Lds church and gay marriage
Policy for Children of LGBT Parents, Members in Gay Marriages
Parents who identify themselves as lesbian, male lover, bisexual, or non-binary may now petition that their children be blessed as infants by a worthy Melchizedek Priesthood holder, and their children may also be baptized and confirmed after they turn eight years old without First Presidency approval, President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency, announced during a management meeting prior to general conference.
In addition, although same-gender marriage is still considered “a serious transgression,” the Church will no longer manage it as apostasy for purposes of Church discipline. “Immoral conduct in heterosexual or homosexual relationships will be treated in the matching way,” President Oaks said.
These policy changes “do not symbolize a shift in Church doctrine akin to marriage or the commandments of God in regard to chastity or morality,” the First Presidency wrote in an official expression. “The doctrine of the plan of salvation and the importance of chastity will not change.”
President Oaks said the
“Will the Church ever modify its doctrine and sanction same-sex marriage?” Same-Sex Attraction: Church Leaders ()
“Will the Church ever change its doctrine and sanction queer marriage?” Same-Sex Attraction: Church Leaders
Doctrine of Marriage Is Eternal
Central to God’s intend, the doctrine of marriage between a man and a woman is an integral teaching 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 eternal destiny of His children. The Church also affirms that God’s law defines marriage as the legal and lawful union between a dude and a woman.
“Only a man and a chick who are legally and lawfully wedded as husband and wife should hold sexual relations. Any other sexual relations, including those between persons of the same 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,
Same-Sex Marriage
Selected Teachings
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
“Homosexual outing is a serious sin. If you find yourself struggling with same-gender attraction, seek counsel from your parents and bishop. They will help you” (For the Strength of Youth: Fulfilling Our Duty to God, 28).
President Gordon B. Hinckley
“I have time to consider one other question: ‘Why does the Church become involved in issues that come before the legislature and the electorate?’
“I hasten to add that we deal only with those legislative matters which are of a strictly moral nature or which directly affect the welfare of the Church. We have opposed gambling and liquor and will maintain to do so. We regard it as not only our right but our duty to oppose those forces which we feel undermine the moral fiber of society. Much of our effort, a very great deal of it, is in association with others whose interests are similar. We have worked with Jewish groups, Catholics, Muslims, Protestants, and those of no particular religious affiliation, in coalitions formed to advocate positions
Same-Sex Attraction
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints acknowledges that same-sex attraction is a sensitive issue that requires kindness, sympathy and understanding. The “Same-Sex Attraction” section of reinforces the reality that, in the words of one Latter-day Saint scripture, God “loveth his children” (1 Nephi ), and seeks to help everyone enhanced understand same-sex attraction from a gospel perspective.
The Church does not take a position on the bring about 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 experience of same-sex attraction is a complex existence for many people. The attraction itself is not a sin, but acting on it is. Even though individuals do not choose to have such attractions, they do select how to respond to them. With love an