I think to really get the just of the situation here; you have to listen to the following podcast first:
Exploring the Future for Uncorrelated MormonsI’m not a Facebook person, but apparently a meetup right after the NYC presentation given by John there was some more conversation that lead to the following being posted on the Mormon stories Facebook group page – or whatever:
Interesting and good read follows:
Anne xxxxxxxxxxxx:
"Hi all.... I wrote the below in response to the many questions we've been receiving in regards to the regions and their possible connection to John being called in by his SP. I hope this is helpful to some of you. Thanks.....
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Confession: I started the Mormon Story regions. They don't, though, belong to me any more than they belong to John Dehlin, of course. They belong to all of us. I started them because it seemed to me like it was time for the burden John was carrying to be spread over all of our shoulders. The goal was to create something that would be jointly owned. The goal was NOT to provoke the church or to establish something that could bring wrath down upon his shoulders. It's ironic to me, then, that he (once again) finds himself in the hot seat where no single person should ever have to sit alone. This (whatever "this" is) belongs to all of us.
With that in mind, it might be a good idea to share with you all the story behind the creation of the regions. My hope is that in doing so, you will understand their intent and that it will be clear that none of this is now nor ever was devised for the express purpose of directly challenging authority. Rather, the purpose of the regions is and was only to be about us -- about COMMUNITY and relationships and sharing the work. (Imagine that!)
After the NYC conference, John and I found ourselves sitting together at a table at Planet Hollywood in Times Square. John was clearly worn out. The conference had been a total success, but its success had come at a cost to him personally. I became somewhat uncomfortably aware that the incredible benefits I had been receiving from Mormon Stories were coming at a cost and that it was unfair for me to continue to reap those benefits without thinking about how difficult John's position must be. My guess, as I was listening to him, was that it kinda sucks to stand at the head of a group of people who need support and who, in many cases, might be looking for something or someone to replace the relationship they used to have with the church. I looked inside of myself and disliked the fact that I was asking more of John than is fair to ask of any one person.
We talked about how important it is to continue having conferences, but that making them happen was literally an impossibility simply because John does not have enough hours in the day to do everything himself. Our discussion about the predicament he's in led to a brainstorm of ways we might continue forward and build on the strength of NYC in order to keep Mormon Stories thriving for everyone's benefit. I suggested that we come up with a system that would make it easy for the burden of caring for community and planning conferences to be placed on many shoulders instead of just two. We had been tossing the idea of internet regions around earlier in the month, so I suggested we launch the internet region idea and add to it the opportunity for local leaders to volunteer and plan conferences themselves. This just made practical sense to me. Many people can easily do what is an impossibility for one.
The next morning I arrived home in Boston, picked up my computer and started making groups. Our plan wasn't big. We were shocked, frankly, by the quick response we received and we laughed about how it would have been in our best interest to prepare a bit more before we turned our brainstorm into a reality. I took the immediate success, however, to be an indication that the regions really are something that we have all needed for a while now and as more proof that they don't belong to me or to John or to anyone. Rather, they belong to ALL OF US. They're something we can all collectively take responsibility for and nurture.
My hope, still, is that we can all approach the bench and try to share this burden equally. I know I'm being optimistic and that each one of us has to look within and examine our own courage and willingness to sacrifice and share. I don't think we need to be afraid of censure, discipline or excommunication, however. I hate to sound trite, but what will come will come. This is no big deal, really, as long as we all work together and keep on truckin' in the direction we're moving. I don't know much about god... I wish I knew more. I do know, though, that what we're doing is good.
The most amazing thing is that in that moment at Planet Hollywood, John and I both experienced a strong feeling of peace and comfort. Was it more than a normal emotional response? I have no idea. All I know is that I felt it and that he felt it and that the regions are what came out of it. It's hard for me, then, to question what has happened or to be afraid of what the future might bring. I guess what I'm saying that all along this has just felt "right." It happened naturally.
So..... I've said it before and I'll say it again: I'm excited. Let's have fun with this and enjoy the new friendships we're making. We can allow those in authority to do what they choose to do. Their actions are only our problem if we allow ourselves to be scared or intimidated.... and there's no call for that. Yes, the best thing would be to have the church's blessing. I'm not holding my breath, but here's to hoping....."