This project was included in the Queer Spectra Arts Festival (2021)
Throughout history, religion has been wielded as a weapon to control parishioners. Those in power use their personal views, coupled with scripture, to threaten the lives and wellbeing of those they see as sinners. In this new and ongoing series, I am exploring statements made by leaders in Christian denominations and how they threaten Queer people both explicitly and implicitly.
This is an ongoing series.
This ransom note is derived from Boyd Packer’s 1976 speech “Message to Young Men,” in which he glorifies violence as a way to “defend” oneself against homosexuals.
The letters used in this note were cut out of The Book of Mormon, Packer’s book “The Holy Temple,” various LDS magazines, and LDS temple garments.
Text of the note: You will face vigorous resistance if you entice your own kind to join you in immoral acts. These perversions are of the devil! Young Latter-day Saint men will floor you for this mischief.