republicans and The club is also planning another including the "literal slaughter' of Young Democrats as valid student peace symposium which will take the Mosquito Indians on the East Dolitical organizations. place in February 1985. coast of Nicaragua. Only the day before, the symposium had hosted E. K. Hunt of the University of Utah economics department. Hunt had insisted no "slaughter" had taken MORMONDOM'S place, asserting that such reports were U.S. propaganda. Having just returned from a fact-finding tour of FINEST & FUNNIEST Nicaragua, Hunt said he observed "one of the best countries as far as human rights are concerned- considering it is a third-world country." Hunt also lauded Nicaragua's freedom of the press and the literacy campaign set up by the Sandinista government. One student response to the symposium came in the form of a letter to the editor of the Daily Universe, BYU's official student newspaper. "We express a grateful thanks to all who made the symposium possible," it began. "Our only regrets were that more of you didn't attend." (Most sessions SUNDAY'S FOYER attracted a mere twenty partici- "GRONDAHL HAS AN UNCANNY ABILITY TO HIT pants..) "To us," the letter con- MORMONISM SQUARE ON THE NOSE WITHOUT tinued, "this is a sad commentary on our community and university. ELICITING A CRY OF ANGUISH." Do we, proclaiming to be a Chris- tian university, feel so secure in our Rocky Mountain stronghold that we dare to ignore the para- mount difficulties in the lives of others not so fortunate in the world LOOK FOR IT AT YOUR LOCAL BOOKSTORE who battle hunger, torture, and ALSO LOOK FOR FREEWAY TO PERFECTION, GRONDAHL'S ORIGI- censorship?" NAL GROUNDBREAKING BOOK OF HILARIOUS MORMON GAGS! Transcripts from the symposium on human rights are expected to be available from the BYU bookstore in February, 1985.

SUNSTONE 49 "What was his attraction to the Church? the Book of Mormon? The "Martin tiarris Letter'? Joseph Smith? the new culture?" Is the letter a threat? Christensen Fact, Fiction ...Fate thinks not. "I frankly don't think the brethren have had the time or the -by Cecelia Warner interest to even worry much about In late August a story by Los Tanners have expressed doubt about the letter." Angeles Times writer John Dart the authenticity of the letter. Indeed, the Church's reaction has appeared in several major newspap- Time magazine considered run- been not to move at all. LDS church ers, proclaiming that a letter, possi- ning an article concerning spokesman Jerry Cahill says the bly penned by "Mormonism's first Christensen's acquisition at that time Church has no comment on he let- convert" Martin Harris, "is now but religion editors twice pulled the ter's authenticity. But Cahill does threatening to alter the idealized por- story due to a significant lack of say, "It certainly sounds consistent trait of Church founder Joseph documentation. with the times and possibly is an Smith." During the summer Duane Cardall interesting sidelight to what is known." The existence of the letter had just aired the story on KSL's evening been made public during a panel dis- news in Salt Lake City. Cardall's Christensen dismisses a statement cussion at the annual Sunstone Theo- conclusions: No one is sure what the by Utah State University historian logical Symposium. However, rumors letter says and no one knows what it Rhett S. James as "personal opinion" about the letter-and versions pur- means, but the hearsay continues. and "unofficial." Salt Lake newspapers finally ported to be copies-had been circu- James explained in the September lating among Mormon intellectuals began publishing articles on the letter after Dart's article appeared. Most 9, 1984 LDS Church News that the since the early spring. Because gos- letter's "white salamander" was only sip became so widespread, the let- copy centered on the content of the document. According to reports, the Harris's use of "language and symbo- ter's owner, Salt Lake City busi- lism." "If you look the word up in the nessman Steven F. Christensen, letter contains such statements as, "In the fall of 1827,l hear Joseph Oxford Dictionary," he said, "it has notified the press in a release dated many uses and meanings not known March 7, 1984. found the Gold Bible." Says Joseph, "I found it 4 years ago with my stone to the modern world, not just the "It is true that I am the owner of a but only just got it because of the amphibian we think of today." letter written by Martin Harris to Wil- enchantment. The old spirit come to "By the time of Martin Harris," he liam W. Phelps, dated October 23, me 3 times in the same dream & says continued, "the word also meant 1830," wrote Christensen. "While it is 'dig up the gold,' but when I take it up angel. It also referred to brave sol- hoped that the letter is authentic, the next morning, the spirit transfig- diers who would run into the heat of professional tests have not yet been ured himself from a white sala- battle. The bravest soldiers in the performed on the document. Before