Controversy Between the Laffertys & School of the Prophets

[This was written in 1985.]

I am sure that there are many people out there who have wondered what really happened between the School of the Prophets and the Lafferty brothers.

I will not pretend to know what happened prior to the brief two and a half months we knew the Laffertys–what really was going on in their lives and minds is difficult to say. They had had bitter problems and controversies in marriage, work, church and politics for years.

I was introduced to them by Barry Crowther, he being an acquaintance of theirs. I met most of them one evening and talked to them until the wee hours of the morning. Five of the six brothers were practically converted to the work together, and began to ask what they could do. They became extremely enthusiastic when they realized that we had just been given a commandment by the Lord to send three Sections (#24-25-26) of the Second Book of Commandments [previously named the Book of Onias] to all the Stake and Ward authorities–as quoted here:

“And this day ye have read that which I have caused My servant Lee to write concerning the apostasy of My people in which they have committed fornication against Me.

Behold I say unto you, when ye prepare the pamphlets to send out to the presidents of Stakes and bishops of the wards of My church, ye shall prepare and send this discourse also that all these be warned.

And ye shall send this to the President of My church and all the Apostles, and presidents, and members of the First Council of Seventy, and the Presiding Bishop as a final testimony against them. --2BC:104:10-12

Being unemployed or self-employed at the time, several decided to help out School members in Boise to print up the pamphlets. It was like a miracle to us, for what would have taken us several months to accomplish in our spare time, they were able to accomplish in two weeks working day and night.

Then the Lord commanded us to move the entire operation from Boise to Salem.

“Ye shall also prepare to transport the printing equipment to Salem, Utah, and do so as soon as ye have completed printing the Book of Onias, and sufficient copies of the pamphlets and discourse for mailing.

For I say unto you, from this time forth ye shall no longer mail the pamphlets from Boise.

Behold there is a wise purpose in following this plan that ye know not of, and it must needs be that ye follow this as I have stated, otherwise there is no blessing. --2BC 105:12-14

This was also accomplished without delay. All was moved to the Lafferty home in Provo, which is owned by the mother of these men; their father being deceased. I remember spending many hours and days working there with several others folding, sorting, collating pamphlets–approx­imately fifteen thousand. There were many people interested at that time, and public meetings were held each week in this home. There was a good spirit pre­vailing, but there was also some criticism directed at myself. I was away too much. I did not teach enough. I had not accomplished some things that I should have done. Possibly the criticism was valid. One of the doctrines I emphasized and encouraged and still do is that each one of the School should seek safeguards too, so that they would not be deceived. [For instance D&C 50:22-25; 52:14-19; 124:95,97; 129:all]

The Laffertys as well as several others were quick to pick this up, and several of them began to seek valid revelation, which they brought before the School for discussion and approval. It had been revealed to us:

“And again concerning the receiving of revelation in My School. When a man or woman receives a revelation pertaining to their own calling in Zion, it shall be brought before the School in their area, and they can receive confirmation from Me whether it should be acted upon or not, or whether it be from Me or from another source. And if there be a disputation, it shall be referred to the School of the Prophets for the Whole World. --2BC 106:5-7

Ron, Watson, Dan, Mark and Tim were called to the School by revelation. Some outside this family also were called–being Barry, David2 and David.

“And I call My servants Daniel, Ronald, Watson, and Timothy to My school, if they will have it, and be as counselors to My servant Barry. Nevertheless, they have different talents given unto them, for I call My servants Ronald and Watson to finish the printing and see that it is completed; For those who have just stepped forward I have prepared and have called before they were born to be an elect people, for they are the true blood of Israel, and of the chosen seed; Therefore, if they heed My will I will pour out My Spirit upon them, and give unto them the blessings of Abraham. Nevertheless, all must seek after their talents, and work hard to obtain them; otherwise they shall flee from them.” --From an unpublished revelation to the Prophet dated January 8, 1984

Also:

“And I call My servant Ronald to be a bishop in the United Order in this part of My vineyard; and that he be not a counselor, but a teacher, that he may impart his knowledge in the School. And again I call Mark to be a counselor in the School to My servant Barry, and also My servant David2 if he will have it, and they also shall be teachers in My school.” --From an unpublished revelation to the Prophet dated February 18, 1984

But just as at the time of Joseph Smith, the adversary was raging to see his kingdom being threatened. And just as he has done before, he used the weaknesses in all of us. In their callings, the Lord had warned them of certain things to be wary of. It was sad to see such strong, intelligent men being led so carefully astray.

I first noticed Ron, his personality would change from an extremely kind gentleman, to a man full of hate and anger. In his position as bishop, he started to dictate to everyone and would get angry if they did not do what he said. I had given several lectures on how we should all get work and begin to build up Zion. For this instruction I was severely criticized.

