Deseret News | Healing the rift between Brigham and Emma

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Healing the rift between Brigham and Emma

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Most of comments | 2:38 p.m. June 25, 2009

on here don't sound like true Mormons to me. Most are judgemental, rude, backbiting, and childish. Notice the childISH, not childlike. Get over yourselves, whoever you are... mormon or not. Let families mend their hearts. The apology is offered, not out of admission of guilt, but out of a wave of a peace flag of sorts. Like saying, "hey, there were misunderstandings that hurt, lets get past them and move forward as friends." Sounds pretty Christlike and childlike to me. And as the Lord himself stated, that is what's expected of us.

Rodney King | 2:41 p.m. June 25, 2009

Can't...Can't we all just get along?

Active LDS | 2:47 p.m. June 25, 2009

I have always beleived Brigham to be a smart man in some things but a fairly speculative man regarding religious doctrine. Many of the early LDS leaders seem to have shared opnions or personal views that were accepted as doctrine by the early church members. One of Joseph Smith's teachings was that a prophet is only a prophet when he speaking on behalf of The Lord. All other times, he is a man like any others and subject to his own opinions and speculations. In other words, just because Brigham said something and someone wrote it down in a journal doesn't necesarily make it God's word. I sometimes wonder if Brigham didn't have an over esteemed opinion of himself at times.

Comments continue below

Don | 2:49 p.m. June 25, 2009

Why is this news?

Two family organizations made up of self-important people seeking notoriety. The rest of us have family reunions--and are very contented. But these families bicker about their importance (It's Joseph's church! No, it's Brigham's!). Pathetic.

And of course we hear that someone is writing yet another book. Folks, do we really need another book? Seriously, I met as well write my own version of Church history (some truth with a lot of fiction thrown in to make it more interesting).

Why don't you people go plant or tree or do something productive?

dotyman | 2:51 p.m. June 25, 2009

So, let me get this straight, if Brigham and Emma were in the same ward they would be inactive because of hurt feelings...give me a break! This is a ridiculous request by an ancestor, and the article seems to be nothing more than sensationalism. Mormon Times or Enquirer?

Anonymous | 2:57 p.m. June 25, 2009

There were a lot of things that contributed to the rift between Brigham Young and Emma Smith. A major portion of it started because of property issues. Joseph Smith had a lot of property and documents that were in his name, and it was unclear what belonged to the Smiths and what belonged to the church. The Quorum of the Twelve - and Brigham Young was its president at the time - felt that most of it was church property, but Emma felt that most of it was her private property, and refused to release it to the church. That included revelations, translations and a little real estate.

Emma's husband had just been murdered and she wanted to hold onto as many of his things as possible, for herself and for her children. That isn't unusual, nor is it unusual that the Twelve wanted to keep the church running as smoothly as possible in a time of so much upheaval.

Unfortunately, it caused frustration and strain on both sides. Emma often used Relief Society meetings to speak out against Brigham Young. That was well-documented, just are some comments Young made about her. There was equal contention on both sides.

Hellooo | 3:28 p.m. June 25, 2009

Emma Hale Smith was against polygamy. Brigham Young was for it. See any conflict there?

Emma would not bring her sons to Utah, and Brigham railed viciously against her from his pulpit.

Brigham Young publicly vilified Emma in an official religious capacity, and that deserves an apology. I understand why hurt feelings have persisted, and I think healing dialog is a good thing.

Jack | 4:45 p.m. June 25, 2009

I don't think that the living can speak for the dead. It would be nice if the Smith Family and the Young Family can do whats necessary to get along.
Emma had trials that no one else had. Be careful about judging her harshly. Brigam Young was a great colonizer and leader.He had pressures on him that few have ever had to carry. They can work it out in the after life. Next thing will be hearing is someone asking for reparations like the Indians do from time to time.

Geez! | 5:10 p.m. June 25, 2009

This is really DUMB! Lets get on with our lives.

MormonTimes.com staff | 5:42 p.m. June 25, 2009

The full text of the Healing Document was included in the Mormon Times print version of this story. It is now included at the end of this story as posted on MormonTimes.com.

Michael Kennedy said that he used the word "apology" at first because he did not know what else to call it. The Brigham Young Family Association decided to call it the "Healing Document."

Publicity Stunt | 6:03 p.m. June 25, 2009

This all looks like a publicity stunt.

