Here's the cover of the Salt Lake Tribune on Wednesday.
Barbara Streisand herself couldn't pay for such publicity.
Here's the cover of the Salt Lake Tribune on Wednesday.
Barbara Streisand herself couldn't pay for such publicity.
Alright, so this story has hit the press. The LDS Church is throwing its weight around again trying to gain exclusive use of the term "Mormon."
The Trib references the 2016 instance I wrote about in Helfer's memoir. (It is not yet available, but publishing talks are underway!) Wherein the EFF got involved and wrote the letter (linked below), which, up till now, established a de facto precedent because the LDS Church did not respond with litigation. (IANAL, so probably misused the legal jargon.)
Suddenly, they're trying again! Not against the Mormon Mental Health Association, but against a handful of podcasts.
But the @eff is on the case!
Funnily enough, *after* the EFF sent them the 2016 letter is when suddenly the Church issued and edict against LDS members using the term "Mormon," calling such usage "a victory for Satan," as dictated from the pulpit by God's very own prophet, Russel M. Nelson.™ Which makes it a clear case of trademark abandonment, according to EFF lawyer Cara Gagliano.
But now that Nelson is dead, God has changed his mind, so they're pressing the issue against LDS-critical podcasts, like Mormon Stories. (I did a 5-part series on that show.)
I suspect that the hard-right direction of American politics has emboldened them. Maybe they think judges will side with them. Given that the LDS Church owns most of the government in Utah, this could honestly go either way.
Or maybe it's just that the word "Mormon" was Nelson's personal pet peeve, and now that he's conveniently out of the way, they want to take it back. But only if they can claim exclusivity.
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/12/08/lds-church-pressures-mormon/
Via Reddit: The LDS Church is going after the Mormon trademark again. After the EFF told them to back off someone else a few years back, the LDS Church is trying again, this time with Mormon Stories.
I'm writing a memoir for Natasha Helfer who was excommunicated in 2021. Prior to that, they phoned her (NOT via a cease and desist letter, but just intimidation tactics) telling her to rebrand the organization she headed, The Mormon Mental Health Association. The EFF got involved, but wouldn't help her unless she committed. You see, previous clients over this issue had been intimidated into backing off.
She held strong, the EFF sent a well-crafted letter stating their legal position that the "Mormon" trademark cannot be enforced, for a wide number of reasons including the fact that LDS is not the only organization or group of people descended from Joseph Smith's original religion, and they backed off. I tell this story in her book.
Now they're trying again, against Mormon Stories.
Well guess what? Natasha and John are good friends. And they excommunicated him a long time ago. He is certainly not going to back down, and I hope they take this up and follow it through.
Hard to believe they sent something in writing this time. I hope the EFF steps back up to bat. They have absolutely zero exclusive right to this use term.
https://www.reddit.com/r/exmormon/comments/1p4wpra/lds_church_asks_mormon_stories_to_rebrand/
Infuriating.
So the Lord's church, which taught me as a child that it had such an inspired welfare system that the government had no business taking tax money for social programs and that if only everyone did it the LDS way, we'd have Zion on earth where everyone was fed and happy, the same church which has an estimated $200 billion in investments making it by far the richest religious organization in the US and possibly on earth, is now struggling to feed its own members during the SNAP crisis, and is asking local members to *donate more* into fast offerings to fill the gap.
But even then, whether you get help, well, depends on the bishop I guess! 🤷
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/10/31/will-lds-bishops-step-help-those/
Archive link:
1/
First of all, I consider it absolute COERCION to base any form of life-necessary aid (like food) on membership to an organization, or any identity, or belief in any ideology or worldview. If you require a family to be true-believing members of an organized religion in order to get food benefits, you are forcing belief, which goes against the doctrine of Free Agency and the 11th Article of Faith:
"We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may."
This is no different than stealing someone's food out of their fridge and holding it hostage, or kidnapping them and only doling out food when they make statements of faith. This is duress.
🧵
The contradictions in these doctrines is no accident. When we examine the logical outcome of these contradictions, we can see the motive clear as day.
If there is no source of relief from the government or anywhere else, then people must rely on churches for help, and therefore must become members of said churches, and must conform to the churches' commandments, and then *maybe* they'll get aid.
