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Warren Jeffs #fundie fox13now.com

A new edict issued by imprisoned polygamist leader Warren Jeffs is raising alarm among some ex-members of his church

The document, shared with FOX 13 News by several people, appears to call for some people to return to the Fundamentalist LDS Church and bring their children with them. Others, church observers say, are then sent away

The revelation issued in June purports to be from Jeffs himself but says it was distributed by a son, Helaman Jeffs

"Pray that Warren Jeffs will go free, and he can meet you in your congregations soon, all peoples who desire to be members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on earth," the document states

It states that baptisms and "sealings in Celestial Plural Marriage unions will take place for those the Lord revealeth to mortal Keyholder Warren Steed Jeffs who is worthy." It appears to call for some to return to the faith declaring that "fathers desiring restoral can gather with their birth children, and only who was their wives on earth, with the birth children present in family groups classes in your several family homes where they dwell…"

But it also warns that some may be cast out

"I, the Lord, loveth all, yet I cannot allow sin living to dwell among my Church membership any longer. Zion meaneth the pure in heart souls well tested, pure, faithful and true, living by every word of Jesus Christ," it states

It also asks members to send letters with photos and information about themselves and their families[…]
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice said Jeffs remains incarcerated, but the agency declined to comment on Jeffs' communications with visitors or anyone else, citing privacy guidelines[…]
"I have family members who have had their children taken away within the last few weeks," said Brenda Nicholson, an ex-member of the FLDS Church. "People are being told they’re no longer worthy enough to have their children. Children are being taken and re-distributed to others"

The "Stop Helping" Award

Mormon Church of Mount Pleasant #fundie fox13now.com

MOUNT PLEASANT, Utah -- A Mt. Pleasant same-sex couple claims leaders of a congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints harassed them after a series of strange encounters they said were unwanted.

The final straw for them was a letter the ward delivered to them, which the women found disturbing. Now, they're trying to understand what sparked the LDS Church to send it.

Leisha and Amanda LaCrone are married and raising five children. They each attended an LDS Church as kids, but haven't been a part of the church in more than a decade.

"The Church had sent her a letter saying that she was already excommunicated," Amanda explained, about a letter Leisha got from the LDS Church 15 years ago.

That's why Leisha was surprised when a hardware store employee reportedly approached her two separate times.

"He continued to tell us that there were some things that the Mormon Church needed to talk to us about," she recounted. She said she told the man, "We don't want to be bothered, we have no interest."

Then, they said, came a number of phone calls asking to meet with the bishop.

The two said they declined, and that's when members of the Church reportedly came to their home, with letters.

"I was pretty angry when I opened it, not understanding why they want us to go to this church court when we don't attend church," Leisha said.

The letter addressed to her stated a disciplinary council was being held for her.

"Because you are reported to have participated in conduct unbecoming a member of the Church," said Leisha, reading off the letter.

The conduct, they guess, is that they're a same-sex couple and are married. But the women don't understand: Why the letters, why a formal council, and, why now?

The LDS Church said in an email that disciplinary actions are a private matter they don't comment on.

According to a Mormon resource site, a disciplinary council can be requested if a person is still on church records. The purpose is to discuss sins with the person, pray, and figure out how to move forward.

The results can range from no action, to excommunication.

The couple said they aren't against the Church or the Mormon religion, but they don't agree with the letter or how the ward handled the situation.

"I want them out, I don't want anything to do with them," Leisha said. "I would just like for them to let us live in this society and raise our children, and leave us alone."

After receiving the letter, Leisha posted a photo on Facebook and it took off with comments and shares.

Many shared comments of support for the two, and distaste for the LDS Church's actions.

So much so, they said many people began calling the ward.

"We certainly did not want people to be harassed," Amanda said. "That was not our intentions, and we feel really bad."

While they said some have criticized them for their stance on the letter, they've also gotten messages of support from around the world.

A representative from the local PFLAG chapter said he plans to talk with the bishop about why the letter was sent, and if other same-sex couples will be issued similar letters.

Leisha and Amanda did not attend the disciplinary council, and have not heard from the LDS ward since.

Richard Mack #homophobia #wingnut fox13now.com

HIGHLAND, Utah – Billed as a call for an uprising, opponents of same-sex marriage gathered for a meeting in Highland on Saturday.

Former Graham County, Ariz., Sheriff Richard Mack spoke about issues concerning the U.S. Constitution, including same-sex marriage.

Mack says that since it appears that Herbert and other elected leaders have failed at their jobs, it’s up to law enforcement and everyday citizens to deny same-sex marriage.

“The people of Utah have rights, too, not just the homosexuals. The homosexuals are shoving their agenda down our throats,” Mack said.

Mack says that the federal government’s ruling doesn’t overrule Utah’s laws.

“That’s a lie. That’s an absolute lie. We have a right to raise our kids without homosexuals being part of the Boy Scouts, the schools and teachers and doing everything. They can be all that, but don’t shove your agenda down my kid’s throat. We have a right to raise our kids how we want not how you want,” Mack said.

“The way you take back freedom in America is one county at a time. The sheriffs need to defend the county clerks in saying, ‘No, we’re not going to issue marriage licenses to homosexuals,’” Mack said.

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