November 2015 Policy

Glasses on Scripture

Unanswered Questions and Shaken Faith

April 16, 2019 |

It is hard to reconcile a religion whose leader tells us the policy is a revelation from God and then just a short time later reverses the policy with no apologies or recognition of the pain it caused.

Sealed Envelope

A Letter to the Latter-day Saint Prophet: LGBT Policy Lacking in Love

April 16, 2019 |

Gay members needed to return to the closet and continue to live in dark places, unheard, unseen, or be banished to a life of celibacy. I cried and cried when I read this policy, and could not, nor do I still understand or accept such a policy.

Submitted to Affirmation following The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint’s reversal of their November 2015 policy changes that prohibited children of LGBTQ parents from being blessed and baptized and characterized members of the church entering into same-sex marriages as apostates. These changes became known within the LGBTQ Mormon community as the “exclusion policy,” “policy of exclusion,” or “PoX.” The day after the reversal of this policy was announced, Nathan Kitchen, President of Affirmation, invited anyone willing to and share their authentic feelings and all their stories of grief, anger, relief, sadness, happiness, confusion, whatever they may be that surround the rescinding this policy. “As President of Affirmation, I want to be sure Affirmation does not hide you or your stories as we move forward,” wrote Kitchen in his invitation. If you have reactions or a story to share about the reversal of the exclusion policy, please send to submissions@affirmation.org. You can also read other stories and reactions to the reversal of the exclusion policy.

Revelation as Individuals or as a Church Never Divests Us of Our Agency

April 15, 2019 |

The Lord may keep back-up plans ready so that his designs can’t be subverted by human stupidity or intransigence, but he also tends to let us learn the hard way—even as he’s there with us through the process.

Woman Holding Compass

I Have Confidence in My Own Moral Compass

April 15, 2019 |

The most prominent emotion I currently feel is confidence—confidence in my own moral compass, my own ability to recognize when something is wrong and to act accordingly. I can—as my mother has always encouraged me—be the change I want to see in the world and our church.

Audience Hands Up

Softened Hearts toward Wonderful Souls Deserving Unreserved Love

April 15, 2019 |

People in the Church are at least talking about an issue that for most of my life was taboo. LGBTQ people are increasingly being seen as the good people they are.

Man Suit Pointing

The Policy Was a Test for the Faithful but Not of Faith

April 10, 2019 |

Don’t embarrass yourself with callous, ill-founded “what if’s,” “but’s,” rationalizations, excuses, or scapegoating. By all means, cling to a belief that the policy was God’s will if you so chose, but own the horrible implications and consequences of that belief.

Mujer triste llorando

Losing My Soulmate to the Church

April 10, 2019 |

I just can’t accept that an all-loving God would make us gay then tell us that we have to remain alone our entire lives to prove our love and obedience to him.

con tener algo que ver con

Thoughts on the Death of the PoX

April 10, 2019 |

Mourn with me. Stand with me. And then help me strive to make a place for everyone to belong in this Church. We have a long way to go. Let’s get to work.

Gorrión en una rama

Sparrow

April 10, 2019 |

A bird is not an ornithologist; It just is; Living life as itself; Basking in the sun; and eating a morning meal; And singing.