UK 2022

Roots and Branches

October 7-9, 2022

Greswolde Arms
1657 High St, Knowle, Solihull B93 0LL, United Kingdom

Sunstone UK is Getting Together Again!

This fall, we're getting together again to explore the theme Roots and Branches. Use this page to register to attend, see the full schedule, submit your own presentation idea, and get event updates!

Register

Full Conference

Full conference registration grants access to every session over the event weekend, and includes a catered lunch on both Saturday and Sunday!

Saturday ONLY

Saturday only registration grants access to every session on Saturday, October 8th, and includes a catered lunch on Saturday.

Sunday ONLY

Sunday only registration grants access to every session on Sunday, October 9th, and includes a catered lunch on Sunday.

Schedule

Printed schedules available on-site. Schedule will be filled out as sessions and speakers are confirmed.

Friday, October 7

6:00 PM

Meet at the Greswolde Arms for early check-in and chatting with other attendees.

1657 High St, Knowle, Solihull B93 0LL, United Kingdom

7:00 PM

Opening Keynote "Claiming Mormon Identity"
by Lindsay Hansen Park

In this presentation Lindsay Hansen Park will discuss what Mormon identity means, especially from a global perspective and why it matters.

This session will be streamed live on the Sunstone UK Facebook page.

8:30 PM

Swing Dancing presented by Marco Antonio Viera Marques

Saturday, October 8

8:15 AM

Venue Doors Open: Check in and get settled in for a great day of conferencing!

8:30 AM

Welcome and Orientation

8:50 AM

Speedy Stories

A hybrid of Speed dating and mini Mormon stories. A light-hearted ice-breaker designed to kick-off the weekend developing and rekindling friendships from the start.

9:50 AM

Succession Crisis
Presented by John Hamer

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As an author, editor, blogger, podcaster, lecturer, and now as pastor of an online global ministry ‘Beyond the Walls

“The 1844 Latter Day Saint Succession Crisis: Divergent Perspectives and Paths”

Schism within religious groups occurs when faithful adherents have differing perspectives about the movement’s essential beliefs, practices, and goals. This was demonstrated in the breakup of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints that occurred after the death of its founding prophet and president, Joseph Smith Jr in 1844. Divisions already existed within the movement, and these found expression in the new factions of the church that emerged from the schism. Factions led by Sidney Rigdon and David Whitmer attracted adherents who believed Christian primitivism, communitarian experiments, and individual spiritual gifts as essential. Both groups sought to disavow and purge Joseph Smith’s more recent innovations and return their focus to early Restoration essentials and it is no coincidence that both groups restored the church’s original name “Church of Christ.” For other Latter Day Saints, the essential experience was the continual change resulting from the leadership of a living prophet. They sought out new prophets such as James J. Strang, Charles B. Thompson, and James Morris, who revealed new scriptures, principles, and practices which led them to embrace divergent innovations. Finally, many Latter Day Saints were committed to preserving their experience as they understood it in 1844. Brigham Young, Alpheus Cutler, Lyman Wight, and others believed that Joseph Smith Jr had “restored the fulness of the gospel” as of the time of his martyrdom and their followers sought to maintain it until the end of the world, which they believed was literal and imminent. John Hamer will look at how the seeds of these three general positions had already been planted during the early church period (1830-1844) and how they have continued to inform the paths of the different expressions of the movement in the 21st century.

9:50 AM

The Masks we Wear
presented by Nikola Brophy

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10:50 AM Morning Break

Tea, Coffee, and Juice Included in Ticket price

11:10 AM

“I am the vine, ye are the branches (John 15:5).” So Wiifm?
Presented by Charles Lawson

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The author of “The Millennial Shot. A Spiritual Inoculation for the Modern Latter-day Saint” which takes an open and honest approach in addressing the biggest faith crisis issues currently in the LDS church. More details about Charles and his book can be found on www.millennialshot.com
This session will briefly touch upon the main reasons why the Millennial generation leave the Church while asking questions such as, "is there a Pharisee in me?" before exploring the wrong motivations behind Christian discipleship. It will touch upon themes which seek to support inter faith concepts and context in drawing upon a wide range of Christian ideas when addressing LDS faith crisis issues. The presentation will highlight in a fun and engaging way how we (the branches) might sustain a personal relationship with Christ (the vine) without any of the traditional LDS church baggage!

