The CES Letter has become one of the most talked-about documents in modern Mormonism, sparking widespread discussions and debates within and outside the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Originally written in 2013 by Jeremy Runnells, the letter began as a personal quest for answers. Over time, it has evolved into a significant critique of LDS history, doctrine, and leadership, compelling many to reflect on their relationship with the faith.
What makes the CES Letter particularly powerful is the range of topics it addresses. From the historical origins of the church to doctrinal inconsistencies, it raises fundamental questions that have led many believers to reassess their understanding of Mormonism. While some view it as a much-needed call for transparency, others see it as a challenge to the foundations of the faith.
Origins and Purpose of the CES Letter
The CES Letter was not initially intended to cause such widespread discussion. Jeremy Runnells wrote the letter after experiencing doubts about the LDS Church and its teachings. He sought clarification from a leader within the Church Educational System (CES) and was encouraged to compile his questions into a single document. What followed was a detailed and comprehensive list of concerns, centered on issues such as the translation of the Book of Mormon, polygamy, the role of prophets, and changes in church policies over time.
Rather than receiving satisfactory responses to his questions, Runnells’ letter began to circulate online, resonating with others who had similar doubts or questions about the faith. As the letter spread, it became a touchstone for those seeking to reconcile their beliefs with the historical facts presented in the document.
Major Themes in the CES Letter
The CES Letter tackles a wide array of issues, but some key themes emerge that have had a lasting impact on how members of the church perceive their faith.
One of the most prominent themes is the issue of historical transparency. The letter suggests that there are significant gaps between the narrative of church history as taught by the church and what historical evidence reveals. For instance, the letter discusses the process by which Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon, emphasizing the use of a seer stone rather than the more traditional narrative involving golden plates and divine intervention. This discrepancy has been a point of contention for many, as it challenges the foundational story of the church’s origins.
Polygamy is another major focus of the letter. The document highlights how Joseph Smith’s practice of polygamy, including marriages to underage girls, contrasts sharply with modern views of morality and marriage. The CES Letter questions how these practices fit within the context of a church that promotes strong family values and monogamous relationships today.
Racism in the church’s history is also addressed, particularly in relation to the priesthood ban that prevented Black members from holding leadership positions until 1978. The letter calls into question the theological justification for this ban and examines its ongoing implications for the church’s stance on race and equality.
Reactions and Responses
The CES Letter has been met with a range of responses, from support and praise to outright rejection. For some, the letter provides a voice to their own unspoken doubts, validating concerns that have been difficult to express within a tightly-knit religious community. The clarity and detail with which the letter presents its arguments have encouraged open discussion about topics that were once considered taboo.
However, not all reactions to the CES Letter have been positive. Many members of the LDS Church see the letter as misleading, arguing that it presents a one-sided or distorted view of church history. Critics of the letter point out that it selectively focuses on problematic aspects of the church while ignoring the positive contributions it has made to individuals and society. Apologists and church leaders have also created responses to the letter, offering counterarguments and providing context for the historical issues it raises.
For example, defenders of the faith argue that many of the challenges presented in the letter are not new and have been addressed by scholars and historians within the church. They believe that, while the church may not have been fully transparent in the past, recent efforts to release more historical documents and provide context for controversial issues demonstrate a commitment to addressing these concerns.
The Ongoing Impact of the CES Letter
Whether viewed as a valid critique or a divisive document, the CES Letter has undoubtedly had a profound effect on the discourse surrounding Mormonism. For some, the letter has led to a complete reevaluation of their faith, with some choosing to leave the church as a result of the questions it raises. Others have found that confronting these issues has strengthened their beliefs, enabling them to engage with their faith in a more informed and nuanced way.
The letter has also contributed to a broader conversation about the role of doubt in religious communities. It challenges the idea that questioning one’s faith is inherently negative, instead encouraging individuals to explore their beliefs and seek out answers for themselves. In this sense, the CES Letter has served as a catalyst for more open discussions about the complexities of faith and the challenges of reconciling religious teachings with historical realities.
The CES Letter continues to shape conversations within the LDS community and beyond. By raising important questions about church history, doctrine, and leadership, it has pushed both believers and critics to engage in deeper reflection about the nature of faith and truth. Whether one views it as a necessary critique or a problematic challenge to tradition, the letter remains a key part of the ongoing dialogue about Mormonism in the modern era.
