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The above comments reflect a core doctrine and teaching of the Church in its definition of marriage as one man and one woman. There, it may be wise for LGBT members, friends, and families who have strong opinions about same-sex marriage to study, pray, and fast, if necessary, in advance of the lesson date, seeking Spiritual guidance and strength in dealing with this portion of the lesson. It may be difficult to remain silent while someone offers an opinion that others may find offensive.
When I became an Eagle Scout four years ago, nobody knew I was gay — I was still in the process of accepting it myself. If I had told anyone, I would not have been given the award, despite a decade of involvement with scouting, countless hours with dozens of volunteers installing a garden at my elementary school and more than a hundred nights camping in the California wilderness.
Moral cleanliness is an area that can be full of personal attitudes that may or may not reflect accurate and current Church teachings. Although both of these questions are positively stated, people’s answers may be more of a list of “don’ts.” This may bring out individual comments that are based more on one’s attitudes than on scripture or current and accurate church policies and teachings.
By Joaquín Bustamante, President, Affirmation – Chile
I know firmly that it does not matter where we are, but rather that what is important is to serve our fellow human beings. In Affirmation I have this opportunity to give love and give my time to a work of love and excellence. Read Joaquín’s full story here.
Soy un convencido que en esta vida se puede ser feliz siendo gay y mormón. Creo que cada uno nace con los dones y sentimientos que Dios quiere que cada uno de sus hijos tenga. El aceptarte tal y como eres te convierte en una persona libre que puede caminar de frente reconociéndose a sí mismo y respetando a los que te rodean.
I carry two passports; my heart holds North and South, and this war does not feel civil to me!… I cannot stop loving either of my tribes. And I cannot stop praying they will learn to love each other. The path forward is not always clear, so by necessity as well as by choice, I walk in faith.
“Adrian has provided countless opportunities for LGBT Mormons to contribute their gifts and talents, but believes his greatest success has been when he has helped people realize they are never unworthy to pray, helping them see they were born as LGBT Mormons for a really special purpose and are always worthy of God’s love.”
Read a report of the first Affirmation Europe conference that was held in June this year. People attended from the UK, Ireland, Germany and Spain. “Never have I witnessed such beautiful vulnerability. With each word uttered I received revelation that God indeed loves every one of his children.”
The Annual International Affirmation Conference is fast approaching which includes the important General Business Meeting (Friday, September 18 at 3 p.m.) where candidates for Affirmation President will have the opportunity to introduce themselves to the Affirmation community and briefly share their vision and goals for their term of office. To be on the ballot, you must submit a statement of candidacy to Olin Thomas no later than the end of the first day of the Conference (Thursday, September 17, 2015). Read full article for details.