I just published the following on the community board, but thought I'd also get it out to as many groups as possible.  Go ahead an leave your opinions either here or back on the board.  Would really like some opinions - regardless of how it falls out.

Sue 

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Hi to everybody!

I have been pursuing an idea for a major speaker for the Conference, and it's reached a point where I have made contact, and party is interested, but I would like to get opinions from as many people as possible about whether this would interest you or not -- as his subject would not be "Mormon-centered", but does flow over into some of the things about "the church" that bugs all of us -- and it's going to cost some money to bring him to Utah.

In the last 6-8 months, an author by the name of Jeff Sharlet has risen to the top of the book-chain, and been interviewed on Rachel Maddow's MSNBC show several times.  He is a well known author about religion, and if highly credentialed (I won't take time and space to list here).  If you watch her often, you've probably seen him.  And if you are aware of all the controvery about the "C Street House" in DC, then you know something about what he's written about.  His book is called "The Family", and it's basically a very well-researched expose of a religious organization called "The Family" (sometimes known as The Fellowship).  Jeff lived among them for several months, and was able to get and understand a lot about the secret goals of this organization -- which has essentially been in existence since the turn of the century.  His book was written long after he left the Family House he had been staying in.  He started out with an article in Harper's, and eventually wrote an extensive book about these people.

Short and sweet, the goal of this organization is to eventually bring all world leaders to Jesus, and end up with every government led by a devoted Jesus lover, leading to theocracies all around the world.  This group is responsible for the President' Prayer Breakfast (which I've always been against long before I became an "X", but I had no idea who promoted it, etc.)  They own the "C" St. house -- famous this year because of all the congressional big names who live there who have had affairs, etc. -- even one bringing his girlfriend TO the house on occasion.  It's just too much to draw out here.  The influence these people have had on our government is mind-blowing and all in almost complete secrecy.  It reminds me so much of the benign image of the church, but with bully-tactics going on underneath that layer.

Now, the tie to Mormonism.  While reading the book, I found myself comparing what I was learning with that ole' Mormon prophecy (still taught at church), about the constitution hanging the Mo's saving it, etc.  Leading to their version of a theocracy.  I think it's important for us to know what any religious group is doing to influence politics and policy in a major way.  I have no doubt that Mormonism has done it's share of secret sh__ over the years.  I would not doubt as the years go on that Mormonism could align itself more closely with other Christian groups that have this goal.  The book is definately NOT an aspersion against main-stream Christian religions at all.  He focused soley on this particular group.

My question is:  Does the info I've just scraped the surface of here have any interest to you (whether you come to the conference or not)  Does having a non-Mormon not specifically talking about Mormonism, but with some similarities to Mormon bullyism have any appeal -- or would you think  it just time away from what you're more interested in, etc.

I would like to hear from as many of you as possible within the next 48 hours, as I have to get back to his manager with a definate offer just as soon as possible.

Sue Emmett

Conf. Chair