I say maybe here, because my first test of this system came when I was just 18, pregnant, attending BYU, and married to a deadbeat. It didn't matter that I was also working part time at a minimum wage job for $4.25/hr. The bishop helped with the rent, but said it could only be for a month or two, AND I'd have to work it off at the church-owned thrift chain in volunteer hours equal to the amount I was given, at minimum wage rates.
Overwhelmed, I quit school to make ends meet, and I never did "pay back" the church for their "charity."
Even though I'd be a single mom for the rest of my years as a Mormon, I never did ask the Church for material aid again. (I did get some babysitting help from time to time, for which I was grateful, and also guilty.)
🧵
Infuriating.
So the Lord's church, which taught me as a child that it had such an inspired welfare system that the government had no business taking tax money for social programs and that if only everyone did it the LDS way, we'd have Zion on earth where everyone was fed and happy, the same church which has an estimated $200 billion in investments making it by far the richest religious organization in the US and possibly on earth, is now struggling to feed its own members during the SNAP crisis, and is asking local members to *donate more* into fast offerings to fill the gap.
But even then, whether you get help, well, depends on the bishop I guess! 🤷
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/10/31/will-lds-bishops-step-help-those/
Archive link:
1/
First of all, I consider it absolute COERCION to base any form of life-necessary aid (like food) on membership to an organization, or any identity, or belief in any ideology or worldview. If you require a family to be true-believing members of an organized religion in order to get food benefits, you are forcing belief, which goes against the doctrine of Free Agency and the 11th Article of Faith:
"We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may."
This is no different than stealing someone's food out of their fridge and holding it hostage, or kidnapping them and only doling out food when they make statements of faith. This is duress.
🧵
Infuriating.
So the Lord's church, which taught me as a child that it had such an inspired welfare system that the government had no business taking tax money for social programs and that if only everyone did it the LDS way, we'd have Zion on earth where everyone was fed and happy, the same church which has an estimated $200 billion in investments making it by far the richest religious organization in the US and possibly on earth, is now struggling to feed its own members during the SNAP crisis, and is asking local members to *donate more* into fast offerings to fill the gap.
But even then, whether you get help, well, depends on the bishop I guess! 🤷
https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/10/31/will-lds-bishops-step-help-those/
Archive link:
1/
In an attempt to seem young and hip with the youth, the new Mormon prophet Dallin H. Oaks, in partnership with the LDS Marketing Team, launches a merchandise line brandishing a new spiritual slogan:
"Life comes at you. Fast."
"'Choose the Right' is so 'old school,'" Oaks was quoted as saying.
Later, he said "LCAYF!" while sticking out his tongue and flashing an unusual hand sign, said to be one of the new signs and tokens of the rebranded endowment ceremony, launching in 2026.
More information on the updated temple door fees and 'merch' website (where you can buy T-Shirts and the new LCAYF ring) will be available starting Jan 1.
TOO BAD WITH THAT PROPHET OF YOURS THERE WAS NO WAY TO SEE THIS COMING
#exmo #exmormon #ReligiousTrauma #UTPol #ClimateChange #ClimateEmergency
More in this article, from the personal perspective of someone who experienced abuse by parents influenced by Dobson. By Piper Bly @piper
https://www.assignedmedia.org/breaking-news/james-dobson-rest-in-piss
#JamesDobson #AbuseCulture #ReligiousTrauma #exvangelical #exvie #exmo #exmormon
For more information, if you can stomach it, the book Breaking Their Will by Janet Heimlich gets into it. (I was unable to finish it.)
Fuck James Dobson.
#JamesDobson#AbuseCulture#ReligiousTrauma #exvangelical #exvie #exmo #exmormon
Not hiding this because folks need to see this, but CW for child abuse and the evils of American Christfascism. And speaking ill of the dead, which I will gladly do. I can't speak ill enough of him.
James Dobson is a major reason why this. Even his evangelical friends and radio cohosts thought he was too cruel. I'm glad he died before he could see his creation of Cristofascism come to fruition. He's one of the worst human beings to ever live.
