Illinois Resolution Expresses Official Regret"

In April of this year, an unusual occurrence took place between the state of Illinois and a church, headquartered in the state of Utah. One expressed regret toward the other. And even stranger -- the apology was made for grievances committed more than 150 years ago.

(PRWEB) July 24, 2004 -- What could have prompted such an act? It was a little-known piece of American history that occurred in Nauvoo, Illinois between a religious group known as the Mormons, and the inhabitants of Illinois. The Mormons were persecuted violently for their beliefs. This persecution included the murder of their leader and his brother by an angry mob as well as the official expulsion of the Mormons from the state of Illinois. The members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, or the Mormons, had no choice but to take what they could and begin an arduous trek westward, which ended in Salt Lake City, Utah. This journey would eventually bring them to a place of peace, free to practice their religion without the violent persecution that had plagued them elsewhere. Author Fay McCracken has captured the spirit of this journey in her new work of historical fiction, titled Juds Journey.

Juds Journey is inspired by the story of the authors own great-grandfather, who crossed the plains as a boy of twelve. The pioneers who made the trek across the country included thousands of children, and this book takes a fresh new look at what the experience may have been like for a child to undertake. While the story is historical in nature, Mrs. McCracken has imbued the telling with adventure and emotion that will entertain both young and old. It is a tale of a young boy who must grow up in daunting circumstances. The realistic characters will be appreciated for who they are, as well as the struggles they endure. Well-written and significant, this story takes a lesser-known period of American history, and brings it to life through the eyes of a young boy.

The official regret" expressed by the State of Illinois will no doubt be mentioned among the Mormons as they celebrate the 24th of July this year. This day is a state holiday in Utah because it is the day on which the Mormon pioneers made it to the Salt Lake Valley, with their leader proclaiming, This is the place." And indeed it was. Even today, Salt Lake City is still predominantly Mormon. When the lieutenant governor of Illinois presented church leaders with a copy of Illinois State House Resolution 793 in April, the descendants of those pioneers who sacrificed everything for their religious beliefs were able to accept the regret expressed on behalf of their ancestors. Travel back to pioneer times in Juds Journey, which is published by American Book Publishing and available to order at stores near you. It is also available at a discount on the Publisher Direct Discount Bookstores website at http://www.pdbookstore.com.

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