LDS Church To Talk With Gay Advocacy Group (priest, moral)

[zippythepinhead]

This is an interesting read. Below is the article. I am not sure what to think on this one.

Gay Mormon group to meet with church officials - Salt Lake Tribune

[Starfish]

(I actually saw this one before you posted it--am I on the ball or what?!)

I think it's timely. We know the Lord loves all his children and listening to their concerns and recommendations is valid.

I'm interested to hear the outcome; however, likely little will change. Maybe just more training for priesthood leaders and Family Services as they try to help these people.

[zippythepinhead]

Originally Posted by Starfish

(I actually saw this one before you posted it--am I on the ball or what?!)

I think it's timely. We know the Lord loves all his children and listening to their concerns and recommendations is valid.

I'm interested to hear the outcome; however, likely little will change. Maybe just more training for priesthood leaders and Family Services as they try to help these people.

Amen. The Church will not change it's stance on homosexual relations, but as you say, dialogue is always good when reaching out to people. Especially when they want to talk in good faith hopefully

[jonny]

You never know what the church will change. There have been bigger changes in church policy than this in the past.

I don't get why it's a big deal. They are meeting with people who are church employees and not church leaders. Also, the meeting isn't until August. Couldn't they pencil them in before then?

[madhatter85]

Originally Posted by jonny

You never know what the church will change. There have been bigger changes in church policy than this in the past.

I don't get why it's a big deal. They are meeting with people who are church employees and not church leaders. Also, the meeting isn't until August. Couldn't they pencil them in before then?

it is a very sensitive issue and i'm sure requres some preparation.

the church will not change it's stance, why do you think there has been such a push in recent years on "The Family" more strongly than anything else?

[Dunemeister]

Originally Posted by madhatter85

it is a very sensitive issue and i'm sure requres some preparation.

the church will not change it's stance, why do you think there has been such a push in recent years on "The Family" more strongly than anything else?

The present prophet can overturn literally anything proclaimed by a previous prophet, yes? Isn't that what happened with polygamy? If the LDS church can change its policy on polygamy, it can do so with homosexuality. We might regard it as unlikely, but it's certainly possible.

[Starfish]

Originally Posted by Dunemeister

The present prophet can overturn literally anything proclaimed by a previous prophet, yes? Isn't that what happened with polygamy? If the LDS church can change its policy on polygamy, it can do so with homosexuality. We might regard it as unlikely, but it's certainly possible.

You don't understand the LDS Church, but that's okay, you aren't a member, so no one expects you to.

The only policy change on polygamy came from the Lord, who simply stopped its practice for now. It remains a true principle, just not practiced at this time.

The Church's policy won't change on homosexuality, other than a better understanding of it, and better ways to help people afflicted with it. LDS members who are gay, yet celibate, and do their best to keep the commandments, remain in good standing in the Church and before the Lord.
If they are faithful throughout their life, ultimately they will have every blessing possible, including marriage and a family.

IMO the homosexual lifestyle is no more immoral than any sex outside of marriage.

[Katzpur]

Originally Posted by Dunemeister

The present prophet can overturn literally anything proclaimed by a previous prophet, yes?

Yes and no. It all depends on what you mean by "literally anything." Policies are one thing; doctrines are something else entirely. Doctrines are eternal in nature and can be changed only by God, speaking through the Holy Ghost to the Prophet. When a new doctrine is revealed (as has not been the case in well over 100 years), it is given first to the prophet. He then presents it to the First Presidency (i.e. his two councelors) and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. It must then receive the sustaining vote of the membership of the Church. The doctrine that sexual relations are to be between a lawfully wedded man and woman will never be changed. The policy that would relax the honor code on the BYU campus is a policy that conceivably could be changed. I don't see it as likely, though, but you never know.

Isn't that what happened with polygamy?

The doctrine of plural marriage is eternal. It is a principle that will never change. The practice of plural marriage ended by the process I just described.

If the LDS church can change its policy on polygamy, it can do so with homosexuality. We might regard it as unlikely, but it's certainly possible.

It's possible with the qualifications I outlined, but again, we have to be careful to distinguish between doctrine (eternal principles and truths) and policy (practices). And not even policy is changed by just one man acting alone.

[zippythepinhead]

The fact that Church Representatives are meeting with the advocacy group is a gesture of good will. They have been trying for 30+ years according to the article to get some dialogue going. Both sides know that the issue of homosexual practice in the Church will never be sanctioned. However, relations between organizations can take place even if they agree to disagree. At least they are talking. I think the fact that some people may be just saying the Church is just doing this for PR or to look good is nonsense. President Monson is not going to sanction any Church leader, and these men are high Church officials, to meet in the Church's name under the guise of a lie and with no good will or faith on the part of the LDS Church toward the gay advocacy group.

It may have taken awhile to get some behind the scenes negotiating to get this meeting. But it is taking place and unless something happens that would prevent it I trust the Church and the advocacy groups to meet and talk in good faith.