I mander in the bottom of the hole & French Revolution were known as will release transcripts or photo- struck me 3 times & held the treasure salamanders." graphs of the document to the public, & would not let me have it." James explained that the "magi- I wish to first determine the docu- Because such a declaration ment's historicity as much as possi- cal" attributes of the salamander directly contradicts the official LDS date back to sixteenth-century Ger- ble. I have therefore sought the help version of the Joseph Smith story, and advice of competent historians many. Salamanders would sup- Dart labeled it "threatening" to the posedly hide in old logs and would to assist me in determining the relia- status of the Church's founder. bility of the contents of the letter. run out when the logs were set afire. Furthermore, the letter suggests the The myth stands that they cannot be prophet dabbled in the occult and burned. "Until the above referenced searched for buried treasure with a research and tests have further pro- seerstone-according to anti- Anti-Mormons have emphasized gressed, I do not feel at liberty to Mormons, "dishonorable" diversions share the full contents of the letter. It such links to magic. "Salamanders the LDS church has tried to "cover were important to those who prac- is unfortunate that publicity of the up." document has preceded its historical ticed magic and dug up buried trea- authentication. This has lead to some Christensen maintains that the sures in Joseph Smith's time," wrote cases of misstatement as well as importance of the document lies in the Tanners. "Since the gold plates of numerous phrases being taken out of its historicity. "What happened," he the Book of Mormon were considered context." says, "was not that unnatural or to be valuable treasure, we can see uncommon given what was going on why a believer in magic might At the time of Christensen's press in Joseph Smith's day. To anyone choose to have a salamander guard- release, only anti-Mormon authors who has studied the Joseph Smith ing them." Jerald and Sandra Tanner had run a period there are not a lot of surprises Meanwhile Christensen awaits story on the letter. The cover story of in the letter." authentication from "the East" where The March 1984 issue of their news- Convinced of its authenticity, the document has been under exami- letter, the Salt Lake City Mes- Christensen says the interesting nation for the past several months. senger, proclaimed, "If the letter aspects of the letter are the questions is authentic, it is one of the greatest only Martin Harris himself can At Christensen's request, two his- evidences against the divine origin of answer: "What was he thinking?" torians, Ronald W. Walker and Dean the Book of Mormon." However, the "Was he being literal or figurative?" Jessee of Brigham Young University,

50 SUNSTONE and research assistant Brent Met- calfe began researching the historical context of the document. At one time, Cable TV says Christensen, he considered publishing the letter along with a brief explanatory article. (It was even and the Mormon Vote rumored such an item would appear hv Michelle Maclarlane in SUNSTONE.)Christensen also con------templated publishing the letter along Freedom of choice or a clean thundering protest to the spread of with a more extensive manuscript. moral climate? This question was smut and indecency currently being But the letter became a "catalyst" for at the heart of a very intense con- purveyed as cable television enter- expanding research on the history, flict last November, and the tainment," read the October 7 culture, and the origin of the Book of Mormon church, while not directly Deseret News editorial. Mormon. This in turn led to the idea involved in the battle, did not "Seeds of Sinister Sex" was the of publishing a book. But Christensen exactly sit this one out on the title of the October 7 LDS Church says, it was "the media" who sidelines. News editorial which implored "all "cleaved onto the idea of a book as The struggle was over Initiative concerned and caring" Latter-day the end in mind. It was the goal for a A, a proposed cable TV regulation Saints to put "the same restraints period of time. But options have and law which was placed on the 1984 on cable TV that apply to commer- still do remain flexible." general election ballot as a result cia1 TV regarding indecency." of 60,000 signatures. The proposed An October 14 Deseret News Recently Christensen and corpo- law would have defined indecent editorial answered the First rate partner and co-founder J. Gary material and made the showing of Amendment argument by citing the Sheets decided the project had such material a federal offense. 