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Join us today as we discuss the priesthood and temple ban with historian Matthew Harris. Today we will discuss Hugh B. Brown and his attempts to lift the priesthood and temple ban for black members of the church. Hugh B. Brown was an attorney and joined the First Presidency in 1963. He made countless efforts to convince the Brethren that the ban on blacks should be lifted and even told the New York Times that there was a strong possibility the ban would soon be removed. This response caused a great deal of problems at Church Headquarters. We are thrilled to announce that we have reached our donation goal to compensate Dr. Matt Harris for his contributions to this series. We sincerely thank everyone who supported this effort. While the goal to pay Matt has been met, producing this series incurred significant costs for the Open Stories Foundation. If you find value in this content and want to help cover these expenses and support future productions, we encourage you to donate at https://www.mormonstories.org/d

Today we are joined with Rebecca Bibliotheca and Landon Brophy (both of Mormonish Podcast) to discuss the breaking news over the proposed Mormon temple in Fairview, Texas.

Join us as a panel of Mormon women come together to discuss the controversies surrounding Hannah Neeleman, a ballerina who embraced the "tradwife" lifestyle. Critics argue that this lifestyle limits women's choices and reinforces patriarchal norms. Our panelists share their personal stories and reflections, addressing the challenges and regrets associated with the trad wife ideal in Mormonism.

Elisha Lee takes us on an emotional journey through her life from experiencing her parents' divorce as a child to facing intense shame and scrutiny as a teenager. She shares raw accounts of bishop interviews, religious scrupulosity, and the pressure to conform to church standards. As a young adult, Elisha threw herself into church devotion, only to later confront doubts that would unravel her faith. Her candid reflections on marriage, parenthood, and personal growth in the wake of leaving Mormonism offer valuable insights for anyone navigating religious transitions. This interview explores the complexities of deconstructing one's faith while finding new meaning and authentic relationships beyond the church.

Can ancient scripture be reinterpreted to erase racism? Mormon apologists are attempting just that with controversial 'skin of blackness' passages in the Book of Mormon. But can these efforts stand up to historical scrutiny, or do they merely obscure uncomfortable truths? Critics argue it whitewashes history and denies lived experiences. Join us as we critically examine how modern LDS apologists attempt to explain away racist teachings in early Mormon history and scripture by comparing their modern interpretations with the information they avoid most strenuously--the original words and primary sources of the doctrines to begin with.

In the 1950s and 60s, the Mormon church faced internal turmoil as a group of intellectuals known as the "Swearing Elders" challenged orthodox doctrines. This clash between free-thinking scholars and conservative leaders like Joseph Fielding Smith led to attempts at excommunication, spy infiltration, and the firing of liberal educators. Amidst this tension, Church President David O. McKay emerged as an unexpected protector of intellectual freedom. The period also saw the church grappling with civil rights issues and racial policies, as public pressure forced leaders to confront their teachings. This tumultuous era set the stage for decades of struggle between faith, scholarship, and authority in Mormonism. We are thrilled to announce that we have reached our donation goal to compensate Dr. Matt Harris for his contributions to this series. We sincerely thank everyone who supported this effort. While the goal to pay Matt has been met, producing this series incurred significant costs for the Open Stories Foundat

As the first to be “born in the covenant” to convert parents, Rian Anderson's world revolved around the Church, until her mission became a crucible of mental anguish and familial tension. Expecting her experience to be one based on love and service, Rian was instead met with strict rules, surveillance, and spiritual turmoil as she continually felt forced to act against her own conscience & integrity. Through it all, Rian found support through weekly calls with her family, which she cherished. That is, until her family’s mounting concern for Rian’s welfare coincided with their loss of faith in the church. The oppressive atmosphere coupled with isolation due to the initial rise of COVID began to take its toll on her mental and physical health, neither of which were adequately addressed. Amid despair over her family's disaffection from Church, Rian experienced a burst ovarian cyst, an incredibly painful condition that can have severe complications. Instead of being advised to go to the hospital, she