They had built up an attitude that it was wrong to patronize what we called Babylon, and shunned insurance, driver’s licenses and Social Security cards. They felt that God would bring about a miracle and provide us with immediate wealth. I told them that I didn’t think the Lord wanted Zion to be built up in such a manner. He had told me that all were required to work in Zion and to be fair with Babylon, and I didn’t think he exempted anyone.  A later revelation said:

“And those who are working in Babylon shall continue to do so until they find employment among the brethren, and none shall act foolishly; For some have not been led by Me in these matters, but have gone their own way in their desire to sever their ties with Babylon. Nevertheless, I count this not a fault, for their desires to serve Me and the cause of Zion doth bring a sweet savor to Me, saith the LORD. Yet all must be done in order, that confusion reigneth not.” --From an unpublished revelation to the Prophet dated April 24, 1984

The printing and stapling and folding of the pamphlets was completed, and all that remained was the addressing and mailing. The Laffertys had contributed quite a sum in both time and money, but now everything came to a halt. A meeting was called at the Laffertys, and all were requested to attend. As with all the meetings, the sacrament was administered, but this time several had felt inspired to use wine.

My son Scott said that he wouldn’t partake of the wine. His lips had never touched it and he would rather have juice or water. It was at this time that Ron very sarcastically ridiculed him and myself before the whole group. David2, Scott and myself took water instead of wine. After the sacrament was administered, Ron finished his glass and downed one or two more glasses. He kept ridiculing me, saying that I was too old and slow, and it was about time I was released. He did this sarcastically and said that the Lafferty brothers should take over. He was supported by Dan and Watson. After the meeting, Ron had to retire to the bedroom, he being too overcome with wine it seemed.

Ron placed before the School a revelation on marriage. We all took a copy and said we would ask the Lord if it was correct or not. It said:

Revelation by Ronald Lafferty
(Rejected by the School of the Prophets)

My son, it is my will that ye write the thing that I have taught thee in order that all mankind might benefit from the thing which I have commanded concerning the proper time for a man to have sexual intercourse with his mate or mates. Have I not taught that all things are created spiritually before they are created physically, and does not this also apply in the matter of sexual intercourse? As in the sacrament, if a man partake unworthily he eateth and drinketh damnation unto his soul. Likewise, if a man lay with his mate for any other reason than for the purpose of consummating the marriage, having offspring, or renewing the marriage covenant, he partaketh unworthily.

And it is my will that he first create a spiritual harmony with the Savior before partaking of the sacrament. For by partaking of the sacrament does he not show me outwardly that he will continually keep his baptismal covenant, and by partaking in the physical act does he not show outwardly that he will continually keep the marriage covenant? And it is my will that when the spiritual harmony between the man and the woman be created, that the woman initiate the physical union by expressing her desires unto her mate, and it is the man’s responsibility to receive a witness that the act is proper, and that no lustful or unclean thoughts enter in. This is my will and commandment. Even so, Amen.

We found out also that Ron had taken to himself a wife without a marriage ceremony, and justified himself in doing this by saying he had received a revelation to do so–although he refrained from having it approved by the School.

It was at this meeting also, unbeknown to me, that Ron showed Barry Crowther his “hidden” revelation. Barry came to me after the meeting and said that Ron had shown him a revelation he had received, that intimated that three lives were to be terminated. Of course I could not believe this–possibly he had read the revelation incorrectly. He said that he hoped this was the case, but was afraid it wasn’t, because they had wanted us to dedicate an instrument at the meeting. (We found out later that it was a straight razor.) He told me that Ron had told him that it was similar to Nephi’s commandment when he was commanded by the Lord to terminate the life of Laban. Ron said that we had to do it or receive the wrath of God. I said I would pray about it–I did not want to receive the wrath of God, but more than that, I did not want to be party to any such action.

All these things upset me exceedingly. If the Lord wanted me replaced I was certainly willing to step aside, but the happenings at the meeting troubled me very much. In response to my prayers, the Lord gave me the following revelation.

Second Book of Commandments
Section 107
Revelation received March 29, 1984

My son, ye have asked Me concerning the revelations of Ronald, whether they be of Me or not. Behold My son, they are not of Me; for have I not explained in detail the marriage covenant and wherein have I instructed thee in any matter as to a man coming to his wife? For ye have much more knowledge of cleanliness than did Mine ancient covenant people, and I gave these laws that they be not destroyed by disease and be swept from the earth.

And I have said previously that if a man lieth with a woman he must then take her unto himself to be his wife, but if it be not by a sign and witness or by My word, then they are out of order. But if it be by a sign and witness then let none forbid, for it is of Me and I shall bless them.

