Spiritual Needs of Homosexuals

[Moksha]

There needs to be someone to minister to the spiritual needs of Homosexuals. To quote the famous saying by Rabbi Hillel, "If not me, then who?".

If not We the LDS Church, then who?

:confused:

[talisyn]

We share the gospel with heterosexuals and homosexuals, with bond and free, basically anyone who will listen

What else can we do?

[the Ogre]

We share the gospel with heterosexuals and homosexuals, with bond and free, basically anyone who will listen

What else can we do?

Love those who come to church and ignore the person in the now. Look at the eternal possibilities of every human. The L-rd is the judge of quick and dead, leave him to his work.

[skippy740]

I don't think a special program is necessary.

There are already wards for different languages, single or family wards... I don't think there needs to be a ward for those with same-sex attraction. That would send a mixed message - and an inappropriate message at that.

There are services offered to those serving in prisons, so they are taught (just like PrisonChaplain), but it doesn't mean they can participate in the full blessings of the gospel until their sentence is served and full repentance is made (if possible).

I'm thinking that a support group may be good? Just as there are support groups for those battling with pornography, this might be good. It would need to be organized on a stake level and probably would have the requirement that you are not in a co-habitation situation in order to show that you're serious about the gospel.

Everyone is allowed in church. What wouldn't be appropriate is someone to come to our meetings with "Gay Pride" attire or symbols, or with an affectionate partner and displaying inappropriate behavior. (It's my opinion that any "lisp" should not be used in speech. It just seems like such a dead giveaway.)

Why? Not to avoid contention or draw attention to oneself. It's because it's the Lord's Church and the Lord's Gospel and our Heavenly Father's plan. If they believe that the Traditional Family is the core unit of society and needs preserving and that other relationships are sinful, then they are in the right frame of mind towards repentance.

Missionaries are to teach this plan and get the investigator's feelings about it. It is up to the investigator to live their life in accordance with the Gospel and then feel the fellowship of the saints and feel of the spirit.

Just my quick thoughts.

[Dravin]

We share the gospel with heterosexuals and homosexuals, with bond and free, basically anyone who will listen

And if some of my companions were any indication, some who won't.

[Just_A_Guy]

There needs to be someone to minister to the spiritual needs of Homosexuals

I agree, provided that "minister to the spiritual needs of" does not become doublespeak for "advocate for the gratification of the carnal desires of".

[Justice]

I have read a few discussions and news releases where the GAs have had these types of discussions. They were very enlightening and helped me understand in a way I never had before. The Church web site can be a valuable resource to those looking for information, sometimes it's tricky to find, though.

[beefche]

linky, linky, Justice.

[Justice]

I'll try... it seems to never work for me.

Same-Gender Attraction - LDS Newsroom

Edit: YAY it works. It's an awesome read... very long, but worthwhile.

Edited May 7, 2009 by Justice

[Justice]

To generate interest, I will post the first question asked and the first answer.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS: At the outset, can you explain why this whole issue of homosexuality and same-gender marriage is important to the Church?

ELDER OAKS: This is much bigger than just a question of whether or not society should be more tolerant of the homosexual lifestyle. Over past years we have seen unrelenting pressure from advocates of that lifestyle to accept as normal what is not normal, and to characterize those who disagree as narrow-minded, bigoted and unreasonable. Such advocates are quick to demand freedom of speech and thought for themselves, but equally quick to criticize those with a different view and, if possible, to silence them by applying labels like “homophobic.” In at least one country where homosexual activists have won major concessions, we have even seen a church pastor threatened with prison for preaching from the pulpit that homosexual behavior is sinful. Given these trends, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints must take a stand on doctrine and principle. This is more than a social issue — ultimately it may be a test of our most basic religious freedoms to teach what we know our Father in Heaven wants us to teach.

[TruthSeekerToo]

Justice, I read it awhile back and I second that it is worth reading.

[NeuroTypical]

There needs to be someone to minister to the spiritual needs of [insert group name of folks with similar struggles here]. To quote the famous saying by Rabbi Hillel, "If not me, then who?".

If not We the LDS Church, then who?

:confused:

Sounds better this way. It helps folks understand that "helping" means helping cope with or lessen or eradicate the struggle.

I'm still not buying the whole line about "you just gotta understand that accepting gay behavior is the only thing that will help".

LM

[spiritseeker]

I think the subject is both complex and simple. It's simplicity is the Church has the only answer for homosexuality. For we have the true gospel and only through the ordinances of the Church and the blessed Priesthood is there any way to free oneself from this addiction. Now I know there are many in this broken world who want us to believe that this is something that is unfixable or that it doesn't need fixing... but, that is not true and that's what satan wants us to believe!

