For those who had not heard, the Church, through Elder Henry B. Eyring, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, issued an "apology" for the Mountain Meadows Massacre (hereinafter MMM). Some might gripe that the actual word apology or apologize is never used, and they would be right. However, the right sentiments and contrition are there. I hope that this will satisfy all the people who have hoped and waited for such an apology over many years. In my opinion, such an apology is long overdue. That there was complicity or responsibility for the MMM attributable to some Church members has not been in doubt (except among the most stubborn and closed-minded LDS) for many years now. It would have been better to come forward earlier when such an apology and acknowledgment of responsibility was not a foregone conclusion. Hopefully the healing can begin, both for the members of the Church who in their hearts have not recognized the capacity for evil in all men, even otherwise upstanding citizens and Mormons, and for the families and descendants of the victims, who may have held a grudge against the Church for too long now.
Also, I can't wait to get the new OUP book on MMM by Richard Turley, et al.
It should be a good read. Turley gave a talk at this years' FAIR conference; it might be available on their site. Check it out.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, Church spokesman Mark Tuttle thought it necessary to clarify that Elder Eyring's comments did not constitute an apology.
ReplyDeleteI've been impressed with how much ownership of the tragedy the Church has taken lately. To then be so insistent that we didn't (and apparently aren't going to) apologize is frustrating.
Oh, and I agree that Eyring's comments on behalf of the Church showed genuine contrition and remorse, and I believe that they were intended to constitute as much of an apology as should perhaps be expected.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to take the opportunity here to believe the best about people's intentions. I'm sticking with Elder Eyring's "regret" speech and ignoring whatever some PR flack from Church HQ said. That's guy is no prophet anyway. Its my illusion, and I choose to believe it.
ReplyDeleteI too believe that while the word apology was not used, and probably consciously not used, what was said was essentially an apology.
I think Tuttle overstepped his bounds, personally. The other night I watched Eyring's talk on YouTube, and I really think it was conveyed in the spirit of an apology, despite Tuttle's later "clarification."
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