A Black Teenager Joins the Mormon Church - Channel Achenbach Pt. 1 | Ep. 1712 

Watch Channel's Full Story: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-zbyGhOXVSqE.html

"I didn't like it [book of Mormon], I liked them" ... profound, makes so much sense

As a black person, I was sickened by this story! 😳☹️Thank You Channel. Sending you love.

NeverMo here and this story is heartbreaking. I knew of the racist doctrine, but this interview really hammered in it to how it plays out for real people. Channel, I just want to give you the biggest hug. I hope you now have a strong support system of friends who celebrate YOU. Wishing you love and healing from Nashville ❤️ (Margi & John - this might have been the best episode to date. Thank you!)

I’m a Naive American woman. Being a colored woman who grew up in the church, I had no idea of so much. I’m gasping and shocked every 5 seconds. My heart is broken. Absolutely heartbroken. EDIT: this is the most heartbreaking episode I’ve heard from Mormon Stories. Yes, there have been many heartbreaking stories that are valid. As a mother of colored children, a colored (Native American as well) husband, this episode hits me especially hard

Every person on the planet needs to listen to Channel & her experiences in this interview. Absolutely heartbreaking.

My father comes from a mormon family, he isn't, and brought us up as baptists, and eventually what is known as non denominational christian church. I was never close to my dads side of the family because of it. They were always trying to convert each other to their different religions. I hadn't really thought of any of this stuff in years till I'm listening to this heartbreaking interview. I'm a white woman. Married to a black man 36 years ago. we have 5 children. I remember now going to a family reunion in Utah when my grandmother turned 70 and being astounded as one by one my relatives i didn't even know kept coming up to let me know it was okay that I had married a black man. I thought at the time it was because they are all born and raised in Alabama. Now I see there were 2 reasons they were all forgiving me for marrying the best man ever! WOW!! I also would like to thank you for this type of interview because through this lovely woman I am seeing a side of my children that they don't allow their mom to see.

I'm a never mormon. I'm also a Democrat. How they portrayed democrats in this church is sickening to me. What ever happened to the separation of church and state? The racism is also disgusting. How anyone of color would join astounds me. I can think there has to be lots of self hate.

This was both a baseball bat to my chest, and good medicine to share pain as an ex mixed race mormon. G*d Bless you all that have survived this and similar situations.

This is horrible, the heartache the church causes is unbelievable. Tears rolled down my face as I watched you share the truth. I remember growing up never seeing any people of color in church. I was told they were cursed so I grew up afraid of them. So tragic, honestly. I have so much to say here but this is about your story Channel. I'm so happy you left the church and you are sharing your story. May the healing continue and your life blessed! You are loved from Cali! 💞🙏

Oh my gosh. My heart is breaking for Channel enduring what was told to her about why she was black. This is a touching and amazing story.. Thank you for another great podcast. I do think this is my favorite. And Channel is beautiful, adorable and amazing.

Channel- I remember you from when you were a missionary in Springfield. I’m sorry you went through all of this. I was in high school and I really looked up to you. It’s good to see your beautiful face 💛

JOHN and MARGIE, you both do an excellent job healing these ex Mormons of their wounds..!! My greatest respect to both of you. I love listening to 'Mormon Stories'! CHANNEL, I partly know what you we re going through living in the 'neighbourhood' as I am a second generation white South African Mormon, who lived through the violent apartheid. I now live in Australia. My Seminary students told me that our Bishop/Lawyer punched his wife in the stomach. I was horrified. Several months later, in a meeting, I had the opportunity to publicly correct this egoic Bishop/Lawyer about his Book of Mormon error. He called me into his office afterwards. I refuse to submit to him, I lost my respect for a church leader, left the church and discovered the BOM is not inspired. Freedom to finally think for myself!! CHANNEL, you are one very brave woman speaking your truth and I am so VERY HAPPY you woke up. Thank you kindly for your heartfelt and inspiring story.. ❣

Channel, thank you for your clarity, boldness, raw honesty sharing your stories. As a black female member, for decades, my head was nodding in recognition to every experience you shared. I only want to add that her experiences and mine are not unique. There are many of us suffering in silence. Thank you again and hugs!

