The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint has released a new website speaking directly to those members of the church who experience same sex attraction and their families. The website that is highlighted by a message from Elder L. Whitney Clayton who is currently the Senior President of the Quorums of the Seventy.
Elder Clayton states:
“Though we live in a time of great contention and division, we should not let division enter our families or our congregations. “For he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me. The Lord Jesus Christ reached out with love and we are invited to follow in His example
We have given much thought and care to better understanding the experience of same sex attraction. And making sure individuals who feel such attraction and their families, feel welcome and part of the world wide family that is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
I now speak directly to church members who experience same sex attraction or identify as gay, lesbian or bi-sexual. We want you to know we love you. You are welcomed. We want you to be part of our congregations. You have great talents and abilities to offer God’s Kingdom on Earth and we recognize the many valuable contributions you make. If any of you are unclear about where the church stands on these issues, we invite you to please take the time to view the materials published at MormonandGay.lds.org. Prayerfully seek the Spirit to provide the answers you seek and be assured that God loveth His children.”
The website is full of stories from various perspectives who have had to deal with same sex attraction. The church is hosting this website on LDS.org to make it clear that it is an official website of the church and that all of the messaging on the site have been approved by the leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
It also features a “FAQ” page of questions that are frequently asked about this topic from “Why Use the Term ‘Same-Sex Attraction”? Why Not Just Say ‘Gay’?” to “Will the Church Ever Change Its Doctrine and Sanction Same-Sex Marriages?”
One of the most powerful stories that is shared is from a returned missionary named Jessyca Fulmer. She started noticing at a young age that she started having feelings of attraction towards other females and her video is one that goes from the despair of contemplating suicide to one of hope and thriving in the future.
The main message that is being sent not only to members who have same sex attraction but to all members around the world, individuals who have same sex attraction are absolutely welcomed in our congregations!
To see the all of the resources, articles and videos available, check out the new website Mormonandgay.lds.org
