.jpg "This Little Miggy || Open Letter to Elder Holland")
On Monday August 23, 2021 Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, a beloved apostle of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints gave a speech to the staff and faculity at Brigham Young University, my alma mater. You can listen to and read the full transcript here, as I have done. The following is a letter I have written, printed out and will mail directly to him at the church headquarters (you cannot reach an apostle directly through email–address above if you’d like to do the same.) If you plan to comment below, I encourage you to listen to/read his address in full, and read my letter in full before doing so. As always I have the right to close comments and delete any comments I see fit. While I may engage in kind and respectful discourse, I also don’t owe anyone any explanations. Thanks.Elder Holland,
I am so confused and distraught this morning as I read the full transcript, and subsequently listened to your talk given to the staff and faculty of BYU Monday August 23, 2021.
As you started your talk with all the things you love about BYU, I would like to start my letter by telling you all the things I love about you. You have long been a “favorite apostle” meaning, an apostle whose words have often felt like a healing balm to my soul. I remember listening to “An High Priest of Good Things to Come” on repeat in the early 2000’s with tears streaming down my face as I was going through a terrible break up, not sure if I would ever recover. (I did. My husband and I just celebrated our 16th wedding anniversary.) In 2012 your General Conference talk entitled Laborers in the Vineyard gave me incredible insight into the atonement and how I might also be more generous of spirit with myself and others. I could go on and on, but the fact of the matter is I have listened to your words and felt their love, compassion and testimony of Christ for decades.
Therefore it was disheartening–actually, it was heart-wrenching–to hear your words in regards to the LGBTQ+ community and even the mere show of support form them–yes, advocacy– at BYU, which felt uncharacteristically harsh. In particular I was stunned by the one-sided call for unity, your public denouncement of BYU graduate Matt Easton, and repeatedly invoking the imagery of muskets, aka guns.
My overall understanding of your remarks was that showing support and love for the LGBTQ+ community on BYU’s campus through coming out publicly, flag waving and other demonstrations/symbols, causes division. I respectfully yet fervently disagree. I know my voice isn’t the most important one you should be hearing, but this presses too great upon my heart not to say anything at all.
In a call for unity over divisiveness, it was confounding to hear you publicly denounce Matt Easton who came out during his valedictorian speech at a BYU graduation ceremony a few years ago. Though you did not mention him by name, his story was public enough that his name was only a couple clicks away. You say he “commandeered” a graduation podium by sharing his sexual orientation, and then you expressed fear for the slippery slope of his speech saying “what might another speaker feel free to announce the next year until eventually anything goes?” This does not sound like a call for unity, as much as a call for silence for those who are gay, and those who openly show their love and support for them.
However, you said nothing about BYU facility member Hank Smith who bullied a gay BYU student on Twitter this past April in tandem with the absolutely reprehensible#Deznat group known for their extremist views and violent language. This isn’t just a case of “friendly fire,” but rather an outright abuse of power–a shot to the back at point blank range if you will. Why wasn’t that example also brought to light and publicly denounced? I was dumbfounded to see Easton’s actions categorized as divisive, and yet Smith’s actions not even acknowledged. (Frankly I’m still confused why he wasn’t fired from his position as a teacher of religion of all things at BYU when he knowingly put a target on the back of an already vulnerable student?)
This very dynamic sets the stage for what many feel like has long been the plight of the LGBTQ+ people in (and out of) the church. Public shame for those who are gay, simply for being gay, and even more so for having the courage to be openly gay. And silence and protection for those who abuse the LGBTQ+ community in the name of Christ.
It is because of professors like Hank Smith, and a world full of people who have thrown vitriol, hate and violence at the LGBTQ+ community for so long–in other words division– including those of our faith, that someone like Matt Easton did what he did and why so many of us supported him, and still do.
To be even more clear, Easton wasn’t creating any division, but rather he was helping to reconcile it. In Matt’s own words on Twitter he responded to your words by saying:
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Had Matt Easton come out at any other University graduation instead of BYU, this would not be national news. Matt Easton shared his sexuality during graduation because BYU–both historically and clearly still in present day–has not been a welcoming and safe environment for their LGBTQ+ students. Of course this has everything to do with Church doctrine as you have stated, which I will address later. Thus, his coming out was a show of support and love to the approximately 13% of BYU students who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ . That’s the same reason BYU students and faculty have been waving so many flags, lighting the Y and so on–to show support, love and unity for a group of people within the church who so often feel dismembered from the body of Christ.
