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"Love thy neighbor as thyself" is one of the two great commandments in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There is no teaching or commandment in the church that conflicts with this law.  We believe all mankind are our brothers and sisters.  All who are baptized into the church have made a covenant to "mourn with those who mourn, and comfort those who stand in need of comfort".  This is especially true of our brothers and sisters who are attracted to the same gender{{ref|oaks95}}, commonly referred to as gay or lesbian.
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==Criticism==
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*The Church is accused of rejecting people who experience same-sex attraction.
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*The Church is accused of rejecting people who identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual.
  
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We welcome our gay brothers and sisters into the church, and affirm them as good people. We empower them to make decisions that will help them attain happiness in this life, and we help them with whatever trial they are facing. We do this regardless of how they chose to live their lives.
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==Response==
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{{Epigraph|I emphasize this, I wish to say that our opposition to attempts to legalize same-sex marriage should never be interpreted as justification for hatred, intolerance, or abuse of those who profess homosexual tendencies, either individually or as a group. 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. It is expected, however, that they follow the same God-given rules of conduct that apply to everyone else, whether single or married.<br>
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&mdash;President Gordon B. Hinckley, ''Why We Do Some of the Things We Do'', October 1999 General Conference}}
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{{parabreak}}
  
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==The church welcomes gay people==
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Elder Dallin Oakes notes the distinction between having feelings of same-sex attraction and acting upon those feelings,
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<blockquote>
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[W]e should always distinguish between sinful acts and inappropriate feelings or potentially dangerous susceptibilities. We should reach out lovingly to those who are struggling to resist temptation. The First Presidency did this in their 14 November 1991 letter. After reaffirming the sinful nature of “fornication, adultery, and homosexual and lesbian behavior,” the Presidency added: “Individuals and their families desiring help with these matters should seek counsel from their bishop, branch president, stake or district president. We encourage Church leaders and members to reach out with love and understanding to those struggling with these issues. Many will respond to Christlike love and inspired counsel as they receive an invitation to come back and apply the atoning and healing power of the Savior. {{ref|oaks95}}
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</blockquote>
  
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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:
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As members of the Church of Jesus Christ, we have made a covenant to take upon ourselves the name of Christ, to always remember Him, and keep His commandments which He has given us.  This covenant requires that we act as Christ would act, including the duty to love, serve and uplift our brothers and sisters who are attracted to the same gender.
  
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"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." {{ref|hinckley99}}
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The other great commandment is to love God, and this includes a devotion to obey and proclaim His commandments, including the commandment to abstain from same-sex relationships. Obeying these commandments will bring happiness and peace in this life, and eternal life in the world to come. Many people are striving to obey these commandments, and others will become converted upon hearing the restored gospel of Christ.
  
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The Church has published several publications designed to reach out to members with same-sex attractions.  The most recent, God Loveth His Children, assures that "No one is, or ever could be, excluded from the circle of God’s love or the extended arms of His Church, for we are all His beloved sons and daughters."{{ref|GodLoveth}}  Elder Oaks similarly stated: "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." {{ref|oaks95}}
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We can love our neighbor by welcoming them to come unto Christ and inviting them to keep His commandments.  We affirm that all mankind can obey these commandments.  We understand that we have been granted the ability to make those choices, and understand that some may choose to disobey the commandments of God.  As members of the Church, we must balance our duty to love God, welcome and affirm those who are attempting to obey His commandments, and respect the right to choose of those who do not do so. Respecting the right of a person to choose a path contrary to God's will means that we should not treat individuals who do so with hatred or bigotry.
  
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Many are faithful members of the church.  LDS Family Services estimates that there are four or five members in every unit of the Church who is attracted to the same sex.{{ref|EvergreenIndividual}}  Their stories and testimonies have been published in the Ensign{{ref|EnsignSSA}}, are printed in books sold at Deseret Book{{ref|quietDesperation}}, are covered by the media{{ref|moore}}{{ref|MediaSSA}} and are found on the Internet{{ref|InternetSSA}}.  Many have formed unofficial organizations, such as [http://www.evergreeninternational.org Evergreen], [http://northstarlds.org North Star], and [http://www.ldslights.org Northern Lights]. These organizations are composed of people with same-sex attractions who uphold the teachings of the church without reservation. Every year, a member of the quorum of seventies gives a special address at the annual Evergreen Conference.
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== The Church is welcoming ==
  
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==The church affirms gay people==
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The Church welcomes all people to come unto Christ.  President Hinckley has specifically extended this welcome to those who experience same-sex attraction.  In 1999, he made the following statement:
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<blockquote>
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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. It is expected, however, that they follow the same God-given rules of conduct that apply to everyone else, whether single or married. {{ref|hinckley99}}
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</blockquote>
  
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Like all of God's children, the church teaches that gay people are beloved sons and daughters of God.  Sometimes, gay people do not feel they are loved by God. The Church affirms them by teaching them that God loves them. Instructions given to leaders in the church in 1992 instructed leaders on how to affirm gay members:
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Like all of God's children, the Church teaches that people who are attracted to the same sex are beloved sons and daughters of God and are loved by the Church and its leaders. Note the expectation, however, that the commandments must be kept.
  
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"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." {{ref|lds92}}
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In one of the Church's first pamphlets geared towards homosexuality, President Kimball reminds the readers to:
  
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In addition to teaching that God loves them, the leadership has also iterated their love for gay members.  In 1998, 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." {{ref|hinckley98}}
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"Remember, the Lord loves you, the Church loves you."{{ref|kimball71}}
  
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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. {{ref|packer01}}
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The Church has developed several publications designed to reach out to members with same-sex attractions. The most recent, God Loveth His Children, assures that:
  
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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}}
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"No one is, or ever could be, excluded from the circle of God’s love or the extended arms of His Church, for we are all His beloved sons and daughters."{{ref|GodLoveth}}
  
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Beyond simply expressing love for gay people, the church affirms that there are indeed good people.  In a 1995 interview, President Hinckley said: "Now we have gays in the church.  Good people."{{ref|lattin}}
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Elder Oaks similarly stated:  
  
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This affirmation is not limited to gay people who keep the standards of the church.  In the Miracle of Forgiveness, Spencer W. Kimball said that men who were pursuing same-sex relationships were "basically good people who have become trapped in sin."{{ref|miracle}}
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"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." {{ref|oaks95}}
  
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==The church empowers gay people==
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Many people with same-sex attractions are faithful members of the Church.  Some belong to [http://www.evergreeninternational.org Evergreen International], which is the only organization for people with same-sex attractions outside of the official church structure with General Authority designated representation, and a direct working relationship with LDS Family Services.  [http://northstarlds.org North Star] is another organization formed by individual members who seek to encourage one another to follow the teachings of the Church.  LDS Family Services estimates that there are four or five members in every unit of the Church who are attracted to the same sex.{{ref|EvergreenIndividual}}  Their stories have been profiled in the Ensign{{ref|EnsignSSA}}, and several books published by Church members.{{ref|quietDesperation}}  General Authorities attend Evergreen meetings, and the proceedings are published on the Church's web site.{{ref|hafen}}
  
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''God Loveth His Children'', a pamphlet produced by the church for Latter-day Saints with same-sex attractions, reads "You are a son or daughter of God, and our hearts reach out to you in warmth and affection. Notwithstanding your present same-gender attractions, you can be happy during this life, lead a morally clean life, perform meaningful service in the Church, enjoy full fellowship with your fellow Saints, and ultimately receive all the blessings of eternal life."{{ref|GodLoveth}}
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The Church welcomes all people, whether they refer to themselves as gay or straight.  Many who refer to themselves as gay have accepted this invitation by joining the Church, where they have found peace.
  
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== The Church helps gay people find peace ==
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=== We welcome while teaching against same-sex relationships ===
  
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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.  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.
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Everyone is welcome to attend our services, but to be a member one must first make a covenant to follow the commandments of God.  Jesus Christ taught that we should abstain from fornication and adultery.{{ref|Adultery}}  This includes all relationships besides those between a husband and a wife.  We are not at liberty to change the law for a segment of the population.{{ref|packer01}}  People with same-sex attractions are subject to these laws as much as those with opposite-sex attractions.  You cannot have a same-sex relationship without disobeying the commandments given to us by Jesus Christ.  Elder Oaks explains:
  
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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.  Elder Oaks explains the natural consequences if gay people do not follow the law of chastity: "Those commandments, if they are not adhered to, result in guilt. That guilt is painful to people. There are two solutions to that guilt. One is to disbelieve in God or hold a congress and pretend that you can change God's commandments. The other is to discontinue that kind of conduct to the best of your ability."{{ref|oaks86}} While the church may not follow the world's approach, we believe that our approach of promoting the commandments of the Lord will help alleviate the guilt people feel by inspiring them to live are higher moral code.
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"Homosexual behavior is and will always remain before the Lord an abominable sin."{{ref|Oaks07}}
  