1973 Supreme Court decision that become an unrealistic venture. "It Opponents of the initiative used pornographic material could be was just taking too long, and it "freedom" as their key weapon. prohibited without violating the would have involved at least another "Freedom of choice is what cable Amendment. "Utahns have a legal year," Christensen told SUNSTONE.The TV is all about," stated James right to keep smut off cable TV," group research by Walker, Jessee, Bunnell in the Utah Voter Informa- stated the article. Pro-initiative and Metcalfe has been halted. tion Guide. "It is the subscriber who editorials were also carried on As a result the three are free to has the obligation and right to con- October 28 and November 4. pursue the effort on their own. "I trol cable, not the state of Utah." Prior to the election, the Church suspect books will still come of the Bunnell is the president of the Utah reiterated its firm stand against research that has been done, but it's Cable TV Operators Association, a pornography. In his October 7 doubtful there will be a tri- group which actively opposed the General Conference talk, Elder authorship," says Christensen. "It initiative. David B. Haight spoke out against may end up being nothing but a "Passage of the initiative will be the deluge of readily available newspaper story." in conflict with the ideals of free- pornographic materials. He dom of religion and choice as it stressed the need for responsibility Should the document prove to be allows the state to dictate morals to accompany technological fraudulent, Christensen intends to of the people," wrote Michelle Ballif advances. sell it back to the seller. He main- and Rod Christiansen in a "State and national laws neces- tains, however, that the resulting November 6 letter to the editor of sary to govern their proper use are research has made the venture The Daily Universe, the Brigham not yet established, and they are worthwhile. Young University newspaper. almost totally unregulated," said Christensen also says he plans to Opponents argued that if passed Haight of cable TV and satellite donate the document to the Church. the proposal would violate the First transmissions. "I haven't asked them if they want it, Amendment and would likely be The Church also released a but I suspect they'll take it as a gift. ruled unconstitutional. A very simi- statement on the occasion of the No doubt the Church hates paying lar bill, Senate Bill 309, which National Anti-Pornography Aware- through the nose for its own passed in 1983 over Governor ness Week, October 28-November 4, memorabilia." Matheson's veto, is currently encouraging citizens to avoid "the caught up in the Federal District dangers posed by the production Court of Utah where a determina- and distribution of obscene and tion of its constitutionality is being pornographic materials, under made. whatever guise, and to join Proponents of the initiative, thoughtful, appropriate opposition including the Church-owned to this evil in our society." Deseret News and LDS Church In addition, Church-owned KSL- News, urged citizens to ignore the TV refused to sell air time to the constitutionality issue and to focus Utah Cable TV Association. KSL instead on sending a strong "moral argued that the decision not to message" to cable TV operators accept the approximately $40,000 and the rest of the world by voting worth of anti-initiative commer- to place restrictions on cable TV. cials was made because cable TV "When Utahns step into voting is a competitor of KSL and not booths on November 6, they will because of any ties the station has have the opportunity to declare a with the Church.

SUNSTONE 51 In at least one area, Church lead- by Dan Jones and Associates, ership positions were used as a Mormons voted against the pro- vehicle to disseminate information posal 51 percent to 49 percent. The about the initiative. An Ogden poll also indicated that those who bishop reported that a stake leader considered themselves to be "very Freeman in his area gave him pamphlets active" in the Church were more in which implored all Church favor than those who considered Institute members to vote for the initiative. themselves to be "somewhat He was told to circulate them to the active" in the Church. people in his ward on a day other than Sunday and to use help only Although this particular proposal Changes Name from those who did not hold the was defeated, the fight most priesthood. assuredly is not yet over. Accord- by John Sillito Despite the lively debate which ing to the Deseret News, several I occurred over lnitiative A, the mea- legislators have promised they will I sure was overwhelmingly defeated continue to pursue similar regula- by Utah voters 61 percent to 39 tion legislation. John Harmer, the I percent. The Mormon vote, how- author of lnitiative A, said "It's a ever, was much closer than this. bitter, bitter defeat. We have lost I According to an exit poll conducted the battle but not the war." 1 P j Two-year Missions Again by Cecelia Warner "An Elder is not sent into the world It appears even back then the for a set term, as a culprit is sent missionary program suffered due to prison. He should feel ready and to such human frailties as "trunki- willing to work as long as his pre- ness" and "mission burnout."