Why do people feel the need to label? Why within the homosexual community is that the only defining term? It's heard so much, " Hi I am (insert name ) and I am gay." What we should all be saying is " Hi I am (insert name ) I am a child of God!!" There is nothing "gay" about being gay..... It's a sad desperate existence. Seeking a missing part of yourself. Searching for someone to love you unconditionally because you were lacking it from the time you were a child. For whatever reason..... Now I know many people will say I am wrong. That its not their fault. But , here is where you are wrong I do not feel it's their fault. It wasn't a choice per se. It's a direct attack of satan upon a blessed child of our Heavenly Father. Now I may step out on a limb here but, I believe that many of these spirit brothers and sisters of ours have immense gifts to give the world. Satan knew this and placed a special burden upon them to keep them silent. Look at how artistic and in touch with feelings and emotions they are. If you were satan wouldn't you be afraid of them???? Once we realize who we are , " children of God" and identify with that the walls of homosexuality will begin to crumble inch by inch. Now perhaps some may not ever marry and some will. If marriage is not in the picture they may be called to celibacy. There are still so many blessings available and great will be their reward...

But to sum it up my point is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the only source of freedom. Without the Church there is no hope of freedom from homosexuality. And there is freedom from this addiction. It's not easy but it is worthwhile. Any struggle to please Heavenly Father is a worthwhile fight!!

[Justice]

I agree with most of what you say.

One thing I will add is that just as we believe other people and other churches have some truth, they can have this truth as well. They may not have Priesthood authority, which is what I think you're really saying, but they can overcome these temptations also. Repentance is a principle of the Gospel that any and all may attain to.

[Moksha]

Why do people feel the need to label? Why within the homosexual community is that the only defining term? It's heard so much, " Hi I am (insert name ) and I am gay." What we should all be saying is " Hi I am (insert name ) I am a child of God!!"

You are right, they are the Children of God who just happen to be gay. So are we indeed ministering to their spiritual needs, if they do not choose to make themselves like eunuchs? Forgive me if I am wrong on this point, but I understood that if they choose to practice homosexuality, they were not welcome in our Church (actually, I would love to know that I have been told wrong about this point, and that the Church does in someway still minister to their spiritual needs).

[john doe]

As far as I know, no one in authority of the church has said that gays are not welcome. Yes, practicing homosexuals are actively sinning, just as fornicators and adulterers are, but they are still welcome to come to Christ, with pure intent and a contrite spirit, and repent.

[Maxel]

There needs to be someone to minister to the spiritual needs of Homosexuals. To quote the famous saying by Rabbi Hillel, "If not me, then who?".

If not We the LDS Church, then who?

:confused:

So... Are you saying we don't? What would you have us do, and what are the basis for your 'question' about whether the Church is doing enough? Stop posing quizzical one-liners that leave me feeling like your only purpose on this board is to make snide attacks at the Church; and actually contribute something of substance- even if it's just a clearly stated opinion.

A practicing homosexual who won't change his/her ways to come unto God is as damned as anyone else who won't repent; a practicing homosexual who will change his/her ways to come unto God is as redeemed as anyone else who will repent.

You are right, they are the Children of God who just happen to be gay. So are we indeed ministering to their spiritual needs, if they do not choose to make themselves like eunuchs?

Murderers are Children of God who just happen to be predisposed to taking the lives of others. So are we indeed ministering to their spiritual needs, if they do not choose to make themselves abstain from the spilling of blood?

Thieves are Children of God who just happen to be predisposed to steal things. So, are we indeed ministering to their spiritual needs, if they do not choose to live their lives in a manner where they keep their hands to their own property?

Liars are Children of God who just happen to be predisposed to not tell the truth. So, are we indeed ministering to their spiritual needs, if they do not choose to live their lives in a manner where they're honest with their fellow man?

News flash: homosexuals aren't the only ones who have to live celibate lives (i.e., 'follow the commandments of God'). Everyone does until marriage, and lots of non-homosexuals don't get married (I'm thinking of those with mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders; those who just never find a partner...). The Church can't cater to every wayward child of God who decides not to live their life according to the Spirit of God. It is our responsibility as members to reach out to them, but if a person chooses homosexual (or heterosexual) fornication over seeking after righteousness- that's their own fault. We are to encourage them on the path to finding God, but a person's choice is their own choice.

Forgive me if I am wrong on this point, but I understood that if they choose to practice homosexuality, they were not welcome in our Church (actually, I would love to know that I have been told wrong about this point, and that the Church does in someway still minister to their spiritual needs).

In theory, they should be about as welcome as someone who practices adultery- the longer said person has been a member, the worse their position is. If the person is looking to change their ways and/or follow God in an honest manner, they should be welcome among the members of the Church- not in the sacred meeting places like the temple or as acting officers of the Priesthood, but at least among the general congregation.

Where do you get your 'understanding' that practicing homosexuals aren't welcome in the Church? How do you define 'welcome'? Where do you get the idea that the Church should cater to the 'spiritual needs' of sinners- repentant or unrepentant? In the end, the spiritual needs are met by each individual: if a homosexual chooses not to utilize the resources of the Church to come unto Christ, than they're as damned as a heterosexual in the same boat.

Read the article that Justice linked.

[Moksha]

So... Are you saying we don't? What would you have us do, and what are the basis for your 'question' about whether the Church is doing enough? Stop posing quizzical one-liners that leave me feeling like your only purpose on this board is to make snide attacks at the Church; and actually contribute something of substance- even if it's just a clearly stated opinion.

