Posted on 09/11/2007 7:50:23 PM PDT by Spiff
11 September 2007 Elder Henry B. Eyring’s remarks at the Mountain Meadows Massacre Sesquicentennial on 11 September 2007, in Washington County, Utah.
Dear Friends—
I speak today, by assignment, on behalf of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In so doing, I express their appreciation for the invitation to participate on this program.
It is important and appropriate that we meet together on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the Mountain Meadows Massacre. We gather as relatives of the massacre victims and perpetrators and as unrelated but interested and sympathetic parties. We gather to remember and to honor those whose lives were taken prematurely and wrongly in this once lush and pastoral valley.
We believe it is our obligation to understand and learn from the past. For this reason, the Church responded favorably several years ago to the request of three experienced and able historians, Ronald W. Walker, Richard E. Turley, Jr., and Glen M. Leonard, to cooperate with their researching of a book about the awful event that occurred here a century and a half ago. The book they are writing is nearly complete and will be published in coming months by Oxford University Press under the title Massacre at Mountain Meadows.
Although they are Church employees, the authors have retained full editorial control and have drawn their own conclusions from the exhaustive body of historical material they assembled. They have been given full access to all relevant materials held by the Church. Two of the significant conclusions they have reached are (1) that the message conveying the will and intent of Brigham Young not to interfere with the immigrants arrived too late, and (2) that the responsibility for the massacre lies with local leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the regions near Mountain Meadows who also held civic and military positions and with members of the Church acting under their direction.
Although no event in history can fully be known, the work of these three authors has enabled us to know more than we ever have known about this unspeakable episode. The truth, as we have come to know it, saddens us deeply. The gospel of Jesus Christ that we espouse, abhors the cold-blooded killing of men, women, and children. Indeed, it advocates peace and forgiveness. What was done here long ago by members of our Church represents a terrible and inexcusable departure from Christian teaching and conduct. We cannot change what happened, but we can remember and honor those who were killed here.
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.
A separate expression of regret is owed to the Paiute people who have unjustly borne for too long the principal blame for what occurred during the massacre. 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.
We know, too, that many of those who carried out the massacre were haunted all their lives by what they did and saw on that unforgettable day. They and their relatives have also suffered under a heavy burden of guilt. No doubt Divine Justice will impose appropriate punishment upon those responsible for the massacre. Nevertheless, our continued prayer for their relatives is that knowledge of a God who is both just and merciful will bring a measure of peace to their souls.
In 1999, President Gordon B. Hinckley returned and joined with many of you in dedicating the monument that stands near our place of assembly today. The Church has worked with descendant groups since then to maintain the monument and surrounding property and continues to improve and preserve these premises and to make them attractive and accessible to all who visit. We are committed to do so in the future.
Having reflected and commented on both the past and future of this hallowed meadow, we conclude by expressing our love and desire for reconciliation to all who have in any way been affected by what occurred at Mountain Meadows 150 years ago today. May the God of Heaven, whose sons and daughters we all are, bless us to honor those who died here by extending to one another the pure love and spirit of forgiveness which His Only Begotten Son personified, is our prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Almost an apology.
What a regrettable statement.
but, but....I thought it was not true......
“Gee, I wonder if the “real Christians” will be apologizing for all of the atrocities they perpetrated over the centuries?”
You have an odd view of Americans and our history.
I know it’s not PC but I simply can’t figure out why any person or entity thinks it is necessary to apologize for things that happened before any of us were born. Viewing history through the social mores of our time is just dangerous. Obviously bad things did happen but those who should take the responsibility are long gone. Get over it.
Certainly not as fast as all the secularists and atheists do. /sarc
The only person formally charged in the massacre was John Doyle Lee, local constable and Indian agent. He was tried and convicted, then executed by a firing squad in 1877 at Mountain Meadows.
Lee’s great-great-grandson, Mark Udall, is running for U.S. Senate from Colorado.
http://www.denverpost.com/opinion/ci_6854183
Posting articles about the LDS Church is just a ,cheap shot, way to go after Romney. Grow up, and stop TROLLING for bigots.
Wow...all that and no sarcasm tag?
I'm a Romney supporter. I'm a life-long member of the LDS Church. I'm also one who has expressed opposition to those who endlessly post anti-Mormon articles or dwell upon salacious stories about this tragedy that occured 150 years ago.
This article represents the LDS Church's official statement, an apology of sorts, about the event. I felt that it was appropriate to post the Church's own statement given some of the terrible stuff that others have been saying.
Reads just like Japanese statements concerning WWII.
No. Not really. jwatzzz is just a little shell-shocked from all of the vile anti-Mormon stuff that is unfortunately allowed here. I'm not offended in the slightest. But thanks for sticking up for me, RM.
I can tell you that when Elder Eyring said these words, it was with great heartbreak and tears were shed, many of them. These words don’t do them justice. Many Fancher, Baker and other descendants stood up and gave him a standing ovation, others sat on their hands. It is an interesting look into the power of forgiveness vs. bitterness. None of these people are connected to what happened, none are to blame or are victims. This is a civil war era tragedy, and yet after all this time, healing has only happened for some.
The 3 different MMM organizations split into three years ago, because the thought of reconciliation for some is out of the question. Some family members want the Church involved, others do not, and there is great division even within the family groups.
One very touching moment occurred when two individuals got up. Both are direct descendants of Lee and Fancher, respectively. They have started a new organization, the Lee/Fancher group. These two descendants of seemingly bitter enemies are now best friends, and travel the country trying to bring the families closure. Many have joined them, and healing is taking place.
BTW, Color, do you know a Linda Johnston? She is the historian/secretary of the John D. Lee Family organization, I’m assuming you're a member? She was a great interview! There were many Lee’s in attendance today.
Another cool thing that happened was the LDS church, working with the local wards in St. George, made 120 oak crosses, painted white, and each one, with representative ribbons on them were secured to the monument fence. The families that were there today took them home with them.
Anyway, I hope I'm not rambling too much, but there were some very touching moments today!
Cheers
Oh the wit of the Lord’s children never cease!:)
It is great pain to read this to think of Lee’s legacy and the tragic situation that he fallen into, almost reminds one a little of King David who also fell from grace!
“(1) that the message conveying the will and intent of Brigham Young not to interfere with the immigrants arrived too late.”
I’m trying to figure out what this statement means. The way I read it is that Brigham Young had dictatorial powers, and the statement infers that whatever way he decreed the events to transpire, that’s the direction the church members would have gone.
I’ve read about this massacre many years ago, but the details escape me.
You have an odd view of Americans and our history.
I don’t know what you mean exactly, but let me welcome you to FReerepublic. We can always use sharp minds around here.
Thank you for the report. Those who seek healing, will find healing. Those who seek reasons for bitterness will find that too. But who will be happier and more at peace?
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