siding officer reasonably requires Today as well as yesterday, the I his services, and rejoice that he is Church Wants effective, SUCC~SS~U~ 1 counted worthy to continue in the missionaries. This is why, it good cause. appears, the mission term has been I, November, the Utah-based "Of course, an Elder imbued with restored to two ~ears-the length Freeman Institute, a "Constitution- the spirit of his calling feels that a of missions before April 1982. alist" education organization shorter period than two years, We feel this change will headed by W. Cleon Skousen, abroad, is scarcely long enough to enhance our ability to proclaim the changed its name to the National warrant the expense attending the gospel to all the world, especially center for Constitutional Studies journey from Utah to any distant in areas where missi~narieslearn a (NcCS). Additionally, the organiza- point for the purpose of engaging second language," reads the First tion will soon open a Washington in the work of the ministry. But the Presidency statement dated office in an attempt to give the notion ought not to prevail that two bJ0~ember30, 1984. organ~zationa broader national years necessarily winds up his "Many missionaries have felt base. obligations in that respect. That that at the conclusion of their mis- Skousen told a recent meeting of may seem a long time for a man sions they had developed the the Society of the Descendants of away from home and friends, and greatest capability to do the work." the First Voyage of the Mayflower still longer, perhaps, to the family Ther~wedict gives elders flow that the name change is meant to and relatives whom he has left serving in the mission field the clarifythe purposes of the organi- behind. When a language has to be choice of whether to stay eighteen ,ation and to eliminate confusion learned, particularly, such a limit months, or up to twenty-four. While with organizations with similar should not be placed upon the the Church says the names. Another conservative group period of an Elder's work. Just stay should be made by the misin New Yo&, for example, pub- about the time he becomes really sionar~,the mission president, and lishes a magazine called the useful, if the thought weighs Upon the Wme members have Freeman, which some have mis- his mind that 'his time is about up' expressed concern that there will taken for Skousen's Freeman he is cut short in the accomplish- be undue emotional Pressure for Report, ment of which he set out to do." the Elder to stay out longer or be At the same time, however, a deemed "less righteous" or number of observers have indi- While hauntingly familiar, this is "selfish." cated to SUNSTONEthat one of the not an excerpt from the recent The decision, apparently made major factors motivating the name announcement concerning the six- by the CorrelationlEvaluation change was that many fundamen- month extension of LDS missions. Committee and then approved by talist and evangelical Christians Rather, it was penned by Charles the First Presidency, comes as the have been wary of working with W. Penrose in the April 11, 1907 result a and year the Freeman Institute because they Millennia1 Star. study of missionary effectiveness. saw the organization as a political

52 SUNSTONE arm of the LDS church. which, in his view, led to the name Joel Skousen, nephew of NCCS change. He commented that "the leader Cleon Skousen, who until new name more accurately de- recently headed the Conservative scribes the organization which is The Case of National Committee, agrees that really a populist group which prim- "having a Salt Lake address" made arily seeks to educate Americans it almost impossible not to be about the Constitution." Mormon Spies labelled as Mormon and asserts Other recent activities of the there is "real backlash" among NCCS seem to reflect the group's by Cecelia Warner fundamentalist Christians because push to underscore its national, Nary a story featuring the arrest of the activities of various anti- rather than regional, image. of Richard Craig Smith failed to Mormon groups and films such as Recently the NCCS sponsored a mention the fact the accused traitor The God Makers. seminar in Washington for con- is an "active member of The Church Joel Skousen emphasized that gressional staffers and others. of Jesus Christ of Latter-day the "Mormon identification" was Similar events are