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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) is notoriously secretive about the inner workings of its ruling hierarchy, the First Presidency and Quorum of Twelve Apostles. With an estimated annual income in the billions and assets in the tens of billions, the church does not release financial statements to its members or the general public. The meetings and decision-making processes of the Mormon leaders are similarly undisclosed.
That changed Sunday when a group called Mormon Leaks posted more than a dozen videos to YouTube, containing briefing sessions with the hierarchy. The briefings were apparently recorded "live" and include candid comments and discussion from the apostles in attendance. The leak appeared to be timed to coincide with the church's semi-annual conference that took place over the weekend.
Ironically, one of the briefings discusses WikiLeaks and the possibility of a similar leak targeting the church, but the apostles shown in the video appear to more concerned about Chelsea (nee Bradley) Manning's sexuality than they are about threats to their own secrets.
One briefing that is particularly troubling was given by a former U.S. senator from Oregon, Gordon H. Smith. Smith, a member of the church, admits that he values obedience to the hierarchy and loyalty to the church more than he does his office. He also describes using his office and staff to gain political favors for the church, and justifies the Iraq War by claiming that it will allow Mormon missionaries access to Middle Eastern nations. At one point (around the 26 minute mark), Smith possibly reveals classified information to the group, or at least his willingness to do so.
The videos appear to come from the same whistle blower who leaked a trove of church documents on-line about a week ago. Those documents are here and the leaker has announced that many more are coming.
(Score: 3, Informative) by tangomargarine on Tuesday October 04 2016, @02:57PM
One briefing that is particularly troubling was given by a former U.S. senator from Oregon, Gordon H. Smith. Smith, a member of the church, admits that he values obedience to the hierarchy and loyalty to the church more than he does his office.
Values it more than the office he no longer holds? Somebody ought to be slapped for the tenses in this sentence. Not sure whether they just suck at writing or they're purposely trying to mislead us that this is a thing that is still going on.
From the linked Wikipedia page:
United States Senator
from Oregon
In office
January 3, 1997 – January 3, 2009
Chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging
In office
January 3, 2005 – January 3, 2007
52nd President of the Oregon State Senate
In office
1995–1997
Governor John Kitzhaber
Member of the Oregon Senate
from the 29th district
In office
1993–1997
"Is that really true?" "I just spent the last hour telling you to think for yourself! Didn't you hear anything I said?"
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday October 04 2016, @05:01PM
That video was from early 2009, just after he left office, so I guess past tense would have been better.
You win the grammar nitpick war of the day!