After investigation, Runnells learned about and was disturbed by Joseph Smith's marriages to already-married women, and Book of Abraham historical criticisms.

"[5] His grandfather put him in contact with a CES institute director who suggested Runnells write a letter with a list of his concerns.

The CES Letter outlined the list of issues Runnells has with LDS Church beliefs and its historical narrative.

This list includes issues surrounding: A main theme of the letter is the belief of Runnells that the church knew unflattering aspects about its history but deliberately hid or misrepresented them.

[10] Numerous responses by LDS Church apologists in blogs, books, and podcasts have been made, including several by FairMormon.

[13] In November 2020, FairMormon released a set of 16 videos[14] responding to Runnells, that was designed to appeal to Millennials and Generation Z.

Latter Day Saint scholar Grant Hardy said of the videos, "I have found them belligerent, sarcastic, sophomoric, inaccurate, demeaning and offensive, ...

[16] In March 2021, FairMormon changed its name to FAIR, and removed the YouTube videos directed at Runnells and the CES Letter.

[18][19][20]Utah news station KUTV pointed to a survey that 57% of LDS Church members were troubled by high-profile excommunications like Runnells, including 43% of temple recommend holders.

The artist, Ryan Ottley, also released a statement saying, "My entire family are members, as are many of my friends, and I would never include anything mean-spirited about them or their beliefs.

'"[25] According to the Salt Lake Tribune and The Daily Beast, the letter has been influential in the decision of many now-former members of the LDS Church to resign their membership.