planned for the Saints." onlv one of a number of factors future. Smith's storv hit nationwide headlines wheh on April 5,1984, he was arrested in Washington D.C. and charged with selling American intelligence secrets to the Soviet union. A ffleck Guilty of Fraud According to reports, Smith was by Cecelia Warner formerly employed by the Army's lntellinence and Securitv While parading his Church membership and his personal relationship with First Quorum of Seventy member Paul H. Dunn, Grant Affleck swindled Utahns out of millions of dollars. That's according to U.S. District Court Judge David Winder who sentenced Affleck November 16 to ten years in prison on charges of security and bankruptcy fraud. Testimony during a six-week trial revealed Affleck's efforts to raise money for his floundering land development company, AFCO Enterprises. According to witness Craig G. Fisher, one of seventy-one homeowners victimized by Affleck, "he was driving a nice automobile, appeared to be a gentleman, and said he was on a high council of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He indicated he Governor avid Monson. The same was a personal friend of Elder Paul Investors were told AFCO was in trip also yielded an introduction to H. Dunn." good financial shape when in now-convicted fraud mastermind, Fisher said Affleck told him Dunn reality it was heavily debt ridden. Grant Affleck (see related story). was a member of AFCO's advisory In a letter to Judge Winder, It was during yet another board and then showed "flip chart" Affleck had said, "I did not business trip to Japan in January photos of Dunn with members of intentionally at any time try to lie 1983 that Smith allegedly went to the Osmond family cutting a ribbon to an investor to obtain funds." the USSR commercial compound at one of Affleck's housing "I simply don't believe that and sold the information to a developments. statement, based on the evidence I Soviet double agent. Affleck recommended Fisher heard here," replied Winder. "To He briefly returned to school in invest the unused equity in his the contrary, I think Mr. Affleck September of that year and was house by taking out an equity loan. repeatedly and flagrantly lied to enrolled in Brigham Young Then AFCO would handle all investors. He absolutely convinced University's broadcasting program mortgage payments, pay off some them they wouldn't have to repay for two semesters. He had attended of his existing debts, and would any of those loans." BYU from 1965 until he left in 1967 eventually give a ten percent Meanwhile, a U.S. District jury to join the army. yearly return on his investment. found investors not liable for At the time of his arrest, Smith, The trial also revealed some six mortgages taken out from Home 40, his wife, and four children were hundred and fifty investors were Savings and Loan under Affleck's living with his parents in Bellevue, told AFCO would pay off loans scheme. Washington. Maintaining his made in their names and also give Affleck began serving his innocence, Smith has been released them a car or some other benefit. sentence on January 2. on $500,000 bail. A trial date has

SUNSTONF 53 yet to be scheduled because instructor and home teacher. pretrial motions in the case are on However, LDS church headquarters appeal to the Fourth U.S. Circuit confirms Miller was excommuni- Court of Appeals in the state of cated last summer for reasons Cleaver con tin^ Virginia. unnamed. As if Mormon spies didn't have The national press reports Miller Campaign enough publicity: was enaaaed in a "sexual affair" with ~tvi6tspy and KGB "major" On September 25, 1984, Richard Svetlana Ogordnikov. Miller had bv John 8111CIa Miller, a twenty-year FBI counter- asked for $65,000 in cash and gold intelligence veteran, was called in exchange for classified into his Los Angeles field office, information. subjected to polygraph tests, fired, Ogordnikov maintains her then arrested and charged with innocence on the spy charge espionage. saying she was actually an FBI Miller was described by his informant and her relationship with stepfather-in-law as an "active Miller was strictly romantic. member of The Church of Jesus Miller, Ogornikov, and her Christ of Latter-day Saints" who estranged husband Nikolay, also "served well" in a variety of charged in the case, are scheduled positions, including Sunday School for trial February 12.