Not content to let trauma-informed culture break the cycle of domestic abuse, he perpetuated child abuse by teaching millions of parents how. He even sold a device for beating children called "The Rod." (As in "spare the rod, spoil the child.") He advocated for what was known as "blanket training," used to break the will of children starting in infancy. The goal was to create a mindless being who would not cry when beaten, who would jump to with a "Yes sir!" on any command.
The core cruelties of white American evangelicalism in 2025 can be traced to many men, but this man was its face and kindly voice on the radio. When I speak of #AbuseCulture, this is what I mean. Dobson is the black hole which emitted its unholy light even as the revelations of science and open culture attempted to eliminate childhood trauma — Dobson raised its banner and pulled millions of Christians in, not just evangelicals, but anyone who trusted a figure promoting "Family Values," parents who would not on their own be able or even willing to enact such cruelties upon their own children, but under Dobson's manipulations, broke the will of their children...
...children who grew up and abused their own children, who are now pastors and sheriffs and senators and ICE thugs who want to make this reality for all of us.
That is the legacy of this horrible, horrible man.
I don't wish eternal hell on anyone, but I wouldn't mind if this particular creature experienced every pain he caused.
Not hiding this because folks need to see this, but CW for child abuse and the evils of American Christfascism. And speaking ill of the dead, which I will gladly do. I can't speak ill enough of him.
James Dobson is a major reason why this. Even his evangelical friends and radio cohosts thought he was too cruel. I'm glad he died before he could see his creation of Cristofascism come to fruition. He's one of the worst human beings to ever live.
Not content to let trauma-informed culture break the cycle of domestic abuse, he perpetuated child abuse by teaching millions of parents how. He even sold a device for beating children called "The Rod." (As in "spare the rod, spoil the child.") He advocated for what was known as "blanket training," used to break the will of children starting in infancy. The goal was to create a mindless being who would not cry when beaten, who would jump to with a "Yes sir!" on any command.
The core cruelties of white American evangelicalism in 2025 can be traced to many men, but this man was its face and kindly voice on the radio. When I speak of #AbuseCulture, this is what I mean. Dobson is the black hole which emitted its unholy light even as the revelations of science and open culture attempted to eliminate childhood trauma — Dobson raised its banner and pulled millions of Christians in, not just evangelicals, but anyone who trusted a figure promoting "Family Values," parents who would not on their own be able or even willing to enact such cruelties upon their own children, but under Dobson's manipulations, broke the will of their children...
...children who grew up and abused their own children, who are now pastors and sheriffs and senators and ICE thugs who want to make this reality for all of us.
That is the legacy of this horrible, horrible man.
I don't wish eternal hell on anyone, but I wouldn't mind if this particular creature experienced every pain he caused.
For more information, if you can stomach it, the book Breaking Their Will by Janet Heimlich gets into it. (I was unable to finish it.)
Fuck James Dobson.
#JamesDobson#AbuseCulture#ReligiousTrauma #exvangelical #exvie #exmo #exmormon
Not hiding this because folks need to see this, but CW for child abuse and the evils of American Christfascism. And speaking ill of the dead, which I will gladly do. I can't speak ill enough of him.
James Dobson is a major reason why this. Even his evangelical friends and radio cohosts thought he was too cruel. I'm glad he died before he could see his creation of Cristofascism come to fruition. He's one of the worst human beings to ever live.
Not content to let trauma-informed culture break the cycle of domestic abuse, he perpetuated child abuse by teaching millions of parents how. He even sold a device for beating children called "The Rod." (As in "spare the rod, spoil the child.") He advocated for what was known as "blanket training," used to break the will of children starting in infancy. The goal was to create a mindless being who would not cry when beaten, who would jump to with a "Yes sir!" on any command.
The core cruelties of white American evangelicalism in 2025 can be traced to many men, but this man was its face and kindly voice on the radio. When I speak of #AbuseCulture, this is what I mean. Dobson is the black hole which emitted its unholy light even as the revelations of science and open culture attempted to eliminate childhood trauma — Dobson raised its banner and pulled millions of Christians in, not just evangelicals, but anyone who trusted a figure promoting "Family Values," parents who would not on their own be able or even willing to enact such cruelties upon their own children, but under Dobson's manipulations, broke the will of their children...
...children who grew up and abused their own children, who are now pastors and sheriffs and senators and ICE thugs who want to make this reality for all of us.
