Gay Marriage and the LDS Church

What do they have in common? Nothing.

Yes, I am an advocate for protecting marriage as a union between a man and a woman only.

No, I am not a gay basher or homophobe or any of the other derogatory terms aimed at belittling people who are supposedly not as "open-minded" as the rest of the world.

Yes, I love gay people.

No, I don't love or agree with their sexual choices and practices.

No, I don't believe that homosexuality will ever bring happiness as it is against God's plan for us and threatens to destroy the very central unit of our society - the family - by redefining marriage to include a union between two people who cannot possibly naturally procreate.

There. I have now opened a can of worms. And if you've made it this far without punching your computer screen and/or scoffing at me, I'll tell you why I'm asserting myself now. This opinion is something I've bottled up inside for a long time now, not wanting to step on any toes. But I can't zip my lips anymore. I just can't. The members of our church here in California are going out in force each evening and Saturdays, walking door to door, educating people about Proposition 8 and protecting marriage as a union between a man and a woman. Why are we doing this? Because we've been asked to, begged to, commanded to. Our church maintains a strong position with regard to gay marriage - it is not okay.

"We the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children....We declare that God's commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between a man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife....We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society." - The Family: A Proclamation to the World.

Now, I may not be the most politically savvy person in the world, but I have an intensely strong testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ and in continuing revelation through a living prophet. If we receive direction from the Prophet and the Twelve Apostles, we can be sure it comes directly from God. I realize that to a person who hasn't grown up in a home with religion, this whole post may sound bizarre and fanatical. But if you could only feel what I feel and know what I know.... Even on the Sundays when my children could rival the chilling blare of an Israeli air raid siren, I still know that church is where I want to and should be. Even when I have to get up super early to attend meetings and follow up our Sunday services with yet another meeting, I still want to be there and be doing just that. Church is my haven each week. By Saturday my well has usually run dry and seeing my church family and listening to uplifting talks and singing with the Primary children fills me up again. Getting outside myself, focusing on and serving others helps me to see beyond the very tiny bubble that is my life. At church I can step away from the constant barrage of all things worldly (or Internet-y) and instead focus on feeding my soul, my spirit. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only true and living church on the face of the earth today. I can say that with complete confidence and conviction. If you are skeptical or find yourself writing me off as brainwashed, then I urge you to find out for yourself. Finding a Mormon church isn't hard. Come with me. I'll take you. And no, Mormons don't have horns. No one will bite you, roll around on the floor in hysteria, or throw you into a baptismal font and declare you a member. No one wants to convince you to believe. We don't have to. Just come, and listen, and be "open-hearted," and you'll know too. Oh, oh, and if you're still too chicken to come to church then just turn on your TV this weekend and see if your cable provider has the channel that broadcasts The Semi-Annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There are 4 hours of meetings each day and I guarantee that you won't see anything crazy or hear anything bizarre. More likely, you will be touched by the wisdom and depth of the speakers and the beautiful spirit of the meeting. So, I dare you. Go ahead. Find out what Mormons are all about. You know you want to.

At any rate, God is aware of what is happening in California right now. He has asked all members of the church to show support for Proposition 8, whether or not you live in California. Just click on the link to the right for a good place to start. I know for a fact that there are some of you reading this (if you're still reading) who probably think less of me now. But if you didn't know this about me, then you didn't really know me. And now you do and you can make an educated decision whether or not to keep me as a friend. I will be hoping and praying for a favorable conclusion.