Arie Noot | 6:34 p.m. June 25, 2009

Just let the Kennedy family have a face to face meeting with the Brigham family as that resolves a lot rather then exposing the misunderstanding to the world

joy | 6:58 p.m. June 25, 2009

By the way about 5 years ago the governor of Missouri did apologize to the LDS church for the actions of Gov. Boggs and his band of criminals. And as far as I remember it is a sin to speak evil of the Lord's annointed whether it be now in or in the past so be careful of how you speak about Brigham. No man or woman is perfect even the prophet and each come with their own traditions and upbringing. Brigham came with many strong attributes which brought the saints across the plains to the west and Emma was a wonderful woman who was such an example for all women today. They were all early converts to the church and brought with them old tradtions and practices and we still see it in rural areas of the church. "judge not that ye be not judged" and remember we are commanded to forgive and the best place to start is with an apology whether you're right or wrong.
The actions of others do not just affect that individual as we can see if affects the whole family.
I say let the healing begin!

NED | 7:20 p.m. June 25, 2009

I think the woman who is over the Brigham Young association descends down through Emily Dow Partridge, and who was an 8th wife to Brigham Young. However, I am not surprised over this article.

RE :joy | 7:24 p.m. June 25, 2009

"judge not that ye be not judged" The O.T. has two books called Judges, Jesus "you will know them by their fruits". Fuit can be doctrine,and We have the right to be fruit inspectors. Jesus also said make a good judgement.

In context he is talking about hypocracy.afterall we have to make judgement about who we vote for.

Oh, brother | 7:47 p.m. June 25, 2009

Lets face it, Brigham Young has not had a good reputation in or out of the church NOT EVER, so no hard feelings to those who want to spew a bit about his bad history. This is real life. If someone wants to put Brigham Young on display for their own personal boxing match, then they will get what they deserve. It never fails to be the way of it.

If | 8:00 p.m. June 25, 2009

they can see us now, they would probably say, those silly people...

Excellent | 8:09 a.m. June 26, 2009

I for one am very grateful that this healing is underway. I have never judged either side harshly or otherwise, because I simply do not know the hearts of those involved. But I have always believed that for two families who have drifted apart for whatever reason should reconcile and find common ground for a wonderful future of friendship and cooperation. I loved the first Emma movie and will also love the second one. I have no need in my life for the negativity of hatred, so I relish the peace and joy from charity and mutual respect. Congratulations on all parties who made this reconciliation happen. May you be blessed for your efforts to spread the gospel of love.

Interesting | 9:10 a.m. June 26, 2009

Sorry, but this is very silly and way off base. I hope the church will give counsel to this associated lady. Brigham Young and Emma Smith are the ones who will have to work out their own differences, and not some relative of many generations down, who as well, do not know them or their true feelings. ~Good day~

Anonymous | 9:44 a.m. June 26, 2009

re: Wondering | 10:55 a.m. June 25, 2009

I have to agree that sometimes what you don't see can be very telling.

I will say this. Emma's impact on the church can be found in Doc & Cov 89.... just do a little research on how this particular revelation came to be. hint: housework.

I am sorry for Emma | 10:45 a.m. June 26, 2009

Emma needs not be forgiven of anything. She sustained much abuse by Brigham Young. It is no ones business living today for what God has "already" planned out for this wonderful woman. Emma owes no one, or Brigham Young descendants an apology for what happened to her. Leave it alone people.

Too Much | 12:30 p.m. June 26, 2009

It feels like Emma is getting a lot of scrutiny for a lot of things - like staying behind in Nauvoo with her family. That she didn't "endure the the end". I don't think it's very fair to make that statement when she did "endure" - watching her husband dragged from his bed in the middle of the night to be tarred and feathered, beaten, nearly poisoned, as well as visits to Liberty Jail, burying many of their children, and on and on for years! And on top of all that, the support she gave him as the Prophet. And I would like to think her "end" was the death of Joseph. That was the end for her, she couldn't take any more.. If I had to suffer through all of that and even more, like she did, I'm not sure I would want to leave either. We can't be 100% sure what exactly went on between Emma and Brigham Young, but until we are, we shouldn't judge.

#1 lady | 1:20 p.m. June 26, 2009

I think Emma Smith was too beat up emotionally to go west with the saints, and Brigham Young did not sympathize or make things any better for her. She also had to survive on what she had left from her beloved Joseph. She indeed was an angel of a woman, and God knows of her sufferings, feelings and this is all that matters. Making some peace thready in this modern day is completely nonsense. This is between God, and whom it may concern who lived back then. Truly though, no one living today.

To: Oh, brother | 3:03 p.m. June 26, 2009

"Lets face it, Brigham Young has not had a good reputation in or out of the church NOT EVER, so no hard feelings to those who want to spew a bit about his bad history."

