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| | === Can the Church welcome gay people while teaching against same-sex relationships?=== | | === Can the Church welcome gay people while teaching against same-sex relationships?=== |
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| − | Some feel that the church's stance on same-sex relationships is harmful to people with same-sex attractions. They argue that a gay person's sexual orientation is innate and immutable, that it is unreasonable to ask them not to seek out homosexual relationships, and that repressing these attractions has a severe negative impact on a person's well-being. They teach that pursuing same-sex relationships is the only way for gay people to be well adjusted, and any teaching to the contrary is damaging to a gay person's well-being.
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| − | While it is true that most people have little or no choice over their sexual orientation{{ref|apa1}}, it is not true that one's sexual orientation dictates one's sexual behavior, nor one's sexual identity. These three areas are not as highly coordinated as one might think. Studies in the area show significant discrepancies between orientation, behavior and identity. This has lead the American Psychological Association to determine that "Sexual orientation is different from sexual behavior because it refers to feelings and self-concept. Individuals may or may not express their sexual orientation in their behaviors."{{ref|apa1}}
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| − | The large discrepancies between sexual orientation, identity and behavior is one of the reasons why it is difficult to get accurate measures on people who deal with homosexuality. While the numbers vary from one study to the next, the numbers consistently show that there are significantly more people with same-sex attractions than those who have had a homosexual experience. That would indicate that the teachings of the church on same-sex relationships is consistent with the practices of a significant number of people with same-sex attractions.
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| − | One of the most comprehensive studies in the United States was done by the Social Organization of Sexuality. They found that out of 131 women and 108 men in their survey who self-reported same-sex attraction, only 43 men (40%) and 42 women (32%) had participated in gay sex. {{ref|laumann}}
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| − | In addition to the population that have never had a homosexual experience, there are also people who have stopped or will stop having homosexual relationships, some of whom have also reported that they have no current attraction to the same sex. The study indicated that of the 4.9% of men and 4.1% of women who have ever had a homosexual experience since the age of 18, only 2.7% of men and 1.3% of women had one in the last year. This means that most people who have participated have already stopped. From these, and other findings, the American Psychiatric Association concluded "some people believe that sexual orientation is innate and fixed; however, sexual orientation develops across a person’s lifetime". {{ref|apa2000}}
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| − | This might not follow the impression that most people have about gay people. Looking deeper into the survey might indicate why. The same survey found that 96% of women and 87% of men with a homosexual or bisexual identity have had sex with someone of the same sex. This indicates that the sexual behaviors of openly gay people are not reflective of the gay population at large. Because openly gay people are more open about their sexual orientation and behaviors, this has led many people to incorrectly believe that their sexual behaviors are reflective of the larger gay population. This misconception has lead many to believe that gay people either cannot or do not want to live a lifestyle that is consistent with the church's teaching. However, evidence indicates a sizable number already do or will sometime in the future.
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| − | Most of the people with same-sex attractions who have not had a homosexual experience also do not identity as gay. Critics argue that it is not healthy for homosexual people to reject a gay identity or suppress their homosexual attractions. They argue that the only way to be well-adjusted is to come out as a gay person. There is a significant movement to try to "out" people who reject a gay identity, and there are massive protests at any organization that seeks to help people with same-sex attractions that do not accept the gay identity.
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| − | Because of the massive opposition to people who want to reject a gay identity, a task force set up by the APA investigated the matter. They found that there is no clear harm in denying a gay identity. They found that for some people, a religious identity was stronger than their sexual identity, and instructed counselors not to preclude the goal of celibacy, but to help clients determine their own goals in therapy, and that together with support groups, the therapy can change a client's sexual orientation identity. Dr. Glassgold, the leader of the taskforce, summarized the findings by saying that there has been little research about the long-term effects of rejecting a gay identity, but there is "no clear evidence of harm" and "some people seem to be content with that path."{{ref|simon}}
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| − | Although there is no harm in denying a gay identity, the church does not require gay members to deny their sexual orientation. What is required is members follow the law of chastity. Elder Oaks teaches that sexual orientation is a core element of one's identity, but not the only one.{{ref|oaks07}} All members of the church have made a covenant to take upon themselves the name of Christ. For members of the Church, taking upon themselves the name of Christ supersedes all other identities, whether gay or straight.
