#BecauseofHim
Today, April 4, 2019, the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints announced a significant change in how families of LGBT parents fit into the church. As a reminder, I will attach the post I wrote when a previous change had been announced, November 6, 2015 was the post. Peering through the fog, and personally, I felt it was one of my best.
https://philsviewsfromtherim.blogspot.com/2015/11/peering-through-fog.html?m=1&fbclid=IwAR3mVzn2CZIpMFe1tTNSNdCOx9DIWV8P3abe-tcAbXaRNq_34w4To2frqUE
As I am writing this, I am nearly certain that this can't compare, but I will let the Spirit work on me as I write. Having said that, this post is my opinion alone, and while it refers to a policy shift of the church, it is simply my take on it. Disclaimer- check.
Here is the link to the Newsroom article:
https://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/first-presidency-messages-general-conference-leadership-session-april-2019
What was the change? Previously, same sex marriage was considered apostasy, and because of that, children in the household were not allowed to be baptized in the church. Effective immediately, children of those homes can now be baptized, after consultation with the parents, so that they understand what covenants are made when one enters the waters of baptism. This is a change in POLICY, not doctrine. Same sex marriage is not permitted in the church, and members that enter into a same sex marriage are subject to church discipline. But they are not cast out as apostates. They are to be welcomed, and loved. And if you ask me,
I think that is the point of the change. The members, most of whom mean well, need to reach out to those that are not like us. I find it very interesting that two weeks ago in Priesthood ( I was teaching) I mentioned that very example, of a couple of women entering the church, holding hands, and asked how people would react. How hard would it be to be welcoming? I guess that would be a gauge or our love for our fellowmen, or women in this case, wouldn't it? The Brethren have recognized that same sex attraction is not something that one chooses, or that they need to be "fixed". Rather than turn people away, we welcome them, and love them. Period. Ours is not to judge. (do you see that beam in your eye?)
The cynical would say "this is just the church trying to deal with losing membership". I would say, that you may be right, but not in the way you think. The loss of the one is great in the eyes of the Savior. Father wants ALL of his children to come home. The Savior himself, while on the earth dined with "publicans and sinners", much to the consternation of the ruling class. It hurts my heart when someone tries to belittle revelation from God, or excuse it away as some marketing ploy. This is something that one will have to discover for themselves. You can know.
Notice that before a child can be baptized, a discussion is held with the parents, so that they understand the DOCTRINE of the church, regarding the Proclamation on the Family (link here) https://www.lds.org/topics/family-proclamation?lang=eng&old=true
Marriage is still defined as between man and woman. No one really disputes that a home with a loving father and mother is the ideal situation for raising children. As this world is imperfect, so are families, and we need to work with families as they are to strengthen them, regardless of the situation.
There were other changes in the news release ahead of the church's General Conference this weekend which can be read in the above article. I just wanted to visit and touch on this one, as I had written on the policy that it replaces. As I am writing, I want to share one more link.
In June of 1978, the First Presidency of the Church issued a Declaration that all worthy males, regardless of race were eligible to receive the Priesthood, and to participate in all priesthood ordinances, including temple worship. That was a huge change, and it flew in the face of what many leaders of the church had taught previously. Elder Bruce R. McConkie, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, speaking at BYU addressed this issue, and explained in detail the process of a revelation that would be comparable to this situation. There is likely video on this subject, but I am tired, and will instead just share the link for the written address. He is very straight forward, and blunt.
https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/bruce-r-mcconkie_alike-unto-god-2/
What a blessing to have a prophet on earth, sensitive to what the Father wants for His children, giving instruction not just from the Bible, but in modern day revelation. Okay, one more link. Twice each year, the first weekend of April and October, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints convenes for its General Conference. In this conference, we hear from the Prophet, Russell M. Nelson, his counselors, apostles, and other general authorities. We are taught God's will for His church, and by extension, the world by these amazing men and women. Here is a listing of how you can watch General Conference. Remember, it is all #BecauseofHim. Christ whom we celebrate this season.