Um, excuse me? Since when does Brigham Young have a bad reputation within the church? I have yet to see any church official say, "Yeah, God calling Brigham Young as His prophet, seer and revelator was a HUGE mistake on His part, disregard everything he said!"

The man was a prophet of God, and in nearly 30 years of being a member, I have never once heard a single criticism of him inside of a LDS church building.

In fact, the only place that I've ever seen or heard fellow members criticize him was on the internet in forums such as these, where only a small portion of people speak out, and even that has been sporadic enough to still be a novelty.

Within the LDS church, Brigham Young is held with love and respect, and so is Emma Smith. Each individual will still harbor their own prejudices about both of these people, but the church does not criticize either one of them.

H. Lee | 3:52 p.m. June 26, 2009

Brigham Young , as a prophet, is right.
Emma Smith , as an apostate, is wrong.
Nothing much more to discuss or be concerned with.

Janet | 4:17 p.m. June 26, 2009

I think it would be wise for these people work on healing relationships with the living.

I am sure Emma is doing just fine and dandy with her one and only Joseph. Nothing to worry about there.

The claims of Joeseph | 5:11 p.m. June 26, 2009

were why Emma felt as she did. The LDS chruch talks about Joseph as if they believe everything he said or did and Emma was his wife and she raised his family. Any distrepect against Emma by Brigham Young was totally uncalled for and never apologized for. This tells me something. I am tired of religion itself (and all it's claims) and this should be a clue to you guys too.

To the claims | 5:45 p.m. June 26, 2009

? *? * ? clue? What claims? What was uncalled for? Tells you what? Everything he said? or Did? Question Joseph but not Emma? Hum? What is your definition of religion? What claims? What guys are you talking to? Hum? ?????

It 's obvious | 5:55 p.m. June 26, 2009

who some of the posters are on here. You guys need to repent and get off your high horses, because you are not as big as you think. I hope Emma can forgive you for your lack of tolerance for others.

Active for the time | 6:45 p.m. June 26, 2009

re: 5:11 I hear you, and I know exactly how you are feeling. Why go to church if we have to put up with the hate like that of commenter 5:45 and others. There is nothing spiritual about people who like to mouth-off all the time to others, with their lame responses, of knowing nothing whatsoever comments.

I truly think Emma Smith got a raw deal from the beginning to the end. God bless her soul.

?*?*? | 6:56 p.m. June 26, 2009

Some people just like pushing their blubber around.

what have you done lately? | 11:37 p.m. June 27, 2009

Oh please, this is silly. These people want to bicker about as if pretending to do something important. All the history already happened folks. Get a life.

Yes, it already happened | 2:41 p.m. June 28, 2009

But people are just now realizing the truth in it. Growing up, I would hear at church that Emma had not been "true" (or perhaps an apostate as was said above). In reality, it was a lot more complicated than that. Emma put up with more than most women ever could and still stay with their spouse (but it's true women didn't have many other options in those days). But she was still a great person and added a lot to the church Joseph was organizing. People also don't realize that she was following Joseph's words by wanting her son to continue as he did in the church she helped organzize after Jospeph's death. I agree that we can't totally know or understand all of the feelings at that time, but we can understand why there was a split among the people. And we can understand why Emma would have wanted what she did (even if you don't agree you can understand). I don't like any religion anymore because of the splits and the hurts that they cause people. I am more at peace now.

Emma Fan | 12:57 a.m. June 29, 2009

I love Emma! The more I read about her the more I love her. I believe she did the best she could. I haven't studied Brigham that much, but I am sure he did his best as well.
I'm a decendant of Hyrum (Jerusha) so hopefully I'm left out of this Brigham/Emma misunderstanding. Still, I'm glad to see some reconciliation going on with the decendants.
Bring on the next movie!!!!!

PT | 7:51 a.m. June 29, 2009

The LDS church had nothing to do with this so called peace document. I think the dead will have to work out their own problems just as each of us will have to do so. No one else can do this for us.

SLC gal | 8:22 a.m. June 29, 2009

Joseph once said he would go to the depths of hell for Emma, and Brigham said that's probably where he would have to go to find her - I would hold a bit of resentment too!!!

But for that fued to continue decades later??? Can we say ridiculous?

K | 8:34 a.m. June 29, 2009

History is always rewriting itself.

My choice | 9:40 a.m. June 29, 2009

I bet Emma would say: THIS IS RIDICULOUS, AND WOULD YOU PEOPLE PLEASE GIVE ME SOME PEACE AND BUG OFFFFFF!

