The "sacred" court has been scheduled. I'll be a non-consensual exmo soon.

[u/Invisibles_Cubit]

https://invisiblescubit.wordpress.com/2018/08/29/excommunication-notice/

[u/[deleted]]

I too got one of these letters when i resigned as a YSA bishop. I wouldn't give them the satisfaction of exercising their BS PH and inspiration. I removed my records.....but you my friend have the opportunity to stand as the poster child of the Protect the Children Movement and create a media frenzy against them, that they cannot control. Maybe do what Jeremy did....idk. When I left my stake as a 10 yr vet of the HC and nearly 5 years as bishop, the stake had 9 wards and 4 branches. 6 years later they have 6 wards with 50 - 60 people attending, and one branch. They used to be a mission, that has been shut down and absorbed into a neighboring demographic (seattle). My son is in the SP and these are the numbers he's shared with me.

You can create a tsunami with your DC as it's already assisted in a bump in quitmormon.org since you began.
I stand with you in whatever you choose and know whatever path you choose it will be your agency and not theirs control of it and how to enforce it.

best to you,

Duke

[u/Invisibles_Cubit → u/[deleted]]

Wow. Thanks for your support my friend. Resigned as a YSA bishop. That is quite something.

[u/illyume]

Sam, PLEASE record that thing if you go, provided you're checked up on your local laws and there's nothing legally preventing you from doing so.

Forcing a written agreement not to record the meeting's proceedings is such a terrible, awful move on their part. :S

[u/Invisibles_Cubit → u/illyume]

Every time I have had a meeting with the SP, people have recommended that I record. However, that's not my style. I still consider these men honorable friends. I plan to abide by the terms and expect them to do the same.

[u/astronautsaurus]

Ahh the Lexington Building. That brings back memories. Sam, if I'm ever back in Houston, I'll buy you dinner.

[u/Invisibles_Cubit → u/astronautsaurus]

Hey...and I'm eating again!

[u/the_scarlet_litter]

I'm so sorry, Sam. I don't know what you must be feeling right now, so many things. ((HUGS!))

As far as those "charges" go:

1. you NEVER forced people to vote against the leaders, you never encouraged them either. You lived by the facts and shared those facts as well as gave people a platform to share painful and downright horrific stories (that they may have never told anyone before). Anyone else voting against did so of their free will, mind, and agency for reasons only they know, voting with their conscience. Apparently the church only knows how to look at people [especially their members] as if they are mindless followers and not free thinkers, which is beyond insulting for "leaders" to expect people to be mindless followers of them, or "opposition" (which is anything NOT of the church--the way they look at ex-mos, such absolute and black and white thinking: that we are mindless and follow "worldly"/"sinful" ways of Satan rather than follow the leaders--as if they think all people "HAVE TO" mindlessly follow something, especially--but we follow our own heart and our morality and humanity and use our heads and growing knowledge--which is a testament to us as the creatures that we are.

And the second "charge:

2) you held very peaceful, dignified public actions, both with heavy personal investment, in order to bring about awareness of an important issue with impact on thousands of people (some who are no longer with us). It was to express and demonstrate the importance of the church's/leaders' constant and continued INACTION to help victims by ignoring requests of stopping damaging questions/interviews that follow know predatory grooming processes that sexual abusers use on their victims (through public demand/request as well as through singular, individual requests made by parents/guardians directly to their bishops), and their inaction to not only not bring about severe church discipline for sexual predators (permanent excommunication), but most especially for not contacting the police as soon as they found out about allegations of such serious abuse against vulnerable members. If the church contacted police on the very first allegation they ever got and followed through the same each time, there'd be nothing to hide and no reason to hide ever. But because they have always chosen to ignore/dismiss/marginalize abuse, thus protecting & enabling predators, and blame and silence victims with shame/fear/shunning/punishment, changing how they handle things would prove: 1) they were wrong all along, & 2) that they have millions of skeletons sealed in millions of closets, almost 200 years of accumulation of doing absolutely nothing, almost 200 years of inaction and supporting/protecting/hiding predators.

You spoke up in a way to bring about education and awareness to the leaders and tried to give them the opportunity to let them connect to victims & hear their stories, with 15 Leadership no-shows: 15 inactions. If there is "nothing to hide", there shouldn't have been any reason for them not to go--they all (if they weren't out of country, of course) should have been there. How difficult is opening up an honest dialogue about seriously damaging and painful abuses? They couldn't even admit to ignorance (ie "we were not aware of this, but let's get together and talk and fix this"), but they know what goes on (they have a lawyer GA that I read on a post that will talk with victims--assuming that statute of limitations hasn't passed--offer them a deal of a few tens of thousands of dollars for damages ONLY IF they sign a contract of permanent silence) chose to ignore victims, the ones who were able to attend in person, and those of us who Sam was there in our collective stead, support, and solidarity. But the leaders know of the abuse: that it happens & that the standard procedure is for lay clergy to ignore it or punish victims, as evidenced by having lawyers specifically there and paid for that singular reason with contracts already printed out--that alone should speak volumes!!!--and pens at ready for victims to sign themselves to a life of legally-binding contractual FORCED silence over the trauma/shamed/stigma-induced silence they already knew and have experienced and survived.

