How an 84-page letter became a catalyst for religious departure

Cultures · Published 10 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: In 2013, a single document went viral, sparking a massive debate within the LDS Church. What began as a personal expression of doubt by Jeremy Runnells transformed into a powerful critique of historical narratives, influencing many to resign their membership and changing the landscape of Mormon discourse forever.

The 'CES Letter' originated from Jeremy Runnells' personal struggle with faith in 2012. After attending a fireside by Marlin K. Jensen, Runnells began investigating historical discrepancies, such as Joseph Smith's marriages to polyandrous partners and teenagers, as well as the translation methods of the Book of Mormon. Following a suggestion from a Church Educational System director, Runnells drafted an 84-page critique. Though he initially sought feedback on Reddit in March 2013, he published the full letter in April 2013, where it quickly spread through the Mormon blogosphere.

The letter does not present new research but rather distills existing work, notably by Jerald and Sandra Tanner. It focuses heavily on the 1820s and 1830s, challenging the authenticity of the Golden Plates by noting the use of a stone in a hat rather than the plates themselves. It also critiques the Book of Abraham, noting that the Egyptian papyri used for translation were later identified as common funerary texts. Other points of contention include the 19th-century Masonic origins of temple rites and the lack of financial transparency regarding large-scale projects like the $1.5 billion City Creek Center.

The impact of the letter has been a subject of intense debate. While some researchers, like Jana Riess, suggest the impact on total membership loss may be overstated, the letter remains a significant cultural force. The Church's response has been varied; while officials like Tad R. Callister dismissed the claims as 'presentism,' the pressure from such critiques contributed to the 2014 release of an official essay regarding the Book of Abraham. The controversy even reached popular culture, notably when Marvel Comics removed a 'CES Letter' patch from a Spider-Man comic in 2018.

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