You mentioned your love of BYU going on for nearly 4 decades. But for 4 decades there have been a lot of students that BYU did not love in return. I believe that the love of an institution should never overshadow the love of God’s children.
Elder Holland, you shared genuine concern and love for the LGBTQ+ community. However, in the context of your entire remarks it simply did not feel like enough. The world has been far more than “unkind and crushingly cruel” to the LGBTQ+ community. It has been hateful, violent, demeaning and deadly. Which is why the repeated imagery of muskets felt particularly painful. I understand that you were speaking of the need to “defend the faith” in general, but for a community that has experienced too much violence and hatred, the parallel was shocking and lacked empathy. Just last week a married lesbian couple, Kylen Schulte and Crystal Turner, were found murdered in southern Utah. The suicide rates among LGBTQ+ youth in Utah is among the highest in the country. We know that LGBTQ+ youth are at a higher risk of dying by suicide than their heterosexual counterparts. When Matt Easton came out at BYU’s graduation, he may have saved a life. That’s unity.
While you no doubt have shed tears on the matter, surely you haven’t shed more tears than a family who lost a child to suicide because they were gay because they had been taught that their very identity was rooted in sin? Surely you haven’t felt the hopelessness that some of our gay brothers and sisters feel in a gospel that preaches love and family, while simultaneously denying the ability for them to follow suit and remain in good standing with the Church. The sympathy for their “struggles” as you call them, was lost in the call for things to be “kept in some proportion and balance… For example, we have to be careful that love and empathy do not get interpreted as condoning and advocacy, or that orthodoxy and loyalty to principle not be interpreted as unkindness or disloyalty to people.”
In the next sentence you talk of Christ’s enduring love for all his children, but also not mistaking His love for an allowance of sin. I have always found this balance to be most imbalanced depending on who the Church is talking about. When it comes to questioning the actions of Church leaders past or present the answer always allows for the most grace possible in saying things like, “He’s just a man… no one said he was perfect.” But when it comes to our LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters, there are super-human expectations placed on their shoulders to live a life of celibacy, devoid of intimate companionship, and the rhetoric suddenly becomes “God cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance” and “Through Christ all things are possible.”
Which brings us to the crux of the matter–the doctrine.
I can only speak for myself–although I have a strong feeling that I am not alone in this–I simply don’t believe that our current doctrine is the truth, or at least the whole of the truth of the matter, when it comes to the doctrine of the family as it pertains to our LGBTQ+ siblings. The Church is imperfect, as are we all, and we know there have been mistakes in terms of doctrine and/or teachings before. As it stands the Church acknowledges that people are born with homosexual feelings, meaning it is not simply a choice. However, the Church also insists that all sexual relations are to be reserved between a man and a woman, united in marriage. This leaves the LGBTQ+ community with very few, nearly impossible, paradoxical choices. In the gospel of Jesus Christ we’re often presented with paradoxical dilemmas. I often speak of Mother Eve’s courageous decision to my girls to help them understand that sometimes two doctrines will butt up against each other and it is imperative that we consider the circumstances of our particular situation, weigh the consequences and choose the most right thing. Thus, Eve ate the fruit. See also Nephi and Laban.
Along those lines the current answers are simply not enough and frankly, don’t make sense to many of us. I have a hard time believing that a loving Father and Mother in heaven sent their children down here with an attraction to the same sex–not by fault or defect, but by design–and yet are expected to live lives void of intimacy and companionship. Further, I do not believe that our Savior Jesus Christ and our Heavenly parents ever intended for the Church to instill feelings of inadequacy, shame and hopelessness in these siblings of ours. So yes, it is the very doctrine as we currently understand it that many of us question and that many of us hope and pray will be updated.
And even if I professed my belief in this doctrine, as I have in the past, at the very least, I cannot and will not stand in condemnation of any person who finds true love, acceptance and companionship in a same sex relationship. I simply can not do it.
But I absolutely DO stand in condemnation of people who demean, ridicule, belittle and commit acts of violence against the LGBTQ+ community. There is and has never been any gray area in that matter. Yet time after time, these reprehensible acts are overlooked, often on the basis of “defending the faith.” Musket fire.
I graduated BYU in 2001 with a degree in Fine Art. I have a daughter who is a freshman in high school and I too am one of those parents who wonder if I can still send my kids to BYU, but for the opposite reason as the parents you mentioned. Does BYU truly care about the marginalized? Does BYU really have a place for the LGBTQ+ community and ALL their students? Will BYU hold those who spew messages of hate, more accountable than those who are simply trying to live a life filled with love?
