“Do I belong as a member of the Church?” Same-Sex Attraction: Individuals (2020)
“Do I belong as a member of the Church?” Same-Sex Attraction: Individuals
Do I belong as a member of the Church?
There Is a Place for You
Watch Elder Christofferson’s video “Is There a Place for Me?”
We Want You Here
“We have given much thought and care to better understanding the experience of same-sex attraction. And making sure individuals who feel such attraction, and their families, feel welcome and part of the great worldwide family that is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“I now speak directly to Church members who experience same-sex attraction or identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual. We want you to know we love you. You are welcome. We want you to be part of our congregations. You have great talents and abilities to offer God’s kingdom on earth, and we recognize the many valuable contributions you make. If any of you are unclear about where the Church stands on these issues, we invite you to please take the time to view the material published at [Life Help and Self-Reliance on ChurchofJesusChrist.org or in the Gospel Library app]. Prayerfully seek the Spirit to provide the answers you seek. And be assured that God loveth His children” (L. Whitney Clayton, “God Loveth His Children,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
How Can I Participate?
God promises that if we obey His laws, we will have eternal joy, and He always keeps His promises. People who experience same-sex attraction or identify as gay can make and keep promises to God. They can walk in His light. They can fully participate in the Church.
“If members feel same-sex attraction and are striving to live the law of chastity, leaders support and encourage them in their resolve. These members may receive Church callings, hold temple recommends, and receive temple ordinances if they are worthy. Male members may receive and exercise the priesthood” (“Same-Sex Attraction and Same-Sex Behavior,” General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 38.6.12).
President Gordon B. Hinckley stated:
“We love them as sons and daughters of God. They may have certain inclinations which are powerful and which may be difficult to control. Most people have inclinations of one kind or another at various times. If they do not act upon these inclinations, then they can go forward as do all other members of the Church. If they violate the law of chastity and the moral standards of the Church, then they are subject to the discipline of the Church, just as others are” (“What Are People Asking about Us?” Ensign, Nov. 1998, 71).
Lifting Others
Watch Carol F. McConkie’s video “Lifting Others.”
Everyone has Gifts
Whatever a person’s circumstances, he or she can contribute to the Lord’s cause in the present and can anticipate that his or her faithfulness will yield the same blessings, here and hereafter, that are promised by God to anyone who is similarly faithful. Elder D. Todd Christofferson has observed:
“Everyone has gifts; everyone has talents; everyone can contribute to the unfolding of the divine plan in each generation. Much that is good, much that is essential—even sometimes all that is necessary for now—can be achieved in less than ideal circumstances. So many of you are doing your very best. And when you who bear the heaviest burdens of mortality stand up in defense of God’s plan to exalt His children, we are all ready to march. With confidence we testify that the Atonement of Jesus Christ has anticipated and, in the end, will compensate all deprivation and loss for those who turn to Him. No one is predestined to receive less than all that the Father has for His children” (“Why Marriage, Why Family,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2015, 52).