Mormon church and gay marriage
Stances of Faiths on Queer Issues: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons)
BACKGROUND
Adherence to Christian doctrine is expanded to encompass the teachings of The Book of Mormon and other teachings originating with Joseph Smith, who established the Church in , in New York State.
The Church has a pyramidal structure. Ultimate authority lies with the First Presidency, and comprises the President, who is most commonly referred to as the Prophet, and his two counsellors. The second-highest governing body, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, is appointed by the president, with each Prophet succeeded by the most senior apostle at his death. Beneath them are the Quorums of 70, which are considered general authorities and can teach and proclaim anywhere in the world.
The Church is divided into 22 regions across the world. Those regions are further divided into Stakes, each consisting of five to twelve Wards (usually a single church or parish) led by a Bishop.
LGBTQ+ EQUALITY
ON SEXUAL ORIENTATION & GENDER IDENTITY
The LDS Church follows strict rules of sexual c
As a gay Mormon, I make my home in the borderlands. In a theology that says every man must be married to a woman in order to be with God and progress in heaven, gay Mormons are anomalies. No one quite knows what to do with us.
For a while, the answer was to serve a full-time mission, unite a woman, inform no one, and let things function themselves out.
When that approach led to tragedy and broken families, the answer became celibacy, which is less of an retort and more of a holding pattern in a religion that declares the family to be &#;the most vital unit in second and in eternity.&#;
Every question, from &#;How can I be happy with no possibility of conclusion a companion?&#; to &#;Will I still be gay after this life?&#; seems to be met with official answers amounting to &#;Have faith. It will work out in the end.&#; And, yet, despite these difficult and unanswered questions, I elect to continue to participate in my Latter-day Saint congregation and community.
So if I don&#;t relate, why stay? There are plenty of affirming faith communities where queer people and their families
Same-Sex Attraction
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints acknowledges that same-sex attraction is a sensitive issue that requires kindness, kindness 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 finer understand same-sex attraction from a gospel perspective.
The Church does not take a position on the lead to 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 truths 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 opt for how to respond to them. With love an
Same-Sex Marriage
Legal proceedings and legislative action in a number of countries have given civil recognition to queer marriage relationships, and the question of same-sex marriage continues to be widely debated. As we confront this and other issues, we encourage all to bear in mind our Heavenly Father’s purposes in creating the earth and providing for our mortal birth and experience here as His children. “God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth.” “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”Marriage between a man and a woman was instituted by God and is main to His plan for His children and for the well-being of culture. Strong families, guided by a loving mother and father, serve as the fundamental institution for nurturing children, instilling faith, and transmitting to future generations the moral strengths and values that are vital to