Difference between revisions of "Mormon Church and Gay Rights"

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[[Image:mormon-family.jpg|left|alt=mormon family|300px]]
 
[[Image:mormon-family.jpg|left|alt=mormon family|300px]]
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The stand of [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] on gay rights has been clearly stated.  The standards of the Church regarding morality are unwavering and cannot be changed by any kind of petitioning voice.  The Church is led by a prophet of God, and gets its information regarding what is moral and what is not directly from the Lord.  The standard is as follows:  
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"In 1995, [http://comeuntochrist.org The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints] published “The Family: A [[Proclamation to the World]],” which declares the following truths about marriage:
  
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:"As a church, our doctrinal position is clear: any sexual activity outside of marriage is wrong, and we define marriage as between a man and a woman." [http://beta-newsroom.lds.org/article/church-mormon-responds-to-human-rights-campaign-petition-same-sex-attraction]
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:We, the [[First Presidency]] and the [[Quorum of the Twelve Apostles|Council of the Twelve Apostles]] of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children. . . .
  
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This standard is outlined in The Family: A [[Proclamation to the World]].  There can be no negotiation over this standard.  It will always stand.  This presents a special challenge for many people.  There are some who will never marry simply because they never will find that special person. There are some who are handicapped who will never marry but long to do so.  Others suffer from same-sex attraction.  For these, it might be challenging to fall in love with someone of the opposite sex.  A celibate life might be the only alternative in order to keep the laws of God.  The Church acknowledges that this is a difficult path, while it urges discourse based on real science and real religious principles.
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:The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity.[1]
  
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As far as civil rights are concerned,
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"Since the publication of that statement, there have been many challenges to the institution of marriage. Prominent among these challenges has been the recognition by several national governments and some states and provinces that same-sex marriage—formal unions between two individuals of the same gender—are the equivalent of traditional marriage. Yet God’s purposes for establishing marriage have not changed."[https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/the-divine-institution-of-marriage]
  
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:"while the Church is strongly on the record as opposing same-sex marriage, it has openly supported other rights for gays and lesbians such as protections in housing or employment."
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"The movement to promote same-sex marriage as an inherent or constitutional right has gained notable ground in recent years. Court rulings, legislative actions, and referenda have legalized same-sex marriage in a number of nations, states, and jurisdictions. In response, societal and religious leaders of many persuasions and faiths have made the case that redefining marriage in this way will further weaken the institution over time, resulting in negative consequences for both adults and children.
  
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The laws of Utah were liberalized in order to meet this criterion. The Church upholds all civil rights for gays except those that adulterate the institution of marriage, namely, marriage and adoption.
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"A large number of people around the world recognize the crucial role that traditional marriage has played and must continue to play if children and families are to be protected and moral values propagated. Because the issue of same-sex marriage strikes at the very heart of the family and has the potential for great impact upon the welfare of children, the Church unequivocally affirms that marriage should remain the lawful union of a man and a woman."[https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/the-divine-institution-of-marriage]
  
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The Church laments the suffering of gays over their trials in life and urges church members to be ever compassionate:
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==The Church's Position on Sexual Purity==
  
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:"Jesus Christ, whom we follow, was clear in His condemnation of sexual immorality, but never cruel.  His interest was always to lift the individual, never to tear down....The Church’s doctrine is based on love. We believe that our purpose in life is to learn, grow and develop, and that God’s unreserved love enables each of us to reach our potential. None of us is limited by our feelings or inclinations. Ultimately, we are free to act for ourselves.
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"The Church distinguishes between same-sex attraction and homosexual behavior. People who experience same-sex attraction or identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual can make and keep covenants with God and fully and worthily participate in the Church. Identifying as gay, lesbian, or bisexual or experiencing same-sex attraction is not a sin and does not prohibit one from participating in the Church, holding callings, or attending the temple."[https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/same-sex-attraction?lang=eng]
  