One final thought, as the mother of a daughter who is a wheelchair user the idea of accessibility is with me constantly. In short, access. How do we grant the most amount of access to the greatest amount of people? The answer: “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matthew 25:40) You look for “the least of these” and design accordingly. For example, when we design spaces for people with the least amount of mobility–wheelchair users, people with walkers, canes, etc–you make the space accessible to everyone. While stairs are accessible for most, a ramp is accessible for all. No one is left behind when you consider “the least of these.” Along the same lines, when designing BYU to feel like a place of belonging for everyone, we must think of the people who have had the least amount of acceptance, the least amount of privilege, the least amount of safety, the least amount of access. And if you can create a feeling and love and belonging for the least of these our brethren, sisters and everyone in-between, then everyone will have equitable access to that love, safety and belonging.
Elder Holland, I have so much love for this gospel, and for my savior Jesus Christ whom I have felt personally lift me from the depths of darkness, and for you as an Apostle. I am grateful for the grace and mercy the Lord extends to us all. And in the words of Nephi I confess, “I know that He loveth His children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things.” And when confronted with things I don’t understand, I’ll err on the side of love.
Sincerely,
Amy Webb
Cincinnati, OH
Montgomery Ward
Oh Amy I am in tears. This is so eloquently written from your beautiful heart. Thank you so much. Accessibility to the least of these is such a beautiful symbolic lesson to all of us.
Thank you from a mama who has a child in the LGBTQ community
The lack of inclusiveness is why I left the church. People are made to feel less than and are left out. Mediocrity is celebrated. One dare not be different or speak out, or use their talents. You do not celebrate Christ.
Very articulate and well thought out. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for your words they touched my heart. My heart breaks for the children of god that we’re born this way they should be loved like.all of the children of god.
Thank you for these thoughtful and inspired words. I couldn’t agree more. This week has had me feeling I am at my final breaking point. Can I expose my kids to a culture that may treat them like this dependent on who they might be. Can I let them be taught that it is okay to see and treat others this way?
This is incredibly heartfelt and I felt so much love and connection reading it. Your connection to access is something I will always remember and strive to implement in my own circles and community.
Thank you for sharing this. You have such a way with words and have written your thoughts and concerns out beautifully with kindness and conviction. I admire you and your strength to speak up. I really hope this letter of yours actually ends up in his hands (I don’t know how the church goes about mail to the apostles).
Unfortunately, it likely won’t. Historically, letters are sent directly back to the writers Stake President.
Write it anyway.
Beautifully said.
Not true. First, I contacted SLC headquarters and this was how letters get to the 12 directly or at least their staff. Second, I might not have believed them but one of my best friends wrote Elder Oaks a couple year ago and she received a personal letter in return.
Glad to hear it!
A few years ago I wrote a letter to Elder Christofferson and he did, indeed, receive it and responded back with a mailed letter. The circumstance were different but letters can get through to them.
Beautifully said and well thought out. Thank you for sharing.
Such a beautiful letter, and conveyed in love and grace. Thank you so much for sharing this. As a member myself, this event has caused me great reflection and heart break. A family member has been not active for years but never had their records removed. They have a gay child and felt the urge that they no longer fit the LDS mold. But this talk with the nudge they needed to have their names fully removed. I’m so grateful other members are not afraid to speak out and up for others that “don’t fit the mold!”
So wonderful rich, insightful, pointed, and yet compassionate. I hope they put it on the top of his pile.
Thank you, Amy. My heart is so broken. Your words help fill in some cracks. xo
Thank you for this. Your words echo what is in my heart as well.
So very beautifully written. Thank you.
While I am not LDS, I was raised in the Church (Presbyterian and CRC) and you make the same challenge to the doctrine that I have in the past. I hope that your words will resonate in the hearts of our leaders and we will reconcile what we’ve been taught with the life that God intended for us to lead and the community He intended for us to build. Thank you for saying this so beautifully.
Thank you for sharing this. Your letter was respectful, heartfelt, authentic, compassionate and beautifully written. Thank you.
I grew up Catholic in a predominantly Mormon suburb just north of SLC. I appreciate your letter to the elder of your church but I have to say this is not an isolated opinion of one man. I have known too many young people I attended school with who were terrified of “coming out” for the retribution they would face from families, from their church, and from their community. I have not lived in Utah for decades and therefore don’t keep up on the goings on the policies or practices of the mormon church but it feels like none of this should be of surprise to you. That is not say you shouldn’t send a letter like this but if feels a little naive at best and slightly disingenuous. And very obviously the Mormon church is not alone in this.
