 The new pamphlet  A review of the new pamphlet in video Part 1 Read Reviews of In Quiet Desperation |
|||
|
The central material around which this site is organized is the new 2007 Church pamphlet God Loveth His Children and the recent interview with Elder Oaks and Elder Wickman which was posted on the LDS Church website in August, 2006. In addition, Elder Holland wrote an article for the October, 2007 Ensign in which he explains the new pamphlet.
These three items found on the Church web site, written by or in association with the highest leaders in the Church, are the most authoritative resources available within the LDS Church on the subject of same gender attraction which is also known as homosexual attraction. All the resources found here have been selected to promote further understanding in conjunction with these materials (the pamphlet and the interview). This site is meant to reinforce the compassionate and definitive tone of these Church guidelines.
In addition to the pamphlet and the Elders Oaks/Wickman material, this site also provides information and accounts of personal experience useful to members of the Latter-day Saint community who wish to stay close to approved Church teachings.
Read Also:
Background & Suggestions
Elder Oaks' Article on Same-Sex Attraction
Why was this website established?
Though homosexuality is a subject widely alluded to, the majority of Latter-day Saints (and Americans in general) have little reliable information about it. Sadly, in far too many instances this ignorance and (often) accompanying prejudice undermine truly helpful responses by family members, ecclesiastical leaders, and LDS friends of homosexual members. One way to address this ignorance is to start with the two resources on the Church web site and then reinforce the compassionate tone there with other supportive material to be found on this site. None of the material here can in any way be considered "gay bashing" which Elder Oaks in an important article in 1995 emphasized is contrary to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
In fact, this website has been created in an effort to show that "gay bashing" is not needed in order to support the Church message on homosexuality. The material presented here evidences a collective, responsible, spiritual concern for homosexual Latter-day Saints and their families and a desire to find more constructive, gospel-centered ways of dealing with what for many is a painful and often divisive issue.
Who are the contributors to this website?
We are Latter-day Saints whose circumstances and experience have raised our awareness of issues relating to homosexuality. We share a desire to reconcile the realities of homosexual orientation with Christian doctrine and church practice. We are aware of the burden borne by many of our homosexual brothers and sisters, and we know first hand of the anguish and stress felt by family members of LDS gays and lesbians.
The website contributors include counselors and other health-care professionals, researchers, educators, and ecclesiastical leaders. Most bring the additional credential of being a parent of a gay or lesbian child. We address this subject because our collective experience-familial, clinical, academic, ecclesiastical-has led to notable similarities of observation and understanding.
The expressions found here do not represent all of the possible points of view regarding homosexuality and the gospel/church, nor are they all entirely in agreement. Further, we wish to make clear that this website is not authorized by the church, nor do the various contributors presume to speak for the church in these matters. But since moral issues and gospel principles are clearly involved, we consider it responsible to share our understanding and experience with others, especially those who may be confused over this issue or uncertain as to how best to deal with it.
What are the specific goals of the organizers of this website?
- To provide to members of the church--from clinical practice and from research--reliable current information on homosexuality.
- To suggest realistic, helpful strategies for dealing with homosexual attraction to Latter-day Saint ecclesiastical leaders, counselors, and parents.
- To counter violence against homosexuals, including self-inflicted violence (suicide).
- To create conditions within families, congregations, and communities that enable homosexuals to feel both safe and valued.
Further information
You may get additional background on this site and suggestions for reading the material here by going to the background page.
We welcome dialogue with those who seek broader understanding of this subject. Those wishing more information are encouraged to address e-mail inquiries to (schorona
isu.edu).
Anyone who desires to communicate with specific individuals affiliated with this
website (see biographical profiles) may do so by directing their inquiries to such
persons in care of the above e-mail address.