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Excommunication Summons

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Tonight, two long-term friends of mine delivered this notice to my home.

Dear Sam,

This letter is a formal notice that the stake presidency will convene a formal disciplinary council in your behalf, the result of which includes the possibility of excommunication, disfellowshipment, formal probation, or no action.  The reason for this council is that you are reported to have acted repeatedly in clear, open and deliberate public opposition to the Church or its leaders.  You have, among other things:

  1. Encouraged others to vote opposed to Church leaders.
  2. Organized more than one public “action” that expressed opposition to the Church or its leaders.

We will convene the council at 6pm on Sunday, September 9 at the Lexington Building in the stake offices.  If you are not able to attend at this date and time, please let me know as soon as practicable.

You are invited to attend this disciplinary council to give your response to the above.  Although we welcome your attendance, it is not required; you may also submit your response in writing.  Whether you attend is of course your choice.

Disciplinary councils are sacred, confidential, ecclesiastical proceedings.  If you do choose to attend your attendance and participation are conditioned upon your agreement to respect the process and abide by the standards governing the proceeding, including the following conditions:

  1. Everyone who attends the council including you and me, will sign an acknowledgment that the council will be conducted privately and confidentially and will not be recorded in any form.  Anyone unwilling to do so will not be allowed to be present at the council.  If you decline, you will not be allowed to be present, and any statement on your behalf to the council will have to the submitted in writing.
  2. You may call witnesses, one at a time, whose testimony is relevant to the issues I have set out above.  However, any such witnesses must be identified to me in writing by name, ward and stake, at least three days in advance.  You must also provide to me, in advance and in writing, a description of the subject matter on which they will testify and the content of their testimony.  In order to offer testimony, witnesses must be members of the Church in good standing.  I will abide by these same rules in regards to any witnesses that I may call.
  3. Any proposed testimony from witnesses must relate to the specific issues described above.

I anticipate that it will take about 15 minutes for the evidence in support of the above issues to be presented to the council.  You will be afforded three times that, or 45 minutes, to give your response.

As mentioned above, if you choose not to attend the council in person, you may submit a written response that will be read to the council.  I will read your statement word-for-word, without any comment from me, for up to 45 minutes.

I feel inclined to let you know that, if it is your ultimate desire and if you wish to avoid this process entirely you have the option to request that your name be removed from the records of the Church.  If you should make such a request, the council will be cancelled, and I will work with you to supply all of the information that you need to bring about that result.

Sam, I know that Heavenly Father lives and loves you.  We are his children.  His work and glory is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.  I know that His son Jesus Christ is central to God’s plan to help us return to Him and live with our family forever.  The atonement of Jesus Christ is real.  He is our Savior and Redeemer.  No matter the course you decide to take in this life, and no matter the outcome of this disciplinary council, as His representative in the stake where you reside, I stand ready to help you and your family in any way that I can.  I will be here to meet with you and to work with you to help strengthen your relationship with Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.  My hope is that you will choose to change your course and to return to the covenant path.

Sincerely,

President Houston Texas South Stake 

Fast 23 days.  Stand up to protect children.  Speak out against a dreadful policy.  Work to help the healing of countless kids who were severely wounded behind closed doors.  Document the horrors.  Apologize.

And what do you get?  Excommunication!  After all, we are the Mormons.  At least we used to be.

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223 thoughts on “Excommunication Summons”

    1. Ditto. They don’t want anyone interfering with the ready supply of victims for the sexual predators within their ranks which go all the way up to the top.

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    2. No here is this brothers opportunity to repent.To come back to the fold. Usually a year to two years to come back. At worst he is not shunned . Just not able to preach teach pray inside the church. He’s also not able to pay tithing.
      He is encouraged to read scriptures pray and attend church meetings to take this time to get closer to Heavenly father.
      Responsibility has been taken away.So they are not a burden to him.
      That’s it. Now brother here your chance. Its up to you to decide before you go to that meeting.
      Just like when your baptised repentance and a contrite spirit.
      Praying it will work out for you. D

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      2. The chance? Since when is defending innocent children, excommunication worthy? No take this chance Sam and run. Best thing I’ve done and best thing countless others have done. This is no church of God or Jesus. It is a church of shame and greed.