2:30:35 "I can't believe I let it go so long..." Neither can I Channel... I didn't go through 10% what you did. I'm brazilian and, as you know, Brazil is a mixed country. There are racism and misconceptions here but way too soft. But what freak me out the most is: I joined a church that openly taught people being racist for years. What a shame for me. If one day I met my ancesters I'll beg their pardon.

I'm a never mormon and I was not prepared for this story. I knew Mormons were racist but this racist! My jaw is on the floor. Love and healing to Shannell.

This podcast is heartbreaking but so so necessary and what an amazingly beautiful classy smart eloquent woman to share this experience. Omg. My mind is blown by how people treat other people because of the color of their skin. I grew up in CA where we had friends of all colors. I don’t even remember looking at the skin of a person and judging whether or not they would be my friend. My best friends are of all colors. I’m so sorry Channel for the behaviors of so many. And what is the saddest is it’s the Mormon white religion that hurt you the deepest. I would love to meet you. You’re so beautiful your heart is beautiful and i never heard that the black people chose satan. How absolutely sick and wrong.

I am white and nonmormon, who happens to live in Utah. I tune in to your podcast to gain a deeper knowledge of the Mormon religion. This segment has opened my eyes to what black Americans experience in society. I now know how a black individual can experience systemic racism. This poor girl was subjected to this at a maximum level as it is built into and part of Mormon scripture and doctrine.

Nevermo here, too. Channel, worlds of kudos to you for being so candid about your pain and experiences. **John & Margi, it struck me that Channel underwent a type of "grooming" at the hands of members and co-missionaries. It came via the tests to her face to see how far she would go to betray her own culture, family, and self and instead prove her loyalty to the church. And as any grooming goes it was utterly self serving while utterly destructive to Channel. I know we try not to say "cult" these days. But if what she experienced does not scream the word, I'm not sure what does. Thank you again for bringing to light another stunning story- and I pray peace and healing for Channel and her family.❤️

I grew up in the church (in Brazil) and I didn't know SO MANY THINGS! I served on a mission and all. At the end of 2021 I decided to read the gospel topic essays about race and the priesthood... that's when my shelf broke. I was mad, offended and all. And then I knew the church was not true.

Oh my goodness. This woman's testimony truly follows my own (although I am much older) - I was lonely, about 54 years old, they love-bombed me; everyone SO happy to see me - the missionaries talked me into joining the church after 2 months. Then the real training began - the Bishop, who could call me to his office anytime; the fact that as a recovering alcoholic I was not deemed worthy of God's House (the Temple), finally realizing that as an unmarried woman I could never enter the highest level of being with Jesus and God. And to be honest, aside from the name, the utter lack of Jesus in the Sunday services. I got out after a year and a quarter, so glad I did!

I've only been listening to and really learning about Mormon religion and culture for a few months now, like I knew about them but mostly just the crazy offshoots of the big church, and it just makes my heart break more and more every story and every new thing learned. I absolutely cannot imagine the turmoil that this church has put Channel through. I was in a life-threatening, life-altering car accident right before my 30th birthday and I know how bad that screwed me up physically, emotionally, and mentally. I can't imagine being a vulnerable 18-year-old and having a church like this prey on me when I was in such a vulnerable state. I hope part 2 of this story is about her giving the LDS racists the finger, finding an amazing partner, finding her family and heritage again and finding some peace, love, solace, and gentleness for herself and her children.

I can’t remember the last time I checked my phone this many times for the drop of part 2. This story has me captivated. Thank you Mormon stories and Channel for sharing.

I was shocked at seeing the racism in my TBM family members. I didn't realize it existed so close to home.