And concerning the other revelations, they also are not of Me, and cannot be, for all revelation pertaining to Zion shall be brought before the First School of the Prophets, even as I before have said, and none can be hid from the head. And thus ye shall know from this time forth, that those who seek to hide their revelations, except it be commanded by Me that they be shown only to whom I shall reveal to thee, ye know of a surety they are not from Me but from a different source. For the still small voice dictateth not to the mind, but speaketh by the Spirit which taketh not away from his free agency, but alloweth him to use his own words and diction, howbeit it is My mind and will.

And unto the Lafferty brothers, let them be patient and heed My word through My prophet and refrain from doing that which they have contemplated, for vengeance is Mine, and I will deal with Mine enemies in Mine own due time. For if they do this thing, they will be destroyed and then will they be of use in building up of My kingdom? For have I not said that I would fight your battles? And have I not fought the battles for My servant, and have not those that have fought against him been smitten and their authority been destroyed? For it is worse for a man to lose his Priesthood than to lose his life; nevertheless, they soon shall suffer the physical destruction of their bodies, for the time will soon come when the destruction I have promised will be upon them. And if the brothers heed not My word and continue to be influenced by false spirits and repent not, ye shall release them from My school and appoint others. Yet if they thoroughly repent, I will be merciful unto them.

And they have accused My servants, yet it is because of their actions that I have not opened the windows of Heaven as ye have asked. For at first their hearts were right before Me, but because they desired the head they lost My Spirit. And when they no longer had My Spirit, they sought to advance without it, for they sought not nor listened to their head, but sought to be a law unto themselves, and then they received the promptings of the false spirit. Nevertheless, My servant Timothy is correct before Me, and if he continues in the path of righteousness, I will bless him with My Spirit that he may discern the spirits and accept the truth.

And unto My servant Mark, I say unto you, ye have a gift; nevertheless, ye shall use it by the guidance of the School that it be a blessing unto My people.

And concerning the sacrament, behold I have said unto you through My servant Joseph Smith that ye purchase not wine from your enemies, yet ye have heeded not My instructions and ye have received a false spirit by its use. Therefore, if ye use wine, it shall be of your own making and not of your enemies, for they prepare wine that it be used to bind men with great fetters, and if ye use it ye also will be bound with these fetters. Behold, I say these things by way of instruction that ye may learn wisdom, for this is the purpose of My school. Continually seek for My Spirit, nevertheless ye must try the spirits that ye be not deceived. Even so, Amen.

Much later, when it was published in the Provo Daily Herald, I saw the revelation which Ron wrote and showed briefly to Barry that day:

Revelation by Ronald Lafferty
(Rejected by the School of the Prophets)

Thus saith the lord unto my servants the prophets. It is my will and commandment that ye remove the following individuals in order that my work might go forward. For they have truly become obstacles in my path and I will not allow my work to be stopped. First, thy brother’s wife Brenda and her baby, then Chloe Low and then Richard Stowe. And it is my will that they be removed in rapid succession, and that an example be made of them in order that others might see the fate of those who fight against the true saints of god.

And it is my will that this matter to taken care of as soon as possible and I will prepare a way for my instrument to be delivered and instruction be given unto my servant Todd. And it is my will that he show great care in his duties for I have raised him up and prepared him for this important work and is he not like unto my servant Porter Rockwell? And great blessings await him, for I am the lord thy god and have control over all things. Be still and know that I am with thee. Even so, Amen

On the 29th of March, a Thursday, we had a meeting of the School at Barry’s place. Mrs. Lafferty had seen what was happening to her sons and felt we were the cause, and didn’t want us to hold meetings at her place anymore. We then decided to hold our meetings at Barry’s place–this being the first one. It was a good meeting– except that Watson attended and wanted us to dedicate an instrument–which of course we refused. Watson left the meeting with a bad spirit. Ron and Dan were away and did not attend.

Our next meeting was held on April 5th, again at Barry’s place. We were surprised to see Ron, Dan and Watson attend the meeting–seeing they knew we were not in agreement with them. I sat facing West and Dan, Watson and Ron on my left. David was facing me and to his left was Tim and Mark–then to my right was Barry, and right next to me, chairing the meeting was David2.

Dan and Watson spent quite some time explaining why they could no longer support me nor the revelation I had received releasing Ron from the Bishopric; and they were fully supportive of Ron’s several revelations, and that he should take my place, and I should be released. This revelation was referred to:

“And those whom I have called in Provo shall be called the School of the Prophets for the Provo Area, and thus I shall fill My footstool that the righteous of all nations may come and learn My word concerning them. And I call My servant Ronald to be a full counselor in this School, and the other counselors shall remain. And as President of this School I call My servant David2.