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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:
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Those who refer to themselves as gay are not necessarily having same-sex relationships.  Gay is an adjective that can refer to thoughts, attractions or behaviors.{{ref|Oaks07}}  Having same-sex attractions, participating in same-sex relationships, and identifying as gay or lesbian are three separate things, and they vary over time.{{ref|ChangeOrientation}}  A study by the Social Organization of Sexuality found that 60% of men and 68% of women who were attracted to the same gender have never engaged in homosexual behavior.  This number differs from those who identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual.  For them, only 13% of men and 4% of women have never engaged in homosexual behavior.{{ref|laumann}}  From studies like these, the American Psychological Association has determined 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|apa??}}  Some who have engaged in homosexual behavior have stopped and others will stop when they hear the gospel of Jesus Christ and are converted. 
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Because of the strong correlation between identifying as gay or lesbian and having homosexual relationships, many members of the Church who are attracted to the same gender do not refer to themselves as gay.  For members of the Church, our main identity is not the gender we are attracted to, but the fact that we are sons or daughters of God.  As such, the Church does not refer to people as either gay or straight.  Some may chose to continue to refer to themselves as gay or straight and they are welcome in the Church.
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==The Church is affirming==
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The Church affirms that those with same-sex attraction are good people including those who refer to themselves as gay and seeks to assure them that they can find peace and happiness in this life.  In an interview with the San Jose Mercury News, President Hinckley stated:
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"Now we have gays in the church.  Good people."{{ref|lattin}}
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Not all members have felt this.  Elder Holland recounts the story of one man who was concerned that because he was gay, he could not be a good member of the Church.  Elder Holland affirmed that he had not transgressed, and promised:
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"If your life is in harmony with the commandments, then you are worthy to serve in the Church, enjoy full fellowship with the members, attend the temple, and receive all the blessings of the Savior’s Atonement."{{ref|holland07}}
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Church leaders have not limited their affirmation to those who keep the standards of the Church.  In the "Miracle of Forgiveness", Spencer W. Kimball said that he found that men who were pursuing same-sex relationships were "basically good people who have become trapped in sin."{{ref|kimball69}} 
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This affirmation is important as many people with same-sex attraction may feel that they are not good people.  By assuring people with same-sex attractions that they are good people, the Church affirms them in their identity as children of God.  Instruction given to Church leaders explains:
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"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."{{ref|lds92}}
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The leaders of the Church understand and support their members with same-sex attractions.  They recognize that some may face struggles with their same-sex attractions.  In reference to a man with same-sex attractions, Elder Holland said:
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"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&mdash;or who are helping others who struggle with&mdash;same-gender attraction." {{ref|holland07}}
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=== We affirm while teaching against same-sex relationships ===
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Some people argue that by teaching against homosexual relationships, the church places a stigma on those with same-sex attractions, since only they would have the desire to participate in homosexual relationships, and therefore they are not fully affirmed as equal members in the Church.  This is no different than teaching against heterosexual relationships outside of marriage, since only people with opposite-sex attractions would have the desire to participate in heterosexual relationships, nor is it vastly different from teaching against abortions, since only those who have had a heterosexual relationship would have the ability to have an abortion.  The Church isn't any more anti-gay than it is anti-straight.  Just because we have a certain desire does not mean God intendeds us to act on it. Elder Nelson explains:
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"Every person on this planet has personal challenges. Some have challenges with same-sex attraction, some have problems with opposite-gender attraction that have to be controlled. We just can't live like biological specimens of some kind, responding to whatever urges; we have to discipline and control those things."{{ref|mormonismmodern}}
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Everyone will have a desire to disobey some of the commandments of God.  The exact nature of the desires vary from person to person.  Because of the fall of Adam, all mankind has become "carnal, sensual, and devilish, by nature". (Alma 42:10) One of the reasons we have these desires is so that there can be an opposition in all things. (2 Nephi 2:11)  If we were not enticed by the one or the other, we would not learn to distinguish good from evil and hence we really would not be able to act for ourselves.(2 Nephi 2:16)  God gives us weaknesses so we can be humble and turn to him. (Ether 12:27)  By yielding to God, we can overcome the natural tendency to sin, and become who God wants us to be, (Mosiah 3:19) but unless we had the desire to sin in the first place, we would have no need to repent and hence couldn't turn to God. (Alma 42:17)  The fall of Adam and our subsequent desire to sin is an essential part of the plan of a loving God to ultimately bring us joy. (2 Nephi 2:25)  Everyone seeking to be saved has to deal with the desire to sin and put off the natural man through the atonement of Christ.  The desire for homosexual relationships is no different than any other desire to disobey the commandments of God.
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The Church affirms those with same-sex attractions who have a desire to have homosexual relationships, not by pretending that such relationships are not sinful, but by including them in a vast brotherhood of other mortals who are similarly dealing with the desires of the natural man.  Eventually, all of these things, including same-sex attractions, will work together for the good of those who love God. {{ref|hafen}}
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== The Church is helpful ==
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The Church seeks to help all people, including those with same-sex attractions.  President Hinckley explains:
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"Well, we're not anti-gay.  We are pro-family.  Let me put it that way.  And we love these people and try to work with them and help them."{{ref|Hinckley98}}
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Elder Oaks taught:
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"All should understand that persons (and their family members) struggling with the burden of same-sex attraction are in special need of the love and encouragement that is a clear responsibility of Church members, who have signified by covenant their willingness "to bear one another’s burdens" (Mosiah 18:8) "and so fulfil the law of Christ" (Gal. 6:2)."{{ref|Oaks95}}
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There are many ways in which the Church helps those with same-sex attractions.  The Church has sought to protect people from physical and verbal abuse regardless of their choice in sexual conduct.  Elder Oaks further taught:
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"Our doctrines obviously condemn those who engage in so-called "gay bashing""&mdash;physical or verbal attacks on persons thought to be involved in homosexual or lesbian behavior."{{ref|Oaks95}}
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Beyond simply teaching this doctrine, the Church has advocated for legal protections for people regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.  This is significant because the Church only becomes involved in politics if serious moral issues are involved.{{ref|Oaks09}}  When Salt Lake City asked the Church for its opinion on an ordinance which would protect people from housing and employment discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, the Church supported the measure.  In the official statement, they said it was a "common-sense right" and a question of "human dignity".{{ref|LDS09}}  Elder Holland said it could be a model for the rest of Utah.{{ref|Holland09}}  This was done even though the Utah legislature, at the time, was against extending such rights.
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The Church also helps people with same-sex attractions by steering them away from destructive patterns.  The Church helps them to see that they shouldn't blame themselves for their sexual orientation.{{ref|Holland07}}  The leadership has recently warned against aversive therapies that have been used on people with same-sex attractions which have been shown to be abusive by the scientific field.{{ref|Oaks07}} They have spoken out against using marriage as a therapeutic step to change sexual orientation,{{ref|Hinckley87}} while at the same time supporting those who want to get married to someone of the opposite sex for whom they have developed an attraction.{{ref|Oaks07}}  They have warned leaders that "encouraging members to cultivate heterosexual feelings as a way to resolve homosexual problems generally leads them to frustration and discouragement."{{ref|lds92}}  They have assured members that having same-sex attractions is not a sin{{ref|oaks07}} and if they remain faithful they can receive all the blessings that Heavenly Father has promised His children, with no requirement to change sexual orientation.{{ref|Holland07}}
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Most important, the teachings of the Church on homosexuality help people with same-sex attractions to obey the commandments of God and find peace in their lives. Directing his comments to men who pursue same-sex relationships, Spencer W. Kimball taught:
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"The Church and the Lord have no ulterior motives - the only desire being for the restoration of you, yourself, a son of God, made in his image".{{ref|kimball78}}
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=== The Church brings peace ===
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By coming to Christ, we can find peace and happiness in this life.  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 brothers and sisters to obey the teachings of Christ is an important part in bringing them to Christ.  Proclaiming the gospel is one of the greatest goods we can do for our brothers and sisters, and will bring them the greatest joy.
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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.  Elder Oaks explains the natural consequences if we do not follow the law of chastity:
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"Those commandments, if they are not adhered to, result in guilt. That guilt is painful to people. There are two solutions to that guilt. One is to disbelieve in God or hold a congress and pretend that you can change God's commandments. The other is to discontinue that kind of conduct to the best of your ability."{{ref|oaks86}}
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Elder Oaks teaches there are two approaches to deal with guilt.  Our approach of promoting the commandments of the Lord will help alleviate the guilt people feel when they break the commandments of God, and does more to help someone feel good then attempting to change the commandments.
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There are people who feel that by promoting this higher moral code, the Church rejects people&mdash;including those who engage in homosexual practices&mdash;who choose to not follow this law.  Elder Packer responded to this concern by saying:
  
 
"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}}
 
"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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There are many gay members of the church who find the teachings of the church to be encouraging.  Elder Wickman explains that this is one of the reasons why the Church teaches about homosexuality: "One of the purposes of that discussion was to try to be hopeful and encouraging to those who do but nonetheless want to conform their lives to what they understand the Lord's teachings to be."{{ref|mormonismmodern}}
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There are many members with same-sex attractions who want to live this higher moral code and find that the teachings of the Church are encouraging.  Others will want to live the higher moral code upon hearing the restored gospel.  This is one of the reasons why the Church teaches its members to abstain from same-sex relationships.  Elder Wickman explains:  
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"One of the purposes of that discussion was to try to be hopeful and encouraging to those who do but nonetheless want to conform their lives to what they understand the Lord's teachings to be."{{ref|mormonismmodern}}
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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 as many people to be able to produce the faith necessary for salvation as possible.  If we teach that people with opposite-sex attractions need to be willing to sacrifice their sexual desires, but not people with same-sex attractions, then we are doing a disservice to those with same-sex attractions.
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=== The Church is empowering ===
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An essential part of obeying the commandments is having the faith that you are capable of obeying the commandments.  We believe all people can accomplish the things which the Lord commands them.(1 Nephi 3:7)  Unfortunately, too often people are told that they do not have the ability to obey the commandments of God. Without the faith that they can obey the commandments of God, they become weak and become victims of their circumstances, rather than learning to act for themselves.  By teaching that they can act for themselves, people are empowered to choose whether or not they will obey the commandments of God.
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Many believe that people with same-sex attractions need to participate in same-sex relationships in order to be true to themselves, which by extension means they are incapable of obeying God's commandments.  They preach the doctrine that people who they refer to as gay or lesbian are created with only one choice about their sexual behavior.  For example, in the California Supreme Court case "In Re: Marriage", the court ruled that being gay was something "into which the class members are locked by the accident of birth" and that their "choice of a life partner will, by definition, be a person of the same sex."{{ref|CaliforniaSupremeCourt}}  They leave no room for a person they identified as gay to make a decision that would be in harmony with gospel, which implies that some people are born to disobey God.  This thought is very harmful to those who they identify as gay or lesbian.  They may come to believe that they have no power over their sexual urges, and their only choice is to act on them.  This can cause those who want to obey the commandments of God to feel trapped and may lead to hopelessness and despair. 
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The Iowa Supreme Court similarly said those who they have identified as gay cannot fulfill "their deeply felt need for a committed personal relationship" in a marriage to someone of the opposite sex.{{ref|Iowa}}  Denying the existence of people who have had success only serves to alienate them and push them further into the closet.  It may make them second guess themselves, which may weaken their marriage.  The Church is one of the few places that supports people in mixed-orientation marriages.
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Psychologists have found that it is unhealthy to prevent a person from living according to their values.  They found that telling them they are incapable of living according to their values interferes with their autonomy and self-determination, which is a key element to a successful resolution in therapy.{{ref|SelfDetermination}}  The American Psychological Association has instructed psychologists to help clients make their own informed choices when they come to them for help with unwanted same-sex attractions.  They are to support them in living according to their own values, even if this means helping them change their sexual orientation identity.{{ref|TherapeuticResponse}}  They have not found that helping clients reject their same-sex attractions produces any negative effects, and in some cases, they recommend it for clients.{{ref|RejectSameSexAttractions}}
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The message of the Church to all people is that "ye are free, ye are permitted to act for yourselves." (Helaman 14:30)  While we teach against sexual relationships outside of a heterosexual marriage, we also teach that all are free to chose good or evil. We uphold that each individual is free to chose their own values according to the dictates of their own conscious (AoF 12), and advocate their free exercise to act according to those values. (D&C 134:2)  The ability to choose is considered one of the most precious gifts given from God to man.  We fought a war in heaven to protect this agency.  If someone who refers to themself as gay or lesbian is told and comes to believe that they are incapable of following the commandments of God, then they do not truly have the ability to chose for themselves.  They have lost their agency.  This is not God's plan for His children.
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''God Loveth His Children'' affirms that everyone has a choice in their sexual behavior and they are capable of living the commandments of God. It reads:
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"Notwithstanding your present same-gender attractions, you can be happy during this life, lead a morally clean life, perform meaningful service in the Church, enjoy full fellowship with your fellow Saints, and ultimately receive all the blessings of eternal life."{{ref|GodLoveth}}
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While some organizations say that people with same-sex attractions do not have the ability to obey the laws of God, the Church tells them that they can.  This empowers them.  The Church teaches that they are in control of their destiny, and they can make of their life what they want.
  
