Affirmation: Gay & Lesbian Mormons

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Quotes

"Despite such positive signs and despite the Church's support of people with same-sex attraction who choose to abide by gospel-based morality, there is still no systematic approach for helping these individuals feel included as a viable part of the Church culture. This important aspect of their identities continues to be a source of pain and confusion. Some choose to hide their sexual activity and stay active in the Church. Other leave the Church entirely. Still others choose to remain active and resign themselves to a lifetime of celibacy. Unfortunately, even these latter individuals, who make far greater sacrifices in order to be faithful members of the Church than most married members, are often rejected or looked down upon for their singleness. In this, Church members often fall short of behaving as Christ would, for we have no doubt that he fully embraces all his children regardless of their sexual orientation. The self-hatred that often develops as a result of such rejection is extremely destructive to personal identity. Latter-day Saints counselors too often observe that this particular form of social rejection can turn inward and cause a descent into helplessness, suicidal thoughts, and sometimes suicide.”

(Bergin, Allen E. Eternal Values and Personal Growth: A guide on your journey to spiritual, emotional, and social wellness. Provo, Utah: BYU Studies, 2002, p. 69.)

According Dr. Malouf, the Rev. Butler and other therapists, the most at-risk teenagers are:

Those who live in a family where a family member or someone very close to the family has already died, especially by suicide.

Males, who are generally more at-risk than females. Females attempt dramatically more often but almost four times as many males die from suicide as females.

Those who have gender identity (sic) problems and have had a personal crisis. The largest single group of teen suicides, about one-third of the total, are from this group.

("Suicide Rates Increasing--Church Members Not Immune." LDS Church News, 15 January 1994, p. 10.)

"Minority groups... have high suicide rates.”

(Identification and Prevention of Suicidal Behavior. Published by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Salt Lake City, Utah, 1974.)

"Obviously, we do not know the full circumstances surrounding every suicide. Only the Lord knows all the details, and he it is who will judge our actions here on earth.... When he does judge us, I feel he will take all things into consideration.”

(Elder M. Russell Ballard, "Suicide: Some Things We Know, and Some We Do Not." Ensign, October 1987, pp. 6-9.)