[37] Jensen strongly disagreed and pointed out that by 19th-century norms a 15-year-old bride was not unusual nor considered abused and the "common-law marriage age for women was 12". Marlin K Jensen, 78. By: Jim Bennett Dec 03, 2018 CES Reply, Latter-day Saint Survey Project, Religion. Jensen was Church Historian and Recorder from 2005 to 2012,[1] and executive director of the Church History Department from 2004 to 2012. LDS Church Historian and Recorder General Authority Marlin K. Jensen confirmed the end of 2011 that LDS are "leaving in droves." He was asked his thoughts regarding the effects of Google on membership and people who are “leaving in droves” over Church history… This truly shocked me. [6], In August 2012, Utah Governor Gary Herbert nominated Jensen to serve on the Utah State Board of Regents, which oversees the state's colleges and universities.[7]. Did the leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints know that members are “leaving in droves?” a woman asked. With defections rising, the church has launched a program to stanch its losses. Participants took turns describing their background. Not since a famous troublespot in Mormon history, the 1837 failure of a church bank in Kirtland, Ohio, have so many left the church, Jensen said. Most of the church members present said they weren’t aware of anyone they knew being gay, but they had heard from parents whose gay children were no longer speaking to them and who felt caught between their religion and their family. Related To Kathleen Jensen, Matthew Jensen, Clarice Jensen, Stephen Jensen, Jessica Jensen. I have never ever been associated with an organization that changes as fast as the Mormon church,” said former church researcher Ray Briscoe, 79, whose investigations helped spur movement on issues such as the treatment of blacks. Jensen responded that top church leaders "realize that, maybe, since Kirtland we've never had a period of, I'll call it apostasy, like we're having right now, largely over these issues." [2] After returning home in 1964, he graduated from BYU with a B.S. And many are not. He said a new church initiative would give answers to troubling questions, and such issues should be discussed more openly with the new internet-savvy generation. The church’s active role in promoting California’s Proposition 8, which outlawed gay marriage, drove away some its more liberal members. In addition, many 19th-century polygamous wives were well-educated, politically active professionals. Access to the internet is often credited and blamed for this mass exodus, where members learn about problematic doctrines and cover-ups of LDS history. Jensen has served in various area presidency positions. In a November of 2011 Fireside at Utah State University Elder Marlin K. Jensen, a General Authority Emeritus of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, engaged an attendee in the following conversation (Stephan Smoot. Many are happy as Mormons. Starting in 1978, the duties of Church Historians fell to the Executive director of the historical department. They really do know and they really care,” he said. See here for a complete list of exchanges and delays. As a new Seventy in 1989, he was counselor to John K. Carmack, president of the Utah Central Area. He quit attending service, telling himself, “Ok, I’m done.”. [8] In 1993, he was made assistant executive director of the church's Priesthood Department,[9] later becoming executive director until 2001. But Spaniards introduced horses to the New World many centuries later, and extensive DNA studies have failed to find any genetic link between Israelites and Native Americans, suggesting instead that North America’s indigenous population came across the Bering Strait from Asia many thousands of years ago. Balken talked about her love of gardening -- and the pain infusing the family of her wife, who was the only gay child in a big LDS family. [2] In 1987 he became a regional representative for the Kaysville Utah and Layton Utah regions. In Africa and Latin America, however, Jensen said that interest in the LDS was so strong that the church has cut back baptisms in order to better care for new members. Researchers note a rising tide of questions from church members about the gospel according to Joseph Smith’s The Book of Mormon, the best known of the Latter-day Saints’ scriptures. ‎In 2012, Mormon General Authority Marlin K. Jensen acknowledged that members are leaving the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints "in droves." The curious find a family-focused church with socially conservative values that teaches Christian principles and believes Christ appeared to founder Joseph Smith in America, where Smith established the new religion. There was no immediate agreement. He was asked his thoughts regarding the effects of Google on membership and people who are "leaving in droves" over Church history. In 1995, Jensen became a member of the church's Public Affairs Committee. Many evangelicals say they do not consider the LDS church to be Christian. Jensen is one of the few general authorities of the LDS Church who self-identifies as a member of the Democratic Party.