What is the response of Mormon leaders to this new data?
Many Mormon leaders frankly admit that they have a problem. A DVD entitled “DNA vs. The Book of Mormon” (Living Hope Ministry) has an interview with several Mormon scientists in which they acknowledge publicly that the DNA data soundly refutes one of Mormonism’s major beliefs. Former Mormon bishop and molecular biologist Simon Southerton published a book in 2004 entitled Losing A Lost Tribe: Native Americans, DNA and the Mormon Church. His book is a refutation of Mormon teaching. Others try to side-step the problem by asserting that Mormon teaching provides principles for living today, but that truth statements may be modified with the passing of time and the discovery of new information. In 1890, for example, the Mormons issued a Manifesto disavowing polygamy, and in 1978 the Mormon priesthood was opened to blacks.
