“fictionalizing”

 

I am writing to request formal review of a collaboration post currently appearing on the Thomas Bailey Christian FamilySearch profile dated August 3, 2025, which repeatedly characterizes genealogical disagreement as “fictionalizing” and “falsifying” without presenting any primary-source documentation to substantiate those conclusions.

While FamilySearch properly allows differing interpretations, the use of loaded and accusatory language such as “fictionalizing,” “falsifying,” and “giving false and fictional parents” constitutes a reputational allegation rather than a neutral genealogical position. These statements are presented without citation to contemporary records created during the lifetime of Thomas Bailey Christian that would objectively disprove all alternate hypotheses.

The post further implies misconduct by unnamed contributors while offering only mathematical speculation about descendant numbers, which does not constitute historical proof under accepted genealogical standards.

I respectfully request that FamilySearch review whether the continued display of unsourced accusatory language in the collaboration section complies with platform policies regarding respectful collaboration, neutrality, and evidence-based genealogy. Disagreement over parentage is a normal part of genealogical research; accusations of “fictionalizing” rise beyond scholarly disagreement when no primary proof is attached.

My goal is not censorship of differing views, but restoration of a neutral, documentation-based environment consistent with FamilySearch standards.