Heterosexual Marriage for Those Who Experience Same-Sex Attraction? (CHURCH WEBSITE)

D. TODD CHRISTOFFERSON: “We don’t counsel people that heterosexual marriage is a panacea. You’ll see in some of these experiences that are related on this site that it has been a successful experience in a few cases, or some have expressed the success they have found in marriage and in raising a family and the joy and all that has filled out and blessed their lives as a consequence. But that, we know, is not always true. And it’s not always successful. Sometimes it’s been even disastrous. We think it’s something that each person can evaluate, and they can discuss both with priesthood leaders and family and others and make decisions. But we simply don’t take a uniform position of saying, ‘Yes, always,’ or ‘No, always’” (D. Todd Christofferson, “Purpose of This Website,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

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How Can I Include or Reach Out? (Church Website)

QUENTIN L COOK: “As a church, nobody should be more loving and compassionate. … Let us be at the forefront in terms of expressing love, compassion, and outreach. … Let’s not have families exclude or be disrespectful of those who choose a different lifestyle as a result of their feelings about their own gender…No family who has anybody who has a same-gender issue should exclude them from the family circle. They need to be part of the family circle” (Quentin L. Cook, “Let Us Be at the Forefront,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

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Should Leaders Recommend Professional Counseling? (Church Website)

“A change in attraction should not be expected or demanded as an outcome by parents, leaders, or professional counselors. However, seeking insight from a professional counselor is a sign of strength and humility. If a person chooses to seek such help, others should respect his or her right to determine the desired outcomes…When one seeks therapy, the Church recommends approaches that respect “client self-determination.” In other words, the individual has the right to determine desired outcomes, and therapists and counselors should respect his or her wishes. For someone who experiences same-sex attraction or identifies as gay, counseling may help the person approach his or her sexuality in healthier, more fulfilling ways. However, counseling and therapy are not needed by everyone. While shifts in sexuality can and do occur for some people, it is unethical to focus professional treatment on an assumption that a change in sexual orientation will or must occur. Again, the individual has the right to define the desired outcome” (“Should I recommend professional counseling to gay members and/or their families?” - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Resources for Leaders)

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Is Same-Sex Attraction A Sin? (Church Website)

“Feelings of same-sex attraction are not a sin. President M. Russell Ballard stated:

“Let us be clear: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes that ‘the experience 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 have such attractions, they do choose how to respond to them. With love and understanding, the Church reaches out to all God’s children, including [those with same-sex attraction]’”

While same-sex attraction is not a sin, it can be a challenge. While one may not have chosen to have these feelings, he or she can commit to keep God’s commandments. The parent of a child who experiences same-sex attraction or identifies as gay should choose to love and embrace that child. As a community of Church members, we should choose to create a welcoming community.” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints website - Resources for Leaders

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What Causes Same-Sex Attraction? (Church Website)

“The Church does not take a position on the cause of same-sex attraction.* President Dallin H. Oaks stated: “The Church does not have a position on the causes of…same-gender attraction” “What Causes Same-Sex Attraction?” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Resources for Leaders (please note that this current statement indicates the incorrectness of previous assumptions that sexual orientation is caused by poor parenting, sins of the parents, or any other factor - Lift+Love)

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Of One Heart Initiative - Deborah Jensen Grizzell and Erick S Hacking

The Of One Heart Initiative is one stake's effort to create a more welcoming, inclusive, loving community of Saints for LGBTQ+ persons and their families. This presentation will discuss the collaborative development effort involving many levels of councils with the goal of reaching every member of the stake through existing delivery channels, such as Teachers' Councils, Devotionals, and Ward Youth Discussions. Participants will have access to Of One Heart Initiative materials and slide decks that may be used for reference as they develop similar local LGBT initiatives. Q & A with an Of One Heart Initiative organizer and a gay member of their stake.

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"How do I partner with the Lord in supporting and loving my LGBTQ child?"

LDSLIVING - LATTER-DAY SAINT LIFE

How do I partner with the Lord in supporting and loving my LGBTQ child? By Allison Grant Dayton April 11, 2024

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"Loving and Lifting our LGBTQ Children with Christ as our Guide"

Many families in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have a child that identifies as LGBTQ. With this identification comes many heartfelt questions, concerns, and discussions as our child navigates their own decisions on their terms. Elder Quentin R. Cook challenges, “Let us be at the forefront in terms of expressing love, compassion, and outreach. Let's not have families exclude or be disrespectful of those who choose a different lifestyle as a result of their feelings about their own gender and/or orientation.” How do I have open conversations with love, respect, and support as I acknowledge the difficulties faced by my LGBTQ child? How does my personal covenant relationship with my Savior enhance my ability to walk with my child while they make decisions about their lives? How do I partner with the Lord in supporting and loving my LGBTQ child? How can I help them build their own relationship with Christ and the assurance that they are loved as a child of God?

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"Sir, We Would Like to See Jesus"

"Sir, We Would Like to See Jesus" by Robert M. Daines. from the OCTOBER 2023 General Conference.

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