And they shall meet together and call upon Me saith the LORD and choose by My word a bishop from the remainder of those whom have stepped forward, that all things be done in order. Nevertheless, ye shall say unto My servant Ronald that he shall continue to prepare the pamphlets and complete the other works, and continue on in the office of a bishop until another be chosen. --2BC 106:15-19

Ron then spoke and related some very spiritual experiences he had received, saying all the time that he did not seek the head but it was the Lord that wanted him there, and had called him to be a prophet to replace me.

I did know that Barry was in my favor, but Ron, Dan and Watson’s talks were very impressive. There were eight of us and I did not know how the others would vote, but the Spirit was upon me and I did not fear in any way what they were saying. Three votes against me were recorded, and Tim’s vote came. He just quietly said that he voted for me. His brothers gave him a look of disdain and David voted in my favor also. Shortly before this, Mark had to leave because of a business appointment, but he left his vote with Tim in my favor. Barry made a short speech saying the he was against violence of any sort and did not need to ask the Lord–he knew that Ron was in error, and advised him to change his course or he would be in a lot of trouble.

Ron spoke at this time again and told David2 that he totally supported him by telling him that he was doing an excellent job. I feel he was making a last ditch effort to tie the vote. When David2 spoke, however, his voice was emphatic. He said he had asked the Lord, and the Lord had made it clear to him that Ron was in gross error, and that he supported me.

When he finished speaking, there was an immediate response by Ron, Watson and Dan–they all rose at once and said that they were leaving, except Dan. He wanted to go to a room and pray, but Ron and Watson left. Just before they left, however, they said, “Bob, your life is in danger”, and accused me of trying to steady the ‘ark’, (referring to the ark of the covenant and D&C 85:8)

Dan shortly came out of the room he had been praying in and looked confused. He could not remember where the door was and we had to show him where to go. He then left also. When they left, it seemed that a great evil had left with them. It felt like a great load off our shoulders, but we all felt saddened to think that these men would be destroyed as the Lord had said in the revelation, if they did not repent.

When they left I wanted it to be recorded in the minutes of the meeting that our lives had been threatened, and this statement was placed in the minutes:

“Watson, Dan and Ron felt they should leave; didn’t feel comfortable to continue in the ordinances without feeling in accord with the School at this time.

Bob wanted on the record that he felt that in an indirect manner his life was being threatened in this meeting. Felt this strongly, and wanted it on the record.” --From Minutes of April 5, 1984 of School of the Prophets, Provo area.

We then rededicated the room and commenced with a regular School meeting, and the Spirit of the Lord attended in abundance.

In response to Ron’s revelation, and with the added threat on our lives, Barry was prompted to issue an affidavit as follows, which he took and had notarized.

State of Utah )
) ss.
County of Utah )

AFFIDAVIT

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that I, Barry Crowther, a Free and Natural Citizen of the United States of America, do hereby depose and say that I have reason to believe and fear that the lives of the following ten people are in jeopardy: Robert Crossfield; Barry Crowther; David Olsen; David Coronado; Tim Lafferty; Mark Lafferty; Brenda Lafferty; Brenda Lafferty’s baby daughter; Chloe Low; and Richard Stowe.

I, Barry Crowther, do further depose and say that it is my belief that this jeopardy results from the thoughts, beliefs, attitudes, understandings, and potential actions of the following four individuals: Ron Lafferty; Dan Lafferty; Watson Lafferty; and Todd (last name unknown.)

Dated this 9th day of April, 1984 [etc.]

Why did we not report it to the police? We discussed it briefly, and left the decision up to anyone who felt impressed to.

Yet we felt that we would be discredited as crackpots and would open ourselves to libel suits. None suspected that Ron and Dan would really carry out their threats. The threats were part of a power play of some sort. Needless to say though, shortly after this we released these men from the School–turning them over to the buffeting of the adversary and sincerely praying that they would repent.

We brought all the completed pamphlets and equipment to David2’s place. I was living in Genola, Utah and the Spring and Summer went fast. In a revelation in the early Summer I was commanded to return to Canada for a specific purpose, which I heeded.

“And again to My maidservant Abigail, I have called her to be the head, to stand by My servant Robert, yet all callings are based upon faithfulness. And I say unto her that she will continue to try and obtain her visa, and she shall return to Canada only for that purpose...”--From an unpublished revelation to the Prophet dated Summer of 1984

And while on this trip with this person named above, to help her obtain her visa, I received a call from Barry Crowther telling me of Ron and Dan’s murdering Brenda and her baby. It was unbelievable; but it was soon in all the newspapers, and on TV that Ron and Dan, members of the School of the Prophets had committed murder, possibly with the School’s and my sanction.