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| − | Obviously there is a strong relationship between being gay and having same-sex relationships. There is also a strong relationship between being straight and having a child out of wedlock, which the church also teaches against. However, it is neither unreasonable nor unhealthy for a gay person to follow the church's law of chastity, just like it is neither unreasonable nor unhealthy for a straight person to follow it. Both homosexuality and heterosexuality are natural variations of human sexuality, but in order to become a saint of the latter-days, one must put off the natural man, and submit to the enticings of the Holy Ghost. (Mosiah 3:18) Latter-day saints are asked to serve God, which precludes serving one's own sexual desires, be it gay or straight. It is a sacrifice for both gay and straight people to put off the natural man and serve God, but Joseph Smith teaches that a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things cannot produce the faith necessary to achieve eternal life. The promise of the gospel is peace in this life and eternal life in the next, and that is the greatest gift that anyone can receive, whether they be gay or straight.
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| − | === Different standard for gay and straight Mormons ===
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| − | Some critics argue that while both gay and straight members must obey the church's law of chastity, gay members are discriminated against because they are expected to live a higher standard. They argue that straight members can find companionship and fulfillment through marriage, while gay members cannot because the church does not recognize same-sex marriages.
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| − | The church does ask a lot of its gay members, but a lot is asked of straight members as well. counsel of the church to gay members might seem harsh to those unfamiliar with the counsel given to the membership of the church in general. The follow chart compares some of the counsel given to gay members versus that given to the general membership of the church.
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| − | homosexual problems/ opposite sex problems
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| − | controling feelings
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| − | don't let anyone touch your body
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| − | masturbation
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| − | excomunication for homosexuality and fornication
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| − | This is not true. It is true that same-sex attraction presents an additional challenge for gay members to find fulfillment in a marriage that straight members do not have to deal with, but it is not true that all straight people find fulfillment in marriage nor that gay people have never found fulfillment in marriage. Many straight people face challenges in finding fulfillment in a marriage. Some striag, whether they are single, divorced, widowed, or are currently in a bad marriage. There are many straight members of the church who do not have a fulfilling marriage, but can still found joy in obeying the law chastity. There is no reason to believe that gay people cannot find the same peace and joy in obeying the law of chstity even if they do not have a fulfilling marriage. Same-sex attraction is just one of many obstacles that people can face while trying to create a happy and fulfilling marriage.
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| − | While same-sex attraction is most definitely an obstacle in creating a fulfilling marriage, it doesn't completely prevent fulfillment in an opposite-sex marriage. Fulfillment in marriage is not solely based on sexual attraction, and sexual attraction is not solely based on sexual orientation. If that were the case, every straight man would be attracted to every woman and every straight woman would be attracted to every man. In reality, sexual orientation is only small part in sexual attraction. Many gay people have developed a sexual attraction for a member of the opposite sex and have created a fulfilling marriage with them. Here are some examples:
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| − | The counsel of the church to gay members might seem harsh to those unfamiliar with the counsel given to the membership of the church in general. The follow chart compares some of the counsel given to gay members versus that given to the general membership of the church.
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| − | homosexual problems/ opposite sex problems
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| − | controling feelings
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| − | don't let anyone touch your body
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| − | masturbation
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| − | excomunication for homosexuality and fornication
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| − | It would be unjust and discriminatory to admonish straight people to live the church's law of chastity, but not gay people. Both gay and straight members alike have born their testimony of the blessings of living the law of chastity, and we would do our gay brothers and sisters a disservice by failing to teach them the great blessings they can receive through living the law of chastity.
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| − | The church offers gay people the same thing it offers straight people, an invitation to come to Christ through living the gospel, which brings peace and joy in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God loves all of His children and wants all to have joy in this life and return and live with him again.
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| | === The church helps family members of gay people learn to love and accept them as Christ does === | | === The church helps family members of gay people learn to love and accept them as Christ does === |
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| | ==Myths about the LDS church and homosexuality== | | ==Myths about the LDS church and homosexuality== |
| − | | + | [[/Myths about the Church and homosexuality]] |
| − | LGBT people are welcome in the church, and are affirmed as good people. The leaderships of the church has unanimously expressed love to gay people. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is not anti-gay but is infact an LGBT welcoming and affirming church. Most of the accusations of the church being anti-gay centers around a few misunderstandings:
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| − | 1) You can't be affirming of LGBT
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| − | Is being gay a sin?-affirming
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| − | Does BYU allow gay students? - welcoming
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| − | Are homosexuals an abomination? - affirming
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| − | Do gay people need to be married in order to enter into heaven? - affirming
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| − | Does the Church support aversion therapy? - afirming
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| − | Doesn't the church's teachings on same-sex relationships interfer with its teachings on agency?