That is the legacy of this horrible, horrible man.
I don't wish eternal hell on anyone, but I wouldn't mind if this particular creature experienced every pain he caused.
Look, I think it's great that the LDS Church is trying to loosen up. I'd be celebrating if I didn't know about the much darker undercurrent of much more serious problems that these changes are meant to ease pressure from.
This doesn't fix the hundreds of billions of dollars in investments (some which are bad for humans and the earth), or the sex abuse cover-ups, or the rampant abuse of all kinds in many LDS families. Or the racism and genocide. Or the LGBTQ+ problems. Or the draconian purity culture. Or the strict rules on tithing, obedience, and following the prophet (or else you lose everything including your family).
Could I erase a few of the more obvious items in my book that I called them out on? Yes. But the heavy stuff remains.
As they ease the pressure on missionaries (who STILL pay for the privilege of giving up 6-24 months of their lives to be the Church's unpaid sales arm while they are overworked and hardcore brainwashed), I hope the pressure on them to change doesn't lift. They've got so much further to go.
Look, I think it's great that the LDS Church is trying to loosen up. I'd be celebrating if I didn't know about the much darker undercurrent of much more serious problems that these changes are meant to ease pressure from.
This doesn't fix the hundreds of billions of dollars in investments (some which are bad for humans and the earth), or the sex abuse cover-ups, or the rampant abuse of all kinds in many LDS families. Or the racism and genocide. Or the LGBTQ+ problems. Or the draconian purity culture. Or the strict rules on tithing, obedience, and following the prophet (or else you lose everything including your family).
Could I erase a few of the more obvious items in my book that I called them out on? Yes. But the heavy stuff remains.
As they ease the pressure on missionaries (who STILL pay for the privilege of giving up 6-24 months of their lives to be the Church's unpaid sales arm while they are overworked and hardcore brainwashed), I hope the pressure on them to change doesn't lift. They've got so much further to go.
I think the boyo missionaries tried to visit my sister the other day when she was out. Two young men. LDS Missionaries have an unmistakable appearance.
At least... they used to.
These guys were like LDS Missionaries from an alternate universe. Very young white men, yes. But their shoes were casual and not black. I could see their socks, they had slightly baggy not-black pants (not quite sweats?), their white collared shirts were likewise baggy and tucked in in a baggy way, billowing out. One had a bookbag slung around the back. I only saw their backs (I myself was trying to avoid notice), but I'm 90% sure I would have seen the black badge on the front pocket.
Seems like only yesterday when they stopped making them wear the suit coats. They grow up so fast. 🥹
People over on r/exmormon posting the first pics of sister missionaries in sleeveless dresses.
With their "porn shoulders."
Because of the new garmies.
🙄
![Screen posted to Reddit from Insta:
Use of Church-Owned Trademarks
and Copyrighted Materials
Intellectual Reserve, Inc. Nov 14
to openstoriesboard@gmail.com,
Dear Mr. Dehlin,
I'm reaching out to you regarding trademarks and
copyrighted materials used by Open Stories Foundation
My name is [redacted] and | manage the Intellectual
Property Office of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-
day Saints. Part of my responsibilities is to help
maintain the integrity of trademarks and copyrights
owned by the Church.
My office has received questions and comments from
the public regarding materials on the “Mormon Stories”, YouTube page, and other social media pages that feature Church
trademarks and copyrights. While the Church respects
your right to host a podcast, operate a website, and
maintain an online brand, the Church has an obligation
to protect its trademarks as unique identifiers to prevent
confusion about what is and isn't official Church
content.
For example, the “Mormon Stories” name and logo
(shown below) incorporate Church trademarks including
the word “Mormon” and a “light-rays” design, both of
which are registered trademarks of the Church. The RY)
headers of your podcast’s YouTube
and Facebook pages similarly feature the Christus logo
°
Liked by johndehlin and others
Feeling terrified that the LDS church wants
to use lawfare to shut down Mormon Stories Podcast via
trademark claims after we've been in operation for 20
years. Please help me find an IP expert if you can.](https://files.defcon.social/dcsocial-s3/media_attachments/files/115/607/109/729/748/508/original/92748ed3562898f0.png)
