Understanding the CES Letter: Controversies within the LDS Church

LDS Perspective

The CES Letter is an open letter written by Jeremy Runnells, originally intended to address the concerns he had about the teachings and historical claims of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) while he was still a member. The letter was circulated widely online starting in 2013 and presents a series of questions that Runnells claims are troubling and unresolved. These questions challenge foundational aspects of LDS doctrine, history, and practices and have been perceived as an attack on the faith by many members of the Church. The controversy primarily stems from the way the CES Letter is presented and the questions it raises. Critics argue that the letter is manipulative, reframing historical and doctrinal issues as insurmountable problems, which can lead to disi

Historical Perspective

The CES Letter, authored by Jeremy Runnells, is a document that presents a series of questions and challenges regarding foundational claims of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Originally written in 2013 as a letter addressed to a Church Educational System (CES) director, the document articulates the author's concerns regarding historical issues, doctrine, and practices of the Church, including but not limited to the historicity of the Book of Mormon, the accounts of Joseph Smith's First Vision, and the church’s teachings on polygamy and its implications for historical integrity. The prompt for writing this letter arose from Runnells' faith crisis and desire for clarity regarding these issues, reflecting a broader movement among members seeking more transparency