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| − | Causes of Homosexuality
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| − | There was a Georgia Tech gay rights manual that referred to the church as anti-gay. However, a judge ordered that the material be removed because there was no basis for the accusation.(http://www.wrcbtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=8258001 Judge rules Georgia Tech gay rights manual biased". Associated Press. May 1, 200) President Hinckley told Larry King in an interview that the church was not anti-gay.
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| − | ===Isn't the church anti-gay if it teaches against same-sex relationship? - welcoming===
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| − | The mission of the church is to bring all people to Christ. We believe that this is one of the fundamental ways in which we can serve our fellow man. We believe we can come closer to Christ by taking upon us his name through the covenant of baptism, which includes a covenant to obey his commandments. Christ taught against fornication and adultery, and we believe that includes all sexual relationships outside of a marriage between a man and a woman. Teaching and encouraging our fellow man to obey the teachings of Christ is an important part in bringing them to Christ. Elder Packer explains:
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| − | "We understand why some feel we reject them. That is not true. We do not reject you, only immoral behavior. We cannot reject you, for you are the sons and daughters of God. We will not reject you, because we love you. You may even feel that we do not love you. That also is not true. Parents know, and one day you will know, that there are times when parents and we who lead the Church must extend tough love when failing to teach and to warn and to discipline is to destroy." {{ref|packer01}}
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| − | Many people have a hard distinguishing between sexual orientation and sexual activity. They often think a reject of homosexual practices is a rejection of people with a homosexual orientation.
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| − | Many people unfamiliar with homosexuality will often lump people with same-sex attractions, people who have sexual relations with people of the same gender, and people
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| − | Not all gay people want to pursue same-sex relationships. The Social Organization of Sexuality: Sexual Practices in the United States
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| − | According to some book, only a small percentage of people with same-sex attractions have participated in homosexual behavior.{{ref|laumann}} There are also several accounts of those who had participated in homosexual behavior who have since abandoned the practice or are seeking to. One survey indicated that 20% of gay men and 40% of lesbians are married to someone of the opposite sex. This puts estimates at some number. According to this one study, this segment of the population is often overlooked. While these people may not be as vocal as the other segments of the gay and lesbian population, it is an important segment and their views should not be discounted.
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| − | Is the Church anti-gay?
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| − | President Hinckley said the Church wasn't anti-gay, but pro-family.{{ref|larryking04}} The Church has spoken out against gay-bashing or any type of hostility towards gay people. Elder Oaks reminded members that people who are attracted to the same gender are in "special need of the love and encouragement that is a clear responsibility of Church members".{{ref|oaks95}} Many gay members of the Church have expressed their gratitude for the Church's stance on homosexuality.
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| − | Newline.
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| − | A Georgia Tech manual labeled the Mormon Church as anti-gay, but a complaint was made, and a judge sided with the students and mandated that the reference to the Mormon church being anti-gay be removed.
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| − | This may or may not relate to their actual sexual orientation. In a 1990 study by the Social Organization of Sexuality, only 16% of women and 36% of men who reported some level of same-sex attraction had a homosexual or bisexual identity. The same survey found that 96% of women and 87% of men with a homosexual or bisexual identity had participated in sex with someone of the same sex, as contrasted to 32% of women and 43% of men who had same-sex attractions. According to a 1990 study of The Social Organization of Sexuality, out of 131 women and 108 men who self-reported [[same-sex attraction]], only 43 men (40%) and 42 women (32%) had participated in gay sex. {{ref|laumann}}
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| − | Given recent prevalence estimates most pastoral caregivers and counselors will work with persons who experience same-sex attraction (SSA). Many of the people who experience SSA will report such a consistency in the directionality and intensity of their attractions that they think of themselves as having a homosexual orientation. Others will integrate their experiences of SSA into a gay identity. What can facilitate pastoral care and counseling is an intentional use of this three-tier distinction: experiences of SSA, homosexual orientation, and gay identity. A discussion of this three-tier distinction is followed by specific suggestions for utilizing this conceptual framework as a resource in pastoral care and counseling.{{ref|yarhouse}}
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| − | When homosexual attraction, homosexual identity, and same-sex sexual behavior were entered to predict suicide attempt, only same-sex sexual behavior was significantly predictive.{{ref|suicide}}
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| − | ===Is being gay a sin?-affirming===
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| − | No. Elder Oaks taught "It’s no sin to have inclinations that if yielded to would produce behavior that would be a transgression. The sin is in yielding to temptation. Temptation is not unique. Even the Savior was tempted." {{ref|oaks07}} The pamphlet "God Loveth His Children" encourages gay members to neither blame themselves nor their parents for their attractions.{{ref|GodLoveth}}
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| − | ===Does BYU allow gay students? - welcoming===
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| − | Yes. Sexual orientation was never an honor code issue, but in 2008 the honor code was revised to specifically state "Sexual orientation is not an honor code issue." Outside groups, including Soulforce, have criticized BYU's policy against same-sex relationships, but gay students who go to BYU have spoken in favor of BYU's honor code.
