Lds org gay

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints acknowledges that same-sex attraction is a sensitive issue that requires kindness, empathy 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 superior understand same-sex attraction from a gospel perspective.

The Church does not take a position on the result in 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 and understanding, the Church reaches out to all God’s children, including [those with same-sex attrac

Same-Gender Attraction

The continuing public debate over same-gender marriage has prompted many questions from the news media, the general universal 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 lifestyle to accept as normal what is not normal, and to characterize those who disagree as narrow-m

“Understanding and Including Our LGBT Brothers and Sisters,” Liahona, October

In the first few months after entity called as a bishop, I was surprised when three sets of parents in my ward each approached me in secret to let me grasp that they had a child who identified as gay or transgender. In each case, the parents expressed sincere love for their child coupled with various levels of interest that their child would not fit in the ward community.

Eventually, other families also shared similar knowledge with me, and I realized that even though I wasn’t too familiar with these experiences, as a bishop I had the privilege of helping all of my ward members build a more unified community, no matter what they were experiencing.

I quickly realized that to be a more efficient bishop, I needed to be willing to experiment to understand the experiences of members who recognize as LGBT and their families. So, through deepfelt and open conversations, trial and error, a lot of study, and relying on the Lord for understanding, I learned a lot about how I could provide greater encourage to members in these circumstances as they aspire to come unto Christ.

My eyes were opened to the need fo

Church Updates Official ‘Mormon and Gay’ Website

"Even though I still don't understand 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 appreciate 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 existence that, in the words of one Mormon scripture, God “loveth his children” (1 Nephi ), and seeks to help everyone improved understand same-sex attraction from a gospel perspective.

The first version of this website launched in December under the title "Mormons and Gays." The new appellation, "Mormon and Gay," reflects the truths that a person doesn’t need to choose between these two identities — one can, in evidence, be gay and exist faithful to the teachings of Christ.                

Personal Accounts and Comments From Church Leaders

features five personal accounts from multiple perspectives — including those who exposure same-sex attraction, as adv as their family, friends and ecclesiastical leaders. Each story is unique and vulnerable and ultimately hopeful, reflecting the complex and uncertain reality

.