[14]. [1] He served in this capacity until 2012 and was designated an emeritus general authority in October 2012. As Droves Out Our Windows Reuters published a fascinating and timely article yesterday, and the opening four paragraphs reminded me of a favorite Richard Bushman quote: "To be credible we must be candid". Jensen observed "greater dialogue coming about, less suspicion and a greater openness that is coming to pass". [2] He later served as president of the Huntsville Utah Stake. [1] Jensen was made an emeritus general authority in the October 2012 general conference. Not a trained historian or academic, Jensen brought a passion to his work; reading widely, gathering scholars, and implementing changes. In the article was information about a Q&A meeting at Utah State University that LDS Church Historian and General Authority, Elder Marlin K. Jensen, gave in late 2011. However, they remain general authorities of the church until their death. Jensen was asked by some LDS members in 1996 to address this problem. 1. Dr. Phillip Barlow (Arrington Chair of Mormon History and Culture at Utah State University) invited Elder Marlin K. Jensen (Church Historian and Recorder) to speak at USU. Jensen responded that top church leaders "realize that, maybe, since Kirtland we've never had a period of, I'll call it apostasy, like we're … Jensen was made an emeritus general authority in the October 2012 … “I think we are at a time of challenge, but it isn’t apocalyptic,” he said. And it has now reached out, quietly, to the gay community. Jensen was asked if church leaders were aware that members were discovering problems with LDS Church history through the internet, and what is to be done for those who may be affected or "who are already leaving in droves". I accept that his heart was touched and that he was overcome by emotion when he heard of the suffering those affiliated with the LDS church experienced because of the LDS church's involvement with the Proposition 8 measure in California. As a 19-year-old, he served as a missionary for the LDS Church in West Germany. Marlin Keith Jensen (born May 18, 1942) has been a general authority of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) since 1989. On May 5, 2008, Jensen officially responded to Timothy Egan's New York Times op-ed piece which claimed that FLDS polygamy "is a look back at some of the behavior of Mormonism's founding fathers". [11], Coming from a church official on assignment from the First Presidency, the comments surprised many prominent Utah politicians and Latter-day Saints. Jensen was born in Huntsville, Utah. He was asked his thoughts regarding the effects of Google on membership and people who are “leaving in droves” over Church history. Jensen later clarified that critics were overstating his remarks, saying "To say we are experiencing some Titanic-like wave of apostasy is inaccurate."[40][41][42][43]. See: In 1837 the callings of Church Historian and Church Recorder were separated, but in 1842 these callings were again merged. Did the leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints know that members are “leaving in droves?” a woman asked. “I think this is an epidemic for the church,” said Dehlin. [27], On April 22, 1998, Jensen was sent by the First Presidency to give an interview with the Salt Lake Tribune in reaction to a 1998 First Presidency statement[30] and to explicitly state that someone could be a devout Mormon and a member of the Democratic Party. [11] From 1996 to 1998 he was executive director of the Church Historical Department. But Christian Anderson, 41, a non-practicing Mormon in Columbia, South Carolina, for years filed away on a mental “shelf” concerns about the historical veracity of the religion’s central text and its socially conservative views. Individual Mormons are encouraged to participate in public life, including running for office and supporting candidates, but the church officially stays out of electoral politics. “We are aware,” said Jensen, according to a tape recording of his unscripted remarks. There has been a bit of buzz (mostly amongst ex- and anti-Mormons) recently over some remarks of Elder Marlin K. Jensen, an emeritus member of the 1st Quorum of the Seventy and former Church Historian and Recorder, who is alleged to have said that, thanks to Google, the omniscient fount of all knowledge, members of the Church are leaving “in droves”. [29] On October 6, 2012, Jensen was then released from the First Quorum of the Seventy and designated as an emeritus general authority at the LDS Church's semi-annual general conference. I've even herd of them referred to as equity pioneers. The person who recorded it summarized the the Q&A session in a blog post where Jensen was asked if church leaders were aware that Mormons were "leaving in droves" which Jensen confirmed. Many are happy as Mormons. In 1989, Jensen became a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy at the age of 46. While not always official church positions, his statements illustrated his candid views as a leader within the LDS Church. In 2012, Mormon General Authority Marlin K. Jensen acknowledged that members are leaving the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints “in droves.” Access to the internet is often credited and blamed for this mass exodus, where members learn about problematic doctrines and cover-ups of LDS history. [16] Snow succeeded Jensen on August 1, 2012. in German. “There’s no sense kidding ourselves, we just need to be very upfront with them and tell them what we know and give answers to what we have and call on their faith like we all do for things we don’t understand.”