Posts
The recent Supreme Court refusal to rule on four appeals in cases where lower courts had struck down same-sex marriage bans (and the subsequent legalization of same-sex marriage in the four appealing states) has elicited strong responses across the country, but especially in the states affected. We asked a few within the Affirmation community to share their thoughts and feelings with us.
As I have educated myself about the Transgender (Trans) community, things seemed to fall into place in my head and heart. For the last several years as I have been in more inclusive spaces, it has helped me feel more comfortable with who I am, with what I need to do to feel right in my body and with admitting to myself and all the people in my life that I am Transgender myself.
We are grateful for the official LDS church response to the ruling, which rejects persecution of people on the basis of sexual orientation, and enjoins respect toward and dialogue with those with whom we may disagree. We are also grateful for Gospel teachings, along with reminders at recent general conferences that the first and great commandment to “love one another” takes precedence over the things that may divide us.
Estamos agradecidos por la respuesta oficial de la Iglesia ante dicha legislación, que rechaza toda persecución en contra de alguna persona por su orientación sexual y alienta el diálogo con aquellos con quienes no estemos de acuerdo. Estamos también agradecidos por las enseñanzas del Evangelio, junto con los recordatorios más recientes durante la conferencia general, de que el primer gran mandamiento de “amarnos los unos a los otros” debe prevalecer ante cualquier cosa que pueda dividirnos.
Enjoy listening to or watching the Testimony / Spiritual Story Sharing meeting from the 2014 Affirmation Conference. Almost 400 LGBT Mormons, family members, friends and church leaders attended. Consider sharing with your family, friends and church leaders.
By the Affirmation Executive Committee
Despite the struggles and rejection many of us have experienced in our home wards and stakes, many of us have testimonies of the Gospel and want to participate in the work of building the Kingdom of God both in and beyond the Church.
Many of us come to General Conference wondering if there’s a place for us in the church, and yearning for church leaders to speak to the doubt, pain, confusion and fear so many of us feel. Here are our take-aways from the 2014 October General Conference.
Al final, me sentí inspirado de una manera en que no me había sentido desde hace muchos, muchos años. Será un largo camino… pero ahora tengo una visión de esperanza y estoy agradecido por ello. Por eso doy gracias a mi nueva familia y comunidad de aliados y LGBT.
It’s hard to imagine it’s been two weeks since we gathered together for our annual conference in Salt Lake City. What a wonderful opportunity we had to be together in the spirit of friendship and acceptance. Thank you for adding your presence and love. As you encounter challenges in the coming year, remember the spirit you felt during this conference to help you move forward with confidence and joy in your life.
Join us for our semi-annual virtual discussion following the LDS Church General Conference. Berta Marquez will be facilitating the call with a panel of guests. Wednesday, October 8, 2014 from 5-6 p.m PT / 6-7 p.m. MT / 7-8 p.m. CT / 8- 9 p.m. ET. Access information available now.