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| − | ===Are homosexuals an abomination? - affirming===
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| − | The previous version of the For the Strength of the Youth pamphlet included the phrase "Homosexuality is an abomination". At the time of publication, homosexuality referred to sexual relations between people of the same gender. Now homosexuality is considered a sexual orientation, which may not be related to a person's sexual practices. The Church considers all sexual relationships except those between a husband and a wife as an abomination. (Alma 39:5) The abomination is the sexual act, not the person committing it. In his book, Miracle of Forgiveness, Elder Kimball said he believes many homosexuals are "basically good people who have become trapped in sin," referring to those who were having same-sex relationships.{{ref|miracle}}
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| − | ===Do gay people need to be married in order to enter into heaven? - affirming===
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| − | No. Elder Holland taught "For various reasons, marriage and children are not immediately available to all... Perhaps there is no present attraction to the opposite gender. Whatever the reason, God’s richest blessings will eventually be available to all of His children if they are clean and faithful."{{ref|holland07}}
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| − | In 1987, President Hinckley taught "Marriage should not be viewed as a therapeutic step to solve problems such as homosexual inclinations or practices."{{ref|hinckley87}} In 1992, the Church came out with more elaborate instructions. "Marriage should not be viewed as a way to resolve homosexual problems. The lives of others should not be damaged by entering a marriage where such concerns exist. Encouraging members to cultivate heterosexual feelings as a way to resolve homosexual problems generally leads them to frustration and discouragement. However, some people have reported that once they are freed from homosexual problems, heterosexual feelings have gradually emerged."{{ref|lds92}}
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| − | Again in 2007, Elder Oaks commented on President Hinckley's 1987 statement: "To me that means that we are not going to stand still to put at risk daughters of God who would enter into such marriages under false pretenses or under a cloud unknown to them. Persons who have this kind of challenge that they cannot control could not enter marriage in good faith. On the other hand, persons who have cleansed themselves of any transgression and who have shown their ability to deal with these feelings or inclinations and put them in the background, and feel a great attraction for a daughter of God and therefore desire to enter marriage and have children and enjoy the blessings of eternity - that’s a situation when marriage would be appropriate."{{ref|oaks07}}
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| − | While there is no requirement nor encouragement for gay people to marry, there is no restriction either. Elder Holland notes "Some may overcome same-gender attraction in mortality and marry. Others, however, may never be free of same-gender attraction in this life."{{ref|holland07}} Many members with same-sex attraction are faithfully married, and have reported happiness and fulfillment in these marriages.
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| − | ===Does the Church support aversion therapy? - afirming===
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| − | Elder Oaks answered this question in a 2007 interview. He said:
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| − | "The Church rarely takes a position on which treatment techniques are appropriate, for medical doctors or for psychiatrists or psychologists and so on.
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| − | The second point is that there are abusive practices that have been used in connection with various mental attitudes or feelings. Over-medication in respect to depression is an example that comes to mind. The aversive therapies that have been used in connection with same-sex attraction have contained some serious abuses that have been recognized over time within the professions. While we have no position about what the medical doctors do (except in very, very rare cases - abortion would be such an example), we are conscious that there are abuses and we don’t accept responsibility for those abuses. Even though they are addressed at helping people we would like to see helped, we can’t endorse every kind of technique that’s been used."{{ref|oaks07}}
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| − | There were experiments done on aversion therapy at Brigham Young University by McBride in the 1970s.{{ref|McBride}} Although Brigham Young University is owned by the Church, it is still given a great degree of autonomy, and graduate students typically do not seek for church approval before conducting research projects. At the time, homosexuality was considered a mental disorder, and aversion therapy was a standard tool used in the medical profession to treat homosexuality.
