The proclamation to the world is being used as a tool, by many Mormons, against the gay community. While I agree with most of what is said in the proclamation, much of what is said, has an underlying tone of anti-gay sentimentality. This unfortunate sentiment has driven a wedge that has divided the two parties even further into a polarization that has created contention, malice and anger. All of which are of the devil. I'm fairly certain that Christ would never preach hate.
"Love thy neighbor..."
-JC
While no one apostle has claimed to have drafted the proclamation. In my opinion, it was most likely spearheaded by President Packer.
I was listening to conference a while back and President Packer got up and started essentially gay bashing from the pulpit. The spirit was gone and if anything, he convinced me that I needed to forsake my lifelong membership, Mission and all, and have my name removed from the churches records. The spirit he conveyed was that profoundly negative. But then, before I could give that idea a second thought, President Monson stood up and spoke. The spirit was stronger than ever. That is when I came to the realization that these apostles are just men, like the rest of us, and as such, are prone to the same mistakes and shortcomings. It was no surprise to me that the church edited that part of his talk out in all official transcripts.
What most same sex couples really want is recognition that they count, that they matter both as an individual and as a couple. That they have the same legal benefits as those of straight couples. The right to tax and health benefits. To be the legal benefactors of their chosen partner including property ownership, inheritance and especially death rights and benefits. The ability to have the legal right to pull the plug or make funeral arrangements. To be able to legally be considered as the family they actually are to their life partner.
If anything, the hate has caused a divide that has created such a vast chasm that if one finds themselves ostracized, it would indeed appear as though there were no possibility of return. I grew up LDS and the thing I was always taught, is that being gay was as equivalent to or greater than many other significant sins, such as theft, rape or even murder. If I put myself in someones shoes who found themselves on that side of the argument. I would feel as though it didn't matter whether or not I committed any of those other major sins as well. Whether I drank, did drugs, was sexually promiscuous or any other such life threatening and or illegal behavior. Why? I would figure that I was already going to "hell" anyway. So why would it matter?
This is what our behavior is causing. It is pushing many of our Brothers and Sisters to commit atrocious sins and after they cross that line, why would they ever feel they were worthy to come back to Christ and church.
I say to you that there is a place for every person in Gods plan. It is very clearly spelled out in the plan of salvation. There are three basic kingdoms. The middle of which is for those who are good people, but simply chose another path. Why have we forgotten about that? Why are we driving them into the lower kingdom of glory? Who are we to say all or none? Christ loved all! Period. It is not our place to say where they belong in the great and eternal plan. Leave that up to Christ to Judge. It is our commandment to Love one another. "...Come unto me ye blessed, there is a place prepared for you in the mansions of my Father." Enos 1:27
I heard there is a ward in Wyoming that has a lesbian couple that has been more than welcomed into their congregation. That they took it one step further and gave one of them a calling to teach in one of the classes. This is the type of relationship we should be fostering with everyone. Whether they are from different religions, cultures, gender, race, political persuasion or sexual orientation. There is something to be learned from everyone. And it is only through love, that we will find it.
"Love thy neighbor..."
-JC
While no one apostle has claimed to have drafted the proclamation. In my opinion, it was most likely spearheaded by President Packer.
I was listening to conference a while back and President Packer got up and started essentially gay bashing from the pulpit. The spirit was gone and if anything, he convinced me that I needed to forsake my lifelong membership, Mission and all, and have my name removed from the churches records. The spirit he conveyed was that profoundly negative. But then, before I could give that idea a second thought, President Monson stood up and spoke. The spirit was stronger than ever. That is when I came to the realization that these apostles are just men, like the rest of us, and as such, are prone to the same mistakes and shortcomings. It was no surprise to me that the church edited that part of his talk out in all official transcripts.
What most same sex couples really want is recognition that they count, that they matter both as an individual and as a couple. That they have the same legal benefits as those of straight couples. The right to tax and health benefits. To be the legal benefactors of their chosen partner including property ownership, inheritance and especially death rights and benefits. The ability to have the legal right to pull the plug or make funeral arrangements. To be able to legally be considered as the family they actually are to their life partner.
If anything, the hate has caused a divide that has created such a vast chasm that if one finds themselves ostracized, it would indeed appear as though there were no possibility of return. I grew up LDS and the thing I was always taught, is that being gay was as equivalent to or greater than many other significant sins, such as theft, rape or even murder. If I put myself in someones shoes who found themselves on that side of the argument. I would feel as though it didn't matter whether or not I committed any of those other major sins as well. Whether I drank, did drugs, was sexually promiscuous or any other such life threatening and or illegal behavior. Why? I would figure that I was already going to "hell" anyway. So why would it matter?
This is what our behavior is causing. It is pushing many of our Brothers and Sisters to commit atrocious sins and after they cross that line, why would they ever feel they were worthy to come back to Christ and church.
I say to you that there is a place for every person in Gods plan. It is very clearly spelled out in the plan of salvation. There are three basic kingdoms. The middle of which is for those who are good people, but simply chose another path. Why have we forgotten about that? Why are we driving them into the lower kingdom of glory? Who are we to say all or none? Christ loved all! Period. It is not our place to say where they belong in the great and eternal plan. Leave that up to Christ to Judge. It is our commandment to Love one another. "...Come unto me ye blessed, there is a place prepared for you in the mansions of my Father." Enos 1:27
I heard there is a ward in Wyoming that has a lesbian couple that has been more than welcomed into their congregation. That they took it one step further and gave one of them a calling to teach in one of the classes. This is the type of relationship we should be fostering with everyone. Whether they are from different religions, cultures, gender, race, political persuasion or sexual orientation. There is something to be learned from everyone. And it is only through love, that we will find it.
You may find this interesting. Ronald E. Poelman
ReplyDeleteThe First Quorum of the Seventy
General Conference October, 1984
This is only one of several I have read.