President Boyd K. Packer gave a powerful talk at the October 2010 General Conference called "Cleansing the Inner Vessel". In it he warns of the dangers threatening the family, which is central to God's plan for the happiness of his children. He's drawn some criticism from groups who claim that his warning that homosexual behavior is contrary to the plan of happiness was "inaccurate" and "dangerous." Specifically, people are taking issue with his statement that people who are gay or lesbian can change through the power of the Atonement.
The Church's focus when it comes to gay and lesbian issues has always been on behavior, not tendencies and temptations regarding same-gender attraction. The Church has also tried to be clear that there is no room in this discussion for hatred, mistreatment or disrespect for anyone, and I agree. Surely one of the most important parts of living in a civilized society is being able to disagree respectfully about each others feelings and behaviors.
I may feel that smoking, buying groceries on Sunday, drinking alcohol, having sexual relationships outside of marriage are bad choices, and morally wrong behaviors, but I can still treat everyone with respect and dignity regardless of their actions. And individuals, regardless of lifelong temptations, tendencies, and sexual identity can still choose to act in accordance with God's laws, which will bring them happiness here and in eternity. I don't think the Church is saying that it's wrong to experience same-gender attraction. Indeed, we should love, appreciate, serve and bless the lives of all of God's children, regardless of their temptations, tendencies, and even actions. People who experience same-gender attraction are welcome in the Church, and will always be welcome. The Church is insisting, however, that sexual relationships outside of marriage are wrong, and will inevitably bring unhappiness in the long run.
People have been penalized economically for expressing such views in public, and I'm a little uncomfortable sharing them here. But President Packer's bold words, which only come from love of individuals and a desire for them to experience eternal happiness in the context of God's plan for his children, remind me of Abinadi, a Book of Mormon prophet, who said "I say unto you, I will not recall the words which I have spoken, for they are true" (Mosiah 17:9). I stand with you, President Packer.
The Church's focus when it comes to gay and lesbian issues has always been on behavior, not tendencies and temptations regarding same-gender attraction. The Church has also tried to be clear that there is no room in this discussion for hatred, mistreatment or disrespect for anyone, and I agree. Surely one of the most important parts of living in a civilized society is being able to disagree respectfully about each others feelings and behaviors.
I may feel that smoking, buying groceries on Sunday, drinking alcohol, having sexual relationships outside of marriage are bad choices, and morally wrong behaviors, but I can still treat everyone with respect and dignity regardless of their actions. And individuals, regardless of lifelong temptations, tendencies, and sexual identity can still choose to act in accordance with God's laws, which will bring them happiness here and in eternity. I don't think the Church is saying that it's wrong to experience same-gender attraction. Indeed, we should love, appreciate, serve and bless the lives of all of God's children, regardless of their temptations, tendencies, and even actions. People who experience same-gender attraction are welcome in the Church, and will always be welcome. The Church is insisting, however, that sexual relationships outside of marriage are wrong, and will inevitably bring unhappiness in the long run.
People have been penalized economically for expressing such views in public, and I'm a little uncomfortable sharing them here. But President Packer's bold words, which only come from love of individuals and a desire for them to experience eternal happiness in the context of God's plan for his children, remind me of Abinadi, a Book of Mormon prophet, who said "I say unto you, I will not recall the words which I have spoken, for they are true" (Mosiah 17:9). I stand with you, President Packer.
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