11:10 AM

Post Mormon Parenting
Presented by Ju and Laura

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Do you fret over the first time your teenager wants to try alcohol? Do you worry about how to discuss big questions of faith? Do you find yourself wondering how you will parent without ‘Come follow me’ or General Conference? You’re not alone! We do too and are hoping that someone will come to this discussion who knows what they’re talking about!!!
Last year, this was a popular discussion group. We may not have the answers, but the journey of learning and joint discovery that you are not alone when travelling this new path is often quite comforting!

Ju and I are part of the Sunstone U.K planning team. We have no expertise in pretty much anything and have accepted that we are likely to screw up our kids in a number of ways! But we’re trying our best!

11:10 AM

Community Space open for Games, Puzzles, and Crafts.

12:00 Lunch

Catered meal included in ticket price

12:45 Panel Discussion

LGBTQ experience in Mormonism hosted by Mark Johnson and 21st Century Saints

2:10 PM

Constructive and Effective Dissent – the Road to Healthy and Right Relationships
PART 1
Presented by Andrew Bolton and Elray Henrikson

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Community of Christ members have stood on the sidelines of LDS territory and storytelling for nearly two hundred years. Since the beginning of our shared movement, keen observers and helpers in Community of Christ have witnessed the pain of LDS members suffering clerical abuse. This tradition of pastoral accompaniment causes us to look at our own shadows more deeply as we reflect together with seekers on their experience of abuse within the larger/wider Latter Day Saint movement.

The stories we believe and the stories we tell matter. The theologies we use shape our personal and collective stories and inform them. What we emphasize takes space in our souls either in liberating and reconciling ways or in dominating and oppressive ways. As responsible outsiders/insiders of the movement, we aim to facilitate a meaningful conversation of what is possible when we emphasize alternative stories that are faithful to the best in Latter Day Saintism. Come and join us in (re)-creating a new/old story of a great and marvelous work that is still about to come forth.

2:10 PM

Pictures by Peculiar People
Presented by Peter Bleakley

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2:10 PM

Mormon Dungeons and Dragons

8 lucky people will try their luck with the Mormon Dungeon Master. . . who will be victorious?

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Find the hidden treasure
Defeat the guardian
Avoid unseen powers
And remove the false priests

Dungeons and Dragons is a family favourite and following ‘Stranger Things’ is bigger than ever. But what if it had a Mormon twist . . . another level of knowledge held by only those who have walked the path of the anointed.

Mormon Dungeons and Dragons has made it to the Sunstone U.K agenda. 8 lucky people will try their luck with the Mormon Dungeon Master. . .who will be victorious?

3:10 PM

Part 2: Effective Dissidence
Presented by Andrew Bolton and Elray Henrikson

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Andrew Bolton, PhD (Wales), coordinated peace and justice ministries internationally in Community of Christ, taught Peace Studies at Park University in Kansas City, and has been an effective storyteller in a religious movement of dissenters. He currently works as a volunteer community organiser with Citizens UK in Leicester, England and is researching British Christian Nonconformists as significant change agents historically in Britain.

Elray Henriksen is a Norwegian, former member of the LDS church, with master’s degrees in peace operations, religion, and communications. His faith journey led him to ask questions of both the church he grew up in and the church he joined, Community of Christ. Currently, he is working in facilitating international exchanges at a school of theology in Oslo.