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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.
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=== The Church helps family members ===
  
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=== The church helps family members of gay people learn to love and accept them as Christ does ===
+
Another way the Church extends a helping hand to people who are attracted to the same sex is by supporting their families.  They encourage family members to love and reach out to their family members, regardless of how they choose to live their lives.  In a 1992 statement to Church leaders, the Church counseled: 
  
−
One way that the church helps gay people is by supporting their families, and encouraging them to love and reach out to their family members regardless of how they chose to live their lives.  In a 1992 statement to Church leaders, the Church counseled:  "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." {{ref|lds92}}
+
"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." {{ref|lds92}}
  
−
This was reiterated by Elder Oaks in 1997: "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" {{ref|oaks07}}
+
This was reiterated by Elder Oaks in 1997:
  
−
Families with gay members are strengthened through living the principles of love and respect taught by Jesus Christ and reiterated in the Proclamation to the World on the Family.  One woman with a lesbian sister submitted an Ensign article in which she describes how the church has helped her with her relationship with her sister (Leigh). "I know the best thing I can do to have a close relationship with my sister is to have a close relationship with Heavenly Father and His Son. Leigh recently commented that it has been through the way our family has loved her that she has felt what she understood to be God’s love." {{ref|Leigh}}
+
"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" {{ref|oaks07}}
  
−
One of the best services that we can do for our gay brothers and sisters is to help them feel the love of God through our actions.
+
The Church helps family members to balance their love for their children who choose not to obey God's commandments and their love for God and devotion to His commandments. Elder Oaks explains:
  
−
==Related links==
+
"Love and tolerance are incomplete unless they are accompanied by a concern for truth and a commitment to the unity God has commanded of his servants... Carried to an undisciplined excess, love and tolerance can produce indifference to truth and justice, and opposition to unity."{{ref|oaks94}}
  
−
===Myths about the LDS church and homosexuality===
+
Families with members with same-sex attractions are strengthened through living the principles of love and respect taught by Jesus Christ and reiterated in the Proclamation to the World on the Family.{{ref|lds95}}  The sister of a woman (Leigh) who is involved in a sexual relationship with another woman wrote an "Ensign" article in which she describes how the Church has helped her with her relationship with her sister:
−
{{Main|/Myths about the Church and homosexuality|l1=Myths about the Church and homosexuality}}
 
  
−
===What is the Church's position on gay rights?===
+
"I know the best thing I can do to have a close relationship with my sister is to have a close relationship with Heavenly Father and His Son. Leigh recently commented that it has been through the way our family has loved her that she has felt what she understood to be God’s love." {{ref|Leigh}}
−
{{Main|/The Church and gay rights|l1=The Church and gay rights}}
 
  
−
===Causes of Homosexuality===
+
One of the best services that we can perform for our brothers and sisters is to help them feel the love of God through our actions.  This can be done while holding strong to the teachings of the gospel.
−
{{Main|/Causes of Homosexuality|l1=Causes of Homosexuality}}
 
  
−
=== Can the Church welcome gay people while teaching against same-sex relationships?===
+
== The Church is respectful ==
−
{{Main|/Can the Church welcome gay people while teaching against same-sex relationships|l1=Can the Church welcome gay people while teaching against same-sex relationships?}}
 
  
 +
By empowering people with same-sex attraction to make their own decision regarding their sexual behavior, some will decide of their own free will and choice not to obey the standards of the Church and hence disqualify themselves from membership in the Church.  We respect their decision.  However, respecting their decision does not require the Church to agree with their decision, nor does it require that we go against those who deal with same-sex attractions in a manner consistent with the commandments of God.  Elder Oaks taught:
  
−
Other
+
"Tolerance obviously requires a non-contentious manner of relating toward one another’s differences. But tolerance does not require abandoning one’s standards or one’s opinions on political or public policy choices. Tolerance is a way of reacting to diversity, not a command to insulate it from examination."{{ref|Oaks99}}
−
*Women of Worth [http://www.northstarlds.org/wow/ Women of Worth]
 
−
*Ensign articles <ref name="GayEnsign">For example, see [http://library.lds.org/nxt/gateway.dll/Magazines/Ensign/1997.htm/ensign%20january%201997.htm/becoming%20whole%20again.htm Becoming Whole Again], [http://lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg/menuitem.b12f9d18fae655bb69095bd3e44916a0/?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=f3cba7b37c11c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____ Compassion for Those Who Struggle] and [http://library.lds.org/nxt/gateway.dll/Magazines/Ensign/2002.htm/ensign%20august%202002.htm/my%20battle%20with%20samesex%20attraction.htm My Battle with Same-Sex Attraction]</ref>
 
−
*Evergreen testimonies <ref>[http://www.evergreeninternational.org/testimonies.htm Evergreen Testimionies]</ref>
 
−
*Ty Mansfield<ref> [http://www.tymansfield.com/2008/03/publications.html Thirtysomething...: Publications<!-- Bot generated title -->] </ref><ref> [http://deseretbook.com/authors/author-interview?author_id=30561&interview_id=2095 Everyday Lives, Everyday Values Interview with Fred and Marilyn Matis and Ty Mansfield, authors of ''In Quiet Desperation: Understanding the Challenge of Same-Gender Attraction''] and [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGuLCqwTArk KSL interview by Carole Mikita with Fred and Marilyn Matis and Ty Mansfield]{{Verify credibility|date=July 2009}} </ref>
 
−
*David Matheson<ref> [http://www.peoplecanchange.com/About_Us_Matheson.htm David Matheson] </ref><ref> [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbT93tckW4o YouTube - Coqui Zen Entertainment<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{Verify credibility|date=July 2009}}</ref>
 
  
 +
While we may disagree with the decision to pursue same-sex relationships, we always strive to uplift those who have made that choice and show kindness to them.  For example, the Church has always been supportive of civil rights for all people.{{ref|Brown63}}  This includes those who choose to enter same-sex relationships.  We do not oppose any civil rights, including those regarding hospitalization and medical care, fair housing and employment rights, or probate rights.{{ref|LDS08}}  (The Church does not consider same-sex marriage to be a civil right.){{ref|NotACivilRight}}  The statement showing support for the Salt Lake anti-discrimination bill reads:
  
−
* [[Evergreen International]] is an organization for "people who want to diminish same-sex attractions and overcome homosexual behavior."<ref> [http://www.evergreeninternational.org Evergreen International] </ref> It is the only organization that "sustains the doctrines and standards of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints without reservation or exception."
+
"I represent a church that believes in human dignity, in treating others with respect even when we disagree - in fact, especially when we disagree. The Church’s past statements are on the public record for all to see. In these comments and in our actions, we try to follow what Jesus Christ taught. Our language will always be respectful and acknowledge those who differ, but will also be clear on matters that we feel are of great consequence to our society."{{ref|LDS09}}
−
*'''North Star''' is an organization whose mission is to "provide a place of community for Latter-day Saints who experience homosexual attraction, as well as their family, friends, and ecclesiastical leaders."<ref> [http://www.northstarlds.org Northstar] </ref> The group supports the church’s position on homosexuality and aims to provide spiritual and social support for individuals and families who support and desire to live in harmony with church teachings.
 
−
* [[Affirmation: Gay & Lesbian Mormons]] is a support group originally organized on [[June 11]], [[1977]] to "work for the understanding and acceptance of gays and lesbians as full, equal and worthy persons within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and society, and to help them realize and affirm self-worth."<ref> {{Citation |publisher= Affirmation: Gay and Lesbian Mormons |url= http://www.affirmation.org/chapters/charter_and_bylaws.shtml |title= General Charter |accessdate= [[2007-12-20]] }}</ref> However, the group has expanded its mission to include bisexuals, transgender persons, and intersex persons. The group opposes the church's position against homosexuality.
 
−
* '''Disciples2''' is an organization to provide support for what it calls male and female "strugglers," "who have chosen or may someday choose to be in harmony with our Heavenly Father and His laws as set forth by modern-day prophets and apostles."<ref name="disciples" />
 
−
* '''Wildflowers''' is an organization for "women who have been or who are currently married to homosexual men."<ref> {{Citation |url= http://www.wearewildflowers.comz |title= We Are wildflowers |publisher= wearewildflowers.com |accessdate= [[2007-12-20]] }}</ref> The group was organized by Mormons, but is open to all faiths.
 
−
*[[Family Fellowship]] is for family members of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and/or Transgender members.<ref> [http://ldsfamilyfellowship.org Family Fellowship<!-- Bot generated title -->] </ref>
 
−
* '''GLYA''' (Gay LDS Young Adults) is a fraternal organization that provides "social activities for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender young adults ages 18-30 who share the similar cultural and religious background and/or heritage in Mormonism."<ref> [http://glya.homestead.com Website Disabled<!-- Bot generated title -->] </ref> It provides resources for religious organizations that accept homosexual behavior.<ref> [http://glya.homestead.com/resources.html#anchor_135 Website Disabled<!-- Bot generated title -->] </ref>
 
−
*[[LDS Reconciliation]] affirms the spirituality of Gays and Lesbians. It has organized protests against BYU and its policies.<ref> [http://www.ldsreconciliation.org Gay Mormon at LDSReconciliation.org<!-- Bot generated title -->] </ref>
 
−
*[[Gamofites]] is an organization of Latter-day Saint gay fathers. In its support for the sexuality of its members, Gamofites dissents from the Church's official doctrine on homosexuality.
 
−
* '''The Guardrail foundation''' seeks to "reach out to young men with questions about homosexuality and to provide them with alternatives that are compatible with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." It promotes therapy called Context Specific Therapy that helps with homosexual "problems."<ref> [http://www.theguardrail.com/guardrail.htm The Guardrail Foundation] </ref>
 
  
−
===Is the church anti-gay?===
+
By always showing love and respect to those we disagree with, while holding firm to the commandments, the Church balances its duty to show love to God by defending and proclaiming His commandments; welcome, affirm and help those with same-sex attractions who may want to obey the commandments of God; and love our neighbor, regardless of the choices they make.
  
−
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, 2000)  President Hinckley told Larry King in an interview that the church was not anti-gay.
+
We welcome and affirm those with same-sex attractions, including those who refer to themselves as gay or lesbian, just as we do for those with opposite-sex attractions.  The actions of the Church have consistently been based in love for all of God's children.
  
 
==Endnotes==
 
==Endnotes==
−
#{{note|Leigh}}[http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=35ce1a01e8d43210VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD “The Best Thing I Can Do for Leigh,”] Ensign, Sep 2009, 62–65
+
#{{note|Iowa}} http://www.kcci.com/download/2009/0403/19084885.pdf
−
#{{note|kimball78}} [http://www.connellodonovan.com/horizons.html A Letter to A Friend]
+
#{{note|oaks95}} [http://lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg/menuitem.b12f9d18fae655bb69095bd3e44916a0/?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=43786e9ce9b1c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1''1995 Dallin H. Oaks Statement''], Official Site of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
−
#{{note|apa2000}}[http://www.aglp.org/pages/cfactsheets.html#Anchor-Gay-14210 American Psychiatric Association] 2000
+
#{{note|hinckley99}}Hinckley, Gordon B. (Nov 1999). [http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=ff1b6a4430c0c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD Why We Do Some of the Things We Do]. Ensign.
−
#{{note|apa}}[http://www.apahelpcenter.org/articles/article.php?id=31 American Psychological Association Help Center] Sexual Orientation and Homosexuality
+
#{{note|GodLoveth}}{{cite web |url= http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=e1fa5f74db46c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=3e05c8322e1b3110VgnVCM100000176f620a____ |title=God Loveth His Children |accessdate= 2007-12-07 }}
−
#{{note|apa2007}}[http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbc/publications/therapeutic-response.pdf Appropriate Therapeutic Responses to Sexual Orientation]
+
#{{note|oaks95-2}} [http://lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg/menuitem.b12f9d18fae655bb69095bd3e44916a0/?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=43786e9ce9b1c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1''1995 Dallin H. Oaks Statement''], Official Site of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
−
#{{note|beckstead}}{{cite journal |url= http://tcp.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/32/5/651 |title= Mormon Clients’ Experiences of Conversion Therapy |last= Beckstead |first= A. Lee |date= 2004 |volume= 32 |number= 5 |pages= 651–690 |doi= 10.1177/0011000004267555 |journal= The Counseling Psychologist }}
+
#{{note|EvergreenIndividual}} Evergreen International [http://www.evergreeninternational.org/Individuals.htm Resources for Individuals]
−
#{{note|honorcode}}{{Citation
+
#{{note|EnsignSSA}}For example, see [http://library.lds.org/nxt/gateway.dll/Magazines/Ensign/1997.htm/ensign%20january%201997.htm/becoming%20whole%20again.htm Becoming Whole Again] and [http://library.lds.org/nxt/gateway.dll/Magazines/Ensign/2002.htm/ensign%20august%202002.htm/my%20battle%20with%20samesex%20attraction.htm My Battle with Same-Sex Attraction]
−
|author=Brigham Young University
+
#{{note|hafen}} - [http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&cd=1&ved=0CAkQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnewsroom.lds.org%2Fldsnewsroom%2Feng%2Fpublic-issues%2Felder-bruce-c-hafen-speaks-on-same-sex-attraction&ei=7ZhjS7PaFo_-sgO45rmdAw&usg=AFQjCNG0NnHSPtjgTuxXZ9LD4KQyRTCkKw&sig2=NwjozIDi2qTV72sM8LJyZw Elder Bruce C. Hafen Speaks on Same-Sex Attraction] - LDS Newsroom
−
|author-link=Brigham Young University
+
#{{note|kimball71}}{{Citation
−
|title=The Honor Code and Applications: Live a Chaste and Virtuous Life
+
|last=Kimball
−
|publisher=Brigham Young University
+
|first=Spencer W.
−
|place=Provo, Utah
+
|authorlink=Spencer W. Kimball
−
|url=http://honorcode.byu.edu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3599&Itemid=4643
+
|title=New Horizons for Homosexuals
 +
|year=1971
 +
|url=http://www.connellodonovan.com/horizons.html
 +
|publisher=LDS Church
 +
}}.
 +
#{{note|hinckley98}} [http://lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg/menuitem.b12f9d18fae655bb69095bd3e44916a0/?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&sourceId=7c86605ff590c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____''1998 What Are People Asking about Us?] Gordon B. Hinckley, Official Site of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Retrieved on September 28, 2007.
 +
#{{note|lattin}}{{Citation
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|first=Don
 +
|title=Musings of the Main Mormon: Gordon B. Hinckley
 +
|year=1997
 +
|date=April 13, 1997
 +
|newspaper=San Francisco Chronicle
 +
|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/1997/04/13/SC36289.DTL
 +
}}
 +
#{{note|kimball69}}{{Citation
 +
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|authorlink=Spencer W. Kimball
 +
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 +
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 +
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 +
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 +
#{{note|holland07}} {{Citation
 +
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 +
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|year=2007
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}}
 +
#{{note|lds92}}{{Citation
 +
|author=LDS Church
 +
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 +
|year=1992
 +
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 +
|publisher=LDS Church
 +
|url=http://www.qrd.org/qrd/religion/judeochristian/protestantism/mormon/mormon-homosexuality
 