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| | ==What is the Church's position on gay rights?== | | ==What is the Church's position on gay rights?== |
| − | | + | [[/The Church and gay rights]] |
| − | For the most part, the Church does not involve itself in politics. It makes a few exceptions when it comes to moral issues. The Church officially opposes same-sex marriage, but has made clear that the official opposition is limited to marriage, and does not extend to other gay rights. The statement reads as follows:
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| − | The focus of the Church’s involvement is specifically same-sex marriage and its consequences. The Church does not object to rights (already established in California) regarding hospitalization and medical care, fair housing and employment rights, or probate rights, so long as these do not infringe on the integrity of the family or the constitutional rights of churches and their adherents to administer and practice their religion free from government interference." {{ref|DivineMarriage}}
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| − | Larry King asked President Hinckley whether or not the Church was in favor of civil unions. President Hinckley responded "Well, we want to be very careful about that, because that - whatever may lead to gay marriage, we're not in favor of."{{ref|larryking}} Here, the emphasis again was on marriage, not on any other rights.
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| − | ===Doesn't the church's teachings on same-sex relationships interfere with its teachings on agency?===
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| − | One of the fundamental doctrines of the Church is that men are free to chose good and evil. The role of the Church is not to force people to obey the commandments of God. The Church invites all to come to Christ, but it is up to the individual to come unto Christ. We teach that sexual relationships are only allowed between a husband and a wife, but allow individuals to make their own choices. The eleventh article of faith states: "We claim the privilege of worshiping the Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscious, and allow all men the same privilege. Let them worship how, where or what they may." We believe that all people have the ability to chose their own sexual conduct.
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| − | Legislation that is herald as gay rights legislation actually puts limitations on the ability of gay and lesbian people to chose their own sexual conduct. For example, the recent decision by the Iowa Supreme Court stated that "you're marriage isn't fulfilling." While we respect the rights of gay and lesbian people who
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| − | this really is my own beef. I will get back to it, just not right now.
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| | ==Causes of Homosexuality== | | ==Causes of Homosexuality== |
| − | | + | [[/Causes of Homosexuality]] |
| − | A major source of debate about homosexuality is the cause of homosexuality. Many people have accused the church of teaching causes of homosexuality that contradict modern research. Much of this confusion stems from the definition of homosexuality, which has changed drastically over the years. In the 1960s, President Kimball referred to homosexuality as a "sex act", while modern medical organizations refer to it as a sexual orientation. This understanding is essential for understanding the difference between the teachings of the church and the accusation being levied against the church.
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| − | ===Is it taught that no one is born gay?===
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| − | Larry King once asked President Hinckley whether or not people were born gay. President Hinckley said he did not know. Elder Oaks explains: "The Church does not have a position on the causes of any of these susceptibilities or inclinations, including those related to same-gender attraction. Those are scientific questions - whether nature or nurture - those are things the Church doesn’t have a position on. {{ref|oaks07}}
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| − | Many members of the Church have expressed their opinion that no one is born gay. Unfortunately, many have spoken as if they represent the Church. Elder Holland chastised these members, saying "I too affirm that God loves all His children and acknowledge that many questions, including some related to same-gender attraction, must await a future answer, perhaps in the next life. Unfortunately, some people believe they have all the answers now and declare their opinions far and wide. Fortunately, such people do not speak for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."{{ref|holland07}}
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| − | While the church doesn't teach the cause of homosexuality, it has taught that it isn't a choice, and it is no one's fault. Elder Holland taught "If you are a parent of one with same-gender attraction, don’t assume you are the reason for those feelings. No one, including the one struggling, should try to shoulder blame. Nor should anyone place blame on another-including God." {{ref|holland07}}
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| − | The church has taught that every one has a choice over their sexual actions, and that being gay does not remove that choice. The Church teaches that because of the atonement of Christ, everyone is free to act for themselves, and to chose between good and evil. Elder Oaks taught:
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| − | "Beware the argument that because a person has strong drives toward a particular act, he has no power of choice and therefore no responsibility for his actions. This contention runs counter to the most fundamental premises of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Satan would like us to believe that we are not responsible in this life. That is the result he tried to achieve by his contest in the pre-existence. A person who insists that he is not responsible for the exercise of his free agency because he was ‘born that way’ is trying to ignore the outcome of the War in Heaven. We are responsible, and if we argue otherwise, our efforts become part of the propaganda effort of the Adversary." {{ref|oaks95}}
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| − | His admonition focused on the "act". He did not deny that a person may have strong drives towards the act. He does not even deny that the feelings might be inborn. In the same document, he states:
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| − | "Some kinds of feelings seem to be inborn. Others are traceable to mortal experiences. Still other feelings seem to be acquired from a complex interaction of "nature and nurture." All of us have some feelings we did not choose, but the gospel of Jesus Christ teaches us that we still have the power to resist and reform our feelings (as needed) and to assure that they do not lead us to entertain inappropriate thoughts or to engage in sinful behavior."