I wasn't aware of the racism as a convert until I brought a toddler I was babysitting with me one sunday... she was African American. The reaxtion to this beautiful, intelligent sweet little girl and excited about showing off her new dress her mother bought her for the occassion was mixed.. a few welcomed her but it was many levels of uncomfortable-ness that I picked up on the moment I walked in the building with her and I thought it was my over reacting. When this normally outgoing friendly little chatterbox, firecracker started becoming quiet and clingy to me, I knew she felt it too and it wasn't just me, and I immediately removed her from the situation leaving early and not bringing her back again... I didn't last for much longer but I paid attention to how they treated the lone hispanic family and when the mother stepped up to give her testimony one sunday, she was thankful that joseph smith returned the truth to her people to give them a chance to return to god and repent for whateveer... my jaw was on the floor as she basically talked about how she was ashamed of her anscestors and a lot of the congregation was smiling and some nodding with approval, in affect, reinforcing the self-shame... oy vey... you have nothing to be ashamed of lady .... i had a lot of conflict between my feministic views and the church's expectaions of women, especially after my idea of startingg a brownie/girlscout troop was smacked down and given an explanation as to why. I was channel, i didn't like the book of mormon but I liked everything else about it in the beginning as an 18 year old convert.

I taught my children never to forgive racism , I stand by that .

I love that we get to hear from Channel ❤ She has such a beautiful voice. I hope we get to hear her sing something.

Thank you for sharing your story, Channel, and thank you for doing this interview, John and Margie. In 2013 I had a conversation with an LDS friend wherein he said some very bizarre, racist things, but now I understand why he has the attitudes he does. I can't believe more people don't know about the racism in this church.

This is an amazing story. Thank you for sharing your story. Even though I am never-mo, I still connected to this story and learned more about the Mormon doctrine and racism through this video.

Again, a super podcast by Mormon Stories. Channel is a very powerful lady. The she was treated and accepted years earlier, I’m sick to my stomach.

You know what kills me with the pie analogy - I remember talking during an FHE when we were in the church about staying away from sin and not participating even a little bit in sinful behaviors and compared it to a brownie with poo and asked them, "if you someone offered you a brownie but it had a little poo in it, would you eat it?" Obviously not. Unfortunately for the church, there's a lot of poo in their brownies.

The obnoxious arrogance of that woman telling a young girl "you can fix it". Fix what?? How heartbreaking. The Mormon Church is so problematic in so many ways.

I don't think Channel is saying she never had any good experiences but the bad experiences out weighted her good. The bad experiences I think we're having a negative effect on her in the end. I think she just became more aware and stood up for herself. In some cases the church rules can prevent a person from being their true self or real self. I think Channel has just become more of her real self by questioning the mormon religion.

Oh this is even worse than I realised. I knew the history was bad and the doctrine was awful regarding blacks but to hear how much this still affects people in this day and age is absolutely atrocious and heartbreaking. I would occasionally come across ignorant comments or attitudes in the church regarding race and I knew the potential for it to happen but to hear this first hand is eye opening even for me.

Grateful for this deep dive into Mormon critical race theory via Channel’s lived experience which she shares magnanimously. Now on to episode two for more learning and cultural awareness.

I'm preparing my meal for tonight listening to this episode, and my heart is breaking; it's not the onions making my eyes tear up. Racism is bad enough, but to hear what poor Channel has been through thanks to the Mormon Church, it's just beyond my wildest comprehension. Channel, I've learned a lot today, and I truly hope you have found some peace now.

