Mormon Prophets Hired Snipers for 1967 General Conference w/ Dr. Matt Harris | Ep. 1948

Mormon Prophets Hired Snipers for 1967 General Conference: Historical Rumor or a Source of Unease?

Could the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), known for its commitment to peace and diplomacy, have hired snipers to oversee the 1967 General Conference? This question, prompted by Dr. Matt Harris's research presented on the Mormon Stories Podcast, challenges our perceptions of religious institutions' vulnerabilities in tumultuous times. While many find the suggestion far-fetched, considering societal tensions in the late 1960s could provide a deeper understanding of the Church's actions during that era.

Historical Context of the 1960s Church Environment

The 1960s were a period marked by intense societal changes and upheavals in the United States. The civil rights movement, anti-war protests, and a general questioning of authority led many institutions to reassess their operations. The LDS Church, deeply rooted in both tradition and American history, found itself in the middle of these shifts. At the time, the Church was navigating complex issues, particularly surrounding race, that were increasingly in the public spotlight.

Dr. Matt Harris, a historian specializing in Mormon studies, noted that the same period saw the LDS Church grappling with its stance on race, which left them open to criticism. The rising tensions regarding this stance were a potential catalyst for the rumored hiring of snipers, as an act to safeguard the Conference and maintain order amidst possible civil unrest.

Key Claims: Fact, Fiction, or Misunderstanding?