Church Leaders

Adam and Sunny Smart

When personal beliefs on LGBTQ issues and sustaining leaders clash: A missionary’s story

December 16, 2019 |

Adam’s stake president recommended him for his mission and Salt Lake issued the call with their blessing, fully knowing Adam’s privately held views supporting same-sex marriage and LGBTQ rights. After two months, Adam returned home from his mission over an ideological clash between his mission president who didn’t feel him worthy of a temple recommend because of these views, and his hometown stake president who did.

LDS First Presidency Press Conference

On LGBT Issues Nelson Cites Challenges and God’s Love

January 16, 2018 |

Russell M. Nelson was announced as the 17th President of the LDS Church. Following the announcement, he and his counselors participated in a press conference where the first question asked was how they would approach LGBT issues. Both he and Dallin H. Oaks shared their thoughts.

How Far has the Mormon Church Come on Homosexuality Since 1981?

December 13, 2017 |

A recent release from Mormon Leaks reminded us of how local leaders in the Mormon Church were advised to address homosexuality and counsel gay and lesbian members in 1981. How much, if anything, has changed since then?

Compassionate Ministering in Our Wards and Stakes

May 25, 2014 |

When Jesus was criticized for reaching out to so-called outsiders, he responded by saying, “What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after [the one].” As leaders, our time, vision, and outreach should really be focused on the one, which for today’s conference, represents our gay brothers and sisters.

Mormons, God, and Gays

March 5, 2014 |

Advocate.com: “The Mormon Church is uniquely dogmatically nimble in times of necessity. What would happen if God now said gay was OK?”

2013 Annual Affirmation Conference: “New Frontiers”

March 20, 2013 |

To be held in Salt Lake City September 13-15