Disingenous?
Thank you for this. Beautifully written and thought out. Once again, you are able to put to words the things I feel in my heart bit don’t know how to express.
I love the reference to Eve choosing between conflicting commandments. I too am a member of the church who chooses to stay, but feels deeply conflicted by contrasting doctrines. This has been a time of great confusion and challenge for me to reconcile what is in my heart and what is said over the pulpit in this case.
Thank you. ❤️
Thank you for expressing your thoughts in such a continuous context of love- maintaining access to the gospel for the least of all is a particularly beautiful expression of love.
Loved loved loved this! Thank you ❤️
Amen and amen.
Truly appreciate you sharing this and taking the time to write your perspective which I whole-heartedly agree with as an lgbtq mom. Much love to you.
This is so eloquently written from your beautiful soul . So thoughtful and very articulate. I loved your beautiful comparisons and analogies. I hope it is read and responded to.
I know you feel so passionate about this point of view. But, what if, just look at it from another perspective, what if Elder Holland can’t condemn or change the wording or add to the Proclamation to the World on the Family? What if he can’t say that that document wasn’t God’s word but was just a mistake, an error? Not because of pride but what if God won’t let him? What if it were eternal, permanent, not man made doctrine. What can he or any of the Brethren do to show the greatest amount of love and compassion and at the same time obey God? I really want to know what you would tell them? It sounds like you would disobey God like Eve did and the greater law in your mind, and many people’s mind is that everyone should have equitable access to love, safety and belonging. Everyone. Everyone.
I agree with your beautiful and eloquent letter, mostly. It’s just that neither you or I make eternal laws and I don’t believe Elder Holland does either. I’m sure they would change it in the blink of an eye if they could. Life for them and everyone would seem to be so much easier. I’m sure they have pled with the God for hours and day upon day about this issue because of all those who suffer, and so many do. I don’t think they are callous or don’t give it enough time or attention or prayer or fasting. But maybe I’m wrong and they haven’t pled with God enough. Or maybe they don’t really receive revelation. You are such a caring lovely person. I agree with so much of what you said only I have received a witness that the Proclamation to the World on the Family is God speaking to us through His servants. So how should they handle it? This is a last days difficult dilemma. It is tough and they are navigating difficult waters. I think you should write a letter telling them how to navigate this as if it is doctrine that can never be changed. But maybe you have received revelation that it can? If you have then perhaps that should have been shared as well.
Thank you for sharing. It was beautiful and compassionate and we need compassion for everyone, including Elder Holland. Those who are marginalized should have empathy for those who are the target of unkind words. I am grateful your words were very thoughtful and loving. Thank you for your love and compassion. I wish everyone’s response was as kind as yours.
Heather, I completely agree with your response. Perhaps Elder Holland had pled with the Lord not to require of him to share this message, but nonetheless it was a command of the Lord. Everyone wants the leaders to change their stance, but what if it’s not their stance. This may be a doctrine that isn’t changeable. Personally I would love for it to change. I hate the pain and suffering my LGBT friends experience. More than anything I would love for it to change. But this whole thing comes down to believing in the Lord’s restored church or not. Does He call prophets and apostles and do they speak for Him or just get up on their own soap boxes? Elder Holland was extremely humble at the beginning of his talk. It’s as if he knew it wasn’t going to be easy to take what he was about to share. He knew it might not be taken well. I don’t believe for a second that he was excited to deliver the message he was to give. I have prayed long and hard about the church’s stand on LGBT matters (as I have loved ones who are LGBT) and I have found few answers except that I must trust the Lord, love everyone, AND follow his prophets and apostles. One day I will understand as more will be revealed. But until then, I will have faith that my ways are not His ways and His servants will guide us through this difficult path. It is not a blind faith that I have. It is a hard earned faith that has come through study, prayer and fasting. It is also the only way I have found any peace on this matter.
