The subject of homosexuality and the gospel has been on my mind a lot lately, and on the mind of many Latter-Day Saints, I’m sure. I have had many discussions with friends inside and outside of the church about these issues. I know people that are gay. I live close to people that are gay, and there are people in our society that I truly admire that are gay.
Recently, an active member of the church posted a blog post sharing his intimate story about how he is a homosexual living in a heterosexual marriage, and recently decided to share this information with the world. He is happy with his life, and writes a beautiful story of love, and acceptance, and tolerance. You can see his blog post here. Although he admits that his lifestyle is not for everyone, and he just wanted to share his story, it has sparked some debate among people I know both in and out of the church. Homosexuality is a controversial topic in society, but also within members of the LDS church.
Recently, another story caught my eye that was getting a lot of buzz and that is of the group, Mormons Building Bridges marching in the gay rights parade here in Salt Lake City. Over 300 mormons who are active members of the church chose to march in this parade. Their mission statement is one of love and acceptance.
Front and center on mormon.org under the FAQ section, you can read more about the church’s official stance on homosexuality and gay marriage here. In addition to that, there are members of the church who share their views on homosexuality and how that relates to the churches stance.
The truth is that this issue is not going to go away. I believe it will continue to be a topic that divides our country both within and outside the church. But, the bottom line is that we are all God’s children. All of us. He loves us, and He has a plan. While I can’t claim to fully understand God’s purposes in regards to homosexuality and the issues that come along with it, I am confident in a just and loving God that will judge us all after this life based on truth, fairness, and love. He knows our challenges that we have been faced with in this life, and He is the only one that can judge us.
As there may be a shift in thinking by some member’s of the church that I believe is a good shift, the Lord’s ways will remain constant. His laws will remain the same and so will His justice.
It is not our place to pass judgment, but it is the Lord’s expectation that we love our neighbor. I don’t remember Him specifying that the neighbor had to share our same beliefs.
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