9 April 2019
Good morning, (Name)…
Thank you for your thoughtful, caring concerns about the Church’s change in policy regarding same gender marriage.
I don’t know that I have all the answers, but I will be attending a Coordinating Council Meeting (CCM) with other stake presidents under the direction of our Area Seventy where your questions may be answered more fully.
But here’s a stab:
Q: So are the Brethren ‘vaguely' declaring that the church policy is now accepting of same gender marriage and that members participating in that type of marriage are held in the same standing as heterosexual members, i.e. priesthood, callings, temple recommend?
A: I don’t think the Church is more accepting of same-gender marriage, but are simply removing direction to priesthood leaders that same-gender marriage is a transgression that should be merit formal Church discipline, possibly disfellowshipment or excommunication. Because it is still considered a serious transgression, such couples would not be allowed to hold the priesthood, receive callings or be issued a temple recommend. Marriage between a man and a woman is still the only authorized marriage in God’s eyes. I feel the Brethren are simply softening or removing the “hammer” (Church discipline) that appeared to the outside observer to be a punishment of gays. There are many less-active members who commit serious transgressions (immorality, breaking of temple covenants, etc.) who are not automatically disciplined by the Church. I believe the Brethren recognize that homosexual marriages falls in line with these other serious transgressions and must be addressed through repentance if the members desire to return and enjoy all the blessings of the gospel. By making this adjustment, the Brethren have also removed the policy that children of gay parents could not be baptized. That was another directive that was very painful to some members and smacked of discrimination by the Church, instead of trying to be sensitive to the unique dynamics of such a family, which the Brethren were originally trying to do.
Your concern about the youth suggesting that the Church is accepting same-gender marriage is valid. If true, is incumbent on us to help leaders, parents and youth to understand this is a policy change, not a change in doctrine…and what is the difference.
While not an official publication, the following article in the online Meridian magazine may be helpful in understanding the difference between policies and doctrines. I’m sure
Finally, you raised good questions and concerns. As a consequence, I’m taking the liberty (hope that’s OK with you) of copying this to the stake presidency so we can discuss this further in our presidency meeting this Sunday and make sure we are united in our response…and also to see if there are any other insights they may have.
Please do not forward this until the stake presidency has had a chance to visit.
I hope it’s helpful and I do appreciate you bringing this to our attention.
President Lewis
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