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Olin Thomas Publishes Plea in “The Salt Lake Tribune” “For too long, love and family have been overshadowed by our fear and misunderstanding of gay people” April 2008 On April 6, 2008, Olin Thomas, executive director of Affirmation: Gay & Lesbian Mormons, published the following letter in The Salt Lake Tribune: This weekend, a new prophet will be sustained. Thomas S. Monson is a man known for his wisdom, who makes you appreciate small joys. He is a man who can lead with ease. New beginnings mean new opportunities. For too long, love and family have been overshadowed by our fear and misunderstanding of gay people. Homophobia is passing for a family value. As a result, an important person in your life may be afraid to tell you about an important aspect of their life. Being gay is not a sin, not a disease, not a choice. It just is. The only choice is how you treat others who may be different from you. Our new prophet has an opportunity to set a new tone: Love your children, your spouse, your siblings, your parents. Let God be the judge, not you. President Monson, please set the priorities. Less fear, more love. Let those of us who have seen this path help. We don't need to change the doctrine or the commandments; we just need to care, to love and to help each other. Isn't that Christ-like love and family values in their purest form? W. Olin Thomas III Executive director Affirmation: Gay and Lesbian Mormons |
www.affirmation.org