I also found out that a SWAT team had been sent to Barry’s place by the American Fork police because they thought Ron and Dan were hiding there. This action was taken in response to a tip from one of the enemies of the School.

I received an account of this later from Barry. He told me when the SWAT team came and surround his home, they opened the door with guns at ready and pointed them at the young boy who responded to their commands to enter–Barry’s 12 year old son Brent. When they saw it was a boy, they pushed him aside and swarmed over the house, opening each door in a commando-like fashion. When they had opened all the doors and found no one else at home they went back and saw one more door they had not checked. It was the closet door between the dining room and living room. They said, “They must be in there”, so they all pointed their guns towards the door and one of them reached over and quickly turned the knob, and there with its head bowed in shame stood the vacuum cleaner–as Barry states.

Even though the situation was a serious one, it is also very serious when public officials act unwisely based on gross misinformation.

Seeing that the fugitives were not there, they commenced ransacking the house–taking much more than their warrant allowed, including a computer and my own safe which I had left at Barry’s house for safety while on my trip to Canada. They later drilled my safe and broke the computer. They did reimburse us for the safe, we are grateful to say, but not for the computer.

Barry arrived home at this time and asked them for a copy of the search warrant and found that it was not legal, for it had the address of the house across the street on it. He pointed this out to them, not trying to be smart, but trying to impress upon them that seeking the search was illegal, anything they gathered would not be admissible in court.

They then began treating him badly, and roughed him up a little as they became angry and used extremely abusive language. This all in front of his family which had then since returned. It is strange that this defense council never did use this argument in court. Possibly they never did know about it.

I was extremely thankful to say the least that I was not there when the murders took place. The Lord had wisely made sure I wasn’t. David was also away working out of town for a while. All remaining members of the School were shaken. I was grateful that Tim and Barry stood by me solidly. David2 gradually withdrew himself from the School, giving family reasons for his decision. We were suddenly besieged by TV and newspaper reporters and hate and pornographic mail came to our postal box. It was a very difficult and trying time.

One of the commandments the Lord had given us when the three Lafferty brothers joined the School was that we were to do things quietly and without noise and were not to seek publicity, and I could now see the reason for such instructions and the wisdom of it.

“And unto the Lafferty family, behold I say unto you, I have humbled whom I have humbled, that perhaps they will be prepared for the important events which are to come. Nevertheless, I say unto them, be as doves harmless, yet wise as serpents, doing nothing that would cause a noise. For until Zion is established firmly in its place, it must be that ye be as it is indicated in Section 111 of the Doctrine and Covenants.”  --From an unpublished revelation to the Prophet dated January 8, 1984

I contacted the police while yet in Canada and on my return–and promised our co-operation, but they treated me with disdain and rudeness. However, this was the American Fork Police. I found it different with the county officers. They had found among the material they had seized from Barry’s place the minutes to our March 29th School meeting and also the original affidavit of April 9th that Barry had made–and their attitude towards us changed. They requested us to keep silence about these revelations and documents to the press and news media because it would jeopardize their case against the Laffertys. I had became a notorious scoundrel, and the School branded as a sect, secretly planning all kinds of evil and a threat to law and order and to society.

Lee Nelson of the Central Utah Journal possibly did the most damage. He printed a front page sensational article showing Ron and Dan as “Prophets of Blood”, members of the School of the Prophets headed by Bob Crossfield. Later the CUJ retracted briefly some of the misinfor­mation from this first article. Yet they later published more misinformation about the School in a Dream Mine article, even though they then had our names and phone numbers and could have contacted us for information if they had really tried. The Central Utah Journal reported the following: [Comments by School members being in bold brackets]

“...The feelings that Dan and some of his brothers shared found new direction and meaning when they ran into Bob Crossfield, a self-proclaimed prophet recently moved to Utah from Canada.

[Mr. Crossfield is no more self-proclaimed than was Jeremiah, John the Revelator or even Joseph Smith, who all were completely rejected by the established religionists of their day. Among the multitudes of men in our day who claim to be prophets of Israel, including the men at the head of the Mormon church, few do the works of writing the oracles they receive as was the pattern in ancient Israel, and which was also the pattern in early Mormonism. The dozens of written revelations by him can be read and their prophecies considered and tested, a very fair thing for a prophet who claims a spiritual gift independent of the wisdom and cunning of men.]

According to Lafferty, Crossfield began receiving revelations about 20 years ago, sending many of them to LDS Church authorities, whom he felt were no longer able to receive their own revelations.

