Recently the Church of Latter Day Saints (LDS) announced policy changes that the participation of same-sex marriage falls under the definition of apostasy, and children of same-sex couples natural or adopted may not be baptized or blessed until they turn 18.
Children from same-sex couples after the age of 18 only being allowed membership once they disown all same-sex marriages, move out of their parents' homes, and receive approval from the church's top leadership the Office of the First Presidency.
As someone from Idaho, I have known my fair share of Mormons. In fact one of my best friends is Mormon and my great-grandfather was a Bishop in the LDS Church.
As someone with divorced parents, I can't help but appreciate the love and emphasis Mormons put on family and community.
As someone who lived a year with Mormons and attended service, I have profound respect for the LDS faith.
As someone who is gay, I cannot help but be disappointed, though, in the decisions of the LDS church in regards to these policy changes.
Not only are faithful members of this church being forced to make difficult decisions of being exiled if they accept their sexual orientation, children are now being punished for the proposed sins of their parents. Children of felons and rapists don't even face such harsh punishments in the LDS Church.
From the mid-1800s until 1978 Mormons viewed things different then present, choosing to accept policies that prohibited men of African descent into their priesthood among other things. Since then the Church disavowed these policies unequivocally condemning all racism, past and present in any form.
I can't help pondering if the LDS church will disavow these LGBT policies in the future similar to past ones. The real question, though, is what will happen to LGBT Mormons and children of same-sex couples during that time? The ones who will be left out when their peers hit the usual Mormon milestones, and are potentially forced to participate in a Church that is rejecting them.
Often people say hate the sin, but love the sinner. What does that really mean? I love God and so do many in the LGBT community, yet because of society we are forced to question if God loves us back. Many are told to repress themselves, or risk being barred from God's grace. You can love us, just not support us.
Preventing an open LGBT community in your religion is completely choice, yet I pity any for choosing to excommunicate people of faith who could have been amazing members and had an amazing relationship with God.
For those that believe in God, pray he will bring us to the truth. I pray that he leads us to be loving towards one another and compassionate. I pray that he makes us understanding of each other regardless of opinions.
