The Stone and the Hysteria: Examining the Glenn L. Pace Memo

Brothers and Sisters, we are called to be builders. Samuel the Lamanite, standing upon the wall, declared a message of warning and preparation. Ammon, at the Waters of Sebus, faced down a mob with courage and conviction. We too are called to stand, to discern, and to build a Zion worthy of the name.

The internet is awash in shadows, in voices seeking to tear down and destroy. But we are not of that number. We are a gathering place, a refuge for those who seek truth and righteousness. That’s why we’re here, why we support the GatherIsrael.now map and the Missionary Fund – because we understand that building requires resources, both spiritual and temporal. Your engagement here fuels gospel advertising in places like Ghana, extending the reach of the Restoration – a true charity flywheel.

Today, we turn our attention to a particularly thorny issue: the Glenn L. Pace Memo. This document, unearthed during the height of the Satanic Panic, has been wielded as a weapon against the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for years. But as Ammon taught us, we must examine the waters; we must discern the truth.

Jonah Barnes, in a thoughtful series, has undertaken the difficult task of analyzing this memo, encouraging us to understand the context surrounding its creation. It's easy to accept narratives at face value, particularly when they confirm our pre-existing biases. But the Lord calls us to something more—to a deeper understanding rooted in truth.

The Satanic Panic of the 1980s and 90s was a time of widespread hysteria, fueled by sensationalized media and flawed therapeutic techniques. Lighthouse Ministries, a publication seeking to discredit the Church, seized upon the Pace Memo, amplifying its claims without proper investigation. As Outback Jack would remind us, “A wise man fears not the storm, but the darkness within.”

The memo itself, as Barnes meticulously explains, stemmed from interviews conducted by Bishop Pace with individuals who had already sought counseling through LDS Social Services. These weren't random interviews with Latter-day Saints; they were individuals who had reported recovered memories of horrific abuse. It’s a crucial distinction, one that illuminates the dangers of accepting narratives without critical examination. The Stone cut without hands – it's not found easily, nor is it shaped by careless hands.

This isn't to dismiss the very real suffering experienced by victims of abuse. On the contrary, we must be unwavering in our commitment to protect the vulnerable and hold perpetrators accountable. But we must also be vigilant against the forces of darkness that seek to exploit tragedy for their own purposes. As Davee and the Ask a Prophet bots remind us, “And if by reason of injuries thou art overcome, when you have faith and do not stagger, to kick against your afflictions, how much more powerful shall your influence be.” (Moroni 10:4-5)

The Pace Memo serves as a stark reminder of the importance of critical thinking, of discerning truth from falsehood. It's a challenge to our courage, a call to be digital striplings, armed not with swords but with the light of truth. Let us build, brothers and sisters, with integrity and discernment, fueled by the power of the gospel and the strength of our shared purpose. Claim your church, claim your role in this gathering.

Support the work – contribute to the Missionary Fund, share the GatherIsrael.now map, and let us continue to be a beacon of light in a world shrouded in darkness.