It looks like you're using an Ad Blocker.
Please white-list or disable AboveTopSecret.com in your ad-blocking tool.
Thank you.
Some features of ATS will be disabled while you continue to use an ad-blocker.
the telegraph
A British magistrate has issued an extraordinary summons to the worldwide leader of the Mormon church alleging that its teachings about mankind amount to fraud.
Thomas S. Monson, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been ordered to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London next month to defend the church’s doctrines including beliefs about Adam and Eve and Native Americans.
A formal summons signed by District Judge Elizabeth Roscoe warns Mr Monson, who is recognised by Mormons as God’s prophet on Earth, that a warrant for his arrest could be issued if he fails to make the journey from Salt Lake City, Utah, for a hearing on March 14.
In one of the most unusual documents ever issued by a British court, it lists seven teachings of the church, including that Native Americans are descended from a family of ancient Israelites as possible evidence of fraud.
It also cites the belief that the Book of Mormon was translated from ancient gold plates revealed to the church’s founder Joseph Smith by angels and that Adam and Eve lived around 6,000 years ago.
The document suggests that asking members of the church to make contributions while promoting theological doctrines which “might be untrue or misleading” could be a breach of the Fraud Act 2006.
The Church dismissed the summons as containing “bizarre allegations” and signalled that Mr Monson has no plans to attend.
It was issued in response to a private prosecution attempt by Tom Phillips, a disaffected former Mormon who now runs MormonThink a website highly critical of the church.
Under little-used legal procedures, people who say they have evidence that someone has committed a crime can ask a magistrate to issue a summons requiring them to attend a court hearing.
The district judge would then decide whether or not to proceed with a case or dismiss it.
Thomas S. Monson, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been ordered to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London next month to defend the church’s doctrines including beliefs about Adam and Eve and Native Americans.
Grimpachi
A British magistrate has issued an extraordinary summons to the worldwide leader of the Mormon church alleging that its teachings about mankind amount to fraud.
I do not see this going anywhere, but you never know. The Adam and Eve part is going to go nowhere, but the Indians being a lost tribe part is provable with DNA. I think the entire thing will hinge on the tithing. If this does go to court their may be some other religions in deep trouble.
rupertg
'Religion was invented when the first con man met the first fool.'
Mark Twain
FlyersFan
Oh ... and someone is going to do it so it might as well be me ...
The South Park episode ... all about Mormons. (comes with a catchy song)
www.southparkstudios.com...
beezzer
reply to post by crazyewok
I think a warrant needs to be issued for God to stand trial.
. . . . . . . . . idea!
What would happen if God was on trial. . . . . . .
rupertg
'Religion was invented when the first con man met the first fool.'
Mark Twain
beezzer
reply to post by crazyewok
I think a warrant needs to be issued for God to stand trial.
. . . . . . . . . idea!
What would happen if God was on trial. . . . . . .
babybunnies
In Britain, they are much more willing to prosecute religious leaders for fraud than the authorities are in the USA.
Scientology is labelled as a "cult" in the UK (where it was developed) but is recognized as a religion in the USA.
I say, bravo, British Government. Now, time to go after Christianity for the same thing.