}}.
 
}}.
−
#{{note|aversiontherapy}}{{Citation |url= http://www.glbtq.com/social-sciences/aversion_therapy.html |title= Aversion Therapy |publisher= glptq.com |accessdate= [[2007-12-20]] }}
+
#{{note|Oaks95}}[http://lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg/menuitem.b12f9d18fae655bb69095bd3e44916a0/?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=43786e9ce9b1c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1''1995 Dallin H. Oaks Statement''], Official Site of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
−
#{{note|EvergreenIndividual}} Evergreen International [http://www.evergreeninternational.org/Individuals.htm Resources for Individuals]
+
#{{note|hinckley98-2}} [http://lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg/menuitem.b12f9d18fae655bb69095bd3e44916a0/?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&sourceId=7c86605ff590c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____''1998 What Are People Asking about Us?] Gordon B. Hinckley, Official Site of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Retrieved on September 28, 2007.
−
#{{note|nytstyle}}[http://www.glaad.org/Page.aspx?pid=380 AP, The New York Times & Washington Post Style]
+
#{{note|LDS09}} [http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/statement-given-to-salt-lake-city-council-on-nondiscrimination-ordinances Statement Given to Salt Lake City Council on Nondiscrimination Ordinances]
−
#{{note|Norway}} Hegna K, Larsen CJ. [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17364711?ordinalpos=6&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DefaultReportPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum Straightening out the queer? Same-sex experience and attraction among young people in Norway.]
+
#{{note|Holland09}} [http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_13766464 LDS apostle: SLC gay-rights measures could work for state]
−
#{{note|hinckley87}}{{Citation
+
#{{note|Oaks95-2}}#[http://lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg/menuitem.b12f9d18fae655bb69095bd3e44916a0/?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=43786e9ce9b1c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1''1995 Dallin H. Oaks Statement''], Official Site of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
 +
#{{note|holland07-2}}{{Citation
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Linha 125: Linha 264:
 
|url=http://lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg/menuitem.b12f9d18fae655bb69095bd3e44916a0/?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&sourceId=969567700817b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____
 
|url=http://lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg/menuitem.b12f9d18fae655bb69095bd3e44916a0/?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&sourceId=969567700817b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____
 
}}
 
}}
−
#{{note|hinckley98}} [http://lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg/menuitem.b12f9d18fae655bb69095bd3e44916a0/?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&sourceId=7c86605ff590c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____''1998 What Are People Asking about Us?] Gordon B. Hinckley, Official Site of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Retrieved on September 28, 2007.
+
#{{note|lds92-2}}{{Citation
−
#{{note|hinckley99}}Hinckley, Gordon B. (Nov 1999). [http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=ff1b6a4430c0c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD. Why We Do Some of the Things We Do]. Ensign.
+
|author=LDS Church
−
#{{note|hinckley04}}{{Citation
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−
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+
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−
|first1=Gordon B.
+
|place=Salt Lake City, Utah
−
|author1-link=Gordon B. Hinckley
 
−
|last2=Monson
 
−
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−
|author2-link=Thomas S. Monson
 
−
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−
|first3=James E.
 
−
|author3-link=James E. Faust
 
−
|title=First Presidency Statement on Same-Gender Marriage
 
 
|publisher=LDS Church
 
|publisher=LDS Church
 +
|url=http://www.qrd.org/qrd/religion/judeochristian/protestantism/mormon/mormon-homosexuality
 +
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#{{note|oaks07-2}}{{Citation
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 +
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|place=Salt Lake City, Utah
 
|place=Salt Lake City, Utah
−
|date=October 20 2004
+
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−
|year=2004
+
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−
|url=http://www.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=a1312e636369f010VgnVCM100000176f620aRCRD
+
|url=http://www.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=27f71f1dd189f010VgnVCM100000176f620aRCRD&vgnextchannel=726511154963d010VgnVCM1000004e94610aRCRD
−
}}
 
−
#{{note|larryking04}}{{Citation
 
−
|last1=Hinckley
 
−
|first1=Gordon B.
 
−
|author1-link=Gordon B. Hinckley
 
−
|last2=King
 
−
|first2=Larry
 
−
|author2-link=Larry King
 
−
|title=A Conversation with Gordon B. Hinckley, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
 
−
|date=December 26 2004
 
−
|year=2004
 
−
|url=http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0412/26/lkl.01.html
 
 
}}
 
}}
−
#{{note|holland07}}{{Citation
+
#{{note|holland07-3}}{{Citation
 
|last=Holland
 
|last=Holland
 
|first=Jeffrey R.
 
|first=Jeffrey R.
Linha 163: Linha 290:
 
|url=http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&sourceId=e5cbba12dc825110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD
 
|url=http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&sourceId=e5cbba12dc825110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD
 
}}
 
}}
−
#{{note|amendment06}}{{Citation
+
#{{note|lds92-3}}{{Citation
−
|last=Jarvik
 
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|first=Elaine
 
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|title=LDS to push marriage amendment
 
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|newspaper=Deseret Morning News
 
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|date=May 27 2006
 
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|year=2006
 
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|url=http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,635210773,00.html
 
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}}
 
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#{{note|kimball64}}{{Citation
 
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|last=Kimball
 
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|first=Spencer W.
 
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|authorlink=Spencer W. Kimball
 
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|title=A Counselling Problem in the Church (transcript)
 
−
|date=July 10 1964
 
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|year=1964
 
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|url=http://www.connellodonovan.com/counselling.html
 
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}}
 
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#{{note|kimball65}}{{Citation
 
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|last=Kimball
 
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|first=Spencer W.
 
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|authorlink=Spencer W. Kimball
 
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|chapter=Love vs. Lust
 
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|date=January 5 1965
 
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|year=1964
 
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|title=BYU Speeches of the Year
 
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|url=http://mentalhealthlibrary.info/library/same/samelds/samelds2001/links/kimball/kimball.htm
 
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}}
 
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#{{note|kimball69}}{{Citation
 
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|last=Kimball
 
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|first=Spencer W.
 
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|authorlink=Spencer W. Kimball
 
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|title=The Miracle of Forgiveness
 
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|year=1969
 
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|publisher=Bookcraft
 
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|isbn=978-0-88494-192-7
 
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}}
 
−
#{{note|kimball70}}Spencer W. Kimball and Mark E. Petersen [http://www.connellodonovan.com/transgressors.html Hope for Transgressors] 1970.
 
−
#{{note|kimball71}}{{Citation
 
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|last=Kimball
 
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|first=Spencer W.
 
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|authorlink=Spencer W. Kimball
 
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|title=New Horizons for Homosexuals
 
−
|year=1971
 
−
|url=http://www.connellodonovan.com/horizons.html
 
−
|publisher=LDS Church
 
−
}}.
 
−
#{{note|kimball80}}Spencer W. Kimball, “[http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=d70ffc3157a6b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD President Kimball Speaks Out on Morality],” Ensign, Nov 1980, 94
 
−
#{{note|lds70}}{{Citation
 
−
|author=LDS Church
 
−
|title=Hope for Transgressors
 
−
|year=1970
 
−
|publisher=LDS Church
 
−
|url=http://www.connellodonovan.com/transgressors2.html
 
−
}}.
 
−
#{{note|lds92}}{{Citation
 
 
|author=LDS Church
 
|author=LDS Church
 
|title=Understanding and Helping Those Who Have Homosexual Problems: Suggestions for Ecclesiastical Leaders
 
|title=Understanding and Helping Those Who Have Homosexual Problems: Suggestions for Ecclesiastical Leaders
Linha 226: Linha 298:
 
|url=http://www.qrd.org/qrd/religion/judeochristian/protestantism/mormon/mormon-homosexuality
 
|url=http://www.qrd.org/qrd/religion/judeochristian/protestantism/mormon/mormon-homosexuality
 
}}.
 
}}.
 +
#{{note|oaks07-3}}{{Citation
 +
|last=Wickman
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|first=Lance B.
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|authorlink=Lance B. Wickman
 +
|editor=LDS Church
 +
|title=Same-Gender Attraction
 +
|place=Salt Lake City, Utah
 +
|publisher=LDS Church
 +
|year=2007
 +
|url=http://www.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=27f71f1dd189f010VgnVCM100000176f620aRCRD&vgnextchannel=726511154963d010VgnVCM1000004e94610aRCRD
 +
}}
 
#{{note|lds95}}{{Citation
 
#{{note|lds95}}{{Citation
 
|author=LDS Church
 
|author=LDS Church
Linha 234: Linha 317:
 
|contribution-url=http://www.lds.org/library/display/0,4945,161-1-11-1,00.html
 
|contribution-url=http://www.lds.org/library/display/0,4945,161-1-11-1,00.html
 
}}.
 
}}.
−
#{{note|lds98}}{{Citation
+
#{{note|Leigh}}[http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=35ce1a01e8d43210VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD “The Best Thing I Can Do for Leigh,”] Ensign, Sep 2009, 62–65
 +
#{{note|oaks86}} {{attn}}
 +
#{{note|packer01}} Packer [http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=67d1a1615ac0c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1 Ye Are the Temple of God]
 +
#{{note|mormonismmodern}} {{Citation|title= In Focus: Mormonism in Modern America |quote= Every person on this planet has personal challenges. Some have challenges with same-sex attraction, some have problems with opposite-gender attraction that have to be controlled. |url= http://pewforum.org/events/?EventID=143 }}
 +
#{{note|GodLoveth-2}}{{cite web |url= http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=e1fa5f74db46c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=3e05c8322e1b3110VgnVCM100000176f620a____ |title=God Loveth His Children |accessdate= 2007-12-07 }}
 +
#{{note|kimball78}} [http://www.connellodonovan.com/horizons.html New Horizons]
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
#{{note|Hafen}}{{Citation
 
|author=LDS Church
 
|author=LDS Church
−
|title=Church Handbook of Instructions
+
|title=Elder Bruce C. Hafen Speaks on Same-Sex Attraction
−
|year=1998
+
|year=2009
−
|place=Salt Lake City, Utah
+
|place=Evergreen Conference
 
|publisher=LDS Church
 
|publisher=LDS Church
 +
|contribution-url=http://www.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/public-issues/elder-bruce-c-hafen-speaks-on-same-sex-attraction
 
}}.
 
