Everyone wonders what it is they were put on this Earth to do, and many wonder for as long as they're here. However I do think there are some things everyone is meant to be a part of. I am speaking of general wrong righting, easing the suffering of others, and meaningful companionship. These three things I believe are the main ingredients for a meaningful life.
Whether late in the game or not (everyone's journey must be their own), I am finding myself in need to discuss the treatment of the LGBTQ community within the LDS Church. The inspiration for this post came from a very good article that I would suggest to anyone as an insightful read.
http://rationalfaiths.com/homosexuality-can-we-talk-about-it/
This post is my response to this article.
First I would like to say I'm sorry if I have ever been the reason anybody has ever felt ignored or unwelcome at church. If I have caused damage it would not be because I attacked anyone but because I did not take action when I should have. A lack of action can be just as damaging as I am well aware.
Next I would honestly like to ask what it is I and others in the church not bearing these particular trials need to do? Here is a list of more specific questions to help guide conversation
1. As a primary teacher do I need to stop telling the children things like "When you are mommies and daddies...", and "when you get married..." because those are clearly not blessings that are going to be offered to everyone in this life, and that includes other factors besides SSA. Or do we continue to simplify the gospel to them in the most rudimentary form as we do for all gospel principles?
2. If our children, friends, or family leave the church and pursue a homosexual relationship or marriage because it is beyond their faith to go without such things, do we really need to worry about their salvation?And, as we do with other people who leave the church for other reasons, do we encourage them to change their ways and return to church?
3. Doctrinally speaking as we offer the comfort that there are many things Heavenly Father will make up for in the eternities, does that mean gay relationships will be accepted in the next life? Do we even need to know that right now?
4. When do we get answers and why don't we have them yet?
5. All people experience many trials and that is life, but why this trial?
6. Do I ask these questions at all or am I simply being offensive because I have no idea what it's like?
7. Is there a possibility that the church is ever going to have a prophecy revealing that acting on homosexuality is not a sin? How would we handle that knowledge knowing the current and very strong stance of the church?
These are just some of my own questions and I'm sure I will come up with more. This is really the first post on this blog that I actually hope anyone responds to.
I will also say to the LGBTQ community that you are not alone in finding disappointment in the bishop's office. It is simply a hard fact of life that faith cannot be found in other members of the church but must be a result of a personal relationship with the savior. I will also say if anyone makes you feel guilty, broken, or confused then I am perfectly confident in assuring you that person is in fact wrong. Even if that person is a stake president. Being made to feel guilty or broken is not how the savior would have you feel under any circumstance.
Finally I feel the need to say let me be that person. If you need someone to talk to, confide in, feel accepted by, present theories to, I'm your girl. Don't be alone in your feelings. We weren't put on this Earth to ignore the feelings of others, and we were not put on this Earth to struggle alone.
One more thing. Bishops are often wrong but I also strongly believe that the leaders of this church have a deep seeded love for all of God's children and I don't think we should give up on them.
And one more thing. I am ready to listen. However if you wish to discuss with me things that are contrary to the official proclamations and stances of the church I will listen, I will not judge, and I will still love you and be your friend, but I will not become anti-mormon on your behalf. Do what you need to do but in turn let me do as I need.
Let's do this people, let's be better.
