1896 ~ The Thatcher Episode ~ A Review of M. Thatcher’s Claims, Pleas and Admissions

Fair used condition pamphlet with wear and tear in sleeve, readable. This is an original 1896 copy; not a reprint.

Moses Thatcher was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles who became involved in political tensions during the 1890s as Utah moved toward statehood. Church leadership, including Wilford Woodruff and later Lorenzo Snow, sought to establish political neutrality and required general authorities to obtain First Presidency approval before running for public office. This policy was formalized in what became known as the Political Manifesto (1895–1896).

Thatcher resisted signing the manifesto, believing it infringed on individual political agency. The disagreement escalated, and in 1896 he was dropped from the Quorum of the Twelve. Although he was not excommunicated at that time, he was later disciplined and eventually excommunicated in 1909 after continued estrangement from Church leadership.