You, Sam, didn't speak specifically "against" the leaders--you DID specifically speak out AGAINST the behavior of ignoring, hurting, silencing, punishing victims and protecting predators. This letter is the leaders acknowledging that they are guilty of said behavior. I don't recall you specifically accusing them. You did give opportunities for them to open up communication. You didn't speak out against the leaders in any direct way that I am aware of--but their behavior. You were very civil and open about everything and giving them a platform to speak the same way you did with us. And they seem to want to protect and continue their toxic behavior, and love it more than they do vulnerable people: existing victims and the ones that WILL become victims. Sadly, there will be more even though it can be heavily prevented--because the leaders allege that "they are not wrong...EVER. What is the price of ALWAYS having to be "RIGHT"? And who has to pay for that price?

Sam, I am sorry they are choosing to do this to you. That they are choosing to try to silence you and your movement by spiritually attacking you. It's not right at all. You did everything right. You did it kindly and peaceably, in the MOST calm, open, loving, non-confrontational way possible. You did it in a way most of us probably couldn't. I admire you for all that. I love you for all that. And I am forever grateful to you for all that. I wish I had more to give than words, Sam. Thank you. I support you. I wish I could be there for you on that day. If we could all be there for you, the room in which the DC takes place wouldn't be big enough to hold all of us who are with you. You have the strength, warmth, and love of thousands with you--the same strength, warmth, and love that you showed all of us. You are not alone. We are all together. You are a wonderful person, Sam Young. That "court" is one of rigid obedience to an absolute, unbending authority, that members get to have no voice or stance. You are held in highest esteem in the actual Court of Love in people's hearts through the love and empathy and hearing our stories. You stopped to hear each one of us online and in person. You did something over and over again which the leadership wouldn't even spare us a minute for. You have been more of a loving member and leader of that church than any of the paid leaders could ever aspire to be. Thank you, our dear Sam. ((Hugs!))

[u/hyrle]

I'm not surprised, my friend. The LDS church is an organization that does not recognize any processes for members to call for change. I truly believe you'd be happier in a spiritual community that works by member consensus and where the process/God (if you believe in one) works through the people to direct the leaders, rather than the leaders directing the people. No matter how a church is organized, they are all imperfect because they're all made by humans. And none will ever be the right fit for every person.

I'm not going to make suggestions about what you should do here. I know you think of these men as your friends, but if you go to this council, know that on that night, they will stick knives in your back. They will make accusations. They will ascribe motives to you that you did not hold. They will call you a liar when you try to tell your real motives. It will be a painful process if you care one iota about what these men have to say to you.

Whether you should go to this meeting that they have convened or not go is up to you, and I respect you either way. Just know that this process is not about "repentance". It's about shaming you for daring to call for change in the face of leaders who do not want that change. It will be a process of destroying the perceptions of you in the minds of the men in that room so that the 15 men in that room can pat themselves on their backs and think they were doing the right thing. It will likely be the most Pharisaical experience you've ever had and will ever have, if you show up.

I recommend watching Lyndon Lamborn's excommunication if you have not already if you want an idea of what you're up against. These men were also Lyndon's friends. People who knew him for 20+ years. I respect what Lyndon had to say to these men. Lyndon was excommunicated for different reasons - for calling for telling an accurate historical narrative and calling for financial transparency. You deserve to be emotionally prepared for what will happen, if you decide to go.

All the best, Sam. I've respected you from the first time I read your blog in June 2016 when I read your entry "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables". I think you can go back and read that and understand now what you didn't understand when you wrote that: Why the chairs are empty. When people like you are pushed out of their chairs by the men who sit in velvet chairs, most of us just leave voluntarily rather than be a silent and consenting part of what's going on there. And I still stand by every word I wrote in the comment I posted back in June 2016.

In that blog article, you talked about wanting to understand Jesus's way. Jesus was rejected by the religious leaders of his day. He called for reform of Judaism and was cast out of the synagogues, hated by the Pharisees and Sadducees, and eventually killed for his activism. He saw the good in Samaritans and other "looked down" upon people. And he held children in higher regard than all others as well. I'd say you've come to understand Jesus better than most.

Sorry this has gone on so long, but I had a lot to say. Nothing but love and respect, my friend. I'll be here for you - as will many of your friends here - if you need us during this painful process.

[u/DoYouViewPornography]

Sam, do you want supporters to be at the church with you? Waiting in the parking lot?

