Before I started blogging I told my husband- I don't need a blog because I don't have anything to say. Well, I've got something to say- I've been very disappointed in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints recently because of their involvement politically. In the past I've taken pride in being a member of a church that so boldly encourages it's members to "vote their conscience" and not be "led blindly". And while the LDS members in California were probably voting their conscience I often wonder whether the church's involvement in passing this legislation crossed the line in so many ways. I'm not trying to change anyone's mind about the rights or wrongs of gay marriage....but I am saddened by the discrimination that has been so tolerated and encouraged. The history is plain- the LDS church fights against the Equal Rights Amendment (late 70s through early 80s), the LDS church refuses priesthood for blacks until the late 1970s and now Proposition 8.
This is not just a California issue for those of us in the LDS church who believe in equality for all. There are people who feel they can't worship at church because of the hostility going on in California wards. That kind of feeling has NO place in our houses of worship. I'm obviously going out on a limb here because like some of our California brothers and sisters I may possibly loose friends over my views- but I can no longer keep silent. Thank you to Barbara Young (wife of Steve Young) for voting her conscience and encouraging me to speak mine.
Barbara Young had sent a statement earlier Friday through the gay-rights group Equality California, saying: "We believe all families matter, and we do not believe in discrimination, therefore, our family will vote against Prop. 8."
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6 comments:
I agree with you- no matter what we believe personally about current issues, the Church should be a sanctuary from the troubles of the outside world. Political battles shouldn't be fought out in the halls of church or from the pulpit.
You will never lose my friendship based on different views! We each have the right to our own opinion:)
Even though I feel differently, I do agree we all need to show love and respect to others. I just feel that Heavenly Father's rules and views don't always agree with or co-exist well with the world's views. The world changes philosophies, but Heavenly Father's have always been and will always be the same, even when it's not popular, or may even be hard for people to live. I do feel sad for them, though. It's just like an alcoholic- it's not easy to deny the desire but it still is not ok to give in to the temptation. We can all show support, love, and encouragement for others b/c we all have weaknesses. But, we do have to take a stand on what He defined as marriage, b/c I personally feel God knows more than us. (Only my opinion, though and I still love whoever differs from my views!!)
Thank you for those comments.... it's rare that I share my views on tough subjects. Love you guys!
OK, here is my take. The proposition was a vote to redefine the concept of marriage, that is why the church was opposed to it. We see "marriage" as an eternal religous covenant and not a worldly act. The church has publicly supported the acceptance of "civil unions" in order to give gay couples the benefits of worldy needs like tax breaks, health care, and so forth.
As far as the church seperating itself from politics. The church has a clear stance on seperating itself from politicians. But it is the church's place to help us see understand how to apply the Lord's gospel to modern times, and to modern decisions that we face. Now if some loser members and showing bigotry during church then that is a seperate issue, the church is true, many of it's members are lost. Dont judge the church on it's members, especialy not one's from California.
thank you, thank you THANK YOU for posting this. Its just what I needed today. I HAVE lost friends over this and I too feel saddened that the church leadership doesn't have faith in their members so they feel it their place to tell members how to vote, instead of respecting the opinions. It's disheartening and hard to see the polarizing effect that it has had on the membership.
Nice post! I agree with you and do NOT think you have a weak testimiony because of your belief! Don't let anyone shun you or condescend to you because you belive differently than they do. You will remain a happy person if you do this! I applaud your honesty!
PS - I think there may be many many others who believe as you do but are afraid to swim upstream. You go girl!
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