30 years ago today - Oct 23, 1991

Paul H. Dunn sends an "open letter to the members of the Church." It states: "I confess that I have not always been accurate in my public talks and writings. Furthermore, I have indulged in other activities inconsistent with the high and sacred office which I have held. For all of these I feel a deep sense of remorse, and ask forgiveness of any whom I may have offended. My brethren of the General Authorities, over a long period of time, have conducted in-depth investigations of the charges made against me. They have weighed the evidence. They have censured me and placed a heavy penalty upon me. I accept their censure and the imposed penalty, and pledge to conduct my life in such a way as to merit their confidence and full fellowship. In making these acknowledgements, I plead for the understanding of my brethren and sisters throughout the Church and give assurance of my determination so to live as to bring added respect to the cause I deeply love, and honor to the Lord who is my Redeemer. Sincerely, Paul H. Dunn." The letter is the lead news story on all three Salt Lake City TV News programs and was reported in the SALT LAKE TRIBUNE and the DESERET NEWS. Elder Dunn's statement that for a "long period of time" Church leaders "conducted in-depth investigations" of his actions appears to contradict a previous First Presidency statement responding to the Arizona Republic story that it had "no way of fully or finally verifying the accuracy or inaccuracy" of the allegations. Church spokesperson Don LeFevre tells the DESERET NEWS that the nature of Elder Dunn's penalty is "an internal matter, and we don't discuss such matters" publicly.