Heather,
Thanks for your kind the worded response and question. So it took me several hours over four days to write this blog post, and believe me when I say I could probably spend the same amount of time responding to your comments and questions. First, even in the context of the churches doctrine as it stands I was hugely disappointed in Elder Holland‘s talk. Sure he is an apostle, but it would not be the only time that an apostle or prophet has said something incorrect. And I know it can sound arrogant when a “regular “member of the church says an apostle says something incorrect, but we can all have our opinions on these things. I mean I’m seeing all these conservative members say the prophet is incorrect about vaccines even though he’s the prophet and a world renowned doctor so that blows my mind but people do it all the time. So even in the context of the church doctrine as it is currently, his call for unity rang extremely hollow when he’s not also calling out the harmful behavior of people who mock and demean the LGBTQ plus community. So even if it were eternal, permanent, not man-made doctrine so what can he and any other brethren do to show the greatest amount of love and compassion and at the same time obey God? I would say, not condemn those who come out as openly gay in a public forum just because it makes other people uncomfortable. In fact, I would go as far as to say Elder Holland twisted the truth about Matt Easton’s commencement talk. There are several LGBTQ plus members of the church who go to BYU, who are living the doctrine and yet felt deeply shamed and attacked in that talk simply because so many students have been showing their love and support toward them. Yet as I said above nothing about Professor Hank Smith and his ugly actions. If you listen to the podcast questions from the closet, these 2KBYU members of the church talk about how horrible they felt that day but how thankfully so many people from professors to coaches etc. reached out to them to help them know that they were loved. I thought it was so strange that all these people reached out to offer them comfort and solace from the words of an apostle.
As far as the comparison to Eve and saying, “sounds like you disobey God like Eve did.” This is an apples to oranges comparison. Adam and Eve spoke with God and Jesus face-to-face. She was given two conflicting laws both directly from the mouth of God the Father. I don’t think there was any doubt in her mind about the accuracy of the laws she was following and accuracy of the law she was breaking.
So while you say that none of us make eternal laws including elder Holland, that’s the big question isn’t it? Is this in fact an eternal law? And all of our separate prayers, confirmations, etc. it still comes down to: none of us really know. I can tell you as I wrote that letter I felt the spirit strongly several times. And yet I’m guessing Holland felt what he wrote was correct. I have heard countless LGBTQ plus members bare their testimony that they have felt God‘s love for them just the way they are.
If you look at the history of lifting the ban on the priesthood, they were many members pressing for this change for years and years and years before it actually happened. One church member who gave the priesthood to a black man was excommunicated. And well it’s an interesting process to read about Spencer W Kimball and his mighty wrestle with getting this confirmation and doctrine, What I have read from the church lately seems to me that they chalked it all up to one big mistake that should have never happened.
Anyway, like I said I could write a whole long blog post responding to your comment but this is all I’ve got for now. Thanks again.
I agree with you on so many levels. You express yourself so much better than I do and I appreciate that. Do you have a beautiful way of writing. I just want to mention that I don’t believe the vaccine issue is a fair comparison. Throughout the country, it is not just conservatives that are against the vaccine, even though it has become quite a political football. I know many, many doctors of all political persuasions who are against the vaccine as well as for it. (or perhaps I should say them). I don’t believe it’s a completely fair comparison because the Prophet’s statement was a matter of urging us to participate, not a matter of fundamental doctrine as has been stated about marriage many times over. Many members of the church are very dogmatic in their views on the vaccine regardless if it is for or against but they are not necessarily only conservative. Bishops have been asked not to read the statement over the pulpit or use peoples compliance for worthiness. The brethren expressed that people should use their own doctors recommendations and prayer. Church official have been asked not to push this message as revelation or the doctrine of the church to their members. As stated in the announcement this is guidance from government leaders, medical officials and not God. Members are to use their own personal judgment after consulting with their doctor and make it a matter of prayer. So this seems quite different and not a good comparison.
I went to the temple yesterday and listen very carefully and prayerfully to how many things would have to be changed if this fundamental doctrine were changed, as well as many scriptures and Proclamation to the World on the family would need major changes. Even the sealing ordinances wording would need changed. I have prayed earnestly about this and this is all I know, that God loves His LBGTQ+ children deeply and dearly. There are loving answers and loving reasons which we must use our faith until we know them. I know He has an extremely special place in his heart for those who live the gospel of Jesus Christ and have these feelings. I am in awe of these people.
I know President Holland tried really hard to be loving. Perhaps he will take your advice.
Recently I’ve been thinking that one of the newest challenges we as church members seem to be experiencing, at a greater pace lately, is being able to love one another and feel comfortable with each other even when we disagree. I’ve seen it in a long time friendships, families and of course ward families. How do we disagree yet be united in the kingdom? I know He wants us to be. I believe this trial will continue and may increase exponentially until we are perfected.