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:"The Church recognizes that those of its members who are attracted to others of the same sex experience deep emotional, social and physical feelings. The Church distinguishes between feelings or inclinations on the one hand and behavior on the other. It’s not a sin to have feelings, only in yielding to temptation.
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"Sexual purity is an essential part of God’s plan for our happiness. Sexual relations are reserved for a man and woman who are married and promise complete loyalty to each other. Sexual relations between a man and woman who are not married, or between people of the same sex, violate one of our Father in Heaven’s most important laws and get in the way of our eternal progress. People of any sexual orientation who violate the law of chastity can be reconciled with God through repentance. As followers of Christ, we resist immoral behavior and strive to become like Him. We seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the help of the Savior, who knows how to succor us when we are tempted (see 1 Corinthians 10:13; Doctrine and Covenants 62:1). If we give in to sexual temptations and violate the law of chastity, we can repent, be forgiven, and participate in full fellowship in the Church.
  
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:"There is no question that this is difficult, but Church leaders and members are available to help lift, support and encourage fellow members who wish to follow Church doctrine. Their struggle is our struggle. Those in the Church who are attracted to someone of the same sex but stay faithful to the Church’s teachings can be happy during this life and perform meaningful service in the Church. They can enjoy full fellowship with other Church members, including attending and serving in temples, and ultimately receive all the blessings afforded to those who live the commandments of God....We join our voice with others in unreserved condemnation of acts of cruelty or attempts to belittle or mock any group or individual that is different – whether those differences arise from race, religion, mental challenges, social status, sexual orientation or for any other reason.  Such actions simply have no place in our society." [http://beta-newsroom.lds.org/article/church-mormon-responds-to-human-rights-campaign-petition-same-sex-attraction]
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"We may not know precisely why some people feel attracted to others of the same sex, but for some it is a complex reality and part of the human experience."[https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/same-sex-attraction?lang=eng]
  
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===Bigotry===
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==The Church Advocates for Legal Protection==
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Those who militantly pursue the gay, lesbian, transsexual, bisexual rights agenda have made strides in publicizing the trials they face in life and in procuring civil rights.  In doing this, they have promised others outside their ilk that to allow them every right, including the right to marry and to adopt children, will have no deliterious affect on anyone else.  They have especially debunked the prophetic utterances of apostles of the Mormon Church who have claimed that the GLTB agenda will compromise religious rights.  It appears, however, that their agenda decries as bigotry and hatred the very believe that homosexual activity is a sin.
 
  
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In the 180th general conference of [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]], apostle [[Boyd K. Packer]] delivered a talk reiterating the stance of the Church on sexual sin, including viewing pornography, heterosexual activity outside marriage, and homosexual activity. Since the Church is led by prophets who are bound to follow and teach the commandments of God, this policy can never change as long as God considers these activities sinful. The talk raised a hue and cry and many demonstrations against the Church.
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"Legal proceedings and legislative action in a number of countries have given civil recognition to same-sex marriage relationships, and the question of same-sex marriage continues to be widely debated."[https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/same-sex-marriage?lang=eng]
  
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Maurine Proctor of Meridian Magazine wrote an insightful response to those who reviled against Elder Packer (see it [http://www.meridianmagazine.com/lds-church-updates/article/6495?ac=1 here]). She quoted Elder Packer:
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"The Church acknowledges that same-sex marriage and the issues surrounding it can be divisive and hurtful. As Church members strive to protect marriage between a man and a woman, they should show respect, civility, and kindness toward others who have different points of view.
  
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:"Regardless of the opposition we are determined to stay the course.  We will hold to the principles and ordinances of the gospel.  If they are misunderstood either innocently or willfully, so be it.  We cannot change; we will not change.  We quickly lose our way when we disobey the laws of God.  If we do not protect and foster the family, civilizations and our liberties must perish."
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"The Church has advocated for legal protection for same-sex couples regarding “hospitalization and medical care, fair housing and employment rights, or probate rights, so long as these do not infringe on the integrity of the traditional family or the constitutional rights of churches.” In Salt Lake City, for example, the Church supported ordinances to protect gay residents from discrimination in housing and employment.
  