[The God of Joseph Smith ‘felt’ that the gift to receive the oracles could be lost by the church leaders and warned them: “And thus ye shall become instructed in the Law of My church, and be sanctified by that which ye have received, and ye shall bind yourselves to act in all holiness before Me–That inasmuch as ye do this, glory shall be added to the kingdom which ye have received. Inasmuch as ye do it not, it shall be taken, even that which ye have received.” D&C 43:9-10. And in fact, the Mormon leaders have not brought similar oracles as did early Church prophets for almost 100 years.]

Five years ago Crossfield was com­manded by God to move his families to Utah, re-establish the School of the Prophets, originally established by Joseph Smith in the early days of the LDS church, and begin making various preparations for the second coming of Jesus Christ, which included becoming familiar with John Koyle’s Relief Mine on the mountainside of Salem, Utah.

...According to Dan Lafferty, the School of the Prophets has also been discussing the setting up of a Kingdom of God or council of Fifty (also an organization set up by Joseph Smith, but later disbanded), and with the help of the Relief Mine gold, reestablish the United Order, a system of communal living also established by Joseph Smith, but later dropped by the Church. The School of the Prophets meets weekly to discuss these grand ideas and projects.

But what does all this have to do with the death of Brenda Lafferty and her little girl?

According to Dan Lafferty, part of the work to be accomplished in establishing the United Order and the Kingdom of God is the reestablishment of plural marriage–a principle that was explained to him and other members of the School of the Prophets in great detail by Bob Crossfield.

[This is misleading. Dan and Ron knew Mr. Crossfield for a little over two months. Between working for a living and doing many other things, there was no time to talk about hardly anything in ‘great detail’. Ron, Dan and Mr Crossfield were in disagreement much of the time and had little time to talk about doctrine–especially plural marriage. The revelations in the 2BC do not deal with plural marriage very much–yet they do explain that it is a correct principle when done according to all the Lord’s strict laws, and will eventually alleviate burdens of women and children who have no secure man who loves them to live with.]

Lafferty and his associates in the School of the Prophets believe that in an early premortal existence everyone was created with a soul-mate of the opposite sex–an eternal companion. For every man there was a woman, and for every woman a man. But there was a war in heaven in which one-third of the souls, all of which were men, rebelled against God and were cast out, leaving most of the women without companions. To solve the problem, the extra women were assigned as plural mates to the remaining men.

[The above statement is certainly not believed nor taught by the School. These are Dan’s own beliefs, and it is not fair for newsmen to let Dan Lafferty’s personal beliefs stand for the body of men who rejected his beliefs!]

...One of the problems is that Lafferty and his friends believe many marriages were not performed with divine guidance, that many people are married to the wrong partner, and it is the woman’s duty to find the right partner, regardless of whether she is married or single. This disregard for existing marriage vows could get Lafferty and his associates in a lot of trouble as they attempt to expand the size of their families.

[In a country where divorce and remarriage is rampant, the idea of seeking the will of the Creator as a guide to marry or remarry is certainly not an evil idea. The revelations of the 2BC teach a man to do the works of Abraham (not the works of a womanizer), doing all things by just and equitable laws, and never denying men or women free agency. These statements are not in harmony with 2BC teachings, nor the spirit of these revelations.]

...Bob Crossfield was also teaching the members of his School of the Prophets how to receive revelations of their own–revelations that could be written down and discussed at School of the Prophets weekly meetings. Ron Lafferty, along with four other members of the School received the gift. But not Dan.

[Only one other member received this gift, and it was not Ron. Every one of Ron Lafferty’s written revelations were emphatically rejected by the School of the Prophets.]

It was last April, approximately, that Ron received the revelation now in possession of the American Fork Force [sic] Police Department; the revelation in which Brenda Lafferty was said to be hindering the work, and that she needed to be removed, along with her baby daughter. The so-called revelation was written down and shown to some members of the School of the Prophets, though several, when they discovered the contents, were afraid to openly discuss it. It is reported that Allen, Brenda’s husband,. heard about it too, and warned his brothers that he would defend his wife and daughter with his life. But apparently he didn’t believe his brothers capable of such a crime.

...It appears that in January Ron and Dan Lafferty will go on trial for the murder of Brenda Lafferty and her daughter. Many are wondering what will happen to the Lafferty brothers, who claim the Lord may intervene to save them.

But there is a bigger, more serious concern than what will happen to Ron and Dan. They are in jail and there is no reason to doubt that justice will be served. The problem, or concern, is that what they did is not an isolated crime, happening alone and by itself.

Dan and Ron Lafferty are part of an organization, a group of people who call themselves the School of the Prophets. Ron Lafferty gave the Journal the names of five other men in the School who have learned to receive so-called written revelations, like the one that called for the death of Brenda Lafferty.

