I wrote this rather quickly for my religion class, Marriage and Family Preparation, about same-sex marriage. We were given these questions to answer using the doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Because this is doctrine I believe and because I feel I have a responsibility to stand up for God's commandments, I think this is a perfect opportunity to share this. Click on the corresponding links to learn about the Church's beliefs on the topics.
Enjoy!
What is your Church’s position on same-sex attraction and same-sex marriage?
First, I would like to submit that my Church views same-sex attraction and same-sex marriage differently. For those who struggle with same-sex attraction, The Church of Jesus-Christ of Latter-Day Saints extends a hand of compassion and sympathy. We understand that attraction is not always in our control and thus we do not condone those who are afflicted with it. To those who deal with same-sex attraction, know that your Heavenly Father loves you and is aware of you. The For the Strength of Youth pamphlet counsels that those who may find themselves in that position can meet with their bishop and rely on their parents for help. We do not cast individuals who have same-sex attraction out of the church nor shun them. This is a church of imperfect people; there is a place for everyone among our ranks. President Gordon B. Hinckley, Prophet of God and leader of the Church, said, "I emphasize this, I wish to say that our opposition to attempts to legalize same-sex marriage should never be interpreted as justification for hatred, intolerance, or abuse of those who profess homosexual tendencies, either individually or as a group. As I said from this pulpit one year ago, our hearts reach out to those who refer to themselves as gays and lesbians. We love and honor them as sons and daughters of God. They are welcome in the Church." (Why We Do Some of the Things We Do)
Same sex marriage, on the other hand, is treated differently. Since we believe that marriage is divinely instituted and and established by God, we believe that only His definition of marriage is acceptable. We do not believe that feeling same-sex attraction is a sin; acting on it, however, is a direct violation of His commandments and is a transgression. We believe same-sex marriage to be a threat to the sanctified order of the family as established by God: that is, a family with a man and woman as husband and wife at its head. For one who has participated in same-sex relationships, we believe that a process of repentance and change of behavior is readily available through the Atonement of Jesus Christ and is also necessary. "It is expected," President Hinckley says, "That [those with homosexual tendencies] follow the same God-given rules of conduct that apply to everyone else, whether single or married.
What are the foundation principles upon which that is based?
As said in The Family: a Proclamation to the World, we believe that marriage is between a man and woman and is ordained of God. We believe that marriage is not man-made, but of God; and as such we do not have authority over it. “There is no justification to redefine what marriage is. Such is not our right, and those who try will find themselves answerable to God” (Hinckley, 1999). Thus, it is not up to us to attempt to recreate marriage to fit society’s values. It is made of God and sanctified by him; it is His creation and it is foolishness and terrible for men to try and claim authority of it.
We also believe that men and women both have divine, foreordained roles that are necessary and are fulfilled through marriage and parenthood. “By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners” (The Family: A Proclamation to the World). These roles of husband and wife, mother and father are sacred and essential to God’s Plan of Salvation. An individual’s potential is met and greatness achieved as they work with their spouse to create a home that is dedicated and founded upon the Lord.
Lastly, all children have a right to a complete family with a mother and father. “Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity” (The Family: A Proclamation to the World). It is a duty of parents to work together to rear their children in a home that is in accordance with God’s commandments. Because of the freedom of choice all have and the trials that come from living in a mortal world, not all children receive that right which they are entitled to. Through the Atonement, the losses those children endured will one day be made up to them. It is our personal responsibility, however, to ensure that the homes in our community meet the standard that our God has created.
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Plain old me commentary again.
I know that these things are true. I know homosexuality is real; I have been studying it lately and I understand that it is often not feigned and cannot be overcome through sheer will. It is a real trial, and all of us, whatever our beliefs, must show compassion and love to one another. I also know that God's values are absolute and do not change based upon the views of society. Marriage that is done through His authority and in His holy temples is one of the most powerful forces on Earth. I know that God provides a way for everyone and that He would not give anyone any trial, including homosexuality, that could not be overcome through His Son. God does not give us weaknesses to condemn us, but to strengthen us and bring us closer to Him.