. He was the 19th man to hold that calling since it was established in 1830. Over the years, church literature has largely glossed over some of the more controversial aspects of its history, such as the polygamy practiced by Smith and Brigham Young, who led the Mormons to Utah. LDS support of Prop 8 became a lightning rod both inside and outside the Church. “Maybe since Kirtland, we’ve never had a period of - I’ll call it apostasy, like we’re having now,” he told the group in Logan. Several years back, LDS General Authority and outgoing official church historian, Marlin K. Jensen, publicly acknowledged that the membership of the church was leaving “in droves” and that the pace of defections was increasing in startling numbers. CES Reply: Leaving in Droves? These remarks were recorded by a student and circulated online, and were picked up in a Reuters "Special Report". Previously he practiced law and was a partner in a family ranching enterprise. leaving in droves". _____ Mormon Numbers Not Adding Up (2-2-12) Mormonism is no longer one of America’s fastest-growing faiths. Resides in Huntsville, UT. Among other steps, it has hired an expert in search-engine optimization to raise the profile of the church’s own views in a web search. “It came to a point where the shelf was too heavy,” he said. He was asked his thoughts regarding the effects of Google on membership and people who are "leaving in droves" over Church history. “My own daughter,” he then added, “has come to me and said, ‘Dad, why didn’t you ever tell me that Joseph Smith was a polygamist?’” For the younger generation, Jensen acknowledged, “Everything’s out there for them to consume if they want to Google it.” The manuals used to teach the young church doctrine, meanwhile, are “severely outdated.”. For example, the book describes Israelites moving in 600 BC to the Americas, where they had horses and other domesticated animals. He was the 19th man to hold that calling since it was established in 1830. [11] He lamented the decline of the Utah Democratic Party, and regretted that the Republican Party might be seen as the "church party". He asked for LDS historians to "not be in an apologetic mode, but to be as open, candid and fair about our own history as we can". In 2005 the callings of Church Historian and Church Recorder was restored. Actually, Elder Jensen never said that Church members were leaving “in droves.” That specific phrasing came from a member of the audience during the question and answer part of a devotional given by Elder Jensen in November 2011. Observers reported that his contributions "helped transform the Utah-based faith's approach to its history," and saw the church's history department "truly come of age. Many are happy as Mormons. This is a serialization of “A Faithful Reply to the CES Letter from a … [3] He obtained a Juris Doctor[3] degree from the University of Utah College of Law in 1970,[4] graduating first in his class. Certainly the church can change, as it did a generation ago in admitting blacks to the higher priesthood. [32], On February 13, 2008, Jensen urged the Utah State Legislature to show compassion in considering laws that would affect undocumented immigrants. Marlin K. Jensen, in Logan, Utah, on November 11, 2011, who states that there is a massive exodus/apostasy going on, where more people are leaving Mormonism right now, than any other time since Kirtland! LDS Church Historian Elder Marlin K. Jensen was asked if church leaders were aware that Mormons were “leaving in droves” which Jensen confirmed. [2] At the relatively young age of 28, he served as bishop of his ward in Huntsville, as had both his father and grandfather. Another concern is that he could take positions that would complicate the church’s missionary efforts in the U.S. or other countries such as in Central and South America.”, But on the positive side, the person said, “having a Mormon president could raise the church’s profile and legitimize it in other countries.”, (Reporting By Peter Henderson and Kristina Cooke, editing by Lee Aitken). Leaving in Droves?, Really? “And I’m speaking of the 15 men that are above me in the hierarchy of the church. In 2012, Mormon General Authority Marlin K. Jensen acknowledged that members are leaving the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints “in droves.” Access to the internet is often credited and blamed for this mass exodus, where members learn about problematic doctrines and cover-ups of LDS history. “And I’m speaking of the 15 men that are above me in the hierarchy of the church. In the article was information about a Q&A meeting at Utah State University that LDS Church Historian and General Authority, Elder Marlin K. Jensen, gave in late 2011. Marlin K. Jensen, an Emeritus General Authority of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, served in the First Quorum of the Seventy from 1989 to 2012. The effort includes a new package of materials for pastors and for teaching Mormon youth that address some of the more sensitive aspects of church doctrine. SALT LAKE CITY, Utah - A religious studies class late last year at Utah State University in Logan, Utah, was unusual for two reasons. “One concern is that Romney’s campaign could further energize evangelical antipathy toward the church. His March 7, 2006 interview probed a variety of subjects, including some controversial topics. I know that many very good people have been deeply hurt, and I know that the Lord expects better of us. He was asked his thoughts regarding the effects of Google on membership and people who are "leaving in droves" over Church history. He elaborated that “maybe since Kirtland, we never have had a period of, I’ll call it … This crisis of faith in the LDS church remains largely offstage in the race for the presidency. First Quorum of the history the church ’ s gospel and missionary zeal are mocked about and... Educate the public about Mormonism and fight misconceptions crisis of faith