Only one of the people claiming to receive revelations is in jail. What kind of revelations are the others receiving? What other names, if any, are being added to what Dan Lafferty referred to as ‘the Lord’s hit list’? Who else is being commanded to carry out the Lafferty’s brand of the Lord’s word?

[Lee Nelson and the Journal are taking the words of a self-confessed murderer as truth. Even if they did not know that Ron, Dan and Watson had been expelled from the School, it should have been quite evident that the School would not be in agreement with them because of their actions. This was negligent falsification of the news, and borders on slander.]

The Journal is aware of one member of the School of the Prophets who is trying to get totally out of it as a result of the killings. Hopefully, others are too.

While it might be hoped that two killings would expose the dangers inherent in this brand of religious fundamentalism, and serve as a warning to those who have become susceptible to its persuasive spokesmen, such a hope is probably in vain. Historically, the greatest threats to all religion have always come from within the ranks of the believers, not from outside agnostic or disbelieving forces. History seems to still be repeating itself.

[It is hoped that some ‘noble’ reader will not be inspired to put a School member on his ‘hit list’, as threatening letters the School received suggested might happen. We plead with the news media to follow their own objective, fact-oriented reporting in the future, so that no innocent blood will be shed because of misinformation and false conclusions that they place before the public.]

Quotes are from several pages of the September 23, 1984 edition of the Central Utah Journal.

Between the time the Lafferty brothers, (now reduced to Ron and Dan–Watson in the nick of time repented and saw the evil source his brothers were taking and parted company with them), left our meeting in early April and their murdering Brenda and her child in late July, School members tried to contact them and reason with them as we felt they are possibly getting into trouble, but no one we asked knew for sure where they were, and being under the necessity of working continually for our livelihood, we were limited in our efforts.

Later we found they have visited several people and fundamentalist groups including the directors of the Relief Mine in Salem. They threatened them to hand over the directorship of the Mine or they would feel the hand of the Lord. The Relief Mine directors because of this, thinking that their visit was sanctioned by myself and the School, became our bitterest enemies, and rumor and slander were circulated about us.

Since the Relief Mine was mentioned by the Laffertys, the news media naturally went to them and this information about us was printed by the Journal. [Comments by School members again in bold brackets.]

“Blackmore and Crowther aren’t the only ones involved in sensational dealings with the Dream Mine in recent years. When self-proclaimed prophet and polygamist Bob Crossfield … wandered into Utah Valley several years ago to established his School of the Prophets, one of his first items of business was to contact the folks at the Dream Mine, offering to donate the labors of six men to help bring in the gold that would help finance his City of Refuge which Ron and Dan Lafferty were determined to help build.

[Mr. Crossfield had been in Utah Valley only a year and three months before this Journal article was written. The help the School offered to the Mine ‘folks’ was for their orchards or any project they had.]

The Laffertys, during this period were visiting various polygamous groups in the Intermountain Region, attempting to use the Relief Mine and accompanying City of Refuge as a rallying point to unite fundamentalists under the leadership of Bob Crossfield.

[Ron and Dan, to our knowledge, never contacted these polygamous groups until after they had been clearly rejected by the School.]

One polygamist who visited the Mine at this time warned President John Jordan to be wary of the Laffertys because they are teaching blood atonement--a warning that proved prophetic.

Although mostly bald, Crossfield told followers he was the white-haired man from the North who Koyle prophesied would save the Mine when it was time to be brought in.

[None of Mr. Crossfield’s revelations say this, and he has never claimed it. Some of his followers have only speculated this.]

In an effort to begin his City of Refuge, Crossfield put up $500 earnest money to purchase nearly 50 acres of ground just below the Mine from Salem mayor and Mine director Harry Davis.

[50 acres? It was only on 5 acres.]

Crossfield met firm resistance at the Mine, however, when he told former President Quayle Dixon he would have to leave the LDS church if he hoped to maintain his position as President when the Mine was brought in.

[Actually, Mr. Crossfield simply expressed his belief that the time would come when Dixon and others may have to give up their Mine shares or be excommunicated–because the church would eventually make a very strong stand against the Mine being an inspired project.]

That was the wrong thing to say. More loyal Mormons can hardly be found anywhere than those running the Mine–where holding church positions, serving Missions, and working in Temples is the rule rather than the exception.

Crossfield was driven from the hill and lost his earnest money deposit before the Laffertys scattered the School of the Prophets to the four winds by murdering their sister-in-law and her baby in a blood atonement ceremony.

[Yet School members live right where they did before, and certainly are not any weaker.]