        Liked by 5 people

      3. The magnitude of your superior spiritual prowess apparently doesn’t match your grammar or punctuation skills. What a shame, Dee. Praying for you.

        Liked by 3 people

      4. It is the truth that sets one free, so the image of ” returning to the fold” ( shackles that deny love, truth and justice) is repugnant. In order to find the truth one must be willing to sacrifice all, including a church which they deemed as God’s but in reality just a stepping stone to the higher realms. Intelligence does not need a go between, it’s abode is within and once all shackles are removed one is gifted with an insight of untold proportions.
        Sam, you may not see it now but this is the best thing that could ever happen to you! I am filled with joy just knowing the incredible things and knowledge that await you!

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      5. What is this ****? I mean really, what rubbish are you spouting Dee? Don’t pray for him, pray for the children. This is a church that requires 2 men to supervise each other for the weekly envelope openings and money counting, but lets Dave the plumber take a child into a locked room to grill them about their sexual behaviour and identity. Just think about that.

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      6. Sam Young has no need to repent for trying to protect children. The corporate leadership of LDS Inc are the ones that need to change. This is absolutely disgusting that their response to him is:
        1) Don’t touch our building
        2) Dont call us Mormons
        3) We’re going to excommunicate you because you called us out on our bullshit lack of response to a very serious matter

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      7. Dee, This type of church disciple, which requires of the person being disciplined that it not be recorded is absolutely contrary to the teaching of Jesus Christ. These are rules of men, not God.

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      8. You said he isnt close to Heavenly Father. Why is it that when someone has left or is Exed like him..with his situation….that they have gone away from God? He hasn’t strayed from God. No contention just curious

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    3. Of course you could also just get formal probation. That is one of the possibilities mentioned in the letter. The letter doesn’t say show up for your excommunication. I’ve been in 28 diciplanary councils. As a Bishop were you never a part of one? in the handbook it explains why councils are held. The 2 given reasons are exactly why councils are held. Why the surprise? did you never glance at the handbook as a Bishop?

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      3. hahaha… the letter doesn’t indicate that EXPLICITLY, but indicates that “SAM” (even don’t refer to him as “brother”) can save this bad instance saying that wants the excommunication… and if SAM says that, the Stake President will tenderly help to him to do all the paperwork…

        I believe that the redaction of this letter is unfortunate, and gives, again, a bad rep to our Church…

        Liked by 1 person

  2. “Disciplinary councils are sacred, confidential, ecclesiastical proceedings.”

    Why do church leaders get to set the terms of a member’s relationship with the organization? Seems like a lopsided relationship if those in power get to call all of the shots. Simply, today’s Mormon Church is a tyranny, authoritarian, and hierarchical. By their fruits it doesn’t sound like Christ is at the helm of this church.

    I hope you find peace throughout this process. Perhaps people are better off without the church as a middleman between Christ and them.

    By the way, thanks for the sandwich and great desserts. It was great to meet you at City Creek Park and shake your hand.

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  3. The Mormon Church has hit rock bottom. I’ve never been more disgusted at and ashamed of the religion of my heritage than at this moment.

    Sam, you have done a great work, and you stand beside some of the greatest humans that have ever lived who stood up for the right thing and were punished by tyrants.

    I fully expect to meet you in the celestial kingdom (assuming I make it there), and together we can search for the current crop of leaders and scratch our heads wondering where they are.

    Jesus said, “By their fruits we shall know them.” We know them today, loud and clear. And we know you.