President John Taylor, "Champion of Rights" For recent Mormon convert Eldridge Cleaver (see Sunstone and Review, January 1984), the past "Defender of the Faith, " election brought a series of political disappointments. Late in tells of his half century's crusade 1983 Cleaver announced plans to in behalf of run as an independent challenger to popular Oakland Congressman his persecuted people. Ron Dellums. By summer, however, Cleaver, claiming that a campaign In his public and private life, staffer and friend had "stolen my the Renaissance Man money," dropped his congressional bid in favor of a race for the tells it like it was. Berkeley City Council. Despite optimistic predictions that with his high name recognition in the area and the support of the Vol. 1, The Apostle, $11.95. Berkeley Homeowners Association, plus $1 mailing. he stood a good chance of being elected, Cleaver finished eleventh in a field of fourteen candidates. The former black militant was able to poll only 4104 votes. SAMUEL W. TAYLOR, Cleaver admits that his early 1954 STOCKBRIDGE AVE., optimism was unfounded and that he "bit off more than Icould chew." REDWOOD CITY, CA 94601 But he also says he learned an important lesson which should enhance his chances in future Vol. 2, The President, coming elections. "I didn't have the grassroots soon organizational machinery which is absolutely essential to a political campaign. And I have recently started a newspaper because we were so embarrassed by the lack of

54 SUNSTONE sympathetic media coverage the 2s campaign received.'' Cleaver says his efforts last Johnson Concludes 1 November "set the stage for 1986 when Representative Dellums will Presjden tia/ Campaign i be UD for reelection and elections will be held for city council seats and the mayor's office in Berkeley. by John Sillito Calling the election of four far-left city council members in Berkeley was the first minor party candidate "not exactly my goal," Cleaver to receive federal matching funds. says he is pleased that the This will change American politics incumbents were all defeated. in the years ahead because it will "At this point I am keeping my give alternative parties a better options open," he comments. chance to compete with the "There are several opportunities in Republicans and Democrats." 1986 but it doesn't serve any Johnson indicated that the third purpose to say at this time what I goal-being included in the .might run for. Let's just say I'm televised presidential debates-had running." not been realized, but she believes Cleaver also discussed a recent both the media and the Federal article in Newsweek which quotes Elections Commission (FEC) will him as saying "anybody who realize the importance of including wants to baptize me, come on- all legitimate candidates in future bring the water." Calling the debates. Johnson argued that any remark a "tongue-in-cheek" candidate who could theoretically response that he assumed would receive enough electoral votes to not be taken seriously, Cleaver be elected should be included. said he had reached the point "At first we filed a complaint "where I get tired of arguing with the FEC," Johnson commented. "but when thev refused to allow broader "I get tired of arguing Feminist and peace activist Sonia participation we brought legal doctrine with people. " Johnson concluded her presidential action against them in the U.S. campaign in her home state on Court of Appeals. Our argument is doctrine with peopla" election eve. Speaking at a press that the debates are not optional Defending his affiliation with the conference, Johnson said she was but mandatory. Reagan proved that LDS Church, Cleaver said he had feeling "full of energy and when he agreed to debate though it "searched for six years" for the rejuvenated, but obviously glad the was not in his political interest to right religious affiliation before campaign was nearing its end." do so. In other words, for anyone becoming a Mormon. Johnson, along with running to be elected president, you must "Before joining the Church I mate Richard Walton, was be included in the debate. To keep really wanted a religious home. I nominated by the Citizens Party at a duly qualified candidate off the wanted to belong to a church but I a convention held in St. Paul in air is, in our opinion, an was simply not really attracted to August. Her nomination was infringement of the rights any of the others until I found uncontested but not completely guaranteed by the First Mormonism." popular with many Citizens Party Amendment to the Constitution." Cleaver continues to be active as supporters as well as others on the Johnson stated that few people a spokesman for conservative left. Several former