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Proctor also quoted late prophet Joseph F. Smith:
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==The Church Encourages Love and Kindness==
  
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:"I never want to see the day come when these men, to whom you have entrusted the right and power to preside, shall have their mouths closed so that they dare not reprove sin or rebuke iniquity. … It is our duty to do it. We are here for that purpose. We are watchmen upon the towers of Zion [see Ezekiel 3:17–19]. It is our business and duty to point out errors and follies among men; and if men will not receive it, they must go their own way and abide the consequences. Those who will not obey righteous counsels will be the sufferers, and not those who rebuke iniquity."
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"The Church’s affirmation of marriage as being between a man and a woman “neither constitutes nor condones any kind of hostility toward gays and lesbians.” Church members are to treat all people with love and humanity. They may express genuine love and kindness toward a gay or lesbian family member, friend, or other person without condoning any redefinition of marriage."[https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/the-divine-institution-of-marriage]
  
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Said Proctor:
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"Changes in the civil law do not, indeed cannot, change the moral law that God has established. God expects us to uphold and keep His commandments regardless of divergent opinions or trends in society. His law of chastity is clear: sexual relations are proper only between a man and a woman who are legally and lawfully wedded as husband and wife. We urge you to review and teach Church members the doctrine contained in 'The Family: A Proclamation to the World.'
  
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:"Why would an activist organization like the Human Rights Campaign think it has a right to interfere in what a leader of a church preaches to his own congregation?  It assumes that the practice of someone else’s religion is HRC’s business and that they, can, in fact, put pressure on a religion to alter its message to please them, can demonize religious leaders as hateful and publicly assail them for following biblical injunctions.
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"Just as those who promote same-sex marriage are entitled to civility, the same is true for those who oppose it. The Church insists on its leaders’ and members’ right to express and advocate religious convictions on marriage, family, and morality free from retaliation or retribution. The Church is also entitled to maintain its standards of moral conduct and good standing for members.
  
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:"They would have all faiths, who follow the Bible in the issue of homosexuality, characterized as homophobes and bigots, not only in the culture, but in the law. For years, they have felt put in the closet by religion, and now they hope to reverse the tables, putting religion in the closet."
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"Consistent with our fundamental beliefs, Church officers will not employ their ecclesiastical authority to perform marriages between two people of the same sex, and the Church does not permit its meetinghouses or other properties to be used for ceremonies, receptions, or other activities associated with same-sex marriages. Nevertheless, all visitors are welcome to our chapels and premises so long as they respect our standards of conduct while there.
  
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The same kind of pressure is being imposed against scientific organizations, some of which have completed extensive studies showing that homosexuality is not hardwired into one's DNA. An example is a huge study published in 2008.  A group of European researchers looked at more than 3,000 pairs of Swedish twins to statistically sort out the cause of homosexuality and heterosexuality. As published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior, the researchers determined there was no one factor that caused homosexuality or heterosexuality -- more than 60 percent of it was caused by environmental factors and more than 30 percent was biologically related. One of the study’s authors was quoted as saying, 'The factors which influence sexual orientation are complex.'  This study was ignored by the press.
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"We affirm that those who avail themselves of laws or court rulings authorizing same-sex marriage should not be treated disrespectfully. The gospel of Jesus Christ teaches us to love and treat all people with kindness and civility—even when we disagree.[https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/same-sex-marriage?lang=eng]
  
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Proctor reports:
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==The Church Will Continue to Defend the Sanctity of Marriage==
  
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:"Ruth Jacobs, an MD from Maryland, who specializes in infectious diseases, has found it is considered homophobic to cite statistics from the Center for Disease Control about the prevalence of disease in homosexual populations vs. heterosexual populations.  
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"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, along with many other churches, organizations, and individuals, will continue to defend the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman, because it is a compelling moral issue of profound importance to our religion and to the future of society.
  