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| − | He does fall short of affirming that such feelings are indeed inborn, pointing to several scientific studies which indicate that they may not be inborn. It is important to note that no major medical organization considers sexual orientation to be inborn. Most believe it is a complex interaction between genetics, hormones and environment. The American Psychological Association has stated "Some people believe sexual orientation is innate and immutable; but sexual orientation develops across the lifetime of a person.
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| − | The Church's stance on the cause of homosexuality is completely inline with modern science.
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| − | ===Didn't the Church teach homosexuality was a disease?===
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| − | Speaking to church educators and LDS psychiatrists in 1964, Elder Spencer W. Kimball read from a Medical World News article which referred to homosexuality as a disease. He commented that "We know such a disease is curable."
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| − | It was not Elder Kimball who classified homosexuality as a disease. He was quoting from a Medical World News article. Until 1992, homosexuality was classified as a mental illness by the World Health Organization.<ref>[http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb264/is_24_12/ai_n29141570/ Homosexuality not a disease to be cured.] Reproductive Health Matters, November 2004 </ref> Even today, they have a classification for ego-dystonic sexual orientation. The church typically does not challenge the classification of diseases of medical authorities. Elder Oaks explained that although the church frequently references contemporary scientific research, it should not be taken as a position on "scientific questions". After the reclassification by the WHO, the Church distributed new material on dealing with homosexuality that removed all references to homosexuality being a disease.
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| − | Consistent with the medical field at the time, Spencer W. Kimball continued to refer to homosexuality as a disease throughout his life, including in several church publications and pamphlets. It is important to remember that the definition of homosexuality has changed since the 1960s. In the Miracle of Forgiveness, Elder Kimball referred to homosexuality as a "sex act," whereas today it refers to a sexual orientation and does not necessarily imply a sex act. He said the cure for homosexuality was "like the cure for alcoholism subject to continued vigilance." If he were saying that the person's sexual orientation could change, there would be no need for continued vigilance, because there would be no same-sex attraction, and hence no temptation to commit any related sex act. He compared it to alcoholism. It is not expected that alcohol becomes completely undesirable to a recovering alcoholic, but just that he gains control over his alcohol consumption.
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| − | ===Does the Church teach masturbation makes you gay?===
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| − | President Kimball taught that "Sometimes masturbation is the introduction to the more serious sins of exhibitionism and the gross sin of homosexuality."{{ref|kimball80}} A similar sentiment was expressed in The Miracle of Forgiveness.{{ref|miracle}} Also in that book, President Kimball defined homosexuality as a "sex act", whereas today it is defined as a sexual orientation that doesn't necessarily include sex acts. Hence, President Kimball was not saying that masturbation lead someone to be attracted to the same sex, but that masturbation is a step towards having a sexual relationship with someone of the same sex. This is not surprising, considering that church has also taught that for straight people masturbation is also a step towards having a sexual relationship with someone of the opposite sex. It would make sense that the same admonition would apply equally to gay and straight members. Masturbation is discouraged for both gay and straight members. In the same address, President Kimball taught "Masturbation, a rather common indiscretion, is not approved of the Lord nor of his church, regardless of what may have been said by others whose “norms” are lower. Latter-day Saints are urged to avoid this practice. Anyone fettered by this weakness should abandon the habit before he goes on a mission or receives the holy priesthood or goes in the temple for his blessings. "
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There was a Georgia Tech gay rights manual that referred to the church as anti-gay. However, a judge ordered that the material be removed because there was no basis for the accusation. ("Judge rules Georgia Tech gay rights manual biased", Associated Press. May 1, 2000) President Hinckley told Larry King in an interview that the church was not anti-gay.
