Kiitos! <3

That was lovely, thanks for the beautiful music.

Love that hymn...Thank you!💚

Talk about the difference between vertical and horizontal revelation.

How is 19th Century revelations -- the D&C relavant to the Church that has grown so much bigger and in so many ways?

How is the restoration happening in other religions? And outside religions?

Will we ever see Heavenly Mother restored to her rightful place of honor in this church anytime "soon"?

seems to me the “fullness of the gospel” is not the sum total of knowledge, but rather is the concept of personal revelation to guide us on our personal journey. How does that idea tie into your understanding of revelation and our church moving forward?

Patrick, what do you foresee as the biggest changes and challenges to the church due to the pandemic? How will things change once the pandemic is over?

Patrick, a friend asked if you could be fast tracked to the quorum of the twelve. :-) How might we hear more of what you share in your book from the leadership in our local and worldwide congregations?

The words to the hymn we sang are on the 'Western Hymn Writers' website - 'Like the Sound of Many Waters

I feel like your interpretation of the restoration is so critical for the next generation who want a church that walks the walk and doesn’t just talk the talk about making a difference in the world. What ideas do you have to get this message out to the youth when the leadership of the church continues to talk about the restoration in the same “restored church” narrative that it has for years?

Christ went to the marginalized FIRST: women, lepers, samaritans, those who needed healing. the greek word “soklos”, means “wounded”. Christ came as the “healer”. I subcribe to the eastern christianity view of this, not western christianity view. Fiona Givens supports this view. I would argue that the ‘marginalized’ aren’t a group to look down upon. Those who think they are the chosen need these folks. They give us more instructively , than we can give them.

How do we get our members to care for the marginalized outside our ward boundaries? It seems the people with the most resources are often removed from those with the biggest needs.

Patrick, 71% of Mormons voted for Donald Trump in the last election, higher than any other group. What do you make of that and does that reveal for the future of the church?

What could the church do to minister to the saints vulnerable to Covid in the developing world?

My problem is that the Mormon church has lost resonance with me. It’s like I’m Living Between Words. The first one has lost energy and is dead and the next one one isn’t born to me yet. The Mormon church feels like a dried husk with nothing inside. It’s like the energy left the lightbulb. The energy is still out there somewhere, I can feel it. I didn’t realize how bad it was until I got to “trial” being inactive with the pandemic and I realized how little I missed it. ugh. What do we do when something loses resonance?

Mike, I am so onboard with you and what you’re saying.

Do you see a world where the People of each religion specialize; (Mormons do geneology, Sikhs do peacekeeping, Salvation Army does logistics,..) and strict Bible interpretation is put aside as less important?

I feel we need to reconsider, or at least talk more in depth about what Christlike service truly is. Yes, there is a lot of service happening in our wards. But so much is about "baking cookies to our neighbors". Nothing wrong with that. But we are not as good about reaching out to those who don't think, talk, look, smell like us. We are not good about working towards systemic changes. And truly giving our hearts to those we would consider "outcasts". Thoughts?? /Tina

What would it take to be a church that values individuals, the one, instead of trying to make us all fit the same mold. Is it possible? Is it desirable?

I love that concept - every group has their role to play. But that would mean we should be free - and celebrated - to find the group and mission that resonates most keenly with our soul. Not take what was given us by circumstance of birth.

Amen.

I’m no longer a church member. I represent the LGBTQ minority. Patrick, I want it noted that I am gay and have never given up on Christ. I am very spiritually minded in mind and action outside of the church. People who say you cannot feel the holy ghost outside the church, are nuts. I’m a former Bishop.

Do you who are LDS find that you are continually apologizing for many of the Church’s standing on many issues and the views on marginalizing many groups? Just curious. Not trying to stir up things. Just sincerely curious. Yes,

Yes, “repair, reconciliation, repentance “ as a people.

The “oldest form of inequality” against women and the feminine devine. We should keep these things in our view.

Doug, No one can make me believe that Desmond Tutu wasn't led by the Holy Spirit in his work in South Africa, though he wan't Mormon. Nor do I believe he could have had the influence and done the work if he had been LDS

I sat in a meeting in 2002 with Desmond Tutu and wept as he spoke.

Nationalism, “America First”, are wrong if the gospel and inclusivity of Christ are going to go forward.

I met and marched with Dr. King in 1965 and his speeches were so glorious I knew he had a mission from God, despite the innuendos that he was a womanizer and communist.

Does the nuclear family and sealings distract from the family of God?

The American constitution,, inspired by God. A strange concept for me, being a foreigner.

How much is this baggage our individual responsibility versus church leadership’s responsibility? It seems that we won’t make much progress without church leadership leading out.

I wish our missionaries were sent out to learn, more than teaching others.

D&C says declare nothing but repentance. I think our missionaries should just bring people to Christ, Book of Mormon and help them change and repent

common consent could work if we all did it online

Specifics?

How do you see individualism affecting our ability to self reflect as an organization? What will it take for leadership to be more seemingly aware of institutional baggage?

When the Swedish National scouting society went from separating boys and girls, to co ed, we had coed scouting in the church over there, for at least a year. And it was very popular. Then SLC found out....

...but one doesn't hear "obedience" quite as often from the pulpit.

When I was asked to be on the board of our local homeless shelter (as a former LDS member) I was deeply touched and instructed to meet many other people — non LDS — who were moved to do community service on their own, not by assignment or quotas by a church. It helped me greatly. And yes, it does come by personal revelation, aside from an institution.