Thank you for your kind and thoughtful reply. By the way, your daughters are beautiful!
Hello. And Bye.
Beautifully and courageously written. Every time someone speaks up like you have – it creates that space of love, inclusion, and advocacy. The damage of this talk is being felt everywhere- but hopefully with enough voices lifted up there will be a softer landing space for LGBTQ+ community, families, and advocates in and out of church.
Your remarks about the “least of these” have added a much-needed, and new-to-me, perspective on why focusing on the liberation of and equity for the most marginalized groups is where we need to START and not something we will get around to once the larger groups (like cisgender, heterosexual women) have their day in the sun. Thank you for sharing!
I have followed women of the Mormon faith for 20 years, through blogs and social media—the documentarian style of capturing your lives & culture through words and images is fun to watch from afar—so different from my upbringing. Now seeing women challenge what has been the norm, and speak up, and be brave in advocating for others has been heartwarming to watch. I wish you and all of your sisters in the LDS Church the best as you use your voice, the privilege that I too share, and your heart, to pave a new path. My hat is off to you. Thank you on behalf of all mothers.
Amy, as always, your words are eloquent and well thought out. The accessibility angle adds a different and important perspective. (Now, and always).
Thank you for writing this, for sharing this, for prompting others to do the same. Thank you. ❤️
Very articulate and well written contextually.
This is amazing. I wish everyone could read it. We, like you, are now wondering whether we want our daughter to attend BYU.
This was truly beautiful and gave me chills
Very sincere and touching. I don’t have any answers either but I do hope our community of the faithful can be just as patient and understanding as you are. We have seen so many twists and turns in the administration of the church in the recent past.. it will be interesting what the next 20 years will bring.
I live every word of this. It reflects all of my thoughts and feelings. K have considered writing my own letter but I don’t k own it it could be as powerful as yourself. If you would ever consider getting people to sign onto your letter in agreement, I would do so in a heartbeat. Thank you for your voice. I hope to find a way to co tribute my voice as well since I don’t know what else to do.
So well said. So kindly said, And so true.
Dear Amy,
This is a gut-wrenching dilemma. Perhaps being sexually aroused by one’s own sex is a difficult test like an addiction that one is encouraged to manage/control. As a member of the church, I’m attempting to come up with a reason why this issue is causing so many to leave. Our own human understanding falls short.
It seems that there are many mansions prepared for numerous brothers and sisters. Just because we choose to love our own sex in a romantic way doesn’t disqualify us from an eternity of happiness if we are righteous in keeping the commandments. Isn’t that why there are so many degrees of glory? In the Celestial Kingdom, people who love serving others constantly will be happy doing that. It’s not for everybody. Some don’t want to be parents/married eternally. They want to be a ministering angel. Those are only a couple of examples I can think of. Did anyone say that LGBTQ will be cast into outer darkness forever? I don’t think so. Based on our hearts, my understanding is that we will be judged and will live in a place that our spirit is most comfortable.
Just one more thing. I was taught that Eve knew what she had to do to get this plan of salvation started and bring us all down here to make our own decisions, our agency, another eternal principle. We sin, we repent, we forgive those who hurt us, and we live in these carnal bodies and manage the best we can. We all have major, intense challenges to overcome. Isn’t that the whole point? President Nelson said that it’s supposed to be difficult. I’m trying to understand what exact doctrine should be changed? I’m sincere about my question. Again I’m only guessing, but Heavenly Father wants us to be happy forever. Why wouldn’t He let us live in a paradise with our beloved soulmates of the same sex? I doubt same sex couples will ever be sealed together in the temple, but why wouldn’t a loving father allow two same sex lovers/husband’s/wives to be together eternally? That is not a big deal. A small request. They cannot create spirit children together, so I don’t think that is the issue here. Perhaps more specifics need to be put on the table. Thank you for letting me express myself. It felt good to put all this emotion into words. Sincerely and with much love…
Amy, THANK YOU so much for your heartfelt, poignant letter, and for having the courage to send it and post it. You promote tolerance, love, and inclusion; while others promote division, hate, and prejudice. You are one of the “good ones” and I wish you and your family best of luck in your decisions.
I was discussing LGBTQ+ and the LDS Church with my sister, when I came across your post. I just wanted to share some data from the Pew Religious Landscape Study (2014): 36% of Mormons (at that time) said “homosexuality should be accepted.” Among millennial Mormons, 52% believe homosexuality should be accepted. So you’re in good company… and the trends are favoring love.