The Church welcomes all people who seek the truth and have a desire to know and serve God. President Hinckley has specifically extended this welcome to gay men and women. In 1999, he made the following statement:
"As I said from this pulpit one year ago, our hearts reach out to those who refer to themselves as gays and lesbians. We love and honor them as sons and daughters of God. They are welcome in the Church." [1]
"Church leaders are sometimes asked whether there is any place in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for persons with homosexual or lesbian susceptibilities or feelings. Of course there is." [2]
LDS Family Services estimates that there are four or five members in every unit of the Church who is attracted to the same sex.[3]
Though there is no official church organization for members with same-sex attractions, there are several unofficial organizations, such as Evergreen, whose conferences usually has a representative from the quorum of seventies. There have also been several Ensign articles and books sold at Deseret Book which have been written by or for members with same-sex attractions.
Many of them have expressed gratitude for the church and their position on homosexuality. Here are some cool quotes:
President Hinckley has affirmed gay members as good people. In a 1995 interview, he said:
Every leader of the church who has spoken about homosexuality has affirmed their love for gay people. Here are some of the quotes from leaders of the church.
President Gordon B. Hinckley said "People inquire about our position on those who consider themselves so-called gays and lesbians. My response is that we love them as sons and daughters of God." [5]
In response to an accusation that the church rejects our gay brothers and sisters, President Packer responded "We do not reject you,... We cannot reject you, for you are the sons and daughters of God. We will not reject you, because we love you. [6]
Speaking of a gay man, Elder Holland said "I weep with admiration and respect at the faith and courage of such a man who is living with a challenge I have never faced. I love him and the thousands like him, male or female, who "fight the good fight" (1 Timothy 6:12). I commend his attitude to all who struggle with-or who are helping others who struggle with-same-gender attraction." {{ref|holland07}
"When members with homosexual problems come to you for help, they may feel guilty and in despair, having been unable to change their lives. You can instill hope in them. Help them to know that you and their Heavenly Father love them and that they can be healed from their afflictions through the atonement of the Savior." [8]
This love is not limited to gay people who are members of the church and are living its standards. It extends to all gay people. A pamphlet issued to church leaders in 1992 told them
"If a person with homosexual problems chooses not to change, family members may have difficulty maintaining feelings of love and acceptance toward the person. Encourage them to continue loving the person and hoping that he or she may repent." [9]
In discussing the command given by The First Presidency to love gay people, Elder Oaks commented:
"Surely if we are counseled as a body of Church membership to reach out with love and understanding to those ‘struggling with these issues,’ that obligation rests with particular intensity on parents who have children struggling with these issues… even children who are engaged in sinful behavior associated with these issues" [10]
In the Miracle of Forgiveness, Spencer W. Kimball said that he thought that men who were pursuing same-sex relationships were "basically good people who have become trapped in sin."[11]
The mission of the church is to bring all people to Christ. We believe that this is one of the fundamental ways in which we can serve our fellow man. We believe we can come closer to Christ by taking upon us his name through the covenant of baptism, which includes a covenant to obey his commandments. Teaching and encouraging our fellow man to obey the teachings of Christ is an important part in bringing them to Christ. This is the greatest good we can do for our fellow man, and what will bring them the greatest joy.(Scripture about saying nothing but repentance)
The path that leads to eternal life is straight and narrow, but we want as many of our brothers and sisters to find that path as possible. Christ taught against fornication and adultery, and we believe that includes all sexual relationships besides that of a husband and a wife. We teach and encourage all to obey this commandment, as part of our duty to bring them to Christ. There are people who feel that by promoting this higher moral code, we are rejecting those who do not follow it. Elder Packer responded to this concern as to how it applies specifically to gay people. He said:
"We understand why some feel we reject them. That is not true. We do not reject you, only immoral behavior. We cannot reject you, for you are the sons and daughters of God. We will not reject you, because we love you. You may even feel that we do not love you. That also is not true. Parents know, and one day you will know, that there are times when parents and we who lead the Church must extend tough love when failing to teach and to warn and to discipline is to destroy." [12]
We have no other reason for teaching the law of chastity other than out of love for our fellow man. Joseph Smith once taught that a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things cannot produce the faith necessary for salvation. Certainly, we would want both the gay and straight members of the church to be able to produce the faith necessary for salvation. Our eternal family would not be complete without our gay brothers and sisters.