Join with us today as we continue to discuss the history of racism in the Mormon church with historian Matt Harris. We will discuss segregation in Utah, including blood banks, hotels, in Relief Societies, etc. In the 1950s a talk was given by Mormon leader Mark E. Petersen that generated a lot of backlash from critics. Matt Harris gives an insider's view into the minds of these Mormon leaders and how they were not all in agreement with the priesthood and temple ban. We are thrilled to announce that we have reached our donation goal to compensate Dr. Matt Harris for his contributions to this series. We sincerely thank everyone who supported this effort. While the goal to pay Matt has been met, producing this series incurred significant costs for the Open Stories Foundation. If you find value in this content and want to help cover these expenses and support future productions, we encourage you to donate at https://www.mormonstories.org/donate/ Your generosity makes a difference—thank you! Mark E. Peterson's

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. We are thrilled to announce that we have reached our donation goal to compensate Dr. Matt Harris for his contributions to this series. We sincerely thank everyone who supported this effort. While the goal to pay Matt has been met, producing this series incurred significant costs for the Open Stories Foundation. If you find value in this content and want to help cover these expenses and support future productions, we encourage you to donate at https://www.mormonstories.org/donate/ Your generosity makes a difference—thank you! Purchase Matt Harris’ book, Second-Class Saints: Black Mormons and the Str

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

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. We are thrilled to announce that we have reached our donation goal to compensate Dr. Matt Harris for his contributions to this series. We sincerely thank everyone who supported this effort. While the goal to pay Matt has been met, producing this series incurred significant costs for the Open Stories Foundation. If you find value in this content and want to help cover these expenses and support future productions, we encourage you to donate at https://www.mormonstories.org/donate/ Your generosity makes a difference—thank you! Purchase Matt Ha

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. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mormonstories/message

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. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mormonstories/message

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. We are thrilled to announce that we have reached our donation goal to compensate Dr. Matt Harris for his contributions to this series. We sincerely thank everyone who supported this effort. While the goal to pay Matt has been met, producing this series incurred significant costs for the Open Stories Foundation. If you find value in this content and want to help cover these expenses and support future productions, we encourage you to donate at https://www.mormonstories.org/donate/ Your generosity makes a difference—thank you! Show Notes Purchase Matt Harris’ book, Second-Class Saints: Black Mormons

From basketball dreams deferred to navigating faith crises, Darren and Jennifer Rogers share their journey out of Mormonism and into a new paradigm of parenting. With candid insights about gender roles, sexual shame, and the struggle to find identity beyond the church, this couple offers hope for those questioning their beliefs. Their story of rebellion, conformity, and ultimately forging their own path provides a compelling look at life after Mormonism and raising kids outside of faith and shame. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mormonstories/message

Derren Klein didn't know a split-second decision to examine a document headed for the trash would blow open not just a family secret, but one of the Mormon Church's most-guarded, controversial, and exclusive rituals: the Second Anointing. This discovery set Klein on a transformative journey as he confronted unsettling truths about his faith, family history, and the very foundations of Mormonism. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mormonstories/message

Join with us today as we discuss the priesthood and temple ban with historian Matt Harris. Joseph F. Smith and Joseph Fielding Smith, both Mormon leaders, could not find any doctrinal bases for the priesthood and temple ban and yet it still remained for decades. Members of the church performed blackface and wrote racist poems published in church periodicals. Many of the Mormon leaders did not agree with the ban and some were even removed from their callings because of their different opinions. We are thrilled to announce that we have reached our donation goal to compensate Dr. Matt Harris for his contributions to this series. We sincerely thank everyone who supported this effort. While the goal to pay Matt has been met, producing this series incurred significant costs for the Open Stories Foundation. If you find value in this content and want to help cover these expenses and support future productions, we encourage you to donate at https://www.mormonstories.org/donate/ Your generosity makes a difference—than

A former Mormon Temple Presidency member from the U.K., Martin Lock, candidly discusses his disillusionment with the LDS Church after learning troubling historical facts. He reveals shocking details about temple rituals, the Second Anointing ceremony granting eternal life, and how polygamy drove the creation of temple sealings. Lock's journey from devout believer to critic exposes the deep schism between the Church's teachings and its origins. Show Notes YouTube Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox Support us on Patreon PayPal Venmo Our Platforms: Youtube Patreon Spotify Apple Podcasts Contact us: MormonStories@gmail.com  PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117  Social Media: Insta: @mormstories Tiktok: @mormonstoriespodcast Join the Discord --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mormonstories/message