3:10 PM

Nemo the Mormon

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In my presentation, I’m going to be talking all about how we can take the skills and things we have learned throughout our lives and continue to use them in healthy, good ways. The things that Mormonism taught us don’t necessarily have to get thrown out with bath water.
So come along, check it out . . .it’s going to be good!
Nemo is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and runs a podcast called ‘Nemo the Mormon’ that fact checks current claims made by the leadership of the LDS church with his goal being to create a more informed membership.

3:10 PM

Mormon Dungeons and Dragons Continued

4:00 PM Afternoon Break

Tea, Coffee, and Juice Included in Ticket price

4:15 PM Keynote: Sunstone Mormon History Podcast

"A Rascal in the Woodshed: Albert Carrington in the British Mission"

Sunstone Mormon History podcast hosts Bryan Buchanan and Lindsay Hansen Park will dive into the lurid tale of Mormon apostle Albert Carrington in the UK.

Break for Dinner

Dinner

The night is yours! Grab dinner with other attendees in the area, chat with Priesthood Dispatches over a dinner session, or join us for an 80's themed dance and karaoke!

‘Turtle Bay’ Caribbean restaurant and bar is a great place to begin the nights entertainment.
For anyone wishing to really burn the candle, ‘Popworld’ in Solihull will remain open till 4am.

Use your night wisely and remember who you are! Literally! Because we want to see you back again on Sunday!

6:00 PM

PD and Sister PD Entertainment: 'It's a Family Affair"

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7:00 PM

Karaoke and an 80’s themed dance!!!
Belt out the classics in a communal karaoke – no need to be shy! We’ve seen many of you already in full action and still bear the mental scars!!!
Why not dress up? Fluorescent leg warmers, crimped hair and open shirts . . .best 80’s effort gets a prize!!

For those that still want to party, click here for options!

For you crazy cats that are just beginning your night, there are a number of options that are fairly local:
You can find Yates (closes midnight) and Popworld (closes 4am) in Solihull city centre (2.8 miles/7 minute drive)
If you are determined not to use the overnight accommodation you paid for, Birmingham city centre has a large number of venues open all night (18 miles/25 minute drive)
Remember to bring I.D, they are very strict!!!
Have an amazing night and we’ll see you bright and breezy Sunday morning!

Sunday, October 9

8:30 AM

Doors Open and Welcome

8:50 AM

Mormon Neurodiversity and Neurodivergence
Presented by Marc Fuentes

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8:50 AM

Sunday School in the Mirror Universe
Presented by Peter Bleakley

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9:40 AM

Blessing Journeys – 21st Century Saints Groves in the digital Era
Presented by 21st Century Saints hosts Jane and Alana

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In this interactive presentation, 21st Century Saints hosts Jane Christie and Alana Wilson Bryce discuss evolving perspectives of blessings within Latter-day Saint Mormonism. We look at the ancient practices of healing and grove worship within the UK and Ireland and how the roots of these traditions can help shape current healing practices with the Mormonism of the digital age.
Topics include Our findings as podcast hosts, the Sacred Groves of the UK and Ireland, taking down the groves with the silencing/veiling of the Godess or Heavenly Mother and an exploration of digital Sacred Groves with a Q&A at the end.

9:40 AM

'Where will you go?'
THRIVE

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THRIVE is a non-profit movement founded to help people as they transition away from religion. THRIVE consults with mental health experts to provide best practices in finding new internal values which are congruent with new beliefs.
THRIVE believes that we are stronger together than alone. But the fabric of a community is strongest when tied with many different threads. We celebrate your uniqueness. We desire to learn from you. We love and accept you just the way you are.
Thrive U.K have held some fantastic ‘in person’ events this year. Come and listen and participate in discussion led by our Thrive U.K leads as they explore the panellist’s journeys onto new and thriving paths

9:40 AM

Community Space open for games, puzzles, and crafts

10:40 AM Morning Break

Tea, Coffee, and Juice Included in Ticket price

11:00 AM

Joint LDS and Community of Christ Ecumenical Service
Join us for a restoration-wide ecumenical service

