Wow. I’ve been blogging for nearly 3 years now, and last week was the most eventful week I have ever experienced. Some of you know about it, but some of you don’t. Two big things happened last week: (1) I was an unwilling participant in a Bloggernacle scandal, and (2) tomorrow is the official launch of a new blog called Wheat and Tares (though you can already see it today).
John Dehlin started a blog called Mormon Matters a few years ago. As time went on, he turned over day to day operations to others, and I became a permablogger there. Occasionally he would pop back in, but he was pretty hands-off and let others run the show. Due to a dispute last week, John and nearly all of the permabloggers parted ways. Of the 11 regular bloggers there, 9 left and have started a new blog called Wheat and Tares. Today is the first day of the new blog, and I would like to encourage everyone to check it out. Here’s a link to my first post there where I discuss “the scandal” a bit.
Some of the other bloggers at Wheat and Tares have already written about the split this week on their own blogs. Here’s what they said:
- Andrew S at Irrestible (Dis)grace
- Stephen Marsh at Ethesis
- FireTag at The Fire Still Burning
- Adam F at Shenpa Warrior
Of course there has been considerable chatter at other sites, not just our own.
- Here is John Dehlin’s statement at Mormon Matters
- Chino Blanco at Main Street Plaza
- Messenger and Advocate had some unusually harsh criticism for John that I thought was a bit over the top.
- Faith Promoting Rumor discussed the events as they were happening (to the chagrin of John and us.)
So where do I stand on this issue? Well, my post at Wheat and Tares sums up my feelings pretty well. I’m really grateful to John for starting Mormon Matters, Mormon Stories, and StayLDS. They’re all great projects. I continue to support John and wish him the best. I will continue to be affiliated with StayLDS. But I was disappointed with how he handled things at Mormon Matters this past week. Obviously John had a serious beef with Bored in Vernal, and was willing to make the rest of the bloggers there collateral damage. I don’t think he was fair with any of us (including Bored in Vernal.)
It’s exciting to be part of a new project at Wheat and Tares. Lest any of you worry, pretty much nothing will happen differently here at my blog. I will continue to blog here on whatever religious topic I feel like. I will cross post stuff at Wheat and Tares. Not much will change here at my site. Any comments or questions?
Mormon Heretic 
Hmm, the links to your post aren’t working for me…
Sorry, it is scheduled for Midnight mountain time. It will be up in a few hours.
I was wondering how you were affected by this. Its good to see that you landed on your feet. Mormon Matters is looking for new contributors, based on what you know about my blogging style and politics, and the behind the scenes information on Dehlin, do you think I should send him an email and see if I can contribute?
From what I understand, I think John is trying to focus more on multimedia and news than blogging. You’re certainly welcome to contact him. We’re always on the lookout for bloggers at W&T. If you’re interested in that, I might be able to arrange something.
Good luck with the new venture.
“Faith Promoting Rumor discussed the events as they were happening (to the chagrin of John and us.)”
Well I have never want to be to the chagrin of John Dehlin. Oh…wait…that was the point of the post. Maybe he can discuss it with one of those General Authorities who he has special meeting with.
Chris H. – funny.
MoHer – I’m glad we have continued to work together on both StayLDS and now Wheat & Tares. I always enjoy your writing.
In addition to encouraging everyone to come visit us at the new site, I’d also like to give a shout-out to encourage continuing support for our previous co-bloggers, Natasha and Joanna who are currently still posting at Mormon Matters. Both are terrific writers with excellent topics to discuss and could use our ongoing support!
Wow, my last comment was very poorly written. No more blogging after 10pm.