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/live-viewing-times-and-options?lang=eng
https://philsviewsfromtherim.blogspot.com/2015/11/peering-through-fog.html?m=1&fbclid=IwAR3mVzn2CZIpMFe1tTNSNdCOx9DIWV8P3abe-tcAbXaRNq_34w4To2frqUE
As I am writing this, I am nearly certain that this can't compare, but I will let the Spirit work on me as I write. Having said that, this post is my opinion alone, and while it refers to a policy shift of the church, it is simply my take on it. Disclaimer- check.
Here is the link to the Newsroom article:
https://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/first-presidency-messages-general-conference-leadership-session-april-2019
What was the change? Previously, same sex marriage was considered apostasy, and because of that, children in the household were not allowed to be baptized in the church. Effective immediately, children of those homes can now be baptized, after consultation with the parents, so that they understand what covenants are made when one enters the waters of baptism. This is a change in POLICY, not doctrine. Same sex marriage is not permitted in the church, and members that enter into a same sex marriage are subject to church discipline. But they are not cast out as apostates. They are to be welcomed, and loved. And if you ask me,
I think that is the point of the change. The members, most of whom mean well, need to reach out to those that are not like us. I find it very interesting that two weeks ago in Priesthood ( I was teaching) I mentioned that very example, of a couple of women entering the church, holding hands, and asked how people would react. How hard would it be to be welcoming? I guess that would be a gauge or our love for our fellowmen, or women in this case, wouldn't it? The Brethren have recognized that same sex attraction is not something that one chooses, or that they need to be "fixed". Rather than turn people away, we welcome them, and love them. Period. Ours is not to judge. (do you see that beam in your eye?)
The cynical would say "this is just the church trying to deal with losing membership". I would say, that you may be right, but not in the way you think. The loss of the one is great in the eyes of the Savior. Father wants ALL of his children to come home. The Savior himself, while on the earth dined with "publicans and sinners", much to the consternation of the ruling class. It hurts my heart when someone tries to belittle revelation from God, or excuse it away as some marketing ploy. This is something that one will have to discover for themselves. You can know.
Notice that before a child can be baptized, a discussion is held with the parents, so that they understand the DOCTRINE of the church, regarding the Proclamation on the Family (link here) https://www.lds.org/topics/family-proclamation?lang=eng&old=true
Marriage is still defined as between man and woman. No one really disputes that a home with a loving father and mother is the ideal situation for raising children. As this world is imperfect, so are families, and we need to work with families as they are to strengthen them, regardless of the situation.
There were other changes in the news release ahead of the church's General Conference this weekend which can be read in the above article. I just wanted to visit and touch on this one, as I had written on the policy that it replaces. As I am writing, I want to share one more link.
In June of 1978, the First Presidency of the Church issued a Declaration that all worthy males, regardless of race were eligible to receive the Priesthood, and to participate in all priesthood ordinances, including temple worship. That was a huge change, and it flew in the face of what many leaders of the church had taught previously. Elder Bruce R. McConkie, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, speaking at BYU addressed this issue, and explained in detail the process of a revelation that would be comparable to this situation. There is likely video on this subject, but I am tired, and will instead just share the link for the written address. He is very straight forward, and blunt.
https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/bruce-r-mcconkie_alike-unto-god-2/
What a blessing to have a prophet on earth, sensitive to what the Father wants for His children, giving instruction not just from the Bible, but in modern day revelation. Okay, one more link. Twice each year, the first weekend of April and October, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints convenes for its General Conference. In this conference, we hear from the Prophet, Russell M. Nelson, his counselors, apostles, and other general authorities. We are taught God's will for His church, and by extension, the world by these amazing men and women. Here is a listing of how you can watch General Conference. Remember, it is all #BecauseofHim. Christ whom we celebrate this season.
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/live-viewing-times-and-options?lang=eng
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