Every member and investigator deserves informed consent

Every Member and Investigator Deserves Informed Consent

What if you joined an organization only to discover later that crucial elements of its history and doctrine were withheld? This is the reality for many members and investigators of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, known as the LDS Church. Discussing topics such as racial exclusion, polygamy, and unusual methods of scripture translation, these significant issues are often omitted during the process of joining the church. This lack of transparency raises questions about informed consent in religious contexts. This editorial argues that everyone deserves the full picture before making a commitment.

The Historical Context of Informed Consent in Mormonism

For over a century, the LDS Church practiced policies that, today, many find troubling. Black men were barred from holding the priesthood until 1978. Until that same year, Black members were also denied access to temple ordinances, essential rites in the faith. Policies such as these reflect deep-rooted issues in the church's history that are rarely discussed openly with potential converts or even current members.

Joseph Smith, the church's founder, engaged in practices like treasure digging and claimed he translated the Book of Mormon using a seer stone placed in a hat, methods that many might find unconventional. Yet, these stories are seldom in the official missionary discussions. When people are deciding whether to dedicate their lives to a faith, shouldn't they know the full truth?

Key Claims and Evidence for Transparent Conversations