Deseret News | Trial delayed for ex-LDS official

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Trial delayed for ex-LDS official

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LDS Moe | 4:17 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

I knew about Lee long ago.....the church is not the practice of dragging a man through the MUD!!

Real LDS | 4:26 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

As a member of the Church, living in Maryland, I find it sad that so many within the walls of Utah as some say, have lost the vision of who we truly are as a people. While we understand that LDS members are just as susceptible to sin as any other human being, it is in fact an honor to think that many in the world hold us in higher esteem. The expectations of us are higher, as they should be. We claim to have the truth on earth today, and it becomes imperative that we set ourselves as a shining example of integrity & standards. The fact that many in here have latched onto this as petty gossip; questioning the acts, etc., is an embarassment. Whether LDS or not, a true & real latter-day saint should feel compassion for this individual, and pray for his family at this time of need.

Alaska | 4:38 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

In the mid- to late-1970s, I used to go to the Smith Fieldhouse at BYU at 5:am to play basketball. Elder Lee was one of the guys who regularly came to play. While I was in an Elder's Quorum pres'y, I participated in a Stake Conf in Gallup NM where Elder Lee presided. He bore a powerful testimony of the Savior and of the Church. He spoke in Navajo, and if I ever experienced the gift of tongues, it was then because I understood what he was saying. I can't say he was a close freind, but I knew him and he was a good man. It was no accident he was called as a 70. I was astounded when he was ex'd. I understood it was because he could not support Pres Benson because of changes in the Lamanite programs that were consequent to Pres Kimball's death. I am also astounded that he is a convicted sex offender. It greives me. If guilty, I don't want him to get a "free pass". But I do pray for mercy on him (and all the rest of us Saints/sinners).

Comments continue below

The Facts | 4:51 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

"RE: Yeah 11:35" you need to get your facts straight. Although he was accused publically in 1993, this particular act was committed while he was in fact a seventy and one of the reasons for his excommunication (Salt Lake Tribune, 12 Oct. 1994). The brethren are human, and Judas Iscariot was chosen by Jesus himself. That did not negate the truth of the Lord's message or the fact that he is the son of God.

Angry | 5:31 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

You know there is more sex abuse in the church than what you realize. My mother was abused by her stepfather and he was never excommunicated. As far as I know they even went as far as to seal this evil man to my grandmother in the temple after they had both died. My mother has always had many problems and she over protected me to the point of abuse. My protection from life was more than I could handle and it has lamed me in many ways. I'm afraid of people because of my mothers abuse. I hate this stuff!!! I hate abusers. They ruin the ones they offend along with many other family members

JM | 6:09 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

I think the LDS Church acted promptly regarding George Lee and did not cover up. Mormon bishops or other leaders are immediately released from callings if moral allegations are true. Can other religions say they have been as forthright regarding the sexual activities of their preachers or priests? I think not. George Lee needs help, not criticism.

Randy | 8:33 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

Hey Angry. sex abuse in the home has nothing to do with being LDS - it happens everywhere all over the world all the time. Your mothers stepfather will answer for his sins, temple sealing or not. You must have personal honor and integrity to really live this religion (or any religion)- anyone can be a member and lie to get into the temple. Why would you? Doing so only solidifies your eternal shame and position in the worlds to come.
No group of people should be judged by the actions of one of its members - we are all human, all failing in one respect or another. The LDS Church does a tremendous amount of good in the world (assitance sent to Louisiana, Indonesia, San Diego and so on). Judge the group by its fruits - does it benefit the world, does it strive to help people be better parents, members of society, better citizens, etc.
If you are LDS, get over yourself. This is not a popularity contest, everyone does not need to like us or join us. Live by your faith the best you can - be better next week than you are today.

BostonTerry | 8:51 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

George Lee needs punishment first, then help. Child abuse hurts so many for generations that his help is secondary to that of the child. Also to Open they Eyes Blind Ones I write Warren Jeffs mainstream Mormonism? You are kidding? He was hiding out in dusty towns far away from mainstream anything. You had to search hundreds of years to find these three names. Your right that we are no better than anyone else. I won't argue that point. JDL should have been shot early on, Warren Jeffs who was never LDS,is where he ought to be. But I am impressed that the Church delt opening with George P. Lee. There are religious organizations paying billions of dollars to abused members and parishioners but they still do not excommunicate the abusers and facilitators. Rather they hide them out in retreats, the Vatican (Cardinal Bernard Law), and move them to other states. We could do well however to remember that Brethern Worship is a real problem in cohesive organizations and we should do our utmost to avoid it. Take care of the problems while they are local, be honest with the truth of situations around us.

Fred | 10:01 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

Randy guy, Its nice that you have dealt so well with your sexual abuse. I commend you for it. Not everyone is so lucky.

Yeah 11:35 | 10:37 p.m. Dec. 4, 2007

Who did you want to see castrated?

I see a minority male who has broken the law. In the United States that has always meant blaming society, not Mr. Lee.

The LDS are just a forgiving people.

re"Blind Eyes", George P Lee, John Doyl Lee, and Warren Jeffs are not all over the place. They are in prisons and jails, and on sexoffender lists.

How do "you" know they are all over the place? Maybe you should share your information with the police.

Roger | 12:02 a.m. Dec. 5, 2007

To "Open thy eyes blind ones!"

Your comments sound like nothing but the usual, mindless rhetoric of those who dislike or even despise the LDS Church.

