In this episode, we will dive deep into the unfolding legal action surrounding The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon Church) and its financial practices. Multiple lawsuits alleging fraud over tithing will be consolidated into a high-stakes class action case, accusing the church and its investment arm, Ensign Peak Advisors, of misleading members about the use of their donations. We will break down the complexities of the case, exploring how plaintiffs from across the nation are coming together to challenge the church's financial transparency and demand accountability for what they claim is a multibillion-dollar "slush fund." Firm representing the lawsuit: https://www.seegerweiss.com/ https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2024/07/20/new-class-action-case-over-tithing/ Show notes: https://www.mormonstories.org/mormon-tithing-class-action/

As part of our mini-series on Mormonism's Second Anointing Ritual, we are re-releasing part of Hans and Birgitta's original interview discussing their participation in this exclusive ceremony. ⁠Hans H. Mattsson⁠ is a 3rd generation LDS church member from Sweden who served as a bishop and stake president in Sweden before serving in the LDS church 3rd Quorum of the Seventy from 2000-2005 in the Europe Central area under LDS Apostle L. Tom Perry. After discovering troubling information about the Church's history and truth claims, the Mattssons, along with many Swedish saints wanted answers, leading up to the Church's infamously poor attempt to keep them in the fold, now known as "the Swedish Rescue."

Truth Seeking with Hans & Birgitta Mattsson:

Part 1

Part 2

Remembering the Swedish Rescue:

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Hans' book may be purchased here

Join us today as we discuss Mormon the priesthood and temple ban with historian Matt Harris. We will be talking about missionary work in South Africa, patriarchal blessings for black individuals, the removal of church leaders because of their ancestry, and the notes from the top secret meeting that came to be known as the Bennion report. Nate Byrd of the Black Menaces is joining us today to share his perspective.

Purchase Matt Harris’ book, Second-Class Saints: Black Mormons and the Struggle for Racial Equality

Donate to Matt Harris directly for this series with Donorbox

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• Join the Discord

In this compelling rebroadcast (first time on youtube), we revisit John Dehlin's 2012 interview with Tom Phillips, a U.K. convert and former LDS stake president whose close friendships with LDS leaders like Harold Hillam, Gordon Hinkley, Russel Ballard, and Jeffrey Holland likely led to the invitation to receive the religion's most exclusive ordinance, the Second Anointing. However, Tom's journey would soon take an unexpected turn after taking part in the secretive ritual which would have repercussions for his place among the community and even his own family.

Since the original episode, an intriguing twist has emerged: Tom's son, Alan, has ascended to the role of General Authority in the Church, despite his father's well-documented disaffection. This development adds a poignant layer to an already complex narrative of faith, doubt, and family dynamics within the LDS Church.

Whether you're hearing this story for the first time or revisiting it with fresh ears, Tom Phillips' journey continues to resonate, raising thought-provoking questions about faith, truth, and the accountability and privilege of Mormonism's top leaders.

Today we are joined by Dr. Darron Smith, Summur-Rayn Barrett, and Nate Byrd of Black Menaces to react to the first three episodes with Matt Harris. Their commentary unpacks Joseph Smith's complex racial attitudes, Brigham Young's implementation of the priesthood ban, and the painful legacy of racist doctrines. Their candid discussion highlights the urgent need for accountability within the Mormon church and grapples with the lasting impact of this racial discrimination.

Purchase Matt Harris’ book, Second-Class Saints: Black Mormons and the Struggle for Racial Equality

Donate to Matt Harris directly for this series with Donorbox

Tonight we will be discussing one of the biggest surprises of the 2024 NBA Draft - the fall of Duke forward Kyle Filipowski. Filipowski is a skilled 7-foot big man, two-time All-ACC selection and All-American in 2024. He was projected as a first-round pick by many accounts, but ended up being chosen as the second pick of the second round. Most are blaming Kyle's Mormon girlfriend - Caitlin Hutchison (8 years his senior) - and accusing her of grooming him as an adult while he was a child/teenager.

Hayley and Courtney bravely unmask the devastating impacts of sexual shaming in the LDS Church. Representing Provo and Rexburg, two cities with highly dense Mormon populations, Courtney & Hayley reveal how dogmatic teachings warp self-worth and consent. This raw conversation offers validation and healing for those grappling with religious sexual shame, charting a path toward self-acceptance and empowerment.

In 1947, Lowry Nelson, a respected Mormon academic, challenged the LDS Church's racist policies in a series of letters to top leadership. Occurring on the cusp of the Civil Rights Movement, the First Presidency reacted by doubling down on encoding white supremacy into Mormon doctrine. Nelson wasn't ready to give up though and continued to flirt with excommunication by publishing his correspondence with the brethren in a national magazine. Explore with us the story behind these letters and the national reaction once they became public.

Purchase Matt Harris’ book, Second-Class Saints: Black Mormons and the Struggle for Racial Equality

Donate to Matt Harris directly for this series with Donorbox

_________________________

• Mormon Stories Website

• YouTube

• Patreon

• Apple Podcasts

MormonStories@gmail.com

PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

• Insta: @mormstories

• Tiktok: @mormonstoriespodcast

• Join the Discord