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Hiking Trail

Seekers Wanted

Welcome to the CES Letters, an engaging platform for exploration and deeper understanding. Here, we focus on addressing the thought-provoking questions and concerns highlighted in The CES Letter authored by Jeremy Runnells, while also challenging visitors to reflect introspectively on their own beliefs.

The CES Letter

Jeremy Runnells, a dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a "fully believing" returned missionary, encountered a pivotal moment in early 2012. Upon reading an online article, he was startled to discover that individuals were departing from the Church due to historical discrepancies. This revelation propelled him into a fervent, year-long research journey, primarily centered around the community's founder, Joseph Smith. His extensive investigation led to the creation of a letter in April 2013, directed to a director in the Church Educational System (CES), a contact of Jeremy's grandfather. They both hoped that this director could provide clarity on Jeremy's escalating queries. Prior to sending his letter to the CES director, Jeremy shared it online, where it rapidly gained widespread attention. This document is now famously known as the CES Letter.

Our website aims to serve as a respectful and scholarly environment, encouraging visitors to engage with the complex issues presented in the CES Letter. A key aspect of our mission is to inspire self-reflection among our visitors. We invite you to ponder the fundamental question, "What do you know, and how do you know it?" especially in the context of what you already understand about the Church. This introspective inquiry is crucial for a deeper comprehension and personal growth.

Our Website

Traditional Library

Introductory Response

We will respond in the form of letters and podcasts each week. Read or listen to our first response here.

Resources

Fountain Pen

CES Letters

Discover additional resources and responses to your questions and concerns about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Vocal Recording

CES Letters Podcast

Tune into our podcast featuring long-form interviews with historians, experts, professors, and scientists, as we engage in in-depth discussions about the questions and concerns that shape our understanding of complex topics.

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Additional Websites

Here are a number of additional websites that we recommend if you would like additional study.

Forest

1

Mormonr.org

Mormonr is a project from the B.H. Roberts Foundation (BHR).

BHR is a 501c3 non-profit corporation that supports education and research related to the culture, doctrine, and history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

2

Gospel Topic Essays

The purpose of these essays, which have been approved by the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, has been to gather accurate information from many different sources and publications.

3

Joseph Smith Papers

The Joseph Smith Papers Project is an effort to transcribe, contextualize, and publish all his writings and teachings, including revelations, translations, letters, discourses, journals, histories, and legal and financial records.

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