David O. McKay Evolution Letter – February 15, 1957

On February 15, 1957 the President of the Church, David O. McKay, penned a letter to William Lee Stokes claiming that “On the subject of organic evolution the Church has officially taken no position.”  However, this statement contradicted the The Origin of Man: 1909 First Presidency Message “which expresses the Church’s doctrinal position on these […]

Read more
Historical Scriptural Statements on Race

Moses 7:8, 22 8 For behold, the Lord shall curse the land with much heat, and the barrenness thereof shall go forth forever; and there was a blackness came upon all the children of Canaan, that they were despised among all people. . . . 22 And Enoch also beheld the residue of the people […]

Read more
Dedicatory Prayer – Orson Hyde

The following letter is reprinted in chapter 26 of volume 4 of History of the Church, under the subtitle “Elder Orson Hyde’s Letter — His Prayer of Dedication on the Mount of Olives.” ALEXANDRIA, Nov. 22, 1841 DEAR BROTHER PRATT: — A few minutes now offer for me to write, and I improve them in writing […]

Read more
Letters Between the Danbury Baptists and Thomas Jefferson

Letter from the Danbury Baptists: The address of the Danbury Baptist Association in the State of Connecticut, assembled October 7, 1801. To Thomas Jefferson, Esq., President of the United States of America Sir, Among the many millions in America and Europe who rejoice in your election to office, we embrace the first opportunity which we […]

Read more
The Wentworth Letter

March 1, 1842.—At the request of Mr. John Wentworth, editor and proprietor of the Chicago Democrat, I have written the following sketch of the rise, progress, persecution, and faith of the Latter-day Saints, of which I have the honor, under God, of being the founder. Mr. Wentworth says that he wishes to furnish Mr. Bastow […]

Read more