Anonymous | 10:34 a.m. June 29, 2009

Let me see if I understand what the Brigham Young Family organization is saying:

Brigham Young, the Prophet of the Lord, who was considered to be the ONLY man on the planet who could receive direct revelation from God... this "Lion of the Lord" was so petty and trite that he said horrible things about Emma based on hearsay, rumor, gossip, and lies that were passed to him by trusted advisors, and he never in his lifetime detected the error or the "miscommunication" and apologized or fixed it.

Meanwhile, Emma, the amazing wife of "The Prophet Joseph Smith", who stands only below Jesus Himself in status for worship and adoration, and whose life is repeatedly studied because her testimony is so essential to the calling and mission of her husband... this woman, who apostatized from the main LDS Church, and started her own with her son as the prophet - the descendants of this woman are willing to accept this posthumous "apology" that really isn't an apology?????

Have you people all lost your collective minds?????

Questions???? | 11:14 a.m. June 29, 2009

It bothers me tremendously that Brigham Young was a prophet and than turned around and did so many mean things to people that seemed to be so un-Christ like. If it were president, Prophet Gorden B. Hinckley, he would have treated Emma Smith with the utmost respected of that of a queen, just as he respected his own wife and queen with all his heart. President Hinckley expressed his respect for others openly and continuously to everyone.

Forget them | 11:32 a.m. June 29, 2009

Forget history with Brigham and Emma and deal with the reality of today. Today I was once again invited to the RECEPTION and not the wedding of a close family member because I am not mormon. The fight against gay marriage as abhorrent because family is "sacred" seems outrageously hypocritical considering that family is left out on this family event with the uniting of one family with another. Milk before meat.

To 10:34 am | 11:52 a.m. June 29, 2009

Emma did not start her own church.

She lived a quiet, modest life in Illinois, still generous and working hard, and still gracious as noted by visitors.

Eventually Joseph Smith's son started what some felt was the true Mormon church -- without polygamy.

Anonymous | 12:21 p.m. June 29, 2009

I wonder what Joseph Smith was feeling about Emma's abuse from Brigham Young? I bet he is dang mad, and probably would have strip B.Y. of his so called rights.

Anonymous | 12:25 p.m. June 29, 2009

to 11:52 a.m.,

You need to read up on your Emma Smith history instead of watch lame movies about a fictitious life she supposedly had.

She most certainly was directly involved in and supported and was a member of another Church. She not only did not go out West with the other LDS, she was no longer a member! She joined another Church! In every sense of the word, Emma Smith was an apostate!

Go read the truth instead of relying on your "feelings of the Spirit" for knowledge.

MNB | 12:41 p.m. June 29, 2009

Yep, i'd join another church too if I had been treated in the manner Emma was treated.. think about it? I don't care what anyone says Emma was emotionally distraught woman over the loss of her husband and everything else that Joseph had built up for them. What else would a woman (Emma) do back in those days under such awful circumstances? And while the dogs were nipping at her feet. She was not only push she was shoved!

To Anon at 12:25 | 12:46 p.m. June 29, 2009

I did not see the film.

My source is an excellent book written by two Mormon scholars, which uses authentic documents. The book is called, "Mormon Enigma: Emma Hale Smith."

Remember that not every Mormon is a Brighamite Mormon, so no, Emma was not an apostate.

Naturally she would belong to the Mormon church continued by Joseph Smith's son.

Special | 1:33 p.m. June 29, 2009

It no wonders Joseph Smith loved Emma above all else. She was a lovely and beautiful lady. She definitely deserved better treatment than what she got and didn't deserve.

It's not about Brigham or Emma | 1:56 p.m. June 29, 2009

Everyone who objects to this apology is missing the point. This isn't about whether Brigham was right or wrong, and it isn't about whether Emma was right or wrong.

This is about all the descendants who have been fed stories about how their grandparents were wronged. It's about ending the prejudices that are still being handed down.

This is a good thing.

Nobody cares period! | 2:45 p.m. June 29, 2009

Nobody on earth can apologize for Brigham's treatment of Emma. That is something Brigham Young and Emma will have workout themselves. This whole apology business is strange and makes no sense. People living on this earth all have to answer for their own sins and not for their ancestors nor for their descendants. This story is making mockery and drawing attention to this situation and these descendants, and something that absolutely NOBODY cares about.

"Anonymous" | 9:29 p.m. June 29, 2009

says what a number of LDS people think. To them, things are "black and white". They don't care the things that Emma went through...the bottom line is all that matters.
And that is why I want nothing more to do with religion. The spirit of Love and Forgiveness is not always there. Intead there is a spirit of contention and of being right,,,no matter what.
You guys have missed the bottom line: This women was following what her husband (and whom you consider a prophet) wanted!

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