OhThatMatty

I just moved into a new apartment about a month ago, and still haven't retrieved all my clothes (including dress shirts and ties) from my folks' residence. I hope my ward won't care, but due to those circumstances, I may be casual in the morning...lol.

Thank you, everyone for the wonderful replies! Not trying to sound needy or anything, but I often struggle with loneliness and depression as well. It's nice to know that my struggles ade understood and somewhat appreciated, even if from a distance. If you can, please keep me in your prayers as I navigate this. I just had a talk with the missionaries today. I'm actually venturing into Sacrament Meeting tomorrow.

Thanks for the feedback, sir! I am supposed to meet with the Elders this Saturday. I won't lie, the some time difficulties with chastity aside, it can also be hard constantly around married people, most of whom have children, when you're one of few singles in the entire ward. Now, my local ward has a lot of couples where one spouse (usually the wife) is a convert, while the other (usually the husband) is a non-member. It's interesting that these individuals are in a similar predicament to me....they can't be sealed in this life, unless their spouses convert.

Folks, I could use some help. I had my name removed from church membership back in 2012. I was not under any kind of disciplinary action at that time, and have since never publicly opposed the church. However, I have flirted with returning to the Church a couple of times... Here is my conundrum. I am gay. I have been in a couple of relationships since I last attempted to return to the Church....I can be chaste. I've done it before. But the possibility of letting up would always be in the back of my mind, especially if progressing toward priesthood, the temple, etc. Could anyone offer any advice? I realize I have the agency to use in deciding whether or not to return. One friend who is still active even toldme it may be better to just stay away and let Heavenly Father make everything right in the next life...

I would say that the Church is predominantly "conservative" politically, but this is only in the United States. Elsewhere, Zion and its saints seem less politically homogenous. Morally, the Church is definitely on the "conservative" spectrum; however, with its humanitarian efforts; more inclusive view of salvation/afterlife (i.e., the kingdoms of heaven); and emphasis on both religious AND secular education, it sometimes delves into more "liberal" principles. Additionally, the very thought that ALL humans are literally spirit sons and daughters of a Heavenly Father (i.e., a common human family) also evokes a "liberal" way of thinking. Many Christians do not view their fellow humans as fellow brothers and sisters unless they are believers in Christ, or a Christian as defined by a particular denomination or theology.

I know a lot of where you are coming from, "yoyoteacher." I was officially a "member" for twelve years (baptized back in 2001), but was inactive for much of that time. I had some personal crises with depression, etc., on my way to pursuing priesthood ordination back in 2012. It was awful. I wound up having my name removed from the records of the Church, but I never completely lost my testimony. Every time I attend a Sacrament Meeting (only a few times over the past couple of years), it always feels like I'm where I'm supposed to be. I really feel like the Spirit confirmed that this past Sunday. I'm actually talking to the missionaries in my area now, who are in turn going to talk to the Bishop, about my (hopeful) reinstatement process. I've heard two sides: one that I have to be rebaptized, and the other side that I don't. I'm going with the former, simply because to my understanding, when one has their name removed from the Church's records, it effectively cancels one's ordinances as well. Good luck to you! Even if you've been inactive for a long time, at least you're still a member! :)

Thanks for the feedback, folks! I'll definitely try and keep you updated. The missionaries came by last night, and they are unfamiliar with the whole process as well. Fortunately, the offered to contact my bishop to try and see the process behind all of this. Wish me luck!

I am just beginning to coordinate meetings with my local Elder Missionaries, and also spoke to the Executive Secretary in my ward about scheduling a meeting with my Bishop as soon as possible for the following reason: --I had my name removed from the Church records back in September 2012. This was due largely to some personal circumstances and what I saw as conflict with leadership at that time. I am just now beginning to approach the possibility of re-baptism into the church. I realize that a former member must wait at least one year before pursuing rebaptism, but it has been over 27 months since I left membership. For those who may have experienced this, and waited for over one year...once the waiting process is over, if one is able to live the commandments, does it take EVEN LONGER to pursue rebaptism, or is this just dependent upon one's local bishopric. I'd appreciate any help anyone could give! Thank you in advance! I'm new on here! :) Matt