CES Letter Foundation
Is It Credible?
The CES Letter, according to its author, is a compilation of sincere questions he sent to a CES Director for answers, but received no response. The author then published his 78 page letter online, and it went viral. The outcry was the Church has been hiding dark secrets about its history from members.
The author created a nonprofit organization and began accepting donations. Critics from across the internet jumped on the bandwagon and began publishing much of the content of the letter in social media. Many exposed members responded by leaving the Church.
But is the information in the CES Letter credible? We'll let you decide.
THE PREMISE OF THE CES LETTER WAS A LIE
The author of the letter portrays himself as a sincere seeker of truth who could find no one to answer his questions to market his letter. His story went viral and garnered compassion from members of the Church, including some who debunked his letter. However, like his "facts" in the letter itself, his story is completely fabricated.
Michael Peterson and Jacob Hess have published thorough research that demonstrates conclusively that the author of the CES Letter lied about his innocent search for truth. Credible?
Interviewing Michael Peterson about the credibility of the author of the letter. Part 1
More lies and misrepresentations. Interviewing Michael Peterson about the credibility of the credibility of the author of the letter . Part 2
CES LETTER FOUNDATION NONPROFIT STATUS
The CES Letter Foundation nonprofit status appears to have been revoked by the IRS...
...However, their website still claims they are a nonprofit organization. Credible?
Note: It is possible that the Foundation has been reinstated, however, it seems unlikely since they have not provided IRS 990 documentation since 2019
RESPONSES TO THE CES LETTER
A website and associated YouTube channel dedicated to answering accusations in the letter, by Dr Steven Harper, a professor of church history and doctrine at Brigham Young University. He was a historian for the Church History Department of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Light and Truth Letter
Who better to provide a response to the CES Letter than someone who was impacted by its content? Austin Fife has recently published his own letter, a fascinating culmination of his 10 year search for more light and truth.
A Faithful Reply
Jim Bennett authored a document that presents a comprehensive response to the letter. Drawing on his extensive research, Bennett provides a detailed line-by-line rebuttal to the accusations. His writing style is both engaging and approachable, making it an effortless read. The full PDF version of his response can be accessed by clicking here
A Closer Look
This free PDF download is yet another point-by-point rejoinder to the CES Letter. This document is a collaborative effort between the Interpreter Foundation and FairMormon. Together, they provide a comprehensive rebuttal to the criticisms put forward in the CES Letter. Click Here
Bamboozled
Michael R. Ash authored this document that presents a more generalized response, although it still addresses the majority of the issues raised in the letter. The document is meticulously researched and skillfully written, providing a thorough and thoughtful rebuttal to the criticisms leveled at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Click Here