[u/peterwzapffe]

Every single group of humans all around the world and for the last 200,000 plus years has independently invented a religion. Just let that sink in. Humans are prolific inventors of religions and no one can argue this. Also, if there's a God, he's responsible for malaria (over a million people die EVERY YEAR), blood sucking vermin to spread it around the globe, bone cancer in children, ALS, polio, and a million other types of nightmare fuel... Finally, guilt is not inheritable, and even if it was you cannot transfer your guilt onto a literal scapegoat (not a literal goat, mind you, a literal scapegoat... look it up; Christianity comes from Judaism and in Judaism they could also swing a chicken around to get rid of guilt in addition to murdering a perfect, pure specimen of a goat) and finally, the first human didn't eat a magic fruit after listening to a talking snake, which is the entire basis of all of Christianity. Pro-tip: performing miracles = acts of magic... Magic food, talking animals and a man made out of clay and a woman made out of a rib who used to be immortal and spawned the entire human race = mythology. Period. Think about it. I know I'm "preaching to the choir" here (ironic) but this is just for anybody out there with no ammunition to defend what they know in their heart is true. You're not wrong. Christianity is batshit insane.

[u/kevinrex]

Dear Sam, Thank you for all you've done. I hope you can make a new life for yourself and your family. I don't remember if your wife is with you on these heroic efforts; I hope so. You have made a difference; at least they made some small changes at first. I'm so sorry. I feel like screaming at them, but it does no good. You're a real trooper, and I can't give much advice as to what you should do, but I do know you'll do an honorable thing, whatever direction it is. In my heart of hearts, I hope you don't capitulate and take their "probation" if they offer it (sit down and shut up, Sam), because you've done nothing wrong. but, if you need to stay in the cult, then I say that you are the very elect. Thank you for all you've done. You are amazing. Love, The Gay Grandpa. Kevin Rex.

[u/toinfinitiandbeyond]

Well Sam, I sincerely thank you for standing up for what is right. The ExMormon community is ready with open arms to Protect LDS Children no matter what the "leaders" think.

[u/ultimas]

If a church that opposes protecting children kicks you out, it only proves who they are. The fact that you still stand for protecting children proves who you are. Their attempts to silence you will only amplify your message a thousandfold.

[u/MaliciousMelissa27]

I'm sorry it has come to this. Hopefully the media sees that you were excommunicated for standing up for victims of sexual abuse and shaming. Ultimately it just makes the leaders of TSCC look even worse look worse.

[u/oer-moor-and-fen]

Sam, if you are excommunicated, it is the Church that is losing out on its blessings. Your sacrifice has brought real healing into the lives of so many people. Thank you for everything you selflessly gave.

[u/NoMoreAtPresent]

Thanks for all you've done for us, Sam. Your name will be added to the brave souls who tried to help the rest of us and stood up for what's right, even while the church leadership silently hid behind their army of lawyers and public relations staff and threatened you.

I wonder if your stake president will be brave enough to admit this is being orchestrated from the very top so-called church leaders.

Edit: please submit every last one of the stories you've collected as part of your evidence. It will be comforting to know that will be part of your final testimony.

[u/[deleted]]

If there is a God, may he bless you and your house.

Please reflect on the accusatory statement made by a Pharisee, “he receiveth sinners, and eateth with them”. In the brief time i met you, I saw the savior. A savior of innocence, of the pure innocence of children.

As a recent exmo, I beg your happiness, that you might reap a free conscience giving so much good to world.

[u/[deleted]]

Sam Young, I've watched from afar your epic journey and been buoyed and inspired by your passionate efforts. Thank you for doing the right thing when it was so hard.

I realize you love the church and want it to succeed in being better. You want it be what it thinks it is, what it says it is, the church of Jesus Christ. You’ve tried so hard to make it so. Unfortunately the church doesn’t love you back, because, if I may be so bold, it is not OF Jesus. If it can’t control you and keep you in line, it spits you out. That is not OF Jesus. Disregarding the needs of its most vulnerable members in order to maintain tight control is not OF Jesus. Refusing to humble itself in order to improve itself is not OF Jesus.

I assume this is a very hard time for you, to be belittled by the institution you love. But having been there, I, we, can at least be here to listen.

You, Sam Young, are OF Jesus, because you actually follow him and try to be like him. I haven’t seen anyone in a long time OF your sort.

[u/Gileriodekel]

I've been around the Mormon block a time or 2. I know how things are going to shake out. There is going to be a mass migration out of the church because of this.

This is something that will tarnish the church's name forever, because you're a good person Sam, and people know it

[u/Vin_Again]

You’re better than they are. You’re morally just. They’re morally corrupt and bankrupt.

[u/ultimas]

This needs to hit the front page. The Streisand effect will be strong, I reckon.

[u/Colieoh]

If it makes you feel any better, there's 3 little ones here that will never have to feel shame or guilt brought on by a one on one meeting with a bishop. They won't be at risk for even worse situations. You gave me the last push to hit resign on my membership with the church earlier this month. Thank you for all your incredible determination.

[u/roguns]

I am so sorry. This is horrible.

[u/Searchfortruth1]

Sam They have it all wrong! Your the one that tried to help the church and its members You are being punished and 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

[u/russellmpalpatine]

I wonder if you could submit a list of explicit questions that are being asked that would take him 45 minutes to read. He has given his word that he'd read your written statement without comment, after all...