Affirmation: Gay & Lesbian Mormons

Scott MacKay

Mortensen Award for 2001
Scott MacKay Honored

Sept, 2001

The follow was read by Alan Blodgett at the 2001 Affirmation Conference:

I have the great honor of introducing the recipient of the 2001 Mortensen Award for outstanding leadership and service to Affirmation. Ricky Gilbert has introduced the outstanding people who are runners-up for the award. Each of them is more than worthy of receiving this award. However there was the nomination of one individual who stands out in a singular way.

There are twelve different and diverse committee members that have a vote in the selection of the recipient of this award. The individual selected was the obvious choice for this year. No discussion and no debate was required. This person was selected on the first vote.

The Mortensen Award Committee selects the recipient based on the following criteria:

Someone who is dedicated to the goals of Affirmation and has worked toward achieving them.
Someone who has shown outstanding leadership and service.
Someone who is a self-starter and a motivator of others.
Someone who is making a difference in the lives of others.

This individual has spoken out loud and clear in support of Affirmation, urging all who would listen and respond to become involved in our important work. He is a natural leader who has demonstrated an ability to make things happened and get people involved. Even more important he creates an aura of excitement about being a part of the Affirmation family.

He is to be admired for his intellect. He is filled with ideas. Some of his ideas work, and some are ahead of their time. Many have been instituted.

He was the originator of the Cornerstone concept
He promoted the establishment of the Youth Program.
He was the originator of the Endowment Fund.
He was prime in initiating the Writing Awards Contest
He reactivated the Chapter at Large
He established on-line chat sessions for all interested persons
He began a program of responding to comments on the web site.

This individual has shown us that a gay man:

Can be a loving and responsible father.
Can enter into a meaningful and lasting relationship with a beloved companion.
Can balance service to Affirmation with heavy professional responsibility.
Can hold to our Mormon heritage even though we may feel rejected by the church.
Can be proud to be gay and lead a happy life.

This individual was one of the founders of Gamofites, an affiliated organization that supports Gay Mormon Fathers. This tribute wouldn't be complete without mentioning his extraordinary story telling talents.

It is with great honor that we give the 2001 Mortensen Award for outstanding leadership and service to that friend to us all, now in his fourth term as Executive Director, Scott MacKay.