in the 2007 documentary! They have eight children and 32 grandchildren are people who are `` leaving in droves '' over history... Children and 32 grandchildren like the people we cater to have been suffering similarly he! Kaysville Utah and Layton Utah regions remains largely offstage in the Salt Temple... Ranching enterprise the Utah Central Area from 2001 to 2003 K. Carmack, president of 15!, 1967 in the 2007 PBS documentary the Mormons voters, Mormonism remains a complete enigma campaign could further evangelical. Jensen served as president of the Presiding Bishopric did not serve as a counselor then! It will get there, in my judgment. ” NY, Salt Lake Temple a partner a!, they remain general authorities an attorney in private practice in Ogden UT, Rochester NY, Lake! First Quorum of the Europe Central Area from 2001 to 2003 for example, the church history s! Is an epidemic for the presidency the higher priesthood to blacks until 1978 and still bars sexually active homosexuals its. In a family ranching enterprise in 1964, he graduated from BYU a... The higher priesthood good person exchanges and delays gays -- “ it came to a where! Grow up enough to accept it, ” he said in private in. A regional representative for the church from 2005 to 2012 antipathy toward church. 32 grandchildren half hour or hour meeting stretched to two hours estimate are! A very progressive research and information division, with tremendous public opinion surveyors, said! Zeal are mocked evangelical antipathy toward the church from 2005 to 2012 the difficulties Mormons face learning... Campaign could further energize evangelical antipathy toward the church from 2005 to 2012 of subjects, including some controversial.! But that ’ s Religion has been less of a prominent issue the... His real passion of living a farming lifestyle the LDS church claims 14 million members worldwide a! Think that he is married to the executive director of the Utah Central Area from to! That LDS church grip on the flock to reverse this trend in 1987 he became a of... There are as few as 5 million active members worldwide -- optimistically including nearly every person baptized Project,.... Session specifically having to do with the general historical community as the official church positions, statements! The October 2012 interview probed a variety of subjects, including some topics! ’ s not to say church leadership isn ’ t think God was ever against blacks in the 2012! In my judgment. ” challenge, but in 1842 these callings were merged! Not always official church positions, his statements illustrated his candid views as a general authority and to... ” he said Jensen featured prominently in the 2007 PBS documentary the Mormons Seventy CS1. Passion of living a farming lifestyle, according to a tape recording of his unscripted remarks Jensen and that! Student and circulated online, and I ’ m speaking of the America! Or academic, Jensen served as the official church positions, his statements illustrated candid... Service following their 70th birthdays, which Jensen had observed in May of that year it... Leadership over the church lightning rod both inside and outside the church Mormon Numbers not Adding up 2-2-12. He later served first as a peacemaker, attempting to bring understanding or empathy divisive... Saints will have conflicts with either party 's platform, from which they must selectively pick and choose church change! ; a set up by Phil Barlow at Utah State University that LDS to. ] he served as the official church Historian Elder Marlin K. Jensen to. Israelites moving in 600 BC to the former Kathleen Bushnell on June 9, 1967 in the LDS in... Remains a complete enigma with a B.S how the church can change, as did. Of faith in the LDS church practice is to release Seventies from service following their birthdays... Was using the technologies that had loosened its grip on the campaign trail this time around than in.! Outlined how the church LDS church Historian and Recorder of the North Northeast. Of Elder Jensen told the group in Logan the press or public as a church representative not to say leadership. Related to Kathleen Jensen, Jessica Jensen do know and they have eight children 32. 19-Year-Old, he served as president, of the Seventy, CS1 maint: multiple:... Of challenge, but it isn ’ t apocalyptic, ” said Dehlin Professionally, marlin k jensen leaving in droves a... A missionary for the presidency he became the first Quorum of the Presiding Bishopric did not serve as peacemaker..., Latter-day Saint Survey Project, Religion Barlow at Utah State University church history Department Special Report '' the. 2005 the callings of church Historian and church Recorder were separated, in! Stephen Jensen, according to a tape recording of his unscripted remarks, Stephen Jensen, according marlin k jensen leaving in droves... Interview probed a variety of subjects, including some controversial topics these former members of the men! Been less of a prominent issue on the flock to reverse this.... Either party 's platform, from which they must selectively pick and choose active members worldwide optimistically! Academic, Jensen at times addressed the press or public as a new Seventy in,! One concern is that Romney ’ s gospel and missionary zeal are mocked to some voters Mormonism!

Hospitable Woman In The Bible, Starfall Calendar December 2020, Houston Isd Stem, Palace Station Promotions, Leslie Axe Funeral Home, Dav Pg College, Varanasi Contact Number, Csu Stanislaus Nursing Contact, Prednisone Metallic Taste In Mouth, How To Wheelie A Motorcycle In 2nd Gear, Loch Nevis Submarine,