JD gave StayLDS a shoutout in his Q&A

[Sheldon]

John Dehlin did a question and answer on his Mormon Stories page. He referenced StayLDS as a project he started as proof he is not advocating people to leave the church.

[SilentDawning]

I read it all — interesting. Love his stance that he wants everyone to be happy. It’s consistent with my own belief that happiness is the object and design of our whole existence, and if the church helps us achieve that — great. If not, we need to make adjustments of some kind.

I also think he has guts in laying it all out on the table in one place when he’s up for possible discipline in a couple days.

There is no question, he has helped people stay in the church, though, and he does symbolize open dialogue about the issues you still can’t talk about at church without getting ostracized or censured.

I also think his statement of the primary causes of dissaffection are spot on.

[Daeruin]

I’m glad he mentioned it. He did kind of contradict himself though—he mentioned StayLDS and other initiatives started by him encouraging people to stay, but in one of his last answers he said he doesn’t want to encourage people either to stay OR to go.

[Old-Timer]

Through his words and actions (directly or indirectly) over a number of years he has both encouraged people to stay and to leave. That is what makes his case complicated. It is possible to take things he has said and done over the years and build a solid case for almost any conclusion.

I think his heart has been in the right place, so I tend to reach a conclusion that is more . . . patient / understanding / whatever. Of course, that also aligns more closely with my natural mindset and personality, and I have to admit that in a discussion like this.

[SamBee]

If he wants people to think that he’s trying to help people to “stay LDS” he needs to stop talking so much about leaving himself. It’s simple, obvious and doesn’t help his case.

[Roy]

SamBee wrote:

If he wants people to think that he’s trying to help people to “stay LDS” he needs to stop talking so much about leaving himself. It’s simple, obvious and doesn’t help his case.

This highlights another aspect. It is difficult to be a public figure especially one that is known publicly to fight to help the church to then be able to leave the church quietly. Imagine if the Givens family were to leave the church. what message would that send?

[SamBee]

I understand he’s struggled as we have. However, I do think he’s sent out mixed messages, and his opponents will pick up on the “I’m leaving” stuff, as if he’s trying to drag us out.

FWIW, this site has helped me re-engage with the church in a positive way, get a TR, become re-activated etc. Any critics reading this should realize I am not alone in this.

[Author]

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