}}.
−
#{{note|GodLoveth}}{{cite web |url= http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=e1fa5f74db46c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=3e05c8322e1b3110VgnVCM100000176f620a____ |title= [[God Loveth His Children]] |accessdate= 2007-12-07 }}
+
#{{note|ChangeOrientation}} The APA has stated "Some people believe that sexual orientation is innate and fixed; however, sexual orientation develops across a person’s lifetime."  The way this develops varies from person to person.  A report from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health states that, "For some people, sexual orientation is continuous and fixed throughout their lives. For others, sexual orientation may be fluid and change over time."  Many people have testified that through the atonement of Christ, they no longer are attracted to people of the same gender.  Others have also had faith in Christ, but still have same-sex attractions.  Elder Holland taught: "Through the exercise of faith, individual effort, and reliance upon the power of the Atonement, some may overcome same-gender attraction in mortality and marry. Others, however, may never be free of same-gender attraction in this life."
−
#{{note|fsy}} [http://lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg/menuitem.b3bc55cbf541229058520974e44916a0/?vgnextoid=d6371b08f338c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&sourceId=1907be335dc20110VgnVCM100000176f620a____ Sexual Purity], For the Strength of Youth: Fulfilling Our Duty to God, 26
+
#{{note|Adultery}} See Matt 19:18, Matt 15:19 and Mark 7:21. This excludes all sexual relationships between unmarried people. It was apparent that Christ only recognized marriage between a man and a woman. (Matt 19:4-6) Modern revelation confirms that the Biblical teaching against adultery and fornication only allows for sexual relationships between a husband and a wife. 
−
#{{note|lds04}}"First Presidency Statement on Same-Gender Marriage," [[19 October]] [[2004]])
+
#{{note|RejectSameSexAttractions}} [http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124950491516608883.html A New Therapy on Faith and Sexual Identity: Psychological Association Revises Treatment Guidelines to Allow Counselors to Help Clients Reject Their Same-Sex Attractions]
−
#{{note|chastity}}{{Citation
+
#{{note|CaliforniaSupremeCourt}} [http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/opinions/revpub/A110449.PDF In re MARRIAGE CASES]
−
|author=LDS Church
+
#{{note|TherapeuticResponse}}{{Citation
−
|contribution=Chastity
+
|author=American Psychological Association
−
|title=Gospel Library Gospel Topics
+
|title=Report of the American Psychological Association Task Force on Appropriate Therapeutic Responses to Sexual Orientation
−
|year=2007
+
|year=2009
−
|place=Salt Lake City, Utah
+
|url= http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/resources/therapeutic-response.pdf}}
−
|publisher=LDS Church
+
#{{note|larryking04}}{{Citation
−
|contribution-url=http://lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg/menuitem.3933737ad2ff28132eb22a86942826a0/?vgnextoid=bbd508f54922d010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&sourceId=23e80bbce1d98010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____
+
|last1=Hinckley
−
}}.
+
|first1=Gordon B.
−
#{{note|sexualpurity}}{{Citation
+
|author1-link=Gordon B. Hinckley
−
|author=LDS Church
+
|last2=King
−
|contribution=Sexual Purity
+
|first2=Larry
−
|title=Gospel Library Gospel Topics
+
|author2-link=Larry King
−
|year=2007
+
|title=A Conversation with Gordon B. Hinckley, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
−
|place=Salt Lake City, Utah
+
|date=December 26 2004
−
|publisher=LDS Church
+
|year=2004
−
|contribution-url=http://lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg/menuitem.b3bc55cbf541229058520974e44916a0/?vgnextoid=d6371b08f338c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&sourceId=1907be335dc20110VgnVCM100000176f620a____
+
|url=http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0412/26/lkl.01.html
−
}}.
 
−
#{{note|laumann}}{{cite book
 
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|title=The Social Organization of Sexuality: Sexual Practices in the United States
 
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|last=Laumann
 
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|first=Edward O.
 
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|date=1994
 
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|publisher=University of Chicago Press
 
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|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=72AHO0rE2HoC&pg=PA4&lpg=PA4&dq=the+social+organization+of+sexuality+1990&source=web&ots=kHfFtQQH7j&sig=ZS5sk4GqzcR4e8mLVIHTNPsHt-Y#PPA299,M1
 
−
|page=299}}
 
−
#{{note|DivineMarriage}}[http://www.newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/commentary/the-divine-institution-of-marriage The Divine Institution of Marriage]
 
−
#{{note|lattin}}{{Citation
 
−
|last=Lattin
 
−
|first=Don
 
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|title=Musings of the Main Mormon: Gordon B. Hinckley, "president, prophet, seer and revelator: of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, sits at the top of one of the world's fastest-growing religions
 
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|year=1997
 
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|date=April 13, 1997
 
−
|newspaper=San Francisco Chronicle
 
−
|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/1997/04/13/SC36289.DTL
 
 
}}
 
}}
 
#{{note|quietDesperation}}{{Citation
 
#{{note|quietDesperation}}{{Citation
Linha 296: Linha 372:
 
|oclc= 55644980
 
|oclc= 55644980
 
}}.
 
}}.
−
#{{note|mcbride}}{{Citation
+
#{{note|PlaceInTheKingdom}}[http://centurypubl.com/Place_Kingdom_Same_Sex_Attraction.htm ''A Place in the Kingdom: Spiritual Insights from Latter-day Saints about Same-Sex Attraction.'']
−
|last=McBride
+
#{{note|Brown63}} In the 1963 General Conference, Hugh B. Brown stated: "it is a moral evil for any person or group of persons to deny any human being the rights to gainful employment, to full educational opportunity, and to every privilege of citizenship". He continued: "We call upon all men everywhere, both within and outside the church, to commit themselves to the establishment of full civil equality for all of God's children. Anything less than this defeats our high ideal of the brotherhood of man."
−
|first=Max Ford
+
#{{note|SelfDetermination}} There have been several studies which have investigated the effects of gay affirmative therapies on clients whose religious values go contrary to the ideals of gay affirmative therapy.  Throckmorton showed that those who want to change their sexual orientation did not find therapists who tried to get them to affirm a gay identity to be very helpful. ({{Citation
−
|title=Effect of Visual Stimuli in Electric Aversion Therapy (Dissertation presented to the Department of Psychology of Brigham Young University)
+
|url=http://www.drthrockmorton.com/jpcreorientation.pdf
−
|place=Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah
+
|title=Counseling practices as they relate to ratings of helpfulness by consumers of sexual reorientation therapy
−
|date=August 1976
+
|last=Throckmorton
−
|year=1976
+
|first=Warren
 +
|coauthor=Welton
 +
|date=Winter 2005
 +
|publisher=Journal of Psychology and Christianity
 +
|volume=24
 +
|number=4
 +
|pages=332–42|format=PDF}}) After working with several clients, Haldeman postulated that for some people, it would more feasible to change their sexual orientation than it would be to try to change their religious identity. ({{Citation
 +
|last=Haldeman
 +
|first=Douglas
 +
|url=http://tcp.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/32/5/691?ck=nck
 +
|title=When Sexual and Religious Orientation Collide:Considerations in Working with Conflicted Same-Sex Attracted Male Clients
 +
|publisher=The Counseling Psychologist
 +
|volume=32
 +
|number=5
 +
|year=2004
 +
|doi=10.1177/0011000004267560
 +
|journal=The Counseling Psychologist
 +
|pages=691}})  Beckstead worked with Mormon clients and concluded that gay affirmative therapy did not help clients who did not want to be gay. ({{Citation |url= http://tcp.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/32/5/651 |title= Mormon Clients’ Experiences of Conversion Therapy |last= Beckstead |first= A. Lee |date= 2004 |volume= 32 |number= 5 |pages= 651–690 |doi= 10.1177/0011000004267555 |journal= The Counseling Psychologist }})  Statements like these have lead the American Psychological Associate to issue a statement which reads "Mental health professional organizations call on their members to respect a person's (client's) right to selfdetermination".[http://www.apa.org/topics/sexuality/orientation.aspx]  When dealing with these patients, they have determined that the appropriate application of affirmative therapeutic interventions is one which "involves therapist acceptance, support, and understanding of clients and the facilitation of clients’ active coping, social support, and identity exploration and development, without imposing a specific sexual orientation identity outcome." [Report of the APA Task Force on Appropriate Therapeutic Responses to Sexual Orientation http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/resources/sexual-orientation.aspx]  Possible non-LGBT sexual orientation identity outcomes would include heterosexual, ex-gay and no identity.
 +
#{{note|NotACivilRight}}  Some have accused the Church of denying a group of people their civil right to marry based on their sexual orientation.  This is not true.  Nowhere is there any requirement based on sexual orientation in order to marry.  People of all sexual orientations get married in all parts of the world.  Many members with same-sex attractions have been able to form fulfilling and faithful marriages to people of the opposite sex.  Marriage, as defined by God, is a union between a man and a woman, and everyone is allowed to participate.  Political involvement by the Church has been focused on protecting this definition.  Same-sex marriage is not really a marriage by the definition given by God and is therefore not a civil right.  Elder Oaks explains:  "The Church does not consider same-sex marriage to be a civil right.  We have endured a wave of media-reported charges that the Mormons are trying to "deny" people or "strip" people of their "rights." After a significant majority of California voters (seven million - over 52 percent) approved Proposition 8’s limiting marriage to a man and a woman, some opponents characterized the vote as denying people their civil rights. In fact, the Proposition 8 battle was not about civil rights, but about what equal rights demand and what religious rights protect. At no time did anyone question or jeopardize the civil right of Proposition 8 opponents to vote or speak their views."
 +
#{{note|oaks94}} (Dallin Oaks, "Our strengths can become our downfall, " Ensign, October, 1994, 19.
 +
#{{note|oaks99}}{{Citation
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|last=Oaks
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|first=Dallin H.
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|place=BYU Devotional speech
 +
|year=1999
 +
|date=9 February 1999
 +
|title=Weightier Matters
 
}}
 
}}
−
#{{note|monson08}}{{cite news |url= http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695250131,00.html |publisher= ''[[Deseret Morning News]]'' |date= February 4, 2008 |last= Moore |first= Carrie A. |title= Thomas S. Monson named as new LDS Church president |quote= depends on what the disagreement is. If it's an apostasy situation, that would not be appropriate. If it's something political, there is room for opinion here and there on either side. }}
+
#{{note|LDS08}} [http://www.newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/commentary/the-divine-institution-of-marriage The Divine Institution of Marriage]
−
#{{note|moore}}{{Citation
+
#{{note|LDS09}} [http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/statement-given-to-salt-lake-city-council-on-nondiscrimination-ordinances Statement Given to Salt Lake City Council on Nondiscrimination Ordinances]
−
|last=Moore
+
#{{note|laumann}}{{cite book
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|first=Carrie A.
+
|title=The Social Organization of Sexuality: Sexual Practices in the United States
−
|url=http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,660207378,00.html
+
|last=Laumann
−
|title=Gay LDS men detail challenges
+
|first=Edward O.
−
|date=March 30 2007
+
|date=1994
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|newspaper=Deseret Morning News
+
|publisher=University of Chicago Press
−
}}
+
|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=72AHO0rE2HoC&pg=PA4&lpg=PA4&dq=the+social+organization+of+sexuality+1990&source=web&ots=kHfFtQQH7j&sig=ZS5sk4GqzcR4e8mLVIHTNPsHt-Y#PPA299,M1
−
#{{note|mormonismmodern}} {{Citation|title= In Focus: Mormonism in Modern America |quote= Every person on this planet has personal challenges. Some have challenges with same-sex attraction, some have problems with opposite-gender attraction that have to be controlled. |url= http://pewforum.org/events/?EventID=143 }}
+
|pages=299}}
−
#{{note|oaks95}} [http://lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg/menuitem.b12f9d18fae655bb69095bd3e44916a0/?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=43786e9ce9b1c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1''1995 Dallin H. Oaks Statement''], Official Site of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
 
−
#{{note|oaks07}}{{Citation
 
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|last=Wickman
 
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|first=Lance B.
 