WHY DO PEOPLE HAVE TO FEEL AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS IN THEIR PLACE OF WORSHIP?? I’VE ARGUED WITH THIS FOR YEARS! THE JEWISH FAITH ALLOWS THIS.

I real issues facing the people are not addressed in a relevant way, church members will leave. This is why I feel the young people are leaving.

Amen, Doug!

"Homosociality"

...meaning separating activities by gender

My daughter's seminary teacher is willing to talk about hard things, but does it from a fundamentalist frame and often ends up doing more harm than good. He definitely teaches beyond what is doctrine in order to hold strict boundaries for the kids.

I agree it needs to go beyond the 2 hours, and it also needs to be more nurturing to diverse faith journeys within the wards during the 2 hours.

I wish it was only two hours a week...

I just go to other churches that are way more engaging... and supportive.

I feel like there is no room or support for my expanding faith inside the church. I had to look outside to find the support I need.

bishopric mtg...counting tithing after...leadership...youth...

I am grateful for a lively relationship with God through prayer, scripture reading and service. There is available a power in active personal worship, especially in the absence of collective worship which is currently limited due to covid restrictions.

Tom, what churches around the Salt Lake Valley have you found that are engaging and supportive? The pandemic has provided a unique opportunity with so many having services online that it makes it simple to try out. L

Seems like the new religion is “no religion”. seems like if the church wants to skate where the puck is going they should embrace this and not try to fight against it

Nuture spirituality outside of church and it’s structure

Part of the reason church is boring is because it is usually so focused on keeping people in the church. Proving that it's "true," Maintaining the institution. Making sure the doctrine and message are reiterated over and over. Instead of people sharing their stories and creating spiritual community.

Taking personal responsibility for one's relationship with God is still possible, whatever is going on in our own ward and neighborhoods, I think. Hasn't it always been that way?

Agreed, Mark! I must personally cultivate a relationship with God -- both during and outside of church. I must personally cultivate love for God and love for my neighbors -- ALL of them -- inside and outside of Church. I feel attending church and reading scriptures help me to remember that personal responsibility.

Religion declined not because it was refuted, but because it became irrelevant, dull, oppressive, insipid. When faith is completely replaced by creed, worship by discipline, love by habit; when the crisis of today is ignored because of the splendor of the past; when faith becomes an heirloom rather than a living fountain; when religion speaks only in the name of authority rather than with the voice of compassion—its message becomes meaningless.”

(from your Book Patrick)

For the last several years I have gone to several churches in person not only in UT, but elsewhere. I attended churches in person in Tri Cites - (Bethel and a Black Baptist Church in Pasco) just recently when I lived there. For the last 18 months I have been attending Community of Christ in person until Covid , now we meet weekly on line.

Does Temple work play a part of the on going restoration, in your opinion? If so How?

I think that quote is actually from a Jewish scholar,quoted by Patrick. I love that quote, Jeremy and Sonja, thanks for sharing it!,

yes absolutely. and how can we fix this :)

Thanks for the suggestions, Tom, I’ll have to check out your suggestions. Probably not the tri-cities ones though 🙂

Whether we get our temple recommends or not, is completely up to our local leaders. Too many have been denied due to "leadership roulette".

"There’s nothing shameful about playing in a tribute band that dutifully rehearses familiar oldies, albeit to dwindling crowds. But what would it be like to be in the studio alongside our Frontman, actively co-creating with him as he composes and records a “new song” for a contemporary audience?" How do you think this applies to our deepest time-bound traditions, such as our temple ceremonies? Are the temple ceremonies “oldies?”

(quote from the book)

It appears easier to lead if we keep the people rounded up in a unified way (sheep) rather than a collection of individuals (cats). However, that is a false organization that at some point will disintegrate. We have to have more faith in God’s ability to lead the church and focus members on following God rather than following the institution — that will likely make the institution stronger, not weaker.

"We can do both things" Patrick says. It is, in my view, the very foundational truths of the Restored Gospel, that brings life to our service to others, to think outside of our boundaries, and to bring life to our art, music, and engagement with others in dialogue. The Gospel includes whatever brings greatest light and life to our existence. This has been my experience, anyway. The Gospel INSPIRES me to reach out and seek truth from all sources, and to get outside my comfort zone, etc., NOT stay parochial in my thinking and living.

Love that Mark!

What was the name of the book by Brian McLaren?

It seems to me that we often live a religion which, unfortunately, we use to protect us, keep us safe, and reaffirm who we think we are and our own current beliefs, when I think, really, one's religion should be our 'undoing' and the dissolution of self, so that God can make of us the creature He knows will fulfill the measure of our creation.

Faith After Doubt: Why Your Beliefs Stopped Working and What to Do About It

I am interested in his response to the Trump voting question!

great question, Jeff! I’d love to know that too.

Did Boyd Packer's passing allow the changes that have been made , that is, did the necessity to have total agreement mean that all the changes were waiting behind a dam, so to speak, and with the barrier gone, the flood of change began?

I love the message of leaning into our individual calls that come from within and not just waiting for a call from church authorities.

Powerful

Amen!

Thank you Patrick.

Thank you Jay!

Thank you Jana!

thank you so much Partrick. Love your writing.

Thank you all!

Thanks to all! Sorry we didn’t get to everyone’s great questions.

Thanks everyone!

Thank you!!!!

Thanks so much Patrick!!

Thank you Patrick—absolutely fantastic!