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Mountain Meadows Massacre

"On September 11, 1857, in an unspoiled valley of the Utah territory - and in the name of God - 120 men, women and children were savagely murdered. Who ordered the massacre, and why, has been hidden in a cloak of secrecy and conspiracy. And the reputation of one of this nation's mightiest religious figures has been preserved and protected. ON AUGUST 24 THE TRUTH WILL BE REVEALED."

So states the blurb for September Dawn, a film starring John Voight, Lolita Davidovich and Terence Stamp (as Brigham Young), that tells the story of the infamous Mountain Meadows Massacre, the worst atrocity committed in America until the other 9/11 in 2001.

At a time when Mormons are considering the prospect of a Mormon in the White House after the 2008 elections, and when there is already a huge furore over polygamous Mormon fundamentalists, the Mormon Church is bracing itself again as the past it works so hard to bury is exposed and the image it strives to present is tarnished.

From the main movie web site there is a link to key references and sources for those who wish to know more and the film's director gives an excellent interview to the New York Times explaining why he thinks this portrayal of events is accurate.

From a Christian ministry perspective the Nauvoo Christian Visitors Centre has produced a passionate and moving piece highlighting the issues as they effect people today and the impact on the modern Mormon Church. There is also a Mountain Meadows Massacre Descendants web site and a lively discussion on the subject can be found on the MRM blog Mormon Coffee well worth a visit.

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