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  4. Sam
    They have it all wrong! Your the one that tried to help the church snd its members
    You are being punished snd rejected bec you wanted to help everyone protect their children. You gave much more than any other leader in the church to protect the children, yet they claim you were against them. You were only working against those who were hurting children.
    The church would Esther protect those people and reject the man who tried to protect them. You are a courageous Christlike man who has sacrificed so much . The church is an evil institution for ignoring this problem and protecting evil men
    Know you have done nothing wrong in fighting for truth and good you are a hero

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  5. Holy heck, Sam. I guess the whole “can’t record this” paragraph is now part of the form letter. They probably didn’t like Jeremy Runnells’ video recording of his Court of Love.

    A quote I’ve seen recently on Mike Norton’s Facebook page comes to mind: “They buried us but they didn’t know we were seeds.”. They’re trying to discredit you by branding you as an apostate, but that won’t matter to those who see your character.

    You probably saw this coming, but it is still disappointing. Wish I could be there to support you in person. Maybe a livestream is in order…

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  6. Sam
    They have it all wrong! Your the one that tried to help the church and its members
    You are being punished snd rejected bec you wanted to help everyone protect their children. You gave much more than any other leader in the church to protect the children, yet they claim you were against them. You were only working against those who were hurting children.
    The church would Rather protect those people and reject the man who tried to protect the children You are a courageous Christlike man who has sacrificed so much . The church is an evil institution for ignoring this problem and protecting evil men
    Know you have done nothing wrong in fighting for truth and good you are a hero

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  7. I wish I could say that I cant believe the response from the church. in fact though, I’m surprised it didnt come sooner. I know you will do the right thing though. I truly believe that you are the best that human kind has to offer. don’t lose faith!

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  8. Sam, the above letter is not from anyone representing God or Jesus Christ.I know how much you love this church and am so, so sorry this organization that you love does not value children, families, or you. As someone whose family has been irrevocably harmed by this organization, words can’t express my gratitude for your courage in speaking out against the atrocities it condones. The Mormon Church is unable to tolerate the brightness of the healing Heavenly light that shines through you. In love and gratitude. Maggie

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  10. This was what we call a monumental f**k up of epic proportions on the part of the church.

    This will truly never be forgotten.

    History was just made… write in your journals, everybody.

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  11. I have been following you and your work during this ordeal, and I am so upset and ashamed at the church.
    I hope that there is no change in your standing after your meeting. In fact, I hope this strengthens your testimony in continuing to protect all of Heavenly Father’s blessed children.
    These are not appropriate questions to be asking our YM/YW, especially without someone else present.
    If they choose to excommunicate, then I will have no other choice but to leave the church as well. If the church leaders choose to protect the predatory grooming behaviors +perverted questions, instead of our precious adolescent members, then my family shall rise up and have no part of this organization.
    In Solidarity.
    -A.

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    1. Thank you A, for underscoring the true issue at hand. Lay ministers requiring secrecy of their proceedings, lay ministers asking questions of a sexual nature to minors – that is not of Christ, the Savior.

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  12. It is amazing how silly this seems if you don’t believe in the imaginary friend they seem to hold so dear. Go one god further and laugh at them with me.

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  13. I would say that it is there loss and your mission will be better fulfilled without the bounds the church imposes. Much of what was written in this letter makes it sound like the church’s ego has been damaged.

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  14. It’s a Brutal moment for many of us when we finally realize how corrupt this Religious Organization really is. So Sorry they’re aiming at You Sam….You’re such a wonderful, decent man who’s Spirit shines Ever So Bright. For what it’s worth, my Peace has only increased since leaving that organization and my Spirituality has continued to Soar. If Fate deals you this card, you’ll be amazed that you too will have that same experience. May Light and Love Surround you Sam…..We’re here for you.

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  16. I am disgusted by this letter and the accusations.

    How do we support you through this? Can you get the date moved back so that there’s time to organize and be there for you?

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  17. So sorry that this church you love and have served so righteously is such a disappointment to you. I believe there is God and we will all be together. Bless you and your sweetheart💞💞💞

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  18. Well, my dear friend, at least they’re not keeping you in suspense. No surprise whatsoever, of course.