Some speculate what might have happened had Crossfield and other polygamists gotten control of the Mine. As one observer pointed out, “And to the gold fever and religious fervor already there, the sexual implications associated with polygamy... wow, nobody could keep the lid on that kind of situation.”

Central Utah Journal, Wednesday, June 21, 1985, page 8

It is very unfortunate that this sensational article still clearly implies that Ron and Dan were always in good standing with Mr. Crossfield. School members had contacted Lee Nelson several times and explained that Ron and Dan had been expelled by the School, and had offered him information any time he wanted it, yet he chose to ignore this in favor of stirring up the people against the School. By doing so he endangered their lives.

As you can see, during this time we have been badly misrepresented, and we have purposely done little to defend ourselves. We feel that the Lord does not want us to fight back. He has told us “not to make a noise or seek publicity”, so we will follow this route unless we receive a direct commandment from the Lord.

The affidavit, revelation and minutes were prime evidence to convict Ron and Dan Lafferty, yet we who provided the evidence against the Laffertys were branded, and still are branded by the populace as a whole, as co-conspirators in their case.

We are writing this article to inform our friends of what happened. We are thankful for the men like Wayne Watson and others at the Utah County district Attorney’s office for treating us fairly and justly. After they realized what had truly happened, they endeavored to keep the religious aspects of the case in proper perspective, and to not over-emphasize them to protect us from adverse publicity as much as possible. It appears to them, and rightfully so, that Ron and Dan's crimes was a simple case of revenge.

Yet in the long run the incident proved that God was and is still today indeed guiding the School The prophesies concerning Ron and Dan have been fulfilled. the inspiration to put in the minutes that our lives had been threatened, and later Barry’s writing up of the affidavit, proved beyond any doubt that we were completely innocent and had no connection with Ron and Dan’s evil intentions. My being led back to Canada by revelation at a time when my presence in Utah would have given the police cause to suspect my implication with these two men–or giving them an opportunity to eliminated someone else they had threatened–also cleared our names. These and many other incidents which were not written down can only prove that some special care was given us from the heavens.

What has the slanderous news reporting done? It has only led the majority of the people to totally reject our message. No way would the adversary allow truth to penetrate the darkness the Mormon people has brought down around them. It has caused them to say, “See, all is well in Zion, these evil men have been exposed, and now we know more surely that the Church leaders have not apostatized, and that these men are false.” He has bound them more securely than ever in his grasp, and only the elect and pure in heart will have vision enough to see through the darkness and see the truth.

One may wonder why the Lord would call such men as Ron and Dan to the School of the Prophets while He knew what course they would take. One could also ask in the same manner why the Lord Jesus Christ would call Judas Iscariot into the Apostleship of the Church and the School of the Prophets in His day. (Washing of feet, as mentioned in John 13 and other New Testament scriptures, is an ordinance of the School, not the Church– see D&C 88:138-139) Was it not to discredit the Apostles and cause the spiritually darkened Jewish nation to reject them? Only those few who are righteous enough to see through the darkness in His day could become the nucleus of the true Christian Church which the Apostles perpetuated for a short period of time.

The same thing happened at the time of Joseph Smith; men like William Law, Sidney Ridgon and John C Bennett were called by revelation to major positions in the church, yet later became the Church’s bitterest enemies. These men and other apostates from the Church eventually stirred up the populace and the mobs to take the Prophet’s life. And again the result was the same. The majority of the American nation were led to say, “Thank goodness for the death of old Joe, now the Mormon movement will fail.” Again, only the pure in heart survived and saw through the spiritual darkness that then existed in great abundance.

We must see the wisdom of the Lord and understand it– and why He allows all men the privilege of accepting or rejecting the truth. The shadow of William Law, Sidney Rigdon, and John C Bennett were duplicated in the actions of Lee Nelson, the directors of the Relief Mine, and others. If they would have continued on in their frenzied zeal to blacken enough the names of the School members, it no doubt would have prompted a zealous member of the Church to strike down the prophet and members of the School. (I personally received several extremely threatening notes signed “The Avenger” shortly after the first Journal article– which I promptly handed over to the police.

And it could still happen. And what would the majority of the Church membership say? “Thank goodness for the death of old Onias”, and they would go on their way rejoicing in darkness as former Israel did and rejoice in his death. And again only the righteous would see through the mists of darkness and be led to the places of refuge and survive.

We are bound by truth and know that it will eventually triumph and prevail and will enable the righteous to shake off the shackles of hypocrisy and deception which have overshadowed the whole Church.

May the Creator soon brake through with more and more truth, that it may shine forth and dispel all the darkness from the earth.

Your faithful servants,

The School of the Prophets

United Order Publications
PO Box 396
Salem, UT 84653

[This was written in 1985.]