Lds stance on gay marriage
“Will the Church ever change its doctrine and sanction gay marriage?” Same-Sex Attraction: Church Leaders ()
“Will the Church ever change its doctrine and sanction homosexual marriage?” Same-Sex Attraction: Church Leaders
Doctrine of Marriage Is Eternal
Central to God’s arrange, 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 rule, based on the scriptures, the Church affirms that marriage between a male and a lady is essential to the Creator’s intend for the everlasting 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 bloke and a lady who are legally and lawfully wedded as husband and wife should own 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-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 vital 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
'Even though I still don't realize everything, I know that I don't have to. All I am asked to do is love as God would love.'
This comment, and many others love 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 help everyone better understand gay 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 new appellation, 'Mormon and Gay,' reflects the reality that a person doesn’t need to choose between these two identities — one can, in proof, be gay and live loyal to the teachings of Christ.
The Church acknowledges that Latter-day Saints experience same-sex attraction in a variety of ways. Some strive to remain celibate and others marry. Some name as gay or lesbian while others do not.
Personal
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 beat understand same-sex attraction from a gospel perspective.
The Church does not take a position on the generate 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 opt how to respond to them. With love an