A word of caution….

That is just my opinion, because I had feelings of overconfidence after I reflected on Elder U’s talk I realized this is a mere stepping stone. I also believe that when I attend church next time, that I will still see a lot of same attitudes that existed before the talk. And the same reactions to people like myself who share unorthodox thoughts, or emphasize the imperfectness of our organization.

It will take the same sort of statement from the mouth of two or three witnesses before it even begins to sink in with the rank and file. Cafeteria Mormonism abounds.

Thanks SD. Indeed it was nice to hear Pres. Uchtdorf admit that some people in the church have made mistakes, but that is far from any admission by individuals that they have made a mistake. In a discussion with my SP one time he said words to the effect of “I’m sorry your bishop did that.” I believe he was sincere in that sorrow, but the bishop never admitted he made such a mistake. I believe there is a difference.

I agree. I loved Elder Hollands “Help thou my unbelief” talk and I was so very amazed at how the talk played differently to different people.

DW saw this live and was really excited to share this with me. From my perspective this is a small step in the right direction. People will still be allowed to proclaim black and white viewpoints (some with patently false information) without being corrected, while I will need to continue to practice the art of diplomacy, strategic silence, and blending in. Some come to church and receive a refuge of validation and strength. I go to church and am on my gaurd, expending mental energy to participate without revealing too much of my heart and mind. It may always be so.

I do believe that I know have a great quote for poeple that say, “The church is perfect but the people aren’t” as Pres. Uchtdorf has said that the church can’t be perfect unless the people are too. I really dislike the word “perfect” in general so I hope this will be an end to saying that the church is perfect.

I also loved that Pres. Uchtdorf spoke of those that have lost the church as people of value who are loved and needed and who have voices and talents whose absence lessens us all.

I also loved that Pres. Uchtdorf spoke of those that have lost the church as people of value who are loved and needed and who have voices and talents whose absence lessens us all.

I viewed this a bit differently. I agree with the statement as I am no longer putting my effort into furthering the mission of the church beyond mere attendance and supporting my family. Yes, that is a loss to the church, as it is with any other member who reduces their involvement in the church — but that is simply a loss of volunteer labor for the church.

When I heard this statement from Elder U., I started wondering what the church really had to offer me in terms of rewarding service now that my reputation locally was ruined by asking for a release. I have a burning desire to demonstrate to myself that my last 20 years of study of leadership theory, formal education in that field (which I continue to work at) and leadership experiences, that I can make a positive impact on the world. That with God’s help, I can execute better, and more effectively than before I put the significant effort into this field. Demonstrate to myself that all this study matters… I am intrinsically motivated to put for this effort without any reward, recognition or kudos, or even a formal title.

In our church, this would be called “seeking position”, however. And with our LDS “served where placed” model, I left feeling that it would be inside a box — a service model that no longer works for me — or that appears indifferent to my own personal growth. It is egocentric to the church.

I am appreciative that Elder U sincerely seems to want us back. I hope he continues developing an inclusive, non-judgmental philosophy toward less active people that is also motivational. He certainly has my attention now.

I understand what you mean SD. I think it would be GREAT if DW and I could be seen as a resource to befriend, counsel, and console others who may be going through hard times from grief to faith crisis.

Unfortunately, to gain this trust I believe that I would need to be much more transparent to my local leadership and that could very well result in outright rejection.

For good or ill my strategy of ambiguity and obfuscation must continue…at least until my youngest receives the PH from my hands.