In the aftermath of what felt like a complete duck-n-dodge move by the Church following the mess brought about by Brother Bott, and in the echo of the many, many voices calling for an apology - something which the church seems incapable of issuing, let the apologies start with us. Given the claim, (false claim), by some that the leaders may not be to blame, since they only reflected the racist attitudes of the members and the day, and with the realization that the church really is little more than it's members who give it power and money and meaning, then let the apologies start with me. Or rather, give credit to Stephen Bloor who came up with the brilliant idea for the members to do what its leaders can't humble themselves to do.
And yes, I personally think the church needs to apologize. Others have debated this point, but my position is clear. So...
I was a member for 38 years and I never questioned the radically racist teachings of my church. For that I apologize.
For decades I heard, memorized, and recited the 2nd Article of Faith and never did the math in my head to question why such a teaching would not also apply when dealing with the supposed curse of Cain. Again, my sincere apologies.
Time after time I read the Book of Mormon and the Book of Abraham and let those verses slip from my tongue and I gave them no thought but to assume them to be true and from God. Wow was I wrong. I am deeply sorry.
The books from apostles and prophets such as McConkie and Peterson took prominent place on my bookshelf and were regarded as the word of God. I should have thought to ask, to understand, and to reject such nonsense but instead I swallowed it whole. I ask for your forgiveness.
Now, however, I won't sit back and let the passive and evasive words from the leaders of a church I once believed in be spoken without my own voice being added to the chorus of those who declare the past practices and teachings and current apologetics to be wrong, misguided, and hate-inspired.
I am sorry and I ask for forgiveness.
