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Every since the first Affirmation Conference in Peru last April, the group has been meeting regularly to provide spiritual support to LGBTQ Mormons in the country.
Dijo que deseaba que cada uno de nosotros fuera miembro de su estaca; que quisiera que cada miembro de la Iglesia tuviera la calidad de testimonio que había escuchado entre nosotros, que habíamos tenido que trabajar y luchar contra la oposición y la duda para llegar a una comprensión más profunda del Evangelio, y encontrar nuestro lugar en él, y expresó que ojalá cada miembro de su estaca reclamara su propia fe para sí mismo como nosotros lo hacíamos.
By far, though, the most significant question we will face as a Church will be pastoral: how should we as a religious community treat our legally married gay members? Most people I know think that this is an easy question. The problem is, about half of them think it is easy in one direction while the rest think it is easy in the other. Actually, it is a very difficult question. But it is also an extremely important one, as it may determine the nature of our community for the next hundred years.
The Bishop finished reading the letter. Placing it to the side…he wept. Humbly he began to bear his testimony. He spoke of his lack of understanding. He didn’t understand why things happened the way they did. He didn’t know what God eventually had planned for all of us. But what he did know…was that God asked us to love each other. Unconditionally. He bore his testimony of his children…two of which are gay. He said he looked forward to the day when his family could be together at Church. When his gay children could feel welcome to bring their partners with them and feel the love surround them. He spoke of how unfair it is to expect someone who is attracted to someone of the same sex to spend their lives alone. After his sweet testimony he opened up to everyone else to discuss.
Affirmation held a virtual meeting of LGBTQ/SSA Mormons, Families & Friends in the aftermath of the Supreme Court ruling on marriage and the First Presidency letter responding to it. Participants shared experiences of family, friends and Church members and leaders responding to these events. The purpose was to learn from both positive and negative experiences, and to discuss ways to deal with stress and conflict and to engage in constructive dialog.
“I was relieved to see that the lesson did not directly attack gay relationships as a source for “the attacks on the family” but that it focused primarily on HOW to create a successful marriage. I think the teachings in this lesson are very applicable to my same-sex marriage and look forward to sharing my perspectives in Church this Sunday.” (This is part of a series of perspectives and resources for LDS Church teachers and participants who are looking for ways to teach and learn that invite LGBT individuals, their families and friends to liken the scriptures unto themselves and apply the gospel in their lives.)
The personal, real-life stories of gay and lesbian individuals who have come out to family, friends, co-workers and neighbors in the decades since Stonewall have been instrumental in shifting the tide of public opinion. The court rulings and laws recognizing same-sex marriage and regulating or limiting anti-gay ministries, are welcome news to the majority of openly gay, lesbian and bi individuals and their families and friends, because they grant much needed rights and protections, and empower us to live our lives without fear and in accordance with our conscience.
Our interactions with those who oppose these decisions in the weeks and months ahead may not be easy. In fact, they may be excruciatingly difficult. Do not be dismayed! Move forward in your lives with fortitude and strength, engage opponents with kindness, and have faith “that all things work together for good that love God.”
‘Religious liberty’ has never meant the right of a majority religion (or religions) to impose religious practices or religious rules on non-adherents. In America, we can be sure that Catholics can’t make birth control illegal, even though they are the largest religion. We can be sure that if Muslims become a dominant religion in any community, they still can’t require all women to cover their heads or impose Sharia law. We can be sure that if Amish are a majority in some community, they can’t impose their lifestyle on non-Amish living there.
Affirmation México will be hosting its 4th Annual Conference this August 7-9 in Querétero, México. The theme is “Our Divine Purpose” and will include a variety of activities, including workshops, talks, a city tour, meals, socializing and a testimony meeting. Querétero is one of the fastest growing commercial and cultural centers in México. Ven a México!