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utez ago

Mormon guy here, thanks for sharing. This is a sad story and I can't imagine the life of suffering that "David" has had to go through because of this perverted man. That being said, I don't think it is fair to assume that this is a high level coverup by the LDS church that exposes a systemic problem within the organization.

First, it's important to note the source of the information. This is from their "about us" page:

"The TTF was founded in November 2017 by two ex-Mormons, Ryan McKnight and Ethan Gregory Dodge. Prior to that, they worked together to launch the website MormonLeaks."

That isn't to say that what is being presented is not true...but I do think it's important to know as you read this that it's coming from a source that does not have good feelings towards the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Second, this man did not hold a "high office" in the church. Being hired to direct films for the church may give somebody a sense of pride, but it does not have any significance in regard to his church leadership role or authority.

Third, he did confess to the church and received a form of punishment. He also did self-report to local authorities but was ultimately not charged because the "David's" father did not want to press charges.

Finally, like so many of these cases, this happened over 25 years ago. The fact that "David" claims he was 10 while the official reports show he was 13 speaks enough about the potential problems with remembering details of something that happened so long ago.

This is not a defense of Van Wagenen. He should be disciplined by the church for his other extra-marital affairs and should be punished by law enforcement for any and all crimes he has committed.

The LDS church is a large organization with millions of members. Many of those members are bad people. I'm sure the church has been infiltrated by evil men and women (probably from 3 letter agencies) who try their best to tear it apart. Christ himself had his own group of apostles infiltrated. But there are also millions of members trying their best to follow Christ and serve their neighbor.

Vindicator ago

Yep, utez. Thanks for reminding us of all that. I did note the origin of the claim in the OP.

I get what you are saying about the guy not being of an official high rank in the Mormon hierarchy. I used the term because of his status as co-founder of Sundance and as a university faculty member, as well -- "high ranking" meaning well connected in Utah society as opposed to some nobody pedo living in his mother's basement.

utez ago

Gotcha...in that regard I would agree with you that he is high rank. I imagine a lot of evil goes down during Sundance. Thanks for being willing to engage in conversation and for trying to spread the word about this evil that penetrates every nook and cranny of our society.

Otto- ago

Hey guys, thank you both for just being civil; It's a refreshing observation in my eyes.