11:00 AM

"Roots and Branches" Print Workshop

Communal lino printing by Richard and Ruth

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12:00 Lunch

Catered meal included in ticket price

12:45 PM

‘Firm to the faith’ –
Mormon fundamentalism in England
Presented by Nathan Taylor

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Mormon Fundamentalism In England is a talk covering the people and stories of those who belonged to a Mormon Fundamentalist group in England, most of whom were originally members of the LDS Church. It will cover how they came be associated with the Apostolic United Brethren group, what they believed, and how they tried to live what they called "the fullness of the gospel."
Nate Taylor is a writer, game designer, and amateur historian. He has written six books on early Mormon doctrine and Mormon Fundamentalism, and edited a magazine covering the same topics for 15 years. Since that time he has been writing fiction, creating video and board games, and apps. He lives in his home town of Bristol, England, but is stuck with a North American accent due to living that side of the Atlantic most of his life.

12:45 PM

Mormonism’s Wrestle with Identity
Presented by David Shepperd

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I’m a UK therapist who has spent years (since 2014) unpacking my own experience of Mormonism and my mental health journey. This exploration intensified during my counselling training and helped me process my own experience during and after my time in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A recurring theme in many people’s faith journeys are the stories of relationships coming to an end through differences in belief and not having the tools to navigate the murky waters. It's safe to say that people on all sides of the belief spectrum feeI pain and loss for themselves.
I have come to believe that one way of understanding the friction of these relationships is to become aware of our identity and what role it plays in our lives. How to recognise what is going on internally when we feel attacked and what to do about those feelings.
In this presentation we will explore Identity as a concept and its role in the conflict that manifests in our relationships, and how to manage these feelings as and when they arrive. Is there a way that we can have healthy relationships with people with beliefs sometimes very different to our own? This is what we will explore.

12:45 PM

'Healing Through Poetry
Richard and Ruth will lead you through a number of ways to construct poetry in a cathartic and healing process

2:10 PM

Common mental health issues and the impact of a faith crisis, a Doctor’s perspective.
Presented by Dr Christopher Jones - MBBS MRCGP BSc

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I’m a working Medical Doctor - I have been a GP Partner in a Practice in Rotherham for 7 years. I did two Junior Doctor training jobs in Psychiatry / Mental health. Currently every day at work I deal with mental health problems ranging from the Mild to Severe.
I will be providing an:
* Introduction to common mental health problems - focusing on Anxiety and Depression
* High demand religion and mental health issues
* Impact of a faith crisis on mental health
* Treatment options
* Q&A session / group discussion - ask a Doctor.… (ask about mental health issues / medications/ what treatments are available etc)

2:10 PM

051022-SUNSTONE-UK-Absolute-final-draft-8-docx-Google-Docs

The Divine, the Feminine and Earth:
Exploring Paganism in and out of Mormonism

Presented by Hannah Bardsley

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Hannah is an artist, writer and actress who was raised LDS and now considers herself ex/post-mormon. She has worked as a journalist and educator, and is now an advocate for a humanitarian agency. She studied Medieval and Early Modern History, focusing on mythology and mysticism, and has always been fascinated by humanity and how we live and connect. In 2021 Hannah held her first art exhibition, Restoration, an exploration of religious deconstruction, which featured speakers from Amish, Orthodox Jewish and southern evangelical Christian backgrounds.
While practising members of the LDS church Hannah and her flatmates engaged in their own 'sort of witchy' ceremony within their flat as a way of providing peace and comfort to themselves and their friends. Now having left Mormonism Hannah continues to explore how nature and ritual inform her own understanding of the divine. The presentation will examine the increasing rise in women in and out of the LDS church actively participating in personal and public pagan practices and the way that this links directly to LDS and Christian history

2:10 PM

Community space open for games, puzzles, and crafts.

