I Cannot be Quiet Anymore

Because I live in Utah, where opinions of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are quite contrast, I normally keep quiet when any type of controversial topic about this church comes up.  However, as I opened my Facebook this morning, I realized I can't be quiet anymore.  Today the church released a statement that it does not allow children of same-sex parents to be baptized and become members of its church. This has always been the policy of the church. It isn't new.  Because this topic is getting so much attention in the media lately, it has been brought to the surface. I find it disheartening that so many are ready to attack the LDS church each time a policy is brought out like this without attempting to understand the "why".

What would happen in a home that has embraced homosexuality, and is practicing it, where children reside if those children were allowed to be baptized?  This church teaches love. It teaches family. It teaches unity.  The Church's stance on same sex marriages would be a complete 180 from what these children have grown up with their entire lives.  It would cause dissension in that home.  That is not what the LDS church is about.  The church actually doesn't allow any minor under the age of 18 to be baptized without the permission of the parents, or a husband or wife to be baptized without the permission of their spouse, for the exact same reason.  Family is the central key to this organization.   I do uphold the teachings of the mormon church in which I believe marriage should be between a man and a woman.  I believe that an environment with both a mother and a father is best for a child.

Having said all of that, I know a few same sex families who have children, and those children are loved.  They have parents who love them.  They have a family who loves them.  They can thrive, and develop their talents and skills, and progress in a positive way in those homes.  I've seen it.  To those of my friends, you are doing a great job.  I see that you want the best for your children just as I do.  I've seen you struggle just as I do.  I've seen your little moments of victory that we all have as parents.  But the most important thing to know is that your children are still loved by their Heavenly Father.  They are loved by God.  We are each his children.

We are all children of a God who loves us, and though we don't always understand His plan, He is there for us individually.  Individually He knows our hearts.  That I know as truth.  It doesn't matter what religion you are or what you practice. So many religions have so much truth in them.  They teach good things.  And there are so many others who have no religion or may not believe in a God at all but they can still be good people.  They can still have good morals.  God is with each of us.  We all make mistakes.  We all have changes we go through.  The point of this life, in my opinion, is to progress and come out of it better than we started.  Growth is vital.  And God understands.  That is why he has sent us here.  We are not all the same.  That was not his intention.  It's important for us to still love and accept each other. It is important for us to lift and help each other through this life.

The mormon church is my home and my heart because it has brought me to where I am today.  It has seen me through difficult times in my life with its teachings and love. It has also lead me many peaceful and happy times.  Although there are many things I do not understand still about this religion, I will always stand by it.  I cannot ignore the burning in my heart that it is true and good.

To all of my family and friends who are homosexual, I love you.  And God loves you.  I hope that is what I have conveyed with all sincerity in this message.

"We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may." Article 11 of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Link to the news story:
http://www.ksl.com/?sid=37248288&nid=148&title=lds-church-children-of-same-sex-couples-not-eligible-for-membership&fm=home_page&s_cid=topstory