    This is your opportunity to get creative and devise a response The Brethren will never forget.

    The optics on the Church’s response to Sam Young and Protect LDS Children are beyond the shadow of absurdity.

    This occasion calls upon all of your friends and admirers to pool our creativity and brainstorm a few dozen appropriate comebacks for the Pharisees who think they have any standing whatsoever to excommunicate the Good Samaritan.

    You/We have until September 9 … that would be September 6+3.

    Right now I am recalling what Emily Harris (MS 955-958) said about the meeting with her Bishop during which she flunked her TR interview. Paraphrasing, she excommunicated the Church for the offense of holding core values irreconcilably different than her own core values.

    I will turn on my creative juices and see what bubbles up, Sam.

    In the meantime, you likely are experiencing a smorgasbord of emotions right about now.

    Let me remind you of one enduring truth:

    The ONLY power The Brethren have over you, Sam Young, is unequivocally limited to whatever fraction of YOUR OWN PERSONAL POWER they cleverly trick you into handing over to them.

    The Brethren themselves are totally impotent. Compared to kind, loving, decent members of their Church, The Brethren are Spiritual Dwarfs … devoid of any natural affection for living things or even for Life itself.

    Their affection is for money and undue influence over vulnerable humans, many of us who were b.i.c. born.in.cult. Taking advantage of babies for fun and profit is what They do for a living.

    So … time for creativity and some true revelations here, Sam.

    Truth needs no defense; Love conquers all.

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    1. Well said, I agree, “. . .The ONLY power The Brethren have over you, Sam Young, is unequivocally limited to whatever fraction of YOUR OWN PERSONAL POWER they cleverly trick you into handing over to them.

      The Brethren themselves are totally impotent. Compared to kind, loving, decent members of their Church, The Brethren are Spiritual Dwarfs … devoid of any natural affection for living things or even for Life itself.

      Their affection is for money and undue influence over vulnerable humans, many of us who were b.i.c. born.in.cult. Taking advantage of babies for fun and profit is what They do for a living.

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  19. Sam, you are one of my heroes. I don’t use that word casually. It doesn’t mean perfect or superhuman. But it means you didn’t just complain or even just vote opposed, though that takes courage too! You took action, raised awareness, led some to make changes, and reminded us that love and compassion require our action too. Thank you and know we love you and stand with you.

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  21. I’m so sorry the idiots have done this – it will backfire spectacularly on them but it is a low and cruel blow after all you have done to try and help the Church leadership to save themselves from a storm of horrendous accountability in the international media such as what has engulfed the Catholic Church, and also on their own judgement days with God who will hold them responsible for all the abuse they have facilitated in direct opposition to their own promises in their policy and media statements to act swiftly when made aware of any ways that they can improve their abuse prevention safeguarding procedures. Make sure you quote those statements in any responses you give the kangaroo court.

    How about offering the stake presidency and the members of the high council lots of witness statements in writing including or maybe exclusively from active members of the Church who meet his criteria and we can russel up a few for him to choose from! Give us an address to send them to you and you can then perhaps copy them to make an archive to share publicly or people can opt to keep it private and then pass them on to him and tell him to pick one or 3 depending on who else you want to speak to them in person at the trial. Don’t worry about nit recording the proceedings – you don’t need to do that to still have a big impact and it would cost you moral high ground anyway. All the focus needs to be on the absurdity of what they are doing, not feeding the myth that you are the one doing anything at all wrong.

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  23. Dear Sam, We woke this morning to this News! And to all these amazing comments! I would like to add my humble penny’s worth if I may…when we resigned at the end of 2016…our “less-active” daughter suggested we simply leave…after all we no longer acknowledged that the lds church had any authority over us. I had expected “excommunication” since 2010 in my long battle with FamilySearch. However we chose to “resign” as excommunication might leave a blight on our still-active family; consider the wagging tongues, and we did not want our children to be affected. There is also a further disadvantage to being excommunicated viz. that in years to come the truth is twisted. Helen Radkey, who exposed all the Jewish proxy baptisms , and the many baptisms of Jesus Christ done in the temples, was later accused of posting those baptisms herself, to discredit the Mormon Church. She says she never did and I can vouch for that as I followed her right from 2009. ” Excommunicating the church” sounds like a fine idea…translated into real terms “Resigning from the church”…but you can make your final decision at the very eleventh hour. Finally this is a decision to be made with Patty, also in consultation with your Mom…ask Bertie..”.mothers know best”.

