Mormons Apologize for Massacre

Mitt Romney's candidacy has thrust the Mormon religion into the spotlight, and many observers are not particularly impressed with what they have learned about the faith. From seer stones in a hat to magic underpants, Mormonism seems more a source of embarrassment than one of pride. At least the church has finally decided to apologize for a terrible "faith-based massacre" (quoted from NoGodBlog).

From the Deseret Morning News (UT):

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a long-awaited apology today for the massacre of an immigrant wagon train by local church members 150 years ago in southwestern Utah. Elder Henry B. Eyring of the Quorum of the Twelve read the church's statement on assignment from the church's governing First Presidency during a memorial ceremony at the grave site of some of the massacre victims at Mountain Meadows, about 35 miles northwest of St. George. The statement also places blame for the Sept. 11, 1857, massacre on the local church leaders at the time and church members who followed their orders to murder some 120 unarmed men, women and children.

The LDS church even acknowledged that the massacre would not have occurred but for "the direction and stimulus provided by local church leaders and members." A bit late in their apology, but at least they appear to acknowledge that their religion had some role in this atrocity.

Tags: LDS, Mormon, Mitt Romney, massacre, apology, Mormon church, Utah