Iggy

I even asked for his credit card number and security code.

Best one was a collection agency calling while I was having a chat with an old school friend who had just become the new DA. I handed the phone over, he introduced himself, and they hung up. Never heard from them again. 

What has probably happened is this company bought a bad debt for cents on the dollars. Now that they have found you, they will hound you for the full payment, thus making a profit. Doesn't matter that you don't owe the money. If they get you rattled enough to give out even more information then they are several steps ahead of you.
A few years after my second marriage I was contacted by a collection agency trying to collect on a debt of my 1st husbands. I gave them his address and the name of his sister that he was living with. Two months later I get yet another call by yet another collection agency. I told them to cease and desist, it wasn't my debt. Then the last call was from an entirely different collection company. I told them it seemed to me they were dumber than a can of night crawlers buying up a bad debt.
New Hubby went to an Attorney he knew and was told to tell the next collection agency to send their request to: attorneys address. and he would take care of it. Never heard from any of them again.
Do Not Call Them! Next time they call, hang up. If they do send you any paper work take it to an attorney - let him/her deal with it.

And this generic pop-environmentalist message is pertinent to an LDS-oriented forum...why?

In the letter sent to me Dated Aug 16, 2019  From Priesthood and Family Department  Subject Children and Youth Protection Training.  The next to last paragraph states:  Stake presidents and bishops are responsible to ensure that, as needed, help and resources are available for members to access and complete the training.  My Bishopric added in the email that Members in these positions who do not have or use computers will be assisted by their leaders to take the course at the church. Over the pulpit the Bishop announced this, and asked that ALL adults take and complete this training. According to my husband [SS President] in the Ward Council, the Bishop requested that all in attendance ensure that those they have stewardship over take and complete this training.
Husband asked that I take it also - even though my calling is not included - - T&FHC - - there could be times when I am instructing the youth. So, I will take it within the next couple of days.
 

@JohnsonJones My sample size is admittedly small, but I don't recall anyone being released from a BSA related calling because they failed to take BSA's YPT. There was a constant nagging to take the training, but I don't recall anyone being released (or issued an ultimatum to take the training by a certain date or get released). My cynical expectation is that the Church is going to continue the same trend -- nag and nag, but never insist or else.
I would hope that someone who cannot take the training due to technological ignorance or inadequate hardware would speak up and find someone to help. I would also hope that someone who just doesn't want to take the training would also say so (and not accept the calling) rather than accepting the calling and simply not watching the video.

Agreed. I hate how the world trashes a man if he leaves his wife and ruins his family for another woman, but if he comes out as gay and leaves her for another man he is hailed as a brave hero.

The difficult situation of not being able to have illicit sex with all the people to whom you're sexually attracted without it being a sin?
Boo freakin' hoo.

Fair point.  But I think when we come at this primarily from an analysis of his frame of mind, we run the risk of indulging in the same sinner-centric universe that the sinner himself is living in and doing a disservice to those the sinner has harmed.
The Smart’s marriage was never just about Ed, and neither is their divorce, and neither are Ed’s sexuality or his other life-choices.  If we think Ed is hurting, let us also spare a moment for Lois (who feels all the pain he does, plus more) and his kids—all of whom will be expected to conceal their pain and express “support” as an “ally” so that caddish Ed can feel validated with his rotten life choices. 

Fair point, but I would also note that in some of the stories we do know—we don’t actually have the straight (abandoned) spouse’s direct story; we have the gay (deadbeat adulterer) spouse publicly assuring us that his victim is just fine with all this (really!); and the victim declines to supplement the record publicly (and even if she did offer a rebuttal and ringing condemnation of her ex’s covenant-breaking and profligacy, I think we know that society today would mostly look at her as being the selfish one).  Yes, divorce is complicated; but at the end of the day Ed himself attributes his divorce to his desire to have a sexual relationship with a person/people other than his wife.  He didn’t have to cite that motive specifically—but he did.  
Second:  I wouldn’t read too much into who actually filed for the divorce.  Once a couple separates, the man—with his typically higher earning power—can afford to stay in a holding pattern for months or even years without the legalities ever being addressed.  A woman who is dependent on whatever her husband gives her and finds herself suddenly cast off with five kids to support and only qualified for a minimum-wage job, can’t afford to wait; and that’s one reason women are often the filers.  