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  24. That last paragraph has pissed me off the most. As if you need changing.
    0 respect for them anymore if I ever had any. It’s so hard to have active family and not want to scream in their faces about what’s happening. Particularly when they’re talking about the Catholic Church covering up abuse…?!?!??
    Sam, you’re an absolute hero for listening to your instincts, keep it up.

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  25. It is clear from their summons that they want shot of you in the least painful way for them, thus they more or less suggest you resign. Having gone to my own excommunication for failing LDS standards, I have to tell you that despite KNOWING as I went, that the church was false, I did not count on feeling beaten alive by my friends. I got there at 7.30pm and left at midnight. There was a grief that I had never felt before; not even the same as the grief of losing my wife one year before. Guilt, shame and regret, was NOT my problem — these were not applicable to my soul. I just felt ABANDONED, LONELY, BRUTALISED and UNLOVED. It made me realise how ruthless and unfeeling the priesthood could be. Grace and mercy did not exist. You have to understand, that on a private and personal level, I was ‘on-fire’ with God. For me, the coldness and loneliness in my life anyway, just got multiplied hundred fold. Whilst travelling to the court, I asked the God I worshipped: “What would you do if you were in charge tonight?” They did the opposite.
    Hold your head high Sam, those in orthodoxy will simply act out their duties; you will retain your inner beauty, compassion and true righteousness.

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    2. Sam failed to comply with ALL THREE of the first three principles of the restored gospel: 1( Obedience; 2) Obedience; 3) Obedience.

      The Brethren are responding in alignment with their Core Values … one of which is: Those who refuse to obey us shall be punished by ejection from our wonderful Mind Control Club. If you refuse to allow us to control your Mind and your Thoughts, we have no use for you.

      Sorry, Robert, that you had to experience the Core Values of The Brethren rammed down your throat. I can’t even imagine what a Heart & Soul Rape/Fuck you experienced in that Court of Love.

      Sam can be fairly naive … so those of us who have better Mormon Street Smarts will be brainstorming with him and helping him protect himself from the Mind Control Machine.

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  26. Dear Sam, I was truly amazed at your ability to navigate this critical issue of protecting children from a loving perspective. Your call for change was not hateful or done with rancor. That had to be pretty hard to do. Meeting you and Patty was a wonderful opportunity to see good people, courageous people, and loving people following their consciences in asking for change. Rather than acknowledge your goodness and the valuable work you have done, the leaders are accusatory and desperate to rein you in. Night after night the Q15 have looked the fools. The work you have done is irrevocable and monumental. It was an honor to meet you. You laid it all on the line. I feel for you, knowing how much you love the church.

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  27. Irmão Sam. O importante é como Deus vê a cada um de nós. Vc não cometeu nenhum pecado. Lembre-se quem pode nos julgar é quem morreu por nós, Jesus Cristo..como era sua vida antes de conheçer a igreja? Seja feliz, hoje e sempre.

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  28. Sam,

    Love you brother. Your work is an inspiration. Your fight for the victims of abuse by church leaders is admirable. The church policies that stand for and with the abusers must be changed, and your raising awareness of this is of immeasurable worth.

    Thank you on behalf of the powerless victims whose voices have finally been heard. The response and any positive changes instituted by the church was immensely underwhelming, and that is heartbreaking. Many of their policies in this area are pure heresy. But you have done more good than you will ever know.

    Face this with your head held high, knowing you ‘chose the right’ in all you have done to protect LDS children.

