I have followed the claims and innuendos of the dissident "Olive Branch" group with interest but find it impossible to follow their reasoning and allegations relative to the leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
As a professional and graduate of both BYU and the University of Utah, I have been involved for many years in seminars and panels with the leadership of the church. In completing my master's thesis, I personally interviewed President Spencer W. Kimball and spent weeks doing research in the church archives. I have always found those with whom I have been involved to be frank and open in both demeanor and discussion of church policy and procedures.It is my candid observation that present critics of the church would have church leadership knuckle under to their philosophy and opinions that in reality have no basis in fact.
As a case in point, a few years ago I attended a panel discussion as part of a conference in Salt Lake City. The topic of discussion was "Does the Mormon Hierarchy Run Salt Lake City?" Faculty from the University of Utah presented the pros and Elder James E. Faust rebutted their claims. The debate left no question in my mind that the premise was completely unfounded.
The issue as I see it is not the leadership of the church not being open in their discussion and modus operandi but the unwillingness of certain individuals to conform their lives to the fundamental doctrines of the church and a willingness to accept counsel from those in authority.
Scott Speakman
Fillmore