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“This publication does not reflect any substantive change in policy or position” From QSaltLake. Posted with permission. © QSaltLake August 2007 A new pamphlet about homosexuality and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints appeared on the church’s Web site in late July. Titled “God Loveth His Children,” the 2,500-word document reiterated several of the church’s previous statements about homosexuality, including the difference between same-sex attractions (which it considers not sinful) and acting on those attractions, and incompatibility of same-sex relationships with God’s plan for families in the afterlife. At the same time, the pamphlet states that the church does not know what causes same-sex attractions, but that sexual abuse and sexual experimentation in childhood aren’t responsible. It acknowledges that homosexuality includes “deep emotional, social and physical feelings.” Above all, it stresses that same-sex attracted Mormons should remain active in the church and that straight members should treat them with love and respect. However, the pamphlet also implies that gay and lesbian members should not “flaunt” their orientation. And while it states that not all gays are able to change their orientation, it labels as “helpful” seeking “guidance from professional counselors” whose counsel on same-sex attraction “is consistent with gospel teachings.” “In some circumstances a person defers marriage because he or she is not presently attracted to a member of the opposite gender,” one passage from the pamphlet reads. “While many Latter-day Saints, through individual effort, the exercise of faith and reliance upon the enabling power of the Atonement, overcome same-gender attraction in mortality, others may not be free of this challenge in this life. However, the perfect plan of our Father in Heaven makes provision for individuals who seek to keep His commandments but who, through no fault of their own, do not have an eternal marriage in mortal life. As we follow Heavenly Father’s plan, our bodies, feelings and desires will be perfected in the next life so that every one of God’s children may find joy in a family consisting of a husband, a wife and children.” Passages such as these worry critics like Gary Watts who, with wife Mildred, co-chaired the gay Mormon support group Family Fellowship for several years. “If I’m a gay guy who’s struggled for 10 years to change and can’t, I’m going to ask: what’s wrong with me?” Watts told the Salt Lake Tribune. Affirmation Gay and Lesbian Mormons welcomed what they called a “softening” of the church’s position in “God Loveth His Children,” which is gentler in its treatment of gays and lesbians than previous publications which often equated gay sex with murder and drug addiction. Still, executive director Olin Thomas said that Mormon leadership still had a long way to go in welcoming gays and lesbians as full members. “While Affirmation welcomes any softening of the church’s position on this matter, this publication does not reflect any substantive change in policy or position,” he said. “The only option for gays and lesbians is a life of solitary chastity. I do not believe that the Creator would expect this of anyone. Church leadership has not yet announced how the new pamphlet will be used. A spokesman for the church has declined to comment on reports that copies of “God Loveth His Children” are being sent to Mormon bishops. |
www.affirmation.org