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  29. I am so sorry, Sam. I love you. Just know that this is not the church of Jesus Christ. They have literally nothing to do with him. Smiling and saying “I love you” while stabbing you in the back. They are worse than Annas and Caiaphas, who at least had the decency to confront Jesus to his face as his enemies. You have shown them what true Christlike behavior looks like and revealed them for the frauds they are. 1 Nephi 22:23.

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  31. First I would like to congratulate you on all your efforts. In respect to future actions. They allow you to bring witnesses. Bring victims of this policy with you and have them testify of their assaults to the council. Make them eat their policy and defend it in the face of reality. When they strike their blow against you they will have to do it in spite of the those victims. They need to be reminded that the spirit testifies of truth and is a good feeling. Do they feel good about their actions? If not they are not following the spirit and their own god.

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  32. Sam, I woke up to this email this morning and thought how sad it was for you and your family. May God bless you through this process. It came as no surprise tp you as you have been talking about it for over a year. I would hope that you are honest with yourself and accept this as a beginning and not an end. You had an excellent argument for the children of the church that you turned in to a personal attack against the leadership. I know you love the children of the church, but your methods of helping them was nothing more than a witch hunt against the leadership. You said that you fasted , but you know that in your own writings and interviews, you called it a ‘hunger’ strike. You have spoken out against the leadership on numerous occasions and documented here in your writings. You have told people NOT to join the church. I am surprised this hasn’t happened sooner. I love you Sam and you know that is true. I watched a member of my own family go through this council and it was a council of love. He came out a better person for allowing the spirit back into his life. I hope you can do the same because a man with your capacity to love others belongs in this church.
    And to all of you who don’t agree with me, I don’t care. I won’t read any of your comments. This was meant for Sam, whom I have known for 30 years and adore him and Patty. It was not meant for anti LDS rantings on why anyone else doesn’t like the church.

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  33. Sam, let it truly be a “court of love.” Whether or not there be any love in THEIR hearts, pray for God to fill YOU with His love. Let it burn within you and consume your flesh, and YOU take the love to THEM.

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  34. I think it would be amazing to have as many people as can show up and testify on your behalf! Make the meeting go on for hours and hours due to all those testifying on your behalf.
    On another note- you are a real life hero! I have used your example to my own children in how to stand up for what is right!
    Sending our love from Indiana!!

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  35. Don’t resign Sam. Make them excommunicate you. That is the order that has come down from the Q12 or possibly even the President of Ziontology himself. There is no other possible outcome here. Your fate has been predetermined and sealed for some time now. This is an organization of Pharisees and Saducees the likes of which Jesus himself would be ashamed. Make your local high council and stake presidency carry out the execution order they have been handed and accept it with the grace and humility and kindness and charity that I already know you will. I sure love and admire you my brother. You are a true hero and inspiration.

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  36. Pingback: Founder of group ‘Protect LDS Children’ may be excommunicated | My Utah Daily

  37. You’re better off without them…they’re worse off without you.
    I am personally grateful for your efforts to reform the organization from within, but I’m not at all surprised that the result is a disciplinary hearing. You asked them to confront uncomfortable truths, and to take action to change longstanding but very harmful “tradition.” It was highly unlikely that would happen…but you gave it a great shot.
    My suggestion: resign rather than let them excommunicate you, and walk out with your head held high. You’ve done the work of the angels. You can continue to speak out freely and openly, and if you resign rather than let them ex you, you’ll have more high-road moral authority.
    I left the church 35+ years ago, because I could no longer live a lie and pretend to believe things I didn’t believe…but I still have family being harmed by the practices you tried to change. So you have my personal gratitude, and I urge you to resign on your own terms.

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  38. I’m sorry about this, but I can’t say I’m surprised. Based on the nonresponse you got from the highest levels, it’s clear these men are far more invested in protecting sexual predators than they are in supporting victims and keeping children safe. Of course they’re going to excommunicate you. You’re a constant reminder of their own failures as decent human beings. You remind them they should be ashamed of themselves.