party leaders- understand the role of alternative causes. He spent several days in Ramsey Clark and 1980 party parties in American politics. Saying Salt Lake City in November where nominee Barry Commoner among that such parties have brought he was the featured speaker at a them-supported the Rainbow forth "new ideas later accepted by $100 a plate Century Club banquet Coalition movement of Democrat the majority," the feminist activist of the National Center for Jesse Jackson. asserted that alternative parties do Constitutional Studies. Cleaver told In her remarks in Salt Lake City, not need to win elections "to have the 150 people in attendance that Johnson told reporters that "when a kind of power not easily he was "pleased" about the way you know you can't win the White understood," to affect their times. his work was progressing despite House, you run to win other Calling Ronald Reagan a "loose the setback at the polls. He also victories." Johnson claimed two cannonball on the deck" who commented on national elections, significant victories this year, but possessed an "Armageddon, saying that the Reverend Jesse said she failed at a third. suicidal, genocidal" mentality, Jackson "had led his followers to a "First, literally millions of Johnson asserted that the political Jonestown." He also told Americans heard the feminist president was out of step with the NCCS audience that he plans message which is that sexism is millions of people worldwide who "to follow through" on the work he the archetype of all other forms of realize "that either we will be has been involved in, both in oppression and that the way we finished with war or war will finish Berkeley and throughout the treat women is central to the us." country. survival of this planet. Second, I Admitting that most people who

SUNSTONE 55 opposed Reagan would vote for candidate in sixteen other states. Walter Mondale, Johnson said her At this writing national vote candidacy gave her "a unique totals were not available. Scattered opportunity" to challenge the vote returns suggest her vote total Reagan mindset and his will be lower than that of Barry Joyce "militarization" of foreign and Commoner though she polled more domestic policy. than twenty-five thousand votes in "I am one of the few people who California. In Utah she garnered McKinney detests Ronald Reagan and all he nine hundred votes. stands for who is able to work In December, Johnson attended positively and directly for the kind meetings of the Women's Returns of world I want. Others have to International Disarmament Alliance by Cecelia Warner work against Reagan, and to hold in Rome. Johnson was a founder of their noses and vote for someone that organization in March 1984. Back in the limelight is former they really don't want." Johnson told SUNSTONEthat she beauty queen Joyce McKinney, who Johnson's name was on the planned to spend the next several was accused of kidnapping a ballot in eighteen states as Citizens months lecturing and working on a Mormon missionary in England Party nominee or independent; in book as well as remaining seven years ago. California she was the Peace and politically active. She indicated she McKinney was arrested June 16 in Freedom Party candidate, and in hoped to assist the Citizens Party Salt Lake City after Kirk Anderson Pennsylvania she was the nominee by "doing whatever I can- informed police she had been shad- of the Consumers Party. Johnson although at this point I am not sure owing him. She was charged with was also listed as a legal write-in what that might be." disturbing the peace and giving false information to police. The one-time Miss Wyoming remains a fugitive from justice in Great Britain, where she stands accused of abducting Anderson, Roy Potter Loses keeping him tied to a bed for three days, and raping him. She denied the charges at the time, saying Anderson Court Action went along with her willingly and by Cecelia Warner had promised to marry her. Salt Lake City police reports Fundamentalist Mormon Roy Potter, When he refused he was dismissed for show McKinney possessed who was fired from his job as a Murray not upholding his oath of office. numerous photographs of City police officer two years ago, lost "It isn't that Potter is a polygamist," Anderson, had recorded his daily his sixteen-month battle to change insisted Murray City's attorney, Allen activities in a notebook, and had Utah's laws forbidding polygamy. Larson. "It's that he's a felon." mapped out his travels, pinpointing U.S. District Court Judge A. Sherman Potter was excommunicated from the where Anderson lives with his wife Christensen ruled on April 27, 1984, LDS church within weeks of his release. "polygamy is not