LDS Church to publish new look at same-sex attraction

[jonny]

Just days after this week's Evergreen International conference ends, the LDS Church will publish another look at same-sex attraction.

Apostle Jeffrey R. Holland, in the October issue of Ensign, the church's official magazine, will discuss the church's perspective on several topics to be explored Friday and Saturday at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building by members of Evergreen, an outreach organization for Mormons dealing with homosexuality.

In the article, Holland reiterates the church's position that same-sex attraction is not a sin; only acting on it is immoral. He does not try to explain the causes of these attractions, but acknowledges they are real.

"Through the exercise of faith, individual efforts and reliance on the power of [Christ's] Atonement, some may resolve same gender attraction in mortality and marry," he writes. "Others, however, may never be free of same-gender attraction in this life."

Further, Holland writes, marrying a person of the opposite sex "is not an all-purpose solution. Same-gender attractions run deep, and trying to force a heterosexual relationship is not likely to change them. We are thrilled when some who struggle with these feelings are able to marry, raise children, and achieve family happiness. But other attempts have resulted in broken hearts and broken homes."

Salt Lake Tribune - LDS Church to publish new look at same-sex attraction

 

[Katzpur]

I'm really interested in what the book has to say. Hopefully, it will approach the subject with sensitivity and compassion.

 

[jonny]

I think it's actually in the Ensign this month.

 

[Mathematician]

It hurt never hurts to open dialogue.

 

[Smoke]

It hurt never hurts to open dialogue.

There's no indication in the OP that a dialogue is being opened; it says the article reiterates the LDS Church's position.

 

[jonny]

The article that was mentioned in the article is now available on the church website.

From the October 2007 Ensign

A pleasant young man in his early 20s sat across from me. He had an engaging smile, although he didn’t smile often during our talk. What drew me in was the pain in his eyes.

“I don’t know if I should remain a member of the Church,” he said. “I don’t think I’m worthy.”

“Why wouldn’t you be worthy?” I asked.

“I’m gay.”

I suppose he thought I would be startled. I wasn’t. “And … ?” I inquired.

A flicker of relief crossed his face as he sensed my continued interest. “I’m not attracted to women. I’m attracted to men. I’ve tried to ignore these feelings or change them, but …”

He sighed. “Why am I this way? The feelings are very real.”

I paused, then said, “I need a little more information before advising you. You see, same-gender attraction is not a sin, but acting on those feelings is—just as it would be with heterosexual feelings. Do you violate the law of chastity?”

He shook his head. “No, I don’t.”

This time I was relieved. “Thank you for wanting to deal with this,” I said. “It takes courage to talk about it, and I honor you for keeping yourself clean.

“As for why you feel as you do, I can’t answer that question. A number of factors may be involved, and they can be as different as people are different. Some things, including the cause of your feelings, we may never know in this life. But knowing why you feel as you do isn’t as important as knowing you have not transgressed. If your life is in harmony with the commandments, then you are worthy to serve in the Church, enjoy full fellowship with the members, attend the temple, and receive all the blessings of the Savior’s Atonement.”

LDS.org - Ensign Article - Helping Those Who Struggle with Same-Gender Attraction