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From the Pulpit

Eduk Bears Testimony in Sacrament Meeting
"They Really Made Me Feel Included”

By Eduk
July 2006

On June 7 I attended a university singles ward near my home in Seattle. I bore my testimony and came out to the ward as a gay man. I talked about the last time I attended the temple, shortly before coming out, and how I knew that was going to be my last time in the House of Lord. I also told ward members that many things were taken away from me when I came out, but that I never forgot what my parents and the Church had taught me about the importance of prayer. I told them that through all the difficulties and trials I experienced I continued to pray, and that prayer help me survive.

The response by the ward was remarkable. As I stepped away from the pulpit, the bishop and his first counselor smiled at me, extended their hands to shake mine, and they said, "thank you very much." People sitting next to me also thanked me for sharing my testimony. Others came to me after the service-some 25 all together! In Sunday School the teacher assigned me to do one of the readings. The person conducting priesthood also acknowledged my presence and said that my testimony had been an inspiration.

I was very encouraged by this warm welcome. They really made me feel included. I told the bishop that I'm not planning to become active in the ward or transfer my record, but he encouraged me to come back, and since then I have returned one more time to visit.

I have two suggestions for Affirmation members who may plan to come out to their wards in testimony meeting. The first one is: Be sincere, speak from your heart. Don't be preachy or bash the Church. The second suggestion is: Emphasize the positive things that you learned from the gospel. Tell the members how the Church's teachings helped you cope with your life challenges.