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|authorlink=Lance B. Wickman
 
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|editor=LDS Church
 
−
|title=Same-Gender Attraction
 
−
|place=Salt Lake City, Utah
 
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|publisher=LDS Church
 
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|year=2007
 
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|url=http://www.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=27f71f1dd189f010VgnVCM100000176f620aRCRD&vgnextchannel=726511154963d010VgnVCM1000004e94610aRCRD
 
−
}}
 
−
#{{note|packer}} Packer [http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=67d1a1615ac0c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1 Ye Are the Temple of God]
 
−
#{{note|packer72}}{{Citation
 
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|last=Packer
 
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|first=Boyd K.
 
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|authorlink=Boyd K. Packer
 
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|title=The Message: Why Stay Morally Clean
 
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|date=July 1972
 
−
|year=1972
 
−
|periodical=New Era
 
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|pages=4
 
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|publisher=LDS Church
 
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|url=http://lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg/menuitem.b12f9d18fae655bb69095bd3e44916a0/?vgnextoid=024644f8f206c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&sourceId=338f18e7c379b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____
 
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}}.
 
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#{{note|packer76}}{{Citation
 
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|last=Packer
 
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|first=Boyd K.
 
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|authorlink=Boyd K. Packer
 
−
|title=To Young Men Only: General Conference Priesthood Session, [[October 2]], [[1976]]
 
−
|year=1976
 
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|publisher=LDS Church
 
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|url=http://www.lds-mormon.com/only.shtml
 
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}}.
 
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#{{note|packer78}}{{Citation
 
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|last=Packer
 
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|first=Boyd K.
 
−
|authorlink=Boyd K. Packer
 
−
|title=To the One: Address given to the Twelve Stake Fireside, Brigham Young University, March 5, 1978
 
−
|year=1978
 
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|publisher=LDS Church
 
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|url=http://www.lds-mormon.com/tto.shtml
 
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}}.
 
−
#{{note|park}}{{Citation
 
−
|last= Park
 
−
|first= Jason
 
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|title= Resolving Homosexual Problems: A Guide for LDS Men
 
−
|url= http://centurypubl.com/Resolving_Homosexual_Problems_LDS_Men.htm
 
−
|accessdate= 2009-07-30
 
−
|year= 1997
 
−
|publisher= Century Publishing
 
−
|location= Salt Lake City, Utah
 
−
|isbn= 9780941846066
 
−
|oclc= 38855822
 
−
}}.
 
−
#{{note|quinn}}D. Michael Quinn, [http://www.affirmation.org/learning/prelude.shtml "Prelude to the National 'Defense of Marriage' Campaign: Civil Discrimination Against Feared or Despised Minorities"], ''[[Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought]]'', '''33''':3, p. 1-52 (2001)
 
−
#{{note|scott}}{{Citation
 
−
|last=Scott
 
−
|first=Richard G.
 
−
|authorlink=Richard G. Scott
 
−
|title=The Atonement Can Secure Your Peace and Happiness
 
−
|date=November 2006
 
−
|magazine=Ensign
 
−
|pages=40
 
−
|url=http://library.lds.org/nxt/gateway.dll/Magazines/Ensign/2006.htm/ensign%20november%202006.htm/the%20atonement%20can%20secure%20your%20peace%20and%20happiness.htm
 
−
}}.
 
−
#{{note|simon}}STEPHANIE SIMON [http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124950491516608883.html#articleTabs%3Darticle A New Therapy on Faith and Sexual Identity : Psychological Association Revises Treatment Guidelines to Allow Counselors to Help Clients Reject Their Same-Sex Attractions]
 
−
#{{note|robinson}}{{cite journal |publisher=American Psychological Association |journal= Professional Psychology: Research and Practice |title= Initial empirical and clinical findings concerning the change process for ex-gays |url= http://www.drthrockmorton.com/article.asp?id=1 |date= June 2002 |volume= 33 |number= 3 |pages= 242–248 |last= Throckmorton |first= Warren |doi= 10.1037/0735-7028.33.3.242 }}
 
−
#{{note|snow}}{{Citation
 
−
|last=Snow
 
−
|first=Lorenzo
 
−
|author-link=Lorenzo Snow
 
−
|periodical=Millennial Star
 
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|date=August 31 1899
 
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|pages=547
 
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}}.
 
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#{{note|Savin-Williams}} Savin-Williams RC, Ream GL. [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17195103?ordinalpos=7&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DefaultReportPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum Prevalence and stability of sexual orientation components during adolescence and young adulthood.]
 
−
#{{note|Seligman}}p. 156, Seligman, Martin E.P., ''What You Can Change and What You Can't: The Complete Guide to Self Improvement'' Knopf, 1993; ISBN 0-679-41024-4
 
−
#{{note|westboro1}}{{cite news |url= http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695248839,00.html |title= Church group plans protest at Pres. Hinckley's funeral |first= Jared |last= Page |date= January 31 2008 |publisher= ''Deseret Morning News'' }}
 
−
#{{note|honorcode2}}{{cite news |url= http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,660205345,00.html |title= Y. urged to clarify its policy on gays |date= March 22, 2007 |last= Walch |first= Tad}}
 
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#{{note|westboro2}}{{cite news |url= http://www.sltrib.com/ci_8210106 |title= Kirby: My surprise at finding that I belong to a gay church |first= Robert |last= Kirby |publisher= ''Salt Lake Tribune'' }}</ref>
 
−
#{{note|PlaceInTheKingdom}}[http://centurypubl.com/Place_Kingdom_Same_Sex_Attraction.htm ''A Place in the Kingdom: Spiritual Insights from Latter-day Saints about Same-Sex Attraction.'']
 
−
#{{note|suicide}}Wichstrøm L, Hegna K. [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12653422?ordinalpos=22&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DefaultReportPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum Sexual orientation and suicide attempt: a longitudinal study of the general Norwegian adolescent population.]
 
−
#{{note|yarhouse}} Yarhouse MA. [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16281794?ordinalpos=13&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DefaultReportPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum Same-sex attraction, homosexual orientation, and gay identity: a three-tier distinction for counseling and pastoral care]
 
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#{{note|EnsignSSA}}For example, see [http://library.lds.org/nxt/gateway.dll/Magazines/Ensign/1997.htm/ensign%20january%201997.htm/becoming%20whole%20again.htm Becoming Whole Again] and [http://library.lds.org/nxt/gateway.dll/Magazines/Ensign/2002.htm/ensign%20august%202002.htm/my%20battle%20with%20samesex%20attraction.htm My Battle with Same-Sex Attraction]
 
−
#{{note|MediaSSA}}[http://deseretbook.com/authors/author-interview?author_id=30561&interview_id=2095 Everyday Lives, Everyday Values Interview with Fred and Marilyn Matis and Ty Mansfield, authors of ''In Quiet Desperation: Understanding the Challenge of Same-Gender Attraction''],
 
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#{{note|InternetSSA}}[http://www.evergreeninternational.org/testimonies.htm Evergreen Testimonies]
 

Edição atual desde as 18h57min de 4 de junho de 2010

Criticism

  • The Church is accused of rejecting people who experience same-sex attraction.
  • The Church is accused of rejecting people who identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual.

Response

I emphasize this, I wish to say that our opposition to attempts to legalize same-sex marriage should never be interpreted as justification for hatred, intolerance, or abuse of those who profess homosexual tendencies, either individually or as a group. 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. It is expected, however, that they follow the same God-given rules of conduct that apply to everyone else, whether single or married.
 —President Gordon B. Hinckley, Why We Do Some of the Things We Do, October 1999 General Conference

∗       ∗       ∗

Elder Dallin Oakes notes the distinction between having feelings of same-sex attraction and acting upon those feelings,

[W]e should always distinguish between sinful acts and inappropriate feelings or potentially dangerous susceptibilities. We should reach out lovingly to those who are struggling to resist temptation. The First Presidency did this in their 14 November 1991 letter. After reaffirming the sinful nature of “fornication, adultery, and homosexual and lesbian behavior,” the Presidency added: “Individuals and their families desiring help with these matters should seek counsel from their bishop, branch president, stake or district president. We encourage Church leaders and members to reach out with love and understanding to those struggling with these issues. Many will respond to Christlike love and inspired counsel as they receive an invitation to come back and apply the atoning and healing power of the Savior. [1]

As members of the Church of Jesus Christ, we have made a covenant to take upon ourselves the name of Christ, to always remember Him, and keep His commandments which He has given us. This covenant requires that we act as Christ would act, including the duty to love, serve and uplift our brothers and sisters who are attracted to the same gender.

The other great commandment is to love God, and this includes a devotion to obey and proclaim His commandments, including the commandment to abstain from same-sex relationships. Obeying these commandments will bring happiness and peace in this life, and eternal life in the world to come. Many people are striving to obey these commandments, and others will become converted upon hearing the restored gospel of Christ.

We can love our neighbor by welcoming them to come unto Christ and inviting them to keep His commandments. We affirm that all mankind can obey these commandments. We understand that we have been granted the ability to make those choices, and understand that some may choose to disobey the commandments of God. As members of the Church, we must balance our duty to love God, welcome and affirm those who are attempting to obey His commandments, and respect the right to choose of those who do not do so. Respecting the right of a person to choose a path contrary to God's will means that we should not treat individuals who do so with hatred or bigotry.

The Church is welcoming

The Church welcomes all people to come unto Christ. President Hinckley has specifically extended this welcome to those who experience same-sex attraction. 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. It is expected, however, that they follow the same God-given rules of conduct that apply to everyone else, whether single or married. [2]

Like all of God's children, the Church teaches that people who are attracted to the same sex are beloved sons and daughters of God and are loved by the Church and its leaders. Note the expectation, however, that the commandments must be kept.

In one of the Church's first pamphlets geared towards homosexuality, President Kimball reminds the readers to:

"Remember, the Lord loves you, the Church loves you."[3]

The Church has developed several publications designed to reach out to members with same-sex attractions. The most recent, God Loveth His Children, assures that:

"No one is, or ever could be, excluded from the circle of God’s love or the extended arms of His Church, for we are all His beloved sons and daughters."[4]

Elder Oaks similarly stated:

"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." [5]

Many people with same-sex attractions are faithful members of the Church. Some belong to Evergreen International, which is the only organization for people with same-sex attractions outside of the official church structure with General Authority designated representation, and a direct working relationship with LDS Family Services. North Star is another organization formed by individual members who seek to encourage one another to follow the teachings of the Church. LDS Family Services estimates that there are four or five members in every unit of the Church who are attracted to the same sex.[6] Their stories have been profiled in the Ensign[7], and several books published by Church members.[8] General Authorities attend Evergreen meetings, and the proceedings are published on the Church's web site.[9]

The Church welcomes all people, whether they refer to themselves as gay or straight. Many who refer to themselves as gay have accepted this invitation by joining the Church, where they have found peace.

