Lds stance on gay marriage
Same-Gender Attraction
The continuing public debate over same-gender marriage has prompted many questions from the news media, the general widespread and Church members in relation to the position of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the marriage issue specifically and on homosexuality in general.
The following interview was conducted in with Elder Dallin H. Oaks, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church, and Elder Lance B. Wickman, a member of the Seventy. These senior Church leaders responded to questions from two members of the Church’s Public Affairs staff. The transcript of the interview appears below in order to help clarify the Church’s stand on these important, complex and sensitive issues.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS: At the outset, can you explain why this whole issue of homosexuality and same-gender marriage is crucial to the Church?
ELDER OAKS: This is much bigger than just a question of whether or not society should be more tolerant of the homosexual lifestyle. Over past years we have seen unrelenting pressure from advocates of that
Same-Sex Attraction
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints acknowledges that same-sex attraction is a sensitive issue that requires kindness, compassion and understanding. The “Same-Sex Attraction” section of reinforces the existence that, in the words of one Latter-day Saint scripture, God “loveth his children” (1 Nephi ), and seeks to help everyone better understand queer attraction from a gospel perspective.
The Church does not accept a position on the cause of same-sex attraction. In , Elder Dallin H. Oaks said, “The Church does not have a position on the causes of any of these susceptibilities or inclinations, including those related to same-gender attraction.”
Feelings of same-sex attraction are not a sin. President M. Russell Ballard said: “Let us be clear: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes that ‘the life of same-sex attraction is a complex reality for many people. The attraction itself is not a sin, but acting on it is. Even though individuals do not choose to hold such attractions, they do choose how to respond to them. With value an
“Will the Church ever change its doctrine and sanction same-sex marriage?” Same-Sex Attraction: Church Leaders ()
“Will the Church ever change its doctrine and sanction same-sex marriage?” Same-Sex Attraction: Church Leaders
Doctrine of Marriage Is Eternal
Central to God’s plan, the doctrine of marriage between a man and a woman is an integral learning of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and will not change:
“As a doctrinal principle, based on the scriptures, the Church affirms that marriage between a man and a woman is essential to the Creator’s plan for the permanent destiny of His children. The Church also affirms that God’s law defines marriage as the legal and lawful union between a man and a woman.
“Only a man and a lady who are legally and lawfully wedded as husband and wife should have sexual relations. Any other sexual relations, including those between persons of the matching sex, are sinful and undermine the divinely created institution of the family” (“Same-Sex Marriage,” General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,
'Even though I still don't understand everything, I realize that I don't possess to. All I am asked to do is love as God would love.'
This comment, and many others like it, is included in an updated version of 'Mormon and Gay,” an official website from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The site reinforces the reality that, in the words of one Mormon scripture, God “…loveth his children;…” (1 Nephi ), and seeks to aid everyone better understand queer attraction from a gospel perspective.
Laurie’s Story-A Flicker of Light That Brought Me Back to the Saviour
The first version of this website launched in December under the title 'Mormons and Gays.' The fresh appellation, 'Mormon and Gay,' reflects the reality that a person doesn’t require to choose between these two identities — one can, in fact, be gay and live devoted to the teachings of Christ.
The Church acknowledges that Latter-day Saints experience same-sex attraction in a variety of ways. Some strive to stay celibate and others join. Some identify as same-sex attracted or lesbian while others do not.
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