D. TODD CHRISTOFFERSON: “Someone who is adhering to the norm of chastity—someone who is following the covenants and the standards, teachings of the gospel of Christ, though they may be dealing with same-sex attraction—really there is no reason they cannot be fully participative, that they can’t be a full-fledged member of the Church and hold callings and speak and enter the temple and serve there, and all the other opportunities and blessings that can come from Church membership will be available to them”
Read MoreIs 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
Read MoreLoving Your Family When They Don’t Know How to Love You - Gracee Purcell Gather Conference 2023
In this empowering exploration of navigating difficult family relationships as queer individuals, Gracee Purcell discusses how to love your family even when you feel they aren't loving you back. Presented at Gather Conference 2023. TOPICS: LGBTQ student college YSA family
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Be of Good Cheer - Livier Mendoza Haynes Gather Conference 2023
When we hear "Be of Good Cheer," we might have the immediate thought that we need to suppress any feelings that are not happiness. However, Liv shares how the Lord helps us navigate all of our emotions specially as we balance being part of the LGBTQ community and what that means for our eternal identities. Topics: LGBTQ, LDS, mixed orientation marriage, happiness
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