3:10 PM

What is an Apostle
Presented by Richard James

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The scriptures say very little about the role of an Apostle. If you were raised LDS, you may have a very definite idea.
This is Richard and he is very happy to be called Richard, not Sir, Elder or President, just Richard. In fact several individuals last year at Sunstone were shocked to discover he was an Apostle when there was no pomp and ceremony, no pre-cleaning of the venue ready for his arrival and no demands for a specific favour M&M.
Richard is a nice person and if you listen to him speak you will hear him talk passionately about peace, social justice and his commitment to serve. . .kind of what you imagine an Apostle would do!
This year Richard has kindly agreed to provide a Q&A session where he can answer some of your questions and we can discover what an Apostle does in Community of Christ.
Richard is secretary of the Council of Twelve Apostles, the lead missionary quorum of Community of Christ and assigned to the Eurasia Mission Field, which includes the British Isles Mission Centre, Western Europe Mission Center, and Eurasia Mission Centre.
He has served as president of Seventy and missionary coordinator for the North Atlantic Field (Europe/USA) and was born in Penllergaer, Swansea, South Wales
(Richard was not responsible for this bio, he trusted Ju and I – we may not be allowed to write another one!)

3:10 PM

Chastity dogma:
a brief exploration of the history, myth and reality

Presented by Debbie Shrubb

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I am a disaffiliated LDS Mormon; I worked as a cancer nurse specialist and nurse educator for much of my professional career and made it a priority to understand and address sexual concerns with patients and significant others. I was involved in teaching other professionals how to assess and address sexual concerns.
My spiritual unravelling from Mormonism included concerns about the teaching and enforcement of chastity dogma.

3:10 PM

Community space open for games, puzzles, and crafts.

4:00 PM Afternoon Break

Tea, Coffee, and Juice Included in Ticket price

4:15 PM Closing Keynote

A Faith Journey
Presented by John Hamer

5:15 PM Britvengers Assemble

A round of podcasters and organizations in the UK community and a discussion of the conference as it has been, and where it is headed
With: Sunstone U.K., Peter Bleakley, Nemo the Mormon, 21st Century Saints, Community of Christ, Priesthood Dispatches, Affirmation

6:00 PM

Thank you for being with us for Sunstone UK! For those not ready to go home, join us for a walk along the canal or grab dinner nearby, and round out another fantastic weekend with the Sunstone UK community.

Submit a Proposal

FAQ

Are there and COVID precautions in place?

We want everyone to arrive well and leave the Birmingham Sunstone event in good health. An early and ongoing Latter Day Saint value is communal responsibility for each other’s well-being. Therefore, in order to minimize Covid-19 risks at in-person gatherings/events, we highly recommend the following precautions:

double vaccination
masks for the unvaccinated
regular sanitation of hands
lateral flow test the day before

Do not come if you have any COVID-19 symptoms.

At the venue we will have masks, hand sanitizer and will plan movement, scheduling and grouping to minimize risks - practices already used at other Sunstone events. We will be informed by the latest advice by Public Health England and Wales. Please read through this event's prepared risk assessment for more information.

Where is Sunstone UK 2021 being held?

When is Sunstone UK 2022?

Why should I come to Sunstone UK?

Sunstone is one of the only forums that accommodates Mormon thought and expression across the restoration and spectrum. This year is unique in that you can truly tailor your experience, whether you want to listen to church history (warts and all), engage in post Mormon conversation or detach from Mormonism altogether and learn a skill with those that have walked a similar path. Come in a group or on your own, you will leave having made more connections and gaining social support. Also unique to this year is that the venue is in the middle of the U.K which makes it slightly easier for everyone to get to. The correct question is why wouldn’t you come?

How much does it cost?

What is the theme?

ROOTS AND BRANCHES

At this year's conference, we want to explore how we became who we are. What are our roots, and how have our pasts helped us grow?

Sunstone is all about there being More Than One Way to Mormon and is purposefully broad. Ex-Mormonism is the fastest growing Mormon expression in the UK at the moment and we also want to create a space for people who have left the church, but still want to connect.