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:"The National Association for the Research and Therapy of Homosexuality, a professional, scientific organization has found they are labeled homophobic for being willing to help clients who struggle with unwanted homosexuality—though overcoming this tendency is their client’s express choice. Their leadership includes a former president and board members of the American Psychological Association. They are also hateful for objectively reviewing the studies on homosexuality and being unable to say that “people are just born that way.”  
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"The final words in the Church’s proclamation on the family are an admonition to the world from the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: 'We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.'”[https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/the-divine-institution-of-marriage]
  
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:"Dr. Francis Collins, former Director of the Genome Project, could also be held with suspicion by the activists because he has stated that while homosexuality may be genetically influenced, it is '… not hardwired by DNA, and that whatever genes are involved represent predispositions, not predeterminations.'"
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<br>
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<embedvideo service="youtube" urlargs="rel=0" dimensions="500x281" alignment="inline">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ym0jXg-hKCI&rel=0</embedvideo>
  
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Why is the call for tolerance from the GLBT community, whose call is for love rather than hate, turning into a militant, hateful blitz that demands control over the press, the scientific community, educational curricula, and every religion on earth?  Mormon leaders are calling upon their membership to be kind and tolerant, even recommending the liberalizing Utah law for the benefit of the gay community. However, the doctrines of Christ are immovable. Christian religions preach repentance and the striving to lead a Christ-like life.  For that, sin needs to be defined.  Otherwise, believers have no idea what God requires and what is necessary to live a life of spiritual peace and progress.  This is not bigotry.  It is the relaying of eternal truth.
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<embedvideo service="youtube" urlargs="rel=0" dimensions="500x281" alignment="inline">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxfL3NmyoMo&rel=0</embedvideo>
  
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===Updates===
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<br>
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In November, 2010, [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] released a new handbook for church administrators.  The HRC lauded the change in wording regarding dealing with members who report same-sex attraction, and the organization claimed responsibility for influencing the Church leadership in becoming more tolerant.  LDS Church spokesman Scott Trotter debunked both a change in church policy and the influence of the HRC:
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<br>
  
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:"The HRC's representations of the changes in the new handbook are simply absurd."
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'''For further reading:'''
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*[https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/topics/gay/?lang=eng Same-Sex Attraction Web site]
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The LDS Church has always differentiated between homosexual tendencies and homosexual behavior. Same-sex attraction is not considered sinful, but homosexual behavior is a sin. This has always been and ever will be the policy of the Church. No lobbying will change this stance. A prophet is at the head of the Church, and Jesus Christ dictates what is sin and what is not.  The new handbook has been under development for years and was printed and ready for distribution months before the HRC petitioned the Church.
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*[https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/same-sex-attraction?lang=eng Same-Sex Attraction]
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*[https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/same-sex-marriage?lang=eng Same-Sex Marriage]
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<videoflash>Ym0jXg-hKCI&rel=0</videoflash>
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*[https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/the-divine-institution-of-marriage The Divine Institution of Marriage]
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*[https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/the-family-a-proclamation-to-the-world/the-family-a-proclamation-to-the-world?lang=eng The Family: A Proclamation to the World]
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*[http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2011/09/24/church-leadership-post-for-an-openly-gay-mormon/?hpt=hp_c2 Openly gay people serve in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]
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*[https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/interview-oaks-wickman-same-gender-attraction Interview with President Dallin H. Oaks and Elder Lance B. Wickman]
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*[http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&sourceId=3e05c8322e1b3110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=e1fa5f74db46c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD Gay Mormons]
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*[https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/president-oaks-church-position-respect-for-marriage-act Church Newsroom, "President Oaks Explains the Church’s Position on the Respect for Marriage Act"]
  
 
[[Category:Controversial Topics]]
 
[[Category:Controversial Topics]]
  
 
[[es: La Iglesia Mormona y los derechos de los homosexuales]]
 
[[es: La Iglesia Mormona y los derechos de los homosexuales]]

Latest revision as of 20:29, 13 February 2023

mormon family

"In 1995, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints published “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” which declares the following truths about marriage:

We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children. . . .
The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity.[1]

"Since the publication of that statement, there have been many challenges to the institution of marriage. Prominent among these challenges has been the recognition by several national governments and some states and provinces that same-sex marriage—formal unions between two individuals of the same gender—are the equivalent of traditional marriage. Yet God’s purposes for establishing marriage have not changed."[1]

"The movement to promote same-sex marriage as an inherent or constitutional right has gained notable ground in recent years. Court rulings, legislative actions, and referenda have legalized same-sex marriage in a number of nations, states, and jurisdictions. In response, societal and religious leaders of many persuasions and faiths have made the case that redefining marriage in this way will further weaken the institution over time, resulting in negative consequences for both adults and children.

