Affirmation: Gay & Lesbian Mormons

Andrew Callahan

LDS Church Threatens Supporter of Marriage Equality with Excommunication
“My bishop told me they would likely excommunicate me”

by Seba Martinez
September 2008

A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter–Day Saints who supports marriage equality received a letter from his bishop asking him to attend a disciplinary hearing.

The outcome could mean excommunication from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, but Callahan said that will not stop his cause.

For more than 20 years Andrew Callahan has been a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter–day Saints, but all that could change.

“I believe in standing up for what I believe in and I guess, unfortunately I am not supposed to stand up for what I believe in if I disagree with them and I do,” said Callahan.

Callahan started a website and has written letters asking for other church members to support his belief that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter–day Saints should not be involved in getting an anti–gay marriage amendment for California.

“We do not think it is right for them to get involved in this political matter, we do not believe it is right for them to tell us what position to take, and we do not think it is right for them to use our/their viewpoints to prescribe how other people marry,” Callahan said.

Church leaders said that is not what they are trying to do at all.

“We do not take any political sides on any candidates or anything, but if they are value issues, we encourage our members to stand up and encourage those issues that are preached by Jesus Christ,” said Hastings Ward Bishop Bryan Woodbury.

But Callahan said it was a moment of outspokenness on the matter that has gained the attention of his church leadership.

“Two weeks ago my bishop visited me and asked me to resign my membership which I do not think is appropriate and I do not feel compelled to do. When I refused to resign, he told me they would likely excommunicate me,” Callahan said.