CEDAR CITY, Utah, Sept. 12 (UPI) -- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints apologized this week for a massacre conducted by church members 150 years ago in southwestern Utah.
A statement read by Elder Henry B. Eyring blamed local church leaders at the time for the massacre of 120 immigrants on Sept. 11, 1857, the Deseret Morning News said Wednesday.
"We express profound regret for the massacre carried out in this valley 150 years ago today, and for the undue and untold suffering experienced by the victims then and by their relatives to the present time," Eyring said Tuesday.
The historical massacre came after a four-day standoff between the group of Arkansas immigrants and local Mormons.
The statement also recognized the blame unjustly laid upon the Paiute tribe of American Indians for the massacre, the newspaper said.
"A separate expression of regret is owed the Paiute people, who have unjustly borne for too long the principal blame for what occurred during the massacre," Eyring said. "Although the extent of their involvement is disputed, it is believed they would not have participated without the direction and stimulus provided by local church leaders and members."