I knew eventually this topic might come up when I saw the articles. I have worked with great people who are gay, but I have two concerns:
1. Why is this news? Is it going to be front page news every time somebody announces a sexually oriented change in their life? Some matters are left private.
2. It sorrows me that so many people associate being "true" to themselves with their physical nature and not their spiritual nature.  Being true to yourself is recognizing that your body is just a shell and that the "true" you is an eternal spirit son or daughter of God.
I am sympathetic to the difficult situation a person with same-sex attraction endures, but I see it as no different from the situations for many wonderful single members of the church who never marry in this life for various reasons. They have physical desires that they long to fulfill, but they can't without offending God.
The "acceptance" line of reasoning being used by so many people announcing they are coming out also troubles me.  If heterosexual men and women followed that same pattern of reasoning, most would have to say that they can no longer accept being in monogamous marriages because God made them with physical desires for more than one man or more than one woman, and they need to be true and accept their natures. To me this is a false doctrine that substitutes God-given physical desires for God-given commandments.  Carnal desires are not commandments, and following them outside the law of chastity can only lead to unhappiness in the eternities.
 

My take on this:
This dude has been lying to God, himself and his family for decades.
He is a priesthood holder, and has taken covenants in the Temple of the Lord.  He has no intention of keeping the covenants that he has made.
He is breaking multiple commandments (I, II, VII, IX, & X) without shame.  He has convinced himself that it is his right to break commandments...
He just made this huge announcement to gain applaud and sympathy from the world.  While bringing shame to his family and the church.  What a selfish individual who never learned anything about sacrifice despite being taught such principles as a member of the Latter-Day Saint.  
Notice that although the announcement is recent, his wife filed for divorce back in July 5th.  Which obviously means that she has been considering the option of divorce for likely a long time...
I wouldn't be surprised if he has been sleeping around with other men, gave his wife a STD, and got caught.  
Many might think that I am judgmental and that I am wrong to have such thoughts.  I totally disagree.  I am not his judge (although I wish I was...)  We each have the Light of Christ and should use the power of discernment to understand what is going on around ourselves and our families.  

So, Brian David Mitchell has to change the way he prefers to “love” because he’s a freak of nature, but Ed Smart doesn’t have to change the way he prefers to love because God doesn’t make mistakes.  
Bigot.

"I deeply regret the excruciating pain this has caused her. Hurting her was never my intent. While our marriage will end, my love for Lois and everyone in my family is eternal," 
Wow, he is so brave!

Essentially he's apparently decided that his personal, carnal self-satisfaction is what the Savior really cares about.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/08/16/ed-smart-elizabeth-smart-father-comes-out-gay-announces-divorce/2027981001/

Great question!
read this: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/suicide
 

Today I experienced the birth of a new Ward. My branch became a Ward -  Yeah ~ "claps hands & does the Happy, Happy Dance"

Today I experienced the birth of a new Ward. My branch became a Ward -  Yeah ~ "claps hands & does the Happy, Happy Dance"

Hey hey hey!  AWESOME!  My branch in the Philippines also became a WARD a few months ago!  Woot woot woot!

Today I experienced the birth of a new Ward. My branch became a Ward -  Yeah ~ "claps hands & does the Happy, Happy Dance"

Today I experienced the birth of a new Ward. My branch became a Ward -  Yeah ~ "claps hands & does the Happy, Happy Dance"

Outstanding!  Over 50 years ago I was a missionary in the North Western States.  I finished my mission in Coos Bay.  Our area covered the Oregon coast from the California border to Florence.  There were 4 branches (some so small we met in members homes) in that area back then and many very wonderful converts and members.  So many miracles and fun stories fill my memories.   Even if your new ward was not in my area - it is still good to know.
Thanks!!!
 
The Traveler

Today I experienced the birth of a new Ward. My branch became a Ward -  Yeah ~ "claps hands & does the Happy, Happy Dance"

Always exciting! The Owensboro KY branch was a branch for 80 years (if I remember correctly). It watched branches all around it grow into wards. Then about 4 years ago it finally became a ward. They were so happy.