Well that is an unusual reaction to a very valid question. For many years, Dorjem, a poster on another forum has advocated that Church should be a hospital for sinners and not a resort for the perfect. Made sense to me. Especially since we are not perfect. So, when I see this care for a group of sinners not happening, it does indeed raise questions in my mind. Some values do need clarifying. As we have heard from the ancients, an unexamined life is not worth living.

A practicing homosexual who won't change his/her ways to come unto God is as damned as anyone else who won't repent; a practicing homosexual who will change his/her ways to come unto God is as redeemed as anyone else who will repent.

Whether one drinks the demon coffee or has homosexual relations, they still need to hear the Word of God. Will we be the ones doing that?

Where do you get your 'understanding' that practicing homosexuals aren't welcome in the Church?

From what I have heard fellow members say at the ward and posters on LDS forums. If I as a bystander can get that impression, I imagine those who are Homosexual (or their family members) having extra sensitivity to this issue could pick up on this as well. I doubt that such unwelcomeness is written anywhere in the LDS canon.

How do you define 'welcome'?

Being accorded the fellowship same as anyone else. Although an official statement to the affect that all visitors and members are welcome would be helpful to thwart those who choose to be unwelcoming.

The Church can't cater to every wayward child of God who decides not to live their life according to the Spirit of God.

Cast the lost sheep aside, eh? I have been lead to believe that a good shepherd will look to all the sheep. Dorjem had a lot of wisdom insisting that the Church should be a hospital for sinners rather than a resort for the perfect.

:)

Edited May 7, 2009 by Moksha
forgot to add "un" to welcomeness, gibberish otherwise

[skippy740]

Whether one drinks the demon coffee or has homosexual relations, they still need to hear the Word of God. Will we be the ones doing that?

It almost sounds like you are looking for a more specific marketing message?

From what I have heard fellow members say at the ward and posters on LDS forums. If I as a bystander can get that impression, I imagine those who are Homosexual (or their family members) having extra sensitivity to this issue could pick up on this as well. I doubt that such welcomeness is written anywhere in the LDS canon.

ANYONE can attend our worship services and Sunday School classes.

Cast the lost sheep aside, eh? I have been lead to believe that a good shepherd will look to all the sheep. Dorjem had a lot of wisdom insisting that the Church should be a hospital for sinners rather than a resort for the perfect. :)

I would say we need to focus on one thing at a time.

At the last election, we've found that a lot of African Americans in California shared their views on marriage as the LDS.

We even have special committees on how to reach out to African Americans in our communitees - and remember - they were DENIED the Priesthood until 1978! All for something that's not in their control (skin color) and for reasons only known to the Lord.

Those who have same-sex attraction are still welcome to join the church - as long as they lead a celibate lifestyle. They can still have the Priesthood and all the other rights and privileges that the gospel brings. They need to make that lifestyle choice.

Being accorded the fellowship same as anyone else. Although an official statement to the affect that all visitors and members are welcome would be helpful to thwart those who choose to be unwelcoming.

How about Official Declaration 2? (see below)

[TruthSeekerToo]

I agree, Moshka. If the church is not a hospital for sinners then we might as well set up a rameumptom.

[prospectmom]

Those who have same-sex attraction are still welcome to join the church - as long as they lead a celibate lifestyle

.

So they aren't welcome otherwise?????? what about those fornicating... are they not welcome....

should there be a sign . Only specified sinners allowed

[Dravin]

From what I have heard fellow members say at the ward and posters on LDS forums. If I as a bystander can get that impression, I imagine those who are Homosexual (or their family members) having extra sensitivity to this issue could pick up on this as well. I doubt that such welcomeness is written anywhere in the LDS canon.

Ah, okay. So its a call (of sorts) to be less judgmental. That makes sense, I think as a whole we tend to be judgmental of sinners, considering all of us are its interesting to draw lines in the sand on the beach on just what level is shun worthy or not*.

* None is.

As far as LDS Canon goes though, there are lots of scriptures about loving your neighbor.

And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

And behold, ye shall meet together oft; and ye shall not forbid any man from coming unto you when ye shall meet together, but suffer them that they may come unto you and forbid them not

Actually, reading the whole of 3 Nephi 18 is a good one for this.

I know thy heart, and have heard thy prayers concerning thy brethren. Be not partial towards them in love above many others, but let thy love be for them as for thyself; and let thy love abound unto all men, and unto all who love my name.

To list just a few, also all the buildings have signs saying visitors are welcome. Leviticus 19:34 could even apply depending on how you look at it, Mosiah 18:21 is a good one as well. These are talking about loving people, but if I love people I'll want them to be and feel welcomed to Church. The doctrine is there, all of us are just at different levels of living it.

[TruthSeekerToo]

.

So they aren't welcome otherwise?????? what about those fornicating... are they not welcome....

should there be a sign . Only specified sinners allowed

I think the pp was specifically referring to baptism. At least, that is how I took it.

All should still be welcomed at church.

[prospectmom]

You are right Dravin thanks for the quotes

[prospectmom]

I didn't read it that way and I just re-read it but mabey?????