We welcome while teaching against same-sex relationships

Everyone is welcome to attend our services, but to be a member one must first make a covenant to follow the commandments of God. Jesus Christ taught that we should abstain from fornication and adultery.[10] This includes all relationships besides those between a husband and a wife. We are not at liberty to change the law for a segment of the population.[11] People with same-sex attractions are subject to these laws as much as those with opposite-sex attractions. You cannot have a same-sex relationship without disobeying the commandments given to us by Jesus Christ. Elder Oaks explains:

"Homosexual behavior is and will always remain before the Lord an abominable sin."[12]

Those who refer to themselves as gay are not necessarily having same-sex relationships. Gay is an adjective that can refer to thoughts, attractions or behaviors.[13] Having same-sex attractions, participating in same-sex relationships, and identifying as gay or lesbian are three separate things, and they vary over time.[14] A study by the Social Organization of Sexuality found that 60% of men and 68% of women who were attracted to the same gender have never engaged in homosexual behavior. This number differs from those who identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual. For them, only 13% of men and 4% of women have never engaged in homosexual behavior.[15] From studies like these, the American Psychological Association has determined 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."[16] Some who have engaged in homosexual behavior have stopped and others will stop when they hear the gospel of Jesus Christ and are converted.

Because of the strong correlation between identifying as gay or lesbian and having homosexual relationships, many members of the Church who are attracted to the same gender do not refer to themselves as gay. For members of the Church, our main identity is not the gender we are attracted to, but the fact that we are sons or daughters of God. As such, the Church does not refer to people as either gay or straight. Some may chose to continue to refer to themselves as gay or straight and they are welcome in the Church.

The Church is affirming

The Church affirms that those with same-sex attraction are good people including those who refer to themselves as gay and seeks to assure them that they can find peace and happiness in this life. In an interview with the San Jose Mercury News, President Hinckley stated:

"Now we have gays in the church. Good people."[17]

Not all members have felt this. Elder Holland recounts the story of one man who was concerned that because he was gay, he could not be a good member of the Church. Elder Holland affirmed that he had not transgressed, and promised:

"If your life is in harmony with the commandments, then you are worthy to serve in the Church, enjoy full fellowship with the members, attend the temple, and receive all the blessings of the Savior’s Atonement."[18]

Church leaders have not limited their affirmation to those who keep the standards of the Church. In the "Miracle of Forgiveness", Spencer W. Kimball said that he found that men who were pursuing same-sex relationships were "basically good people who have become trapped in sin."[19]

This affirmation is important as many people with same-sex attraction may feel that they are not good people. By assuring people with same-sex attractions that they are good people, the Church affirms them in their identity as children of God. Instruction given to Church leaders explains:

"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."[20]

The leaders of the Church understand and support their members with same-sex attractions. They recognize that some may face struggles with their same-sex attractions. In reference to a man with same-sex attractions, 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." [21]

We affirm while teaching against same-sex relationships

Some people argue that by teaching against homosexual relationships, the church places a stigma on those with same-sex attractions, since only they would have the desire to participate in homosexual relationships, and therefore they are not fully affirmed as equal members in the Church. This is no different than teaching against heterosexual relationships outside of marriage, since only people with opposite-sex attractions would have the desire to participate in heterosexual relationships, nor is it vastly different from teaching against abortions, since only those who have had a heterosexual relationship would have the ability to have an abortion. The Church isn't any more anti-gay than it is anti-straight. Just because we have a certain desire does not mean God intendeds us to act on it. Elder Nelson explains:

"Every person on this planet has personal challenges. Some have challenges with same-sex attraction, some have problems with opposite-gender attraction that have to be controlled. We just can't live like biological specimens of some kind, responding to whatever urges; we have to discipline and control those things."[22]

Everyone will have a desire to disobey some of the commandments of God. The exact nature of the desires vary from person to person. Because of the fall of Adam, all mankind has become "carnal, sensual, and devilish, by nature". (Alma 42:10) One of the reasons we have these desires is so that there can be an opposition in all things. (2 Nephi 2:11) If we were not enticed by the one or the other, we would not learn to distinguish good from evil and hence we really would not be able to act for ourselves.(2 Nephi 2:16) God gives us weaknesses so we can be humble and turn to him. (Ether 12:27) By yielding to God, we can overcome the natural tendency to sin, and become who God wants us to be, (Mosiah 3:19) but unless we had the desire to sin in the first place, we would have no need to repent and hence couldn't turn to God. (Alma 42:17) The fall of Adam and our subsequent desire to sin is an essential part of the plan of a loving God to ultimately bring us joy. (2 Nephi 2:25) Everyone seeking to be saved has to deal with the desire to sin and put off the natural man through the atonement of Christ. The desire for homosexual relationships is no different than any other desire to disobey the commandments of God.

The Church affirms those with same-sex attractions who have a desire to have homosexual relationships, not by pretending that such relationships are not sinful, but by including them in a vast brotherhood of other mortals who are similarly dealing with the desires of the natural man. Eventually, all of these things, including same-sex attractions, will work together for the good of those who love God. [23]

The Church is helpful

The Church seeks to help all people, including those with same-sex attractions. President Hinckley explains:

"Well, we're not anti-gay. We are pro-family. Let me put it that way. And we love these people and try to work with them and help them."[24]

Elder Oaks taught:

"All should understand that persons (and their family members) struggling with the burden of same-sex attraction are in special need of the love and encouragement that is a clear responsibility of Church members, who have signified by covenant their willingness "to bear one another’s burdens" (Mosiah 18:8) "and so fulfil the law of Christ" (Gal. 6:2)."[25]

There are many ways in which the Church helps those with same-sex attractions. The Church has sought to protect people from physical and verbal abuse regardless of their choice in sexual conduct. Elder Oaks further taught:

"Our doctrines obviously condemn those who engage in so-called "gay bashing""—physical or verbal attacks on persons thought to be involved in homosexual or lesbian behavior."[26]

Beyond simply teaching this doctrine, the Church has advocated for legal protections for people regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. This is significant because the Church only becomes involved in politics if serious moral issues are involved.[27] When Salt Lake City asked the Church for its opinion on an ordinance which would protect people from housing and employment discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, the Church supported the measure. In the official statement, they said it was a "common-sense right" and a question of "human dignity".[28] Elder Holland said it could be a model for the rest of Utah.[29] This was done even though the Utah legislature, at the time, was against extending such rights.

The Church also helps people with same-sex attractions by steering them away from destructive patterns. The Church helps them to see that they shouldn't blame themselves for their sexual orientation.[30] The leadership has recently warned against aversive therapies that have been used on people with same-sex attractions which have been shown to be abusive by the scientific field.[31] They have spoken out against using marriage as a therapeutic step to change sexual orientation,[32] while at the same time supporting those who want to get married to someone of the opposite sex for whom they have developed an attraction.[33] They have warned leaders that "encouraging members to cultivate heterosexual feelings as a way to resolve homosexual problems generally leads them to frustration and discouragement."[34] They have assured members that having same-sex attractions is not a sin[35] and if they remain faithful they can receive all the blessings that Heavenly Father has promised His children, with no requirement to change sexual orientation.[36]

Most important, the teachings of the Church on homosexuality help people with same-sex attractions to obey the commandments of God and find peace in their lives. Directing his comments to men who pursue same-sex relationships, Spencer W. Kimball taught:

"The Church and the Lord have no ulterior motives - the only desire being for the restoration of you, yourself, a son of God, made in his image".[37]

The Church brings peace

By coming to Christ, we can find peace and happiness in this life. 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 brothers and sisters to obey the teachings of Christ is an important part in bringing them to Christ. Proclaiming the gospel is one of the greatest goods we can do for our brothers and sisters, and will bring them the greatest joy.

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. Elder Oaks explains the natural consequences if we do not follow the law of chastity:

"Those commandments, if they are not adhered to, result in guilt. That guilt is painful to people. There are two solutions to that guilt. One is to disbelieve in God or hold a congress and pretend that you can change God's commandments. The other is to discontinue that kind of conduct to the best of your ability."[38]

Elder Oaks teaches there are two approaches to deal with guilt. Our approach of promoting the commandments of the Lord will help alleviate the guilt people feel when they break the commandments of God, and does more to help someone feel good then attempting to change the commandments.

There are people who feel that by promoting this higher moral code, the Church rejects people—including those who engage in homosexual practices—who choose to not follow this law. Elder Packer responded to this concern by saying:

"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." [39]

There are many members with same-sex attractions who want to live this higher moral code and find that the teachings of the Church are encouraging. Others will want to live the higher moral code upon hearing the restored gospel. This is one of the reasons why the Church teaches its members to abstain from same-sex relationships. Elder Wickman explains:

"One of the purposes of that discussion was to try to be hopeful and encouraging to those who do but nonetheless want to conform their lives to what they understand the Lord's teachings to be."[40]

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 as many people to be able to produce the faith necessary for salvation as possible. If we teach that people with opposite-sex attractions need to be willing to sacrifice their sexual desires, but not people with same-sex attractions, then we are doing a disservice to those with same-sex attractions.

The Church is empowering

An essential part of obeying the commandments is having the faith that you are capable of obeying the commandments. We believe all people can accomplish the things which the Lord commands them.(1 Nephi 3:7) Unfortunately, too often people are told that they do not have the ability to obey the commandments of God. Without the faith that they can obey the commandments of God, they become weak and become victims of their circumstances, rather than learning to act for themselves. By teaching that they can act for themselves, people are empowered to choose whether or not they will obey the commandments of God.

Many believe that people with same-sex attractions need to participate in same-sex relationships in order to be true to themselves, which by extension means they are incapable of obeying God's commandments. They preach the doctrine that people who they refer to as gay or lesbian are created with only one choice about their sexual behavior. For example, in the California Supreme Court case "In Re: Marriage", the court ruled that being gay was something "into which the class members are locked by the accident of birth" and that their "choice of a life partner will, by definition, be a person of the same sex."[41] They leave no room for a person they identified as gay to make a decision that would be in harmony with gospel, which implies that some people are born to disobey God. This thought is very harmful to those who they identify as gay or lesbian. They may come to believe that they have no power over their sexual urges, and their only choice is to act on them. This can cause those who want to obey the commandments of God to feel trapped and may lead to hopelessness and despair.

The Iowa Supreme Court similarly said those who they have identified as gay cannot fulfill "their deeply felt need for a committed personal relationship" in a marriage to someone of the opposite sex.[42] Denying the existence of people who have had success only serves to alienate them and push them further into the closet. It may make them second guess themselves, which may weaken their marriage. The Church is one of the few places that supports people in mixed-orientation marriages.

Psychologists have found that it is unhealthy to prevent a person from living according to their values. They found that telling them they are incapable of living according to their values interferes with their autonomy and self-determination, which is a key element to a successful resolution in therapy.[43] The American Psychological Association has instructed psychologists to help clients make their own informed choices when they come to them for help with unwanted same-sex attractions. They are to support them in living according to their own values, even if this means helping them change their sexual orientation identity.[44] They have not found that helping clients reject their same-sex attractions produces any negative effects, and in some cases, they recommend it for clients.[45]

The message of the Church to all people is that "ye are free, ye are permitted to act for yourselves." (Helaman 14:30) While we teach against sexual relationships outside of a heterosexual marriage, we also teach that all are free to chose good or evil. We uphold that each individual is free to chose their own values according to the dictates of their own conscious (AoF 12), and advocate their free exercise to act according to those values. (D&C 134:2) The ability to choose is considered one of the most precious gifts given from God to man. We fought a war in heaven to protect this agency. If someone who refers to themself as gay or lesbian is told and comes to believe that they are incapable of following the commandments of God, then they do not truly have the ability to chose for themselves. They have lost their agency. This is not God's plan for His children.

God Loveth His Children affirms that everyone has a choice in their sexual behavior and they are capable of living the commandments of God. It reads:

"Notwithstanding your present same-gender attractions, you can be happy during this life, lead a morally clean life, perform meaningful service in the Church, enjoy full fellowship with your fellow Saints, and ultimately receive all the blessings of eternal life."[46]

While some organizations say that people with same-sex attractions do not have the ability to obey the laws of God, the Church tells them that they can. This empowers them. The Church teaches that they are in control of their destiny, and they can make of their life what they want.