a fundamental right Polygamy, practiced for about forty and children. constitutionally protected by the free years by Mormons in Illinois and Utah, Though the recent charges are exercise clause of the First Amendment was declared illegal in 1853. only misdemeanors, the case, not or any right of privacy or liberty." Potter's lawyer argued, "No study surprisingly, is quite complicated. Potter was not seeking reinstatement has ever been done to demonstrate that On June 20 in Fifth Circuit Court in to the police force. Rather he wanted to plural marriages are detrimental." Dep- Salt Lake City, McKinney's lawyer, legally "practice his religionn-which for uty Attorney Paul Tinker countered that James Barber, entered a plea of him meant taking more than one wife. an adverse ruling for the state would "extremely not guilty." Barber When threatened with losing his job create statutory chaos, principally in explained McKinney was not trying with Murray City, Potter was given the the area of taxes. to harass Anderson; rather, she option of disavowing his second wife. was plotting an end for a book she is writing about her life. "I don't think she did anything SUNSTONE criminal," Barber says of his client. 59 West 100 South "In the land of the free and the Salt Lake City, Utah 84101 home of the brave, you can watch anybody you want." Please send me a subscription to SUNSTONE magazine, the unique On October 4th, Fifth Circuit Mormon monthly. Court judge Eleanor Van Sciver dismissed the disturbing the peace 6 months (6 Issues] 1 year I12 issues] 2 years (24 Issues] charge. However, that decision has $15.00 $27.00 $50.00 been appealed by Salt Lake City's $12.00 student rate attorneys to District Court. Name McKinney's attorney filed Address December 4 to dismiss the appeal and send the unresolved false information charge back to Circuit Court. A trial date has yet to be determined.

56 SUNSTONE Christian Radio Station Prays for Utah by Cecelia Warner In an effort to lift the "spiritual Fest were "that people outside Utah blindness from those enslaved by will become aware of the spiritual religiosity," Christian Radio KANN darkness here. . . and will turn in Ogden, Utah, sponsored a hundreds, even thousands, from Prayer-Fest Utah, November 30- 'religion' to life-changing faith in December 2. the biblical Jesus Christ." It was described as "A three-day KANN reports "a lot of response" period set aside to encourage from participants in the effort. The Christians to pray for the people of station received several calls from Utah," and all Christian denomina- around the nation and from the tions were invited to participate. major ministries in the U.S. According to a letter sent to pas- KANN says it will organize tors by KANN station manager Jim another Prayer-Fest Utah in six to Goldring, the goals of the Prayer- twelve months. in the Privacy 11 of Your Own Iapanese Room. Adoption Ring -SUSHI BAR- Busted Reservo tions 328-0929 by Cecelia Warner I A baby-smuggling ring, which sold number of Mormons" to an "inter- some infants to childless Utah national adoption ring." In couples, prodded the Church of response, Don LeFevre, director of Jesus Christ of Lattei-day Saints to the LDS church's press relations, caution members to follow legal issued a statement February 15 adoption guidelines. warning that "privately arranged Nelda Karen Cotwell of Layton, placement of any children without Utah, was convicted June 14, 1984, a licensed agency's sanction is fre- in Laredo, Texas, for conspiring to quently in violation of local or illegally bring Mexican infants into national law. Church officers or the United States and sell them. members should not be involved in Following Cotwell's arrest in such arrangements." early February, several reports Couples reportedly paid between appeared in the Fort Worth Star- $3,000 and $7,000 for Mexican-born Telegram linking "a growing children.

japanese consider this the Miss Piggy-Banned? most true and exciting of all japanese Restaurants. Mikado presents Traditional by Cecelia Warner Dining from an Age Gone By in the Atmosphere Miss Piggy is alive and well at have Miss Piggy cards (with their of Old Enchanting japan. BYU despite rumors that she too "low cut dresses and crude had found herself on the blacklist remarks" violating BYU standards), of BYU Bookstore merchandise. and all Muppet posters, puzzles, It all began with an all-too- trinkets, and stuffed toys removed believable letter to the..- editor - of- from bookstore shelves. RYU's Daily Universe. We can breathe more easily, The letter detailed the efforts of assured that nothing like that would Students against Muppets (SAM) to ever happen at BYU. It was all a hoax.

SUNSTONE 57