September 14, 2001

Affirmation: Gay & Lesbian Mormons, an international support group for Mormon gay and lesbian persons, issued the following statement from its executive director, Scott MacKay, in response to the recent terrorist attacks in the US:

As Affirmation gathers in Long Beach, CA for its annual conference, it joins in solidarity with our friends in the gay/lesbian and faith communities everywhere to deplore the horrifying violence our nation suffered this week. As Mormons and as gays and lesbians, we know only too well the terrible consequences of intolerance and fanaticism. These acts of brutality are one more reminder that as a global community we must work for mutual understanding and inclusion while rooting out the causes of injustice and inequality that give rise to frustration and violence.

Thus, we ask all people of good will to take a moment to pray in support of our nation and everyone impacted by the terrible events of September 11. Each of us has been impacted, and nothing will ever be the same ...but by committing ourselves to working together we can make our future more equitable and better for everyone.

Our nation, indeed, the world, has experienced a renewal of resolve and determination to succeed in the face of terrible evil. Our people are part of this, both in a national sense as well as in our individual lives. Let us gather in unity, in prayer, and in gratitude. United in hope and courage, we will find the place, in the words of a beloved Mormon hymn, where "where none shall come to hurt or make afraid."

God bless America, God bless Affirmation!

Affirmation Gay & Lesbian Mormons