I'm a current Mormon, black.. her experience honestly terrifies me. I love my faith, but this terrifies me to my core. This is awful, this darn near horrific. I can't imagine being basically forced to marry a stranger because he's black.. being pressured to the extent she was. I hold a temple recommend with pride, because duh lol and this is how I could be treated?! Gaslit beyond anything I have ever seen. Update: not to defend Mormonism at all, but I like a lot of the ideas that it teaches... Not they are true or untrue... The idea that I could possibly be helping someone receive salvation on the otherside is a cool idea... Like why wouldn't I want that for someone else if they choose it? Because I'm not as old as most that have these shelf shattering experiences... I understand that even if it's all a lie, my intentions are not and we're not malicious.. I get frustrated with idea that Mormon church has a racist past, however every religion has one... I honestly don't know of one that hasn't been, racist, or sexiest, or classist, I choose to be a current Mormon not because I know everything to be true actually most of it is made up.. but for the ideas that aren't like serving others or helping your own I stay... The love bombing I have been shown hasn't gone away and it's been almost 4yrs total with investigation and baptism included.. I had surgery my ward members were at my door daily with a meal, I couldn't drive myself post surgery (5hrs total of driving) a ward member stepped up, every Birthday, Christmas, Thanksgiving etc. Someone has taken care of me in some way... When I went to my Bishop and said hey this is hard, he didn't brush me off he sat with me and listened for what felt like hours as I cried.. it may not be true but it's been good to me when I needed it most.. Yes I'm terrified to be pressured into marrying a stranger, or overt racism to my face, or someone treating me less than human but thus far after all this time.. I may have stars in my eyes but I understand it..

Wow, such a powerful episode. I'm actually crying. Huge thank you to Channel for sharing her difficult story, I'm so sorry for how the church and its members treated her.

Super powerful show...thanks for the raw and honest truth ... Thanks for saying the words that need to be said ...

So great that a long time was spent to get to know her as a person, not just about her Mormon experience…many,many similar experiences to my youth as a Catholic,and then as a convert to being a Baptist fundamentalist Christian, to today…

As an Oklahoman I'm embarrassed and I'm so sorry Channel that these people treated you horribly! My sister in law dated a Mormon and he was SO RACIST against Native Americans... he always disparaged them at every turn! Ugh! This makes me want to scream!

NeverMo here too. I’m so sorry for your experience. You are beautiful and precious and invaluable for who you are. Thank you for sharing your pain. ❤

Wow. This is the most powerful episodes I’ve seen in awhile. Thank you for allowing us to hear your story.

Channel you are so courageous for talking about your experiences. Your candidness is exactly what is needed to show the rascism in the Church. I remember hearing the same things growing up. I would bring it up to my parents and they would say the Church isn't rascist and God loves everyone and would follow up with the races shouldn't mix. This right here is the racism, members say doesn't exist. Channel you are brilliant and smart and beautiful! Thank you so so so much! I hope this brings the change that so desperately needs to happen on this issue.

Thank you, Channel, for your time and vulnerability and honesty in sharing your experiences. You continue to give, even when you've gone way beyond! I really appreciate the example you provided of the fictitious family where some of the children are secretly rewarded and helped along, while another is restricted in comparison. This example is apt for describing BOTH structural racism in the US as well as doctrine-based racism in the LDS church. Coincidence??

I visited a Mormon church with a friend of mine for a while about 10 years ago. I’m so glad I didn’t go through with baptism. They really wanted me to, but it just didn’t feel right. They pushed it hard. Now I am learning so many things I didn’t know about the religion and doctrine.

Margie is just so thought provoking, compassionate and wise. Favorite co host you bring on!!!

An absolutely vital viewpoint to be added to Mormon Stories. ❤ I’ve been wondering…what would the church’s expectations be for a mixed race member in regards to marriage? Would a mixed race member be expected to marry another mixed race member? And if so, would just mixed in general be enough, or would they be expected to find a member who is the exact same mix as they are? (File Under: More Situations Even the Prophet Couldn’t Foresee)

The more I dig into the Mormon's racist past, the more I realize why my parents and grandparents took such issue with my high school boyfriend. It wasn't just because he was non-lds, it was also because he was black. Based on the church teachings, they believed to their core that he was evil and cursed, I was stained just by associating with him, and our children would be products of the curse, poisoning our pure, white family lineage.

Ohhhhh this makes a lot of sense. My husband is black and my parents are SOOO into mormanism it’s toxic. I havnt talked to them for 4 years because of how unhealthy they are. Sos 🆘

Powerful story, I’m so proud of you for telling it.

I definitely agree with her, I grew up in Tennessee and had a Stake President spiritually abuse me and didn't like I was part-Greek.

