Helps for Gospel Doctrine Lesson 39: “For the Perfecting of the Saints”

2015 Curriculum
LGBT Considerations
Gospel Doctrine lesson 39: “For the Perfecting of the Saints”
Approximate Scheduled Teaching Date: Sunday, October 18, 2015

The above lesson contains the following questions:

“How can Paul’s counsel in Ephesians 6:1-4 help strengthen family relationships and maintain unity in the home? What counsel have latter-day apostles and prophets given us regarding families?” (p. 23)

___________

There are many variations of the term “family” within the Church: Single, divorced, widowed, single/divorced with children, etc. Indeed, the typical ward may only have about 30% of the families of record that fit the traditional “married with children” family. Thus, the above questions reflect correct principles that apply to all such families. If a group discussion veers off into roles of gender and the traditional family model, one should be able to easily mention one of the other types of families to get back to general principles.

Within the principle of fostering love within the family, there may also be an opportunity to discuss the unique challenge of LGBT acceptance within the home. At mormonsandgays.org, Elder Quinton L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve stated:

“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.”

Depending on the nature of the group, the discussion, and as led by the Spirit, the above quote by a Church apostle may help others understand how such a general principle as love and acceptance within the family can be applied to different types of families, including those with an LGBT child, and it may also help others understand the unique opportunities within that family, as well as the challenges they face from others in the ward. It may also introduce class members to mormonsandgays.com, many of whom are unaware of the website.