We Will Debate Anyone But Strang

 Correspondence found in the Millennial Star, Volume 3. Philadelphia, August 30th, 1846. See also Gospel Herald, Voree, Volume 1, No. 8. In opposition to the revelations given through Joseph Smith Junior regarding the order of the church and its quorums, with the Twelve being subordinate to the First Presidency, and with ten of that quorum declaring that there shall be no more First Presidency and that they shall direct the church, James J. Strang writes to meet with them so that they can bring their strong reasons, as is recorded in ULDS D&C 71. Though clever in its flippancy, their response reveals their trepidation, as they were willing to meet with any other who might oppose their bid for leadership. Without proving anything, they accuse a saint in all ways honoring the laws of the church of being Satan while presuming the prestige of God and assuming entitlements even he does not, for he gave Lucifer a full hearing. They also refer to their having illegally recorded an excommunication of James, but if they had consulted the Law of the Church, they would have seen that a trial must be made to make such action legal, and that would mean hearing and answering his testimony. The closest this was had was in the pleadings before the Court of Law when Brigham Young sued James J. Strang for the right of possession of the Kirtlin Temple, and having won the case in the pleadings by showing that Young had no legal right to assume leadership, let alone possess church property, Young withdrew his cause lest he commit the ordeal to publicly available transcripts.

1. Messrs. John Taylor and Orson Hyde: Knowing from your public proceedings, as well as otherwise, that you and others associated with you, claim the right, and are attempting to use the power of dictating all the affairs of the church of Jesus Christ in all the world, not under the direction of the First Presidency thereof, but independently;

2. I suggest to you the propriety of publicly showing by what means you are authorized to act as leaders to said church, and offer to publicly discuss that question with you in this city, or any other proper place that will suit your convenience.

3. Your answer to this, left at the house of Jacob Gibson, on the northeast corner of Third and Dock Streets, near the post office, will receive immediate attention. Yours respectfully. James J. Strang.

4. The answer to the above: Sir: After Lucifer was cut off and thrust down to hell, we have no knowledge that God ever condescended to investigate the subject or right of authority with him.

5. Your case has been disposed of by the authorities of the church, and being satisfied with our own power and calling, we have no disposition to ask from whence yours came. Yours respectfully, Orson Hyde and John Taylor.