"A large number of people around the world recognize the crucial role that traditional marriage has played and must continue to play if children and families are to be protected and moral values propagated. Because the issue of same-sex marriage strikes at the very heart of the family and has the potential for great impact upon the welfare of children, the Church unequivocally affirms that marriage should remain the lawful union of a man and a woman."[2]

The Church's Position on Sexual Purity

"The Church distinguishes between same-sex attraction and homosexual behavior. People who experience same-sex attraction or identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual can make and keep covenants with God and fully and worthily participate in the Church. Identifying as gay, lesbian, or bisexual or experiencing same-sex attraction is not a sin and does not prohibit one from participating in the Church, holding callings, or attending the temple."[3]

"Sexual purity is an essential part of God’s plan for our happiness. Sexual relations are reserved for a man and woman who are married and promise complete loyalty to each other. Sexual relations between a man and woman who are not married, or between people of the same sex, violate one of our Father in Heaven’s most important laws and get in the way of our eternal progress. People of any sexual orientation who violate the law of chastity can be reconciled with God through repentance. As followers of Christ, we resist immoral behavior and strive to become like Him. We seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the help of the Savior, who knows how to succor us when we are tempted (see 1 Corinthians 10:13; Doctrine and Covenants 62:1). If we give in to sexual temptations and violate the law of chastity, we can repent, be forgiven, and participate in full fellowship in the Church.

"We may not know precisely why some people feel attracted to others of the same sex, but for some it is a complex reality and part of the human experience."[4]

The Church Advocates for Legal Protection

"Legal proceedings and legislative action in a number of countries have given civil recognition to same-sex marriage relationships, and the question of same-sex marriage continues to be widely debated."[5]

"The Church acknowledges that same-sex marriage and the issues surrounding it can be divisive and hurtful. As Church members strive to protect marriage between a man and a woman, they should show respect, civility, and kindness toward others who have different points of view.

"The Church has advocated for legal protection for same-sex couples regarding “hospitalization and medical care, fair housing and employment rights, or probate rights, so long as these do not infringe on the integrity of the traditional family or the constitutional rights of churches.” In Salt Lake City, for example, the Church supported ordinances to protect gay residents from discrimination in housing and employment.

The Church Encourages Love and Kindness

"The Church’s affirmation of marriage as being between a man and a woman “neither constitutes nor condones any kind of hostility toward gays and lesbians.” Church members are to treat all people with love and humanity. They may express genuine love and kindness toward a gay or lesbian family member, friend, or other person without condoning any redefinition of marriage."[6]

"Changes in the civil law do not, indeed cannot, change the moral law that God has established. God expects us to uphold and keep His commandments regardless of divergent opinions or trends in society. His law of chastity is clear: sexual relations are proper only between a man and a woman who are legally and lawfully wedded as husband and wife. We urge you to review and teach Church members the doctrine contained in 'The Family: A Proclamation to the World.'

"Just as those who promote same-sex marriage are entitled to civility, the same is true for those who oppose it. The Church insists on its leaders’ and members’ right to express and advocate religious convictions on marriage, family, and morality free from retaliation or retribution. The Church is also entitled to maintain its standards of moral conduct and good standing for members.

"Consistent with our fundamental beliefs, Church officers will not employ their ecclesiastical authority to perform marriages between two people of the same sex, and the Church does not permit its meetinghouses or other properties to be used for ceremonies, receptions, or other activities associated with same-sex marriages. Nevertheless, all visitors are welcome to our chapels and premises so long as they respect our standards of conduct while there.

"We affirm that those who avail themselves of laws or court rulings authorizing same-sex marriage should not be treated disrespectfully. The gospel of Jesus Christ teaches us to love and treat all people with kindness and civility—even when we disagree.[7]

The Church Will Continue to Defend the Sanctity of Marriage

"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, along with many other churches, organizations, and individuals, will continue to defend the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman, because it is a compelling moral issue of profound importance to our religion and to the future of society.

"The final words in the Church’s proclamation on the family are an admonition to the world from the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: 'We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.'”[8]




For further reading:

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