The Church helps family members

Another way the Church extends a helping hand to people who are attracted to the same sex is by supporting their families. They encourage family members to love and reach out to their family members, regardless of how they choose to live their lives. In a 1992 statement to Church leaders, the Church counseled:

"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." [47]

This was reiterated by Elder Oaks in 1997:

"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" [48]

The Church helps family members to balance their love for their children who choose not to obey God's commandments and their love for God and devotion to His commandments. Elder Oaks explains:

"Love and tolerance are incomplete unless they are accompanied by a concern for truth and a commitment to the unity God has commanded of his servants... Carried to an undisciplined excess, love and tolerance can produce indifference to truth and justice, and opposition to unity."[49]

Families with members with same-sex attractions are strengthened through living the principles of love and respect taught by Jesus Christ and reiterated in the Proclamation to the World on the Family.[50] The sister of a woman (Leigh) who is involved in a sexual relationship with another woman wrote an "Ensign" article in which she describes how the Church has helped her with her relationship with her sister:

"I know the best thing I can do to have a close relationship with my sister is to have a close relationship with Heavenly Father and His Son. Leigh recently commented that it has been through the way our family has loved her that she has felt what she understood to be God’s love." [51]

One of the best services that we can perform for our brothers and sisters is to help them feel the love of God through our actions. This can be done while holding strong to the teachings of the gospel.

The Church is respectful

By empowering people with same-sex attraction to make their own decision regarding their sexual behavior, some will decide of their own free will and choice not to obey the standards of the Church and hence disqualify themselves from membership in the Church. We respect their decision. However, respecting their decision does not require the Church to agree with their decision, nor does it require that we go against those who deal with same-sex attractions in a manner consistent with the commandments of God. Elder Oaks taught:

"Tolerance obviously requires a non-contentious manner of relating toward one another’s differences. But tolerance does not require abandoning one’s standards or one’s opinions on political or public policy choices. Tolerance is a way of reacting to diversity, not a command to insulate it from examination."[52]

While we may disagree with the decision to pursue same-sex relationships, we always strive to uplift those who have made that choice and show kindness to them. For example, the Church has always been supportive of civil rights for all people.[53] This includes those who choose to enter same-sex relationships. We do not oppose any civil rights, including those regarding hospitalization and medical care, fair housing and employment rights, or probate rights.[54] (The Church does not consider same-sex marriage to be a civil right.)[55] The statement showing support for the Salt Lake anti-discrimination bill reads:

"I represent a church that believes in human dignity, in treating others with respect even when we disagree - in fact, especially when we disagree. The Church’s past statements are on the public record for all to see. In these comments and in our actions, we try to follow what Jesus Christ taught. Our language will always be respectful and acknowledge those who differ, but will also be clear on matters that we feel are of great consequence to our society."[56]

By always showing love and respect to those we disagree with, while holding firm to the commandments, the Church balances its duty to show love to God by defending and proclaiming His commandments; welcome, affirm and help those with same-sex attractions who may want to obey the commandments of God; and love our neighbor, regardless of the choices they make.

We welcome and affirm those with same-sex attractions, including those who refer to themselves as gay or lesbian, just as we do for those with opposite-sex attractions. The actions of the Church have consistently been based in love for all of God's children.

Endnotes

  1. [note]  http://www.kcci.com/download/2009/0403/19084885.pdf
  2. [note]  1995 Dallin H. Oaks Statement, Official Site of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
  3. [note] Hinckley, Gordon B. (Nov 1999). Why We Do Some of the Things We Do. Ensign.
  4. [note] God Loveth His Children, off-site
  5. [note]  1995 Dallin H. Oaks Statement, Official Site of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
  6. [note]  Evergreen International Resources for Individuals
  7. [note] For example, see Becoming Whole Again and My Battle with Same-Sex Attraction
  8. [note]  - Elder Bruce C. Hafen Speaks on Same-Sex Attraction - LDS Newsroom
  9. [note] Kimball, Spencer W., (1971), New Horizons for Homosexuals LDS Church off-site .
  10. [note]  1998 What Are People Asking about Us? Gordon B. Hinckley, Official Site of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Retrieved on September 28, 2007.
  11. [note] Lattin, Don, (1997), Musings of the Main Mormon: Gordon B. Hinckley off-site
  12. [note] Kimball, Spencer W., (1969), The Miracle of Forgiveness Bookcraft
  13. [note]  Holland, Jeffrey R., (2007), Helping Those Who Struggle with Same-Gender Attraction off-site
  14. [note]  (1992), Understanding and Helping Those Who Have Homosexual Problems: Suggestions for Ecclesiastical Leaders , Salt Lake City, Utah: LDS Church off-site .
  15. [note] 1995 Dallin H. Oaks Statement, Official Site of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
  16. [note]  1998 What Are People Asking about Us? Gordon B. Hinckley, Official Site of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Retrieved on September 28, 2007.
  17. [note]  Statement Given to Salt Lake City Council on Nondiscrimination Ordinances
  18. [note]  LDS apostle: SLC gay-rights measures could work for state
  19. [note] #1995 Dallin H. Oaks Statement, Official Site of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
  20. [note] Holland, Jeffrey R., (2007), Helping Those Who Struggle with Same-Gender Attraction off-site
  21. [note] Wickman, Lance B., (2007), Same-Gender Attraction , Salt Lake City, Utah: LDS Church off-site
  22. [note] Hinckley, Gordon B., (1987), Reverence and Morality off-site
  23. [note]  (1992), Understanding and Helping Those Who Have Homosexual Problems: Suggestions for Ecclesiastical Leaders , Salt Lake City, Utah: LDS Church off-site .
  24. [note] Wickman, Lance B., (2007), Same-Gender Attraction , Salt Lake City, Utah: LDS Church off-site
  25. [note] Holland, Jeffrey R., (2007), Helping Those Who Struggle with Same-Gender Attraction off-site
  26. [note]  (1992), Understanding and Helping Those Who Have Homosexual Problems: Suggestions for Ecclesiastical Leaders , Salt Lake City, Utah: LDS Church off-site .
  27. [note] Wickman, Lance B., (2007), Same-Gender Attraction , Salt Lake City, Utah: LDS Church off-site
  28. [note]  (1995), The Family: A Proclamation to the World , Salt Lake City, Utah: LDS Church .
  29. [note] “The Best Thing I Can Do for Leigh,” Ensign, Sep 2009, 62–65
  30. [note]   [ATTENTION!]
  31. [note]  Packer Ye Are the Temple of God
  32. [note]  In Focus: Mormonism in Modern America off-site Every person on this planet has personal challenges. Some have challenges with same-sex attraction, some have problems with opposite-gender attraction that have to be controlled.
  33. [note] God Loveth His Children, off-site
  34. [note]  New Horizons



  1. [note]  (2009), Elder Bruce C. Hafen Speaks on Same-Sex Attraction , Evergreen Conference: LDS Church .
  2. [note]  The APA has stated "Some people believe that sexual orientation is innate and fixed; however, sexual orientation develops across a person’s lifetime." The way this develops varies from person to person. A report from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health states that, "For some people, sexual orientation is continuous and fixed throughout their lives. For others, sexual orientation may be fluid and change over time." Many people have testified that through the atonement of Christ, they no longer are attracted to people of the same gender. Others have also had faith in Christ, but still have same-sex attractions. Elder Holland taught: "Through the exercise of faith, individual effort, and reliance upon the power of the Atonement, some may overcome same-gender attraction in mortality and marry. Others, however, may never be free of same-gender attraction in this life."
  3. [note]  See Matt 19:18, Matt 15:19 and Mark 7:21. This excludes all sexual relationships between unmarried people. It was apparent that Christ only recognized marriage between a man and a woman. (Matt 19:4-6) Modern revelation confirms that the Biblical teaching against adultery and fornication only allows for sexual relationships between a husband and a wife.
  4. [note]  A New Therapy on Faith and Sexual Identity: Psychological Association Revises Treatment Guidelines to Allow Counselors to Help Clients Reject Their Same-Sex Attractions
  5. [note]  In re MARRIAGE CASES
  6. [note]  (2009), Report of the American Psychological Association Task Force on Appropriate Therapeutic Responses to Sexual Orientation off-site
  7. [note]  (2004), A Conversation with Gordon B. Hinckley, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints off-site
  8. [note]  (2004), In Quiet Desperation: Understanding the Challenge of Same-gender Attraction Deseret Book off-site .
  9. [note] A Place in the Kingdom: Spiritual Insights from Latter-day Saints about Same-Sex Attraction.
  10. [note]  In the 1963 General Conference, Hugh B. Brown stated: "it is a moral evil for any person or group of persons to deny any human being the rights to gainful employment, to full educational opportunity, and to every privilege of citizenship". He continued: "We call upon all men everywhere, both within and outside the church, to commit themselves to the establishment of full civil equality for all of God's children. Anything less than this defeats our high ideal of the brotherhood of man."
  11. [note]  There have been several studies which have investigated the effects of gay affirmative therapies on clients whose religious values go contrary to the ideals of gay affirmative therapy. Throckmorton showed that those who want to change their sexual orientation did not find therapists who tried to get them to affirm a gay identity to be very helpful. (Throckmorton, Warren, Counseling practices as they relate to ratings of helpfulness by consumers of sexual reorientation therapy Journal of Psychology and Christianity off-site ) After working with several clients, Haldeman postulated that for some people, it would more feasible to change their sexual orientation than it would be to try to change their religious identity. (Haldeman, Douglas, (2004), When Sexual and Religious Orientation Collide:Considerations in Working with Conflicted Same-Sex Attracted Male Clients The Counseling Psychologist off-site ) Beckstead worked with Mormon clients and concluded that gay affirmative therapy did not help clients who did not want to be gay. (Beckstead, A. Lee, Mormon Clients’ Experiences of Conversion Therapy off-site ) Statements like these have lead the American Psychological Associate to issue a statement which reads "Mental health professional organizations call on their members to respect a person's (client's) right to selfdetermination".[57] When dealing with these patients, they have determined that the appropriate application of affirmative therapeutic interventions is one which "involves therapist acceptance, support, and understanding of clients and the facilitation of clients’ active coping, social support, and identity exploration and development, without imposing a specific sexual orientation identity outcome." [Report of the APA Task Force on Appropriate Therapeutic Responses to Sexual Orientation http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/resources/sexual-orientation.aspx] Possible non-LGBT sexual orientation identity outcomes would include heterosexual, ex-gay and no identity.
  12. [note]  Some have accused the Church of denying a group of people their civil right to marry based on their sexual orientation. This is not true. Nowhere is there any requirement based on sexual orientation in order to marry. People of all sexual orientations get married in all parts of the world. Many members with same-sex attractions have been able to form fulfilling and faithful marriages to people of the opposite sex. Marriage, as defined by God, is a union between a man and a woman, and everyone is allowed to participate. Political involvement by the Church has been focused on protecting this definition. Same-sex marriage is not really a marriage by the definition given by God and is therefore not a civil right. Elder Oaks explains: "The Church does not consider same-sex marriage to be a civil right. We have endured a wave of media-reported charges that the Mormons are trying to "deny" people or "strip" people of their "rights." After a significant majority of California voters (seven million - over 52 percent) approved Proposition 8’s limiting marriage to a man and a woman, some opponents characterized the vote as denying people their civil rights. In fact, the Proposition 8 battle was not about civil rights, but about what equal rights demand and what religious rights protect. At no time did anyone question or jeopardize the civil right of Proposition 8 opponents to vote or speak their views."
  13. [note]  (Dallin Oaks, "Our strengths can become our downfall, " Ensign, October, 1994, 19.
  14. [note] Oaks, Dallin H., (1999), Weightier Matters , BYU Devotional speech:
  15. [note]  The Divine Institution of Marriage
  16. [note]  Statement Given to Salt Lake City Council on Nondiscrimination Ordinances
  17. [note] Laumann, Edward O. , The Social Organization of Sexuality: Sexual Practices in the United States 299
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