Affirmation: Gay & Lesbian Mormons

The Affirmation Christmas Message
Christmas is a Time to Reflect on Our Blessings

by Olin Thomas
December 2006

When a year draws to a close, it is wise to take time to reflect on your blessings and accomplishments during the year. I hope you experienced happiness, growth and challenges. The executive committee wishes you, your friends and family a happy and fulfilling holiday season. We leave you with our review of the past year and look forward to another wonderful year!

We have just concluded an incredibly successful conference in Portland, Oregon and are well along on planning next year's conference in Washington, D.C. This year saw the first ever presentation of the Mortensen Award to a member outside of the United States: Brus Leguás Contreras of Chile and the coordinator of the Affirmation chapter in Australia was able to attend part of our Conference this year. Affirmation is becoming increasingly international.

During the past year members of Affirmation and their allies successfully defused the first ever attempt by the Church to excommunicate a member legally married to someone of the same sex. We sponsored a “coming out to your ward day” which resulted in added awareness of the number of gay Mormons, and sadly resulted in another excommunication as well. However, the statements of support, though quiet and private, far outweighed the negative comments. The New Jersey Supreme Court ruled in favor or marriage equality—and Affirmation was an amicus curiae in this case. Acceptance of equality for, or at least decency towards, gays and lesbians is definitely growing.

Affirmation recognized the contributions of two or our strongest champions this year —Gary & Millie Watts—with a special award during the Conference. We also took steps to preserve our history, now approaching thirty years worth, with a CD-Rom containing all known issues of our newsletter Affinity during the first twenty-two years.

Overall, I am well pleased with the outcome of 2006. I have also been elected to another term as Executive Director and look forward to leading Affirmation throughout 2007. Let us all take time to enjoy the true spirit of the holidays with those that love and accept us—whoever they are and wherever they may be. In the coming year, may we find new energy and new courage to stand up for our rights and be proud of both our heritage and who we are.

Peace & Joy to all -

Olin Thomas
Executive Director
Affirmation Gay & Lesbian Mormons

Five Ways You Can Help Affirmation
As you prepare your Christmas lists, don’t forget Affirmation!

Join Affirmation! Only those who have paid dues are full members. We need your support to continue operating. If you are not a member, please use this form to join.

Renew your membership! If you have joined, considering renewing now. If you renew as a “Sustaining Member” ($50 annually) you can receive a complimentary copy of the CD “Affinity: The First 22 Years”. Your membership expiration date (month/year) is shown on the upper right corner of your mailing label.

Make an additional contribution! As a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, all donations to Affirmation are fully tax deductible. If you want more information on particular funds you can donate to, see the website under www.affirmation.org/support/funds.shtml.

Remember Affirmation in your estate planning! Consider bequeathing a portion of your estate to Affirmation, or making Affirmation the beneficiary of an insurance policy or retirement plan. If you wish to take this step, you may contact the executive director for further guidance (olinaffirmation.org, or 703-864-5527).

Buy copies of “Affinity: The First 22 Years”. This wonderful resource is available for a $25 donation to Affirmation for members, or $50 for non-members. Larger donations are gratefully accepted. Take a trip down memory lane and show your support at the same time!