Thank you very much.

Wrongly addressed, such issues almost inevitably lead to defensiveness, arrogance, cynicism, the loss of testimony and a self-righteousness and judgmental manner reflecting the desire to win rather than serve. Correctly embraced the same questons can just as easily draw us beyond ourselves to a more genuine understanding and practice of the Lord’s teachings.

What I appreciate about Brother Perkins’ efforts is that they have welcomed the challenge as a way of exploring paths that God has placed before him. He does not avoid the seemingly difficult questions, which would reflect “bad faith,” but rather “positively questions.” At the core of such questioning is not dark, corrosive and self-interested doubt or skepticism, but a desire to explore, as Gadamer points out, “that which is still open to question.” it is an invitation to discover “further light and knowledge.” led by a broken heart and sincere love of the good such faithful questioning believes that God will show us the way, if we open ourselves to the “living truth.” Brother Perkins has pushed aside the temptations of self-pity, victimization and retribution in order to expose a clearer path to a right relationship with God and with His children. The result is an understanding and a life practice that serves all of us, removing stumbling blocks so that we can similarly “walk in the truth and light” of the Living Gospel.

I had been faced with the ignorance that Marvin speaks of; if you are black, so have you to some degree. But because we joined the Church because of our love for Heavenly Father and the Lord, we have been blessed to overcome this ingorance because of our faith in them.

“Where much is given, much is required”.

The time is now that all faithful men and women to learn and humble themselves before the Lord and his words and to teach with that same humility.

Thank you Marvin, Darius, and Bishop Bethel for giving that what is required because that which was given unto you.

I love you all.

A few years ago, a black missionary in my ward came over for dinner and at one point he pulled me aside and confided that he was really struggling with things he had heard surrounding the priesthood ban. He was distraught to the point that he was losing his faith and was likely to leave his mission. He asked if I had any answers beyond what he had heard, and I printed off a copy of one of your talks from the FAIR website and gave it to him. He took it home and read it, and the next time I saw him, he was absolutely radiant. He told me he had read the talk over and over again, and was keeping it at his bedside to read almost nightly. He stayed in the faith and stayed on his mission, and he was a fantastic missionary in our area.

Thank you for what you do.

I am hopeful that one day clear official statements will be made disavowing racist teachings previously taught by some Church leaders. I think there are a couple of things in the way: 1. such a disavowal might remind members that Church leaders are fallible in their individual teachings–which might undermine loyalty, and 2. I doubt there is unanimity among the Brethren as to which of the previous teachings were in error and which were correct.