Reconciling

So I had an assignment this week where I was required to interview a person who has an opinion diametrically opposed to my own. I ended up interviewing someone who has written a short book about an LDS perspective on homosexuality. Come to find out we agreed on many of the aspects--there were just a few main points we did not agree on.

Don't worry this blog is not to discuss my opinion on the subject. I just want to put it out there that it has been something on my mind ever since Elder Packer's talk this General Conference and the subsequent backlash resulting from it. Trying to reconcile what seems fair with what has been commanded is a somewhat difficult thing. But shouldn't it be? When has doing what is right ever really been what was easy? There are always grey areas and uncertainties. We wouldn't need faith if these didn't exist.

That being said, all I really wanted to do was point out a few parts of a press release issued by the LDS Church that I think pretty much sums up exactly what I feel:

· We join our voice with others in unreserved condemnation of acts of cruelty or attempts to belittle or mock any group or individual that is different – whether those differences arise from race, religion, mental challenges, social status, sexual orientation or for any other reason. Such actions simply have no place in our society.

Our parents, young adults, teens and children should therefore, of all people, be especially sensitive to the vulnerable in society and be willing to speak out against bullying or intimidation whenever it occurs.

Each Latter-day Saint family and individual should carefully consider whether their attitudes and actions toward others properly reflect Jesus Christ’s second great commandment - to love one another.

As a church, our doctrinal position is clear: any sexual activity outside of marriage is wrong, and we define marriage as between a man and a woman. However, that should never, ever be used as justification for unkindness. Jesus Christ, whom we follow, was clear in His condemnation of sexual immorality, but never cruel. His interest was always to lift the individual, never to tear down.

There is no question that this is difficult, but Church leaders and members are available to help lift, support and encourage fellow members who wish to follow Church doctrine. Their struggle is our struggle.