At Zelph On The Shelf, we hope to act as a voice for the (based on how many visitors to our site we get) hundreds of thousands of people who have learned that the Church isn’t all it claims to be. Despite our strong disagreements with Church doctrine and leadership, and contrary to the popular narrative about those that leave the Church, I think the vast majority of us can recognize good the Church does despite our personal problems with it. We want to recognize that good in the hopes that rather than dogma and orthodoxy, progress and kindness will prevail within the LDS Church.

In that spirit, we have come upon this letter from the First Presidency that has been asked to be read in Sacrament Meeting. The text reads as follows:

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To: General Authorities; Area Seventies; Stake, Mission, and District Presidents; Bishops and Branch Presidents

(To be read in sacrament meeting)

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

Humanitarian Assistance for Refugees

It is with great concern and compassion that we observe the plight of the millions of people around the world who have fled their homes seeking relief from civil conflict and other hardships. Thanks to the generous help of our members, the Church is providing assistance to migrants and refugees in several countries.

Many Church members have inquired how they can provide additional assistance. Members may contribute to the Church Humanitarian Fund using the Tithing and Other Offerings donations slip. We also invite Church units, families, and individuals to participate in local refugee relief projects, where practical.

May the Lord bless you as you render Christlike service to those in need.

Sincerely yours,

Thomas S. Monson

Henry B. Eyring

Dieter F. Uchtdorf 

The First Presidency

We are glad to see the Church fulfilling its role of caring for the needy. We hope we continue to see more service for those who need it most. If you wish to help those who have been affected by the tumult in the Middle East but do not wish to donate to the LDS Church, check out the United Nations Refugee Agency, who have open financial reports.



Albert Carrington
Albert Carrington
Albert Carrington served as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles until he was excommunicated for adultery. During his disciplinary court, Elder Carrington tried to argue that he had only committed "a little folly in Israel!", but the current brethren couldn't be bothered to give him a break. Learn more about Elder Carrington here.

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