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  39. Quitmormon.com

    Don’t give them the satisfaction of excommunicating you. If you resign through quitmormon it goes to a lawyer and they can no longer contact you.

    Don’t forget that Jesus is not on their side. Jesus is Enough.

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  40. Just so you know Sam, if you get excommunicated nothing happens. No darkness looms, no misery, no regret. Doing the right thing is always the right thing to do. The church is a committee of control that has lost its way. Christianity in general is the epitome of unintended consequences. If they knew what they were doing, shame on them. If they don’t know what they’re doing it’s uninspired. The reality is they know and key it happen in self servience, or they don’t know, and it’s evidence that it is all a man made contrivance. If there was a god he wouldn’t allow this. If there is, and he allows it, it is the kind of relationship I’ve chosen to distance myself from out of integrity.

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  41. So sorry for you Sam, because I know you did not want this. Your support of the victims and the calling attention to the issue is admirable. The fact that you follow your own conscious and also follow Christ’s example is what is important. Keep it up. Many of us are not only grateful for your example but for what you have already done and what you continue to do.

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  42. God bless you! I pray for peace in your heart but I’ll bet it’s alraady there.

    On Wed, Aug 29, 2018 at 9:59 PM Tocubit Is Invisible’s Cubit wrote:

    > Sam Young posted: ” Tonight, two long-term friends of mine delivered this > notice to my home. Dear Sam, This letter is a formal notice that the stake > presidency will convene a formal disciplinary council in your behalf, the > result of which includes the possibility of exco” >

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  43. I’m sorry Sam. I think you will find relief and healing if you are excommunicated. I think you will find even more opportunity to advance your important work, and God and your real friends will still be with you.

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  44. Sam, I am so sorry. It’s jarring to see how leaders of the church have taken the gospel of Jesus Christ and turned it into the plan Lucifer originally proposed. We are all with you and support you. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help. I may be sending my recommend back to my bishop as a result of this action. Also going to start wearing that pin loud and clear when I go to church. You are fighting the good fight. Thanks for your example and courage.

    All my best,
    David Kay

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  45. I’m so sad to wake up to this news. And angry. But not at all surprised. This isn’t right. Even my wife agreed (a little surprised) when I called and told her this morning.

    I know it is heartbreaking to have trusted friends deliver the letter. I’ve been there. Then to have them participate in the proceedings, ugh. Totally unnecessary (at least in my case years ago, they correctly took no action). I suspect your local leaders are just doing as instructed from above. Their hands are tied. You have my support (FWIW) however you chose to proceed from here.

    The Brethren are cowards. Where is the leadership? What does God or Jesus or even Rusty have to say about this? They run everything through the PR Department/Don’t call us Mormon Newsroom. They are only interested in outward appearances. Whited sepulchers. Phooey.

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  46. Peace and love to you Sam. You are on the right side and have made a difference for good. Nothing the Mormon church leaders do to you can take that away from you. I admire you and your efforts and am disgusted by the actions and attitude of the LDS corporate power structure. It’s amazing that they continue to consistently get so many things wrong.

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  47. Sam, I am speechless. Do they not see that for things to change, they must change? Penni

    On Wed, Aug 29, 2018 at 9:59 PM Tocubit Is Invisible’s Cubit wrote:

    > Sam Young posted: ” Tonight, two long-term friends of mine delivered this > notice to my home. Dear Sam, This letter is a formal notice that the stake > presidency will convene a formal disciplinary council in your behalf, the > result of which includes the possibility of exco” >

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  48. A stake president once told me he has to protect the reputation of the church first and foremost. So after coming to him for help with a matter it was more important to protect reputation than to help me. Its always going to be the reputation of the church that’s #1. Sad. After all Sam has done……its sad.

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  49. My heart is so heavy. I am so incredibly heartbroken. Sam. My love to you and your family. I say go and drop them the book of stories. Testify that you know Christ is for this work and resign. You are a greater man than they.

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