Mormon church and gays
Stances of Faiths on LGBTQ+ Issues: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons)
BACKGROUND
Adherence to Christian doctrine is expanded to encompass the teachings of The Book of Mormon and other teachings originating with Joseph Smith, who established the Church in , in Fresh York State.
The Church has a pyramidal structure. Ultimate authority lies with the First Presidency, and comprises the President, who is most commonly referred to as the Prophet, and his two counsellors. The second-highest governing body, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, is appointed by the president, with each Prophet succeeded by the most senior apostle at his death. Beneath them are the Quorums of 70, which are considered general authorities and can teach and proclaim anywhere in the world.
The Church is divided into 22 regions across the earth. Those regions are further divided into Stakes, each consisting of five to twelve Wards (usually a single church or parish) led by a Bishop.
LGBTQ+ EQUALITY
ON SEXUAL ORIENTATION & GENDER IDENTITY
The LDS Church follows strict rules of sexual conduct, including commandments against pre-marital sex. The Church distinguishes between queer at
Same-Sex Attraction
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints acknowledges that same-sex attraction is a sensitive issue that requires kindness, sympathy and understanding. The “Same-Sex Attraction” section of reinforces the reality that, in the words of one Latter-day Saint scripture, God “loveth his children” (1 Nephi ), and seeks to help everyone superior understand same-sex attraction from a gospel perspective.
The Church does not take a position on the generate of same-sex attraction. In , Elder Dallin H. Oaks said, “The Church does not have a position on the causes of any of these susceptibilities or inclinations, including those related to same-gender attraction.”
Feelings of same-sex attraction are not a sin. President M. Russell Ballard said: “Let us be clear: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes that ‘the experience of same-sex attraction is a complex truths for many people. The attraction itself is not a sin, but acting on it is. Even though individuals do not choose to have such attractions, they do pick how to respond to them. With love and understanding, the Church reaches out to all God’s children, including [those with same-sex attrac
'Even though I still don't understand everything, I understand that I don't own to. All I am asked to do is love as God would love.'
This comment, and many others like it, is included in an updated version of 'Mormon and Gay,” an official website from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The site reinforces the reality that, in the words of one Mormon scripture, God “…loveth his children;…” (1 Nephi ), and seeks to serve everyone better understand gay attraction from a gospel perspective.
Laurie’s Story-A Flicker of Light That Brought Me Back to the Saviour
The first version of this website launched in December under the title 'Mormons and Gays.' The fresh appellation, 'Mormon and Gay,' reflects the reality that a person doesn’t deserve to choose between these two identities — one can, in fact, be gay and live devoted to the teachings of Christ.
The Church acknowledges that Latter-day Saints experience same-sex attraction in a variety of ways. Some strive to endure celibate and others partner . Some identify as queer or lesbian while others do not.
Personal Accounts and Comments from Church Leaders
features five personal accounts from multiple perspec
As a gay Mormon, I make my home in the borderlands. In a theology that says every man must be married to a woman in order to be with God and progress in heaven, gay Mormons are anomalies. No one quite knows what to undertake with us.
For a while, the answer was to serve a full-time mission, marry a woman, announce no one, and allow things work themselves out.
When that approach led to tragedy and broken families, the answer became celibacy, which is less of an answer and more of a holding pattern in a religion that declares the family to be &#;the most important unit in second and in eternity.&#;
Every scrutinize, from &#;How can I be happy with no possibility of finding a companion?&#; to &#;Will I still be gay after this life?&#; seems to be met with official answers amounting to &#;Have faith. It will serve out in the end.&#; And, yet, despite these difficult and unanswered questions, I choose to proceed to participate in my Latter-day Saint congregation and community.
So if I don&#;t belong, why stay? There are plenty of affirming faith communities where gay people and their families have a place at the table as equals. But Mormonism is part of me. My ancestors came to America becau
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