In a long overdue action, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has issued an APOLOGY for the Mountain Meadows Massacre of September 11, 1857. Lest you think this another carefully worded, “Well, we sure don’t think we played a part, but we’re really sorry it happened” type apology, let me quote from the actual apology, as it was noted in the Deseret News.
“We express profound regret for the massacre carried out in this valley 150 years ago today, and for the undue and untold suffering experienced by the victims then and by their relatives to the present time,” Elder Eyring said.
“A separate expression of regret is owed the Paiute people who have unjustly borne for too long the principal blame for what occurred during the massacre,” he said. “Although the extent of their involvement is disputed, it is believed they would not have participated without the direction and stimulus provided by local church leaders and members.”
Wow. Kudos to the Church for their actions. I would like to point out that I have ENCOURAGED this very action for years. The Catholics did it, and it worked in their favor!
I realize the movie September Dawn had some impetus in forcing their hand, although I haven’t really heard good things about the movie as of yet. But this is a positive step in the RIGHT direction. Acknowledging past mistakes is integral and important to moving forward. Plus, people aren’t as inclined to call you a cult when you are not hiding the less than savory parts of your past.
Just my take.
Writer in a Bubble 
As I’ve said before, Hell has killer moguls.
So what’s the poop on your contest, Missy? 😉 Inquiring readers want to know.
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This straight-forward apology is the right thing for the LDS Church to do.
Hopefully they will continue in this vein regarding other Church historical facts.
Del
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On the contest, well, I’m lining up some guest judges. Expect an announcment of the winner by Monday!
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While I’m not sure what an apology accomplishes, besides clearing the slate, at least they are not denying anymore and that is good. I heard the movie was rather, ack ack ack.
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I don’t know aobut this apology because in my mind there is a difference between having regret and asking for forgiveness. Although it is nice to know that this tragedy is no longer being swept under the carpet.
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I am totally surprised.
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I was really quite pleased with this as well until they RETRACTED it yesterday in an AP news story. Or should I say clarified it with the phrase, “We do not use the word apologize.”. Thanks, Tuttle.
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To ujlapana,
It was not retracted. The word “apologise” was never used in the first place. It was, from the start, a “statement of regret”, not an apology. You can read my extended comments at:
http://answeringtheanti-mormons.blogspot.com/
Where I said from the start it was not an apology, but even some on Mormon Apologetics still insist it’s an apology, with which I disagree. (Sorry if I’m impinging on you Natalie.)
One can view this many ways, skeptically, or in an open-minded way. The FACT is that even Juanita Brooks wrote that this riddle is impossible to solve, and the complexities and motivations involved in the MMM are all but black and white. Yes, Brigham Young did cover up some facts, but that doesn’t mean he ordered the massacre. He, in fact, may have been trying to cover those tracks because he was so ashamed of what was done. If you read his journal entries you’ll see a man in shock at what happened. I am not excusing anything – I am looking at the facts. And there is NO proof that Young ordered this massacre. Now, the blame has shifted – Young “set the stage” for the massacre. But one has to also consider the tensions between Utah and the US government at the time. This is why Brooks said that there were “complex motivations” involved in this massacre. I am not excusing it. I think it was horrific. But we should cease with the scapegoating and look at facts.
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Sorry Ray, but given Brigham Young’s statements, and his lust for blood vengeance, I believe him totally culpable in instigating this attack. He let John D. Lee take the blame for HIS actions. He was nothing but a coward.
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