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Show Ooimon Letters to the Editor Why the LDS religion