Critics of the LDS Church are for the most part, very hypocritical. They accuse the LDS Church and its members of being dishonest, then they turn around claim that the actions of people like George P. Lee and Warren Jeffs are somehow quietly being endorsed by LDS Church leaders. Where is your evidence of this? Where's is your proof?

Popular LDS Church critic Ed Decker has made even more false and disgusting claims about LDS Church leadership, and his books and videos are widely distributed. I guess from the critics stand point, it's okay to lie as long as it's for a good cause.

Daniel S, | 2:25 a.m. Dec. 5, 2007

It's terrible whenever anything like this happens, in any country, in any religion.

South African | 2:39 a.m. Dec. 5, 2007

The Gospel is perfect the members not.....

Carl | 7:46 a.m. Dec. 5, 2007

That is the beauty of the LDS church. When a high profile man gets in trouble like this, they release him and let him seek help. Other churches ordain them to high office and flaunt their sins. I am sticking to the LDS church.

News to blind one | 10:07 a.m. Dec. 5, 2007

So, when was Warren Jeffs a member of the LDS church? I always thought it was never. John Lee? George P. Lee? Both were members of the LDS church. Notice the past tense. It is for a reason.
To Angry: Clearly you have shown how horrible abuse is. It has obviously affected you and your mother very deeply. I am sorry for that, and hope that you can come to a peace of sorts that the LDS church does not condone abuse in any form.

My Sense? | 10:19 a.m. Dec. 5, 2007

I think Mr. Romney is running primarily becasuse he is a devout 'politician'. I met Mr. Lee a couple of times when he came to visit the Lamanite students attending BYU, and I was impressed with the encouragement/counsel he gave. I just want to wish him and his family a safe/happy holiday season. And I want to say, "Mele Kalikimaka and Hauoli maka iki O!"

Tammy | 7:46 p.m. Dec. 5, 2007

Joyce...you make no sense! You must be in love this Pee Lee guy.

TwoHandz | 7:58 p.m. Dec. 5, 2007

God bless you Mr.Lee. We will pray for your return someday soon to the Mormon Church. You knew the truth and had the true principles of the Church in your hands and within your heart. You can have it once again. We will not give up on you.

Good heavens! | 8:03 p.m. Dec. 5, 2007

You have to much sex abuse, and child abuse, False prophets, and than of all things, stomp a poor defenseless pheasants to death. Where are the morales with you guys in Utah. I was planning on moving there, but I am having second thoughts. Don't think I want to raise my family there.

Sammy | 8:35 p.m. Dec. 5, 2007

to: twoHandz...You are a sick dude!

James | 9:38 p.m. Dec. 5, 2007

My heart goes out completely to those victims here on this post who have been through abuse.

I have no sympathy for any perpetrator whatsoever. There is nothing worse then a person who would have to live with those kind of nightmares and horror for the rest of their life. I believe those kind of memories remain in the mind of the person until the day they die.
Truly sad

Try, again. | 10:53 p.m. Dec. 5, 2007

Excommunicated ?? how can that be ??

Did not the Lord, himself, reveal to the prophet, this man's worthiness??? The Lord knows ALL things, past, present and FUTURE....would he not provide revelation to the LDS leadership that they can trust.....into the future?
Certainly, the Lord knew before-hand that this man had or would commit sexual abuse to children !!!!
At the very least, the Lord would have warn Pres. Hinckley of this man's intentions, or that the deed of sex abuse had occurred.

Cape Town South Africa Viva 2010 | 1:22 a.m. Dec. 6, 2007

Remember, we all have the potential to be great men and woman but we have a little thing called agency. Just because you are pre ordained to a high office in the church doesnï¿½t mean that u are spotless we are commanded to do the will of our Father in Heaven and if we endure to the end, good for U. It is also said that in the last days even the Elect will fall...So we cant judge there is always two sides of the story I feel sorry for the victims and his family, the advisory is getting stronger and we must stand together to fight this evil and please leave the church out of Politics....

It Can Be | 8:58 a.m. Dec. 6, 2007

And unfortunately it is. It was always a myth that these things are "cured" with religion. This crosses religious lines.
Time to face reality and see the risks, take action and get help.

Lilith | 5:07 a.m. Dec. 8, 2007

Re: Randy

Look, I was abused too. I know you have a valid point here about "it happens everywhere", but regardless of what you want to believe, LDS children are kept so sheltered and grow up so trusting of all adult men(especially those that hold positions of power), that abuse happens pretty frequently in the LDS church. Believe me, if you're a young girl and someone you believe to be a priesthood holder tells you that if you don't let him cop a feel once in a while, when you die you'll go to "outer darkness" and never see your family again; you will be terrified enough that you will cooperate.
'Angry' has every right to still be upset. Anger is good. It keeps people like us from falling apart one day.

I also think that Lee's being cut too much slack. Regardless of how 'beloved' he may be, he's still a pervert. People saying he 'just needs help' is just a bit like saying Bundy 'just needed therapy.'

I'm sure you're upset with me because I disagreed with you. A very familiar attitude.

I didn't just 'leave' LDS Inc. I was driven out for speaking, for not being silent.

Tom | 12:34 p.m. Dec. 8, 2007

George P Lee is a good man, and was and still is ahead of his time in leading the LDS Chruch, he was excommunicated for believing it was time for the reins of the church to be turned over to the proper people.
Did the LDS chruch discredit Elder Lee, most definitely, who will judge Elder Lee, not you or I or the LDS Chruch, but Our Father in Heaven, I beleive he will say; job well done my son, I should have warned you about not being white!

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