Who is Sunstone for?

Anyone with either an interest in or history with Mormonism. We have tried to make Sunstone as inclusive as possible with space for everybody wherever they sit on the faith spectrum. If you feel that you are not represented at Sunstone, then get in touch with us and we will do our best to remedy that.

Sunstone sees attendees from all across the restoration spectrum, from never-Mormons, polygamous Mormons, active faithful Mormons, post-Mormons, and everyone in-between. Regardless where you fall, there's a place for you at Sunstone!

What should I wear?

Whatever you feel comfortable in as long as it’s legal. There is no formal dress code and comfort should be your guide. Sunstone is designed to bring you new ideas and introduce you to new people, and we want you to be comfortable so you have the best experience possible!

Check the schedule regularly for updates, and dress comfortably for whatever activity you choose to attend (for example, the 2021 conference featured a yoga class!)

We have heard a rumor that Peter Bleakley will be sporting a fabulous collection of avant-garde headwear, but don’t feel that you need to compete.

Will it be live-streamed or made available later online?

Where can I stay?

The venue (The Greswolde Arms, Knowle) is a hotel, bar and restaurant, so there are rooms available at the venue itself.

Click here to book a room at the venue.

There are several other places to stay in Knowle and the venue is about a 10 minute drive from Solihull where there are many other options. The postcode for the venue is: B930LL

More affordable options are Premier Inn and Travel lodge in Solihull where those who want to dance Saturday night away will be able to walk a short distance home to their bed while singing ‘Abba’. For anyone hardcore and optimistically anticipating that long promised heatwave, there are lots of local caravan and camping venues within a couple of miles.

Will Peter Bleakley be there and if so, will he sign my chest in sharpie, like the rockstar he is?

Can I bring children?

What should I bring?

You don’t really need to bring anything. You may want to bring a pen and notebook for the presentations, you may want to bring a drink and some snacks. A buffet lunch will be provided on the Saturday and there will also be drinks available at breaks. We have a community room that is mostly for hanging out, making new friends and maybe learning a skill.

You may want to bring a towel or matt if you want to do the yoga/meditation session. Or if you play a portable instrument,
bring it along and start a jamming session!

The best thing for you to bring would be your friends and an open mind.

Are there any rules?

SUPPORT SUNSTONE

EVENTS CALENDAR

PODCAST FAMILY

UK Donation

All donations made on this page are earmarked specifically to fund and host events in the UK!

Please make check donations payable to Sunstone and mail to 343 North 300 West Salt Lake City, UT 84103

Sunstone is a 501(C)3 nonprofit. All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Roots and Branches

Sunstone UK is Getting Together Again!

Register

Full Conference

We're Sorry

Saturday ONLY

We're Sorry

Sunday ONLY

We're Sorry

Schedule

Friday, October 7

6:00 PM

7:00 PM

8:30 PM

Saturday, October 8

8:15 AM

8:30 AM

8:50 AM

9:50 AM

9:50 AM

10:50 AM Morning Break

11:10 AM

11:10 AM

11:10 AM

12:00 Lunch

12:45 Panel Discussion

2:10 PM

2:10 PM

2:10 PM

3:10 PM

3:10 PM

3:10 PM

4:00 PM Afternoon Break

4:15 PM Keynote: Sunstone Mormon History Podcast

Break for Dinner

Dinner

6:00 PM

7:00 PM

Sunday, October 9

8:30 AM

8:50 AM

8:50 AM

9:40 AM

9:40 AM

9:40 AM

10:40 AM Morning Break

11:00 AM

11:00 AM

12:00 Lunch

12:45 PM

12:45 PM

12:45 PM

2:10 PM

2:10 PM

2:10 PM

3:10 PM

3:10 PM

3:10 PM

4:00 PM Afternoon Break

4:15 PM Closing Keynote

5:15 PM Britvengers Assemble

6:00 PM

Submit a Proposal

FAQ

UK Donation

We're Sorry