I watched this the other day on facebook and as a native Kiwi and Polynesian. What Chanel testifies is exactly true. It happens here in New Zealand and it happens within the Polynesian community as well. I ain't talking bulls!t coz I've witnessed others go through it and it's also happened to me. NZ's dark quiet racist, prejudice and supremacist ways are alive and well down under. 🤣🤣🤦🏾‍♂🤷🏾‍♂

Excellent. Thanks for having Channel back!

Channel, you are so incredible. I'm so sorry you went through all this. You deserved so much more. I'm glad you're free of this. I'm so so angry your light was stomped on. Thank you for your strength and perseverance. Love, your fellow ocean water slush friend.

I love how you grew up!!! I wish I had something like that. At parties, if you yelled looking for a cousin, you would get in trouble. My dads side of the family, they are heavy meat eaters and my uncles could eat multiple hamburgers and they just weren’t that good. They were barely a step above cafeteria ones. I didn’t have a good homemade one until I met my husband. My moms side of the family, bless my grandmas heart. She couldn’t cook at all. Just like me. Something is missing there. So the food was ok. But just pretty basic. Christmas may have something to get excited about, but nothing that stands out. Your family sounds amazing!!!

I loved hearing Channel’s Mormon Story. I’m glad she is sharing it. Bawling through a lot of it. ❤😢

I went through the temple prior to 1991, it was the 80s and it freaked me out. Never accepted it.

I hurt for her when she said they were taking all these little things about her and telling her it wasn't good....And they are all completely arbitrary things. I felt that too... Constantly thinking I was a bad person for completely arbitrary things that don't matter

I found a story on my newsfeed this morning and I have a story to share about racism in the Mormon church. In 1951-1952 in Utah, my grandmother was married to a devout Mormon man (my grandfather) began to expose and speak out about and against the treatment of women and people of color within the church. They also held the the same belief about interracial marriage and how they viewed black people as being black due to not only a curse, but that they were black due to being born of sin. My grandmother of course was excommunicated and divorced my grandfather. She wrote a pamphlet about her experience and cross country journey as she escaped with her two boys. It’s still in circulation to this very day. My dad was 11 and my uncle was just two years old. My father was also being prepped to be initiated into the priesthood in the temple. She refused to allow this to happen. She went on to become first a baptist minister and then ultimately became a Reverend at a Pentecostal church. Growing up, due to his conditioning, my father retained the racist doctrine of the Mormon church. Of all places he raised us in the inner city. My father was also the coach to all of the young talented black youth on our block and neighboring streets. We were the only “white” family on the block. One day as I was standing on the porch with him, he said to me as a young girl, “look at all of them, that’s my future income” I didn’t understand until later. He was hoping that one of them would become a professional athlete and he was hoping to cash in. Why he chose to live in the area we grew up in considering his deep and vile racism he learned while a part of the Mormon church. Often, also as a young girl, while sitting next to him at church, a woman who had two biracial boys would walk into the sanctuary before service, he made it a point to elbow me and then tell me, “look at her boys, THATS why we don’t mix races, look how ugly they are.” But even as a young Child, I would say to him that’s not nice daddy. You shouldn’t say that. All of my friends were black and it hurt so deeply in my little girl heart. His hatred for them ran so deep within him. My mother began to shelter me from his views and was also a community activist, and protested for civil rights in a peaceful way. She even made the front page of the local newspaper as she fought to keep our inner city schools opened. How their marriage survived due to differing views is beyond me. My mother didn’t have a racist bone in her body. Now I’m going to share how my fathers conditioning and savage racism altered my life and utterly devestated my life and broke my heart into a million pieces for years and years. I met a black man and fell in love. My father was furious. I became pregnant with a biracial child and was terrified of what my father would say to me and how he would handle it. Let me say first, I was raised that abortion was the ultimate sin and a one way ticket to hell as he considered it murder. I waited until I was 14 weeks to tell him I was carrying a biracial child, in hopes to force him to accept it and also because at 14 weeks, an abortion wouldn’t be possible. Twelve weeks was the cutoff to perform them. Upon finding out, he flew out of his chair and condemned me for letting this happen and that I was carrying SIN within me. I was now dirty. He forced me to get an abortion and told me to lie to the clinic about how far along I was. My mom was terrified of my father and wasn’t able to protect me and my unborn child. Because of the extenuating circumstances, an abortion is allowable, in my case according to my preacher daddy. I was completely devestated. His racism was now destroying me. I lost my beautiful baby due to his warped and distorted vile views. I was never the same after that. I feel it important to mention that my grandmother secretly revealed to me that we were part black Dutch and my father wouldn’t allow us to be told. My sister had blonde hair, blue eyes and very fair skin, he told me that because of this, she would be able to find a husband and accepted by society because he viewed her as pure and acceptable in the eyes of God. However, I was told by him, that due to my dark brown hair and olive skin, I would have a difficult life and not accepted by others and would have a very hard time finding a husband and would have to work extra hard to make it in this world. I was only 8 years old and it broke my spirit. My great grandmother had Scandinavian in her genes, so that’s where my sisters skin, hair and eyes came from. It was my great grandfather was who was black Dutch. I was tainted in my dads eyes. In my grandmothers pamphlet I would like to add, she also exposed many of the inner workings of the temple. And their ceremonies. She was very brave to take a stand against the church. And as for my father……for years I said, i often thought to myself, that I wouldn’t be surprised if he had a robe with a white hood tucked away in his closet and snuck off to gather in the woods. This is what the church did to my father. He was brainwashed at a young age. And the trickle down affect almost destroyed me. It definitely affected me in irreversible ways. So YES! The doctrine is real. And it was and is unacceptable in every way.

This episode is the single most damning piece I've heard against the LDS church as it currently stands. The absolute most damning part? It's in no way adversarial, in fact the only one's showing contempt are the members who've discrimated against this beautiful woman who has so selflessly served the Lord.

I love how you both respond “I’m sorry” to horrible experience she shares. No different than other tragic experiences we would normally respond with An apology, not because you are personally responsible but empathize with how one might feel. This is such an informative podcast.

I found this and am revitied. I see some of my teenager self in Chanel. I hear her and would love to give her a hug. At 17, I met my first missionaries, thru a white friend, newly baptized LDS. The missionaries were cute too,😉 and my friend had a crush on one. They also told me, with help of my friend's mom, I was black because of the Curse of Cain. What? I'm a teen, lost my mom at 13, and now you're telling me about a curse? The Priesthood ban on Blacks was going on then--and I didn't get "why." I've read more history of the church since then. A couple years later was 1978, and the Ban on Blacks, was no more. That same friend was so excited and told me to go ahead and join now. I did not and have not.

It began with Brigham Young on the Curse with Cain and continued until Spencer W Kimball.

“Pre-existent choice” being the reason to make black people less than is gaslighting and so very ugly. Channel, you are beautiful inside and out. People with brown and black skin and people are beautiful. Aren’t Christians and Mormons supposed to love everyone? I never cease to be floored at how awfully people can treat each other, especially over things we can’t help like our skin color 😢 Agree that Caste is a great book.

If the LDS Church were sincere in believing that the human race are all God's children, then they should include this video in their missionary training, or better, tell all LDS that a revelation from God is telling them all to watch it. Channel is so open and honest. As an old white guy originally from Arkansas, I know how true and real her experiences have been, and how impossible it is for white folks to really know what that's like. I was so lucky to get an Arkansas mother who never uttered a racist word, who spared me from being exposed to it, at least at home, and who welcomed my Asian wife from Malaysia and our three beautiful children. Probably the best way to reduce racism is to encourage racial intermarriage and to describe the beauty of all the varieties of people by seeing humanity as a flower garden. The diversity of colors and shapes makes a flower garden more beautiful. This is educational and more!

I’m not even through this testimony and I’m frightened for her, she got baptized into this. Omgosh 😢 1:08:10

Back in 2010-2011 I went to a charter school for a year. We were taught about the fear of interracial marriage and the horribly-racist concept of "miscegenation" was introduced - as a construct used to form policy in the *mid-nineteenth century*, NOT a basis on which people made dating and marriage decisions in the 1980s and 1990s! Yikes! The racism in the BoM/Church doctrine was one of my top reasons for leaving the church (my exit happened in 2010-2012), but I'm white so I didn't even know then how bad it was. Nor did I understand about internalized racism and how I could say harmful things without realizing it. I guess the Church was too busy teaching me how to be a good house wife to dedicate any time to how to not perpetuate racism. Here's to giving the next generation a better start!

Dearest Channel, you're a beautiful brave lady, thank you for your vulnerability and sharing with us. Sending you love and positive thoughts your way darlin ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

I felt the exact same way as Channel the first time I went through the temple. Freaked me out! Thanks for sharing your story so openly and honestly. ❤️

Thank you, Channel, for all of your contributions to this discussion. I will also add, with the understanding that it's obvious and unnecessary, that there has never been anything wrong with you in regards to the Mormon church, but everything with it.

I am sad, and I am happy for you and this Podcast! I was also a member and I was baptized ! I relay with your experience so much! I wish all of you well!

This episode broke me, I hurt for you. I hurt for my past inculcations, I hurt for your pain, I hurt for your experience.

Thank you Dehlins for asking her details about her childhood and personality! I feel like I can relate to her emotional experiences better since I know a little about her motivations that form her LDS journey.

I so appreciate this episode! Thank you for bringing such an important topic to the table and discussing so openly and honestly this is exactly what is needed! These stories need to be told and heard asks talked about in this open and honest way. It’s very eye opening to just how much ignorance continues to exist today and the systemic racism that exists that for those who don’t personally experience it don’t understand it. I include myself in that as I’ve been learning so much that I didn’t understand before and realizing how ignorant I have been even when I thought I wasn’t. I’m fascinated by everyone’s different experiences growing up in this religion and it’s helped me through my own “faith crisis” growing up in this and loving it my whole life until the rose colored glasses were lifted and the blinders came off.

I’m proud to say that lady Channel was talking about who showed her kindness unconditionally, is my mom.

More Channel. More Channel. More Channel. Her story and voice is so strong and powerful. Thank you for this!❤

Thanks so much for sharing, Channel! Listening to your story helped me shift my perspective. This interview was powerful and I’m sure others will find it helpful in understanding and unpacking the harmful ideas we were raised with in Mormonism.

This just breaks my heart💔. Mormanism… believing that black people are somehow less than? We are all children of God. Channel is a beautiful woman whom I would be honored to know. ❤

This story is devastating but sadly not shocking to me. Glad she touched on the lack of authenticity of relationships within the religious framework. The loss of community, the immediate cut away of connection (surface level as it is) is devastating initially for sure. It was a rude awakening that 99% of Mormon connection is based on attendance and participation in church callings, church programs, and religious practices. The relationships I had (even some family relationships!) weren't about me at all, they were about my connection to the church. But better to know then not know! My relationships now are rock solid and authentic. Nothing better than that.

I grew up in Mississippi, raised in the church by convert parents, and never in my life could I have imagined someone being treated this way in the church. My heart is so broken to hear what Channel went through. Never in any of my time in Church did I hear people say whites and blacks couldn’t date or marry. So I am so astonished that it was so explicitly said to her. This, of course, is only my perspective as a white woman so maybe that’s why I never encountered it. Even still, I was raised with the notion that we are all God’s children and equally deserving of love. I cannot begin to fathom how anyone, no matter what their standing in the church, could think it is okay to say that to another human being. Another child of God. My heart breaks for her. And in the same breath as a white woman, I am angry for her. No one should be pressured into situations and marriages they don’t feel 100% about.

Wow, this is the most powerful story I have heard so far - I say this because it is close to me as well.

Thank you Channel for sharing your story!

0:45 I was one of the many that wanted to hear her story! I can't wait.

This has been great. I am struggling with the boundaries of an interracial friendship. Trying to understand and redefine. Trying to accept my missteps but not rewrite everything. Human are messy snd amazing. Deep in the messy right now.

Wow, amazingly enlightening & powerful, as a nomo. Her comment, “ I didn’t like the Book of Mormon, but I liked them.” was so significant as most extreme religions & cults prey on people who have a strong unmet desire to be a part of, to be loved & cared for by others, & to be part of something much larger where they feel they matter. Families can provide one level of this for some, & Chanel seemed to have a close family w/ deep connections w/ one another. However, it seems clear she wanted & needed more of that “part of” piece. Rolling the “Prosperity Gospel” into the connection piece just sealed the deal, imo. Thank you … One of my favorite episodes so far next to Gary & Ernie’s story and Brinley’s.

So sorry for what all you have endured Channel, much love to you.

Whoa. Margi. "The hard thing about intention is that it's connected to the level of awareness you have." (1:21) I had to pause here and repeat it out loud a few times. Profound.

Thank you for sharing your story! - never mo

I'm a black South African and I remember these white people coming to the township in the early 1990's. This is just after Apartheid "officially ended" but before our 1st election (1994). Anyway I was surprised these white Americans were going door to door in our township and in our then home. My Father called us to talk to them or listen to them. I think they came for 2 "Bible/Mormon" studies then they stopped coming. We were attending a Charasmatic Church and I think what turned my parents off was this additional books of the Bible story. There is still a Mormon Temple in that township to this day. I guess my Father saved us from religious racism, mind you South Africa was transitioning so we faced "White systematic racism" at the schools that were integrating back then. But I feel for Channel, she's much older than I but we are both Black and had to deal with a white power structure. I think the best that could come from this is for Channel to preach her "Testimony" & those who can to support her financially. As much as she says she doesn't want to be strong you can see this lady is mentally and emotionally tough. Like super super head strong. They didn't break her will & she needs her own platform. Her strength can help a lot of people & not just relating to Mormonism. She needs a talk show, she reminds me of Oprah. Good luck Channel, I hope your life has changed for the better.

Man, I love Margie! Such great insight. Thank you for sharing this story. I've been guilty of love bombing, because they taught us to. It sucks. And it's harmful.

"Amistad" by Spielberg changed a lot of my perspectives. "Glory" with James Horner's score was aMAzing.

Not 18 minutes and she’s describing my childhood blood 98% as a POC. The games, the dancing , the bid wiz (going on how it was pronounced in my family), the laughter, loudness, swearing, everything but the TexMex because I’m from MO. Many black people if they’re watching this are smiling and nodding. I almost don’t want to watch this because I know her experience was not good and it’s going to hurt but we endure hard things so I will listen to her story.

I was also told this😢. When i became friendlier with them in the church, i continued to press this point. I was told they ( as missionaries ) were to avoid this point, not to answer.

I’m a never mo- mixed but white passing, but.. Channels story breaks my heart. Over and over. No one deserves the treatment she was given.. Channel - I will give, you’re a beautiful woman, who deserves whatever you please in life. Your heart - is so strong and caring. I only wish the people in your life right now can give back the same. ((I’m totally listening to all of your story))

A riveting story!

This interview highlights the realities of harmful racist teachings. So glad to hear Chanel’s story.❤

Channel is my new hero.

This is the most compelling video I’ve watched here. I had other things to do, it was getting dark and I couldn’t reach a lamp, and eventually I had to pee! I couldn’t stop listening.

Everytime I think I know about all the horrors of this multi layered disgusting institutionalised racism , this systemic chamber of horrors , something else happens , like this heartbreaking interview. I have lived abroad for most of my life and I am well familiar with the evils of racism and xenophobia , I am sad to say that as we live through this right wing wave , I have never felt so unsafe . I am so happy I was not brought up religious . I would like to commend John and Margi for always , always providing a safe space for very difficult topics . Channel you are a beautiful woman ❤️