RUNNELLS, Jeremy

Jeremy Runnells is a former member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who became a prominent critic of the church following his research into various historical and doctrinal issues. His work has had significant impact on discussions of LDS Church history and has influenced many members' decisions about their continued participation in the faith.

Runnells created the CES Letter (originally titled "Letter to a CES Director") in April 2013 as a compilation of questions and concerns about LDS Church truth claims that he submitted to a Church Educational System director. The document addressed issues including Book of Mormon anachronisms, DNA evidence regarding Native American ancestry, polygamy practices, and various historical controversies.

The CES Letter gained widespread circulation within Mormon communities and online forums dedicated to discussing LDS Church issues. The document's systematic presentation of critical material made it accessible to church members who might not otherwise encounter such information, and it became one of the most frequently cited critical works in contemporary Mormon studies.

Runnells's research drew from various academic sources, including work by Mormon historians, archaeologists, and DNA researchers whose findings raised questions about traditional LDS Church narratives. The document synthesized existing scholarship and presented it in a format designed to be accessible to average church members rather than academic specialists.

The circulation of the CES Letter led to disciplinary action by LDS Church authorities, ultimately resulting in Runnells's excommunication in 2016. The disciplinary proceedings attracted attention within Mormon communities and raised questions about the church's approach to handling members who raise historical and doctrinal concerns.

Runnells has continued his critical research through his website CESletter.org and has expanded his work to include responses to church apologists and additional analysis of LDS Church claims. His work has been both praised by critics of the church and criticized by faithful members and church apologists who argue that his presentations are one-sided or misleading.

The impact of Runnells's work extends beyond individual faith decisions to broader discussions about religious authority, historical transparency, and the role of critical scholarship in religious communities. The CES Letter phenomenon has contributed to ongoing debates within Mormon culture about how the church should address challenging historical and scientific questions.