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Authorship of the CES Letter
Jeremy Runnells authored the CES Letter, a comprehensive critique of the LDS Church that has become pivotal in faith transition conversations.
By Todd Noall
Did Joseph Smith Lie About Polygamy?
Joseph Smith publicly denied practicing polygamy while secretly promoting and practicing it — a contradiction shaped by legal pressure, social hostility, and internal church dissent.
By Todd Noall
Diversity and the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square
Explore the history of the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square and its evolving role in representing diversity within the Latter-day Saint community.
By Todd Noall
First Black Sister Missionary
How Sareta Dobbs became the first Black woman to serve a full-time mission in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints despite facing the priesthood ban.
By Todd Noall
Garments and Public Discourse
The Salt Lake Tribune's 147-year history with Mormon garments reveals deep tensions between sacred secrecy and public curiosity about LDS temple practices.
By Todd Noall
Sacred Clothing: Garments and Religious Vestments
Religious clothing across traditions—from Mormon temple garments to Catholic vestments, Islamic dress, and Hindu attire—share common purposes of modesty and spiritual commitment.
By Todd Noall
Similarities and Differences between Mormons and Catholics
Both Mormonism and Catholicism center their faith around Jesus Christ, but their understanding of God, salvation, and religious authority differ significantly.
By Todd Noall
Skin Color in the Book of Mormon
The Church's historical priesthood ban drew scrutiny to the Book of Mormon's treatment of skin color — but the text's actual teachings about the Lamanites tell a different story.
By Todd Noall
Temple Lot Case
The Temple Lot Case reveals how competing branches of the Latter-day Saint movement fought over ownership of sacred land after Joseph Smith's death.
By Todd Noall
Was Emma Smith Excommunicated?
Emma Hale Smith was instrumental to the early LDS Church, but her relationship with church leadership fractured after Joseph Smith's death.
By Todd Noall
What is Ensign Peak Advisors?
The investment and asset management firm managing the LDS Church's substantial financial reserves and its role in the Church's global operations.
By Todd Noall
What is The Edmunds-Tucker Act?
The 1887 Edmunds-Tucker Act was federal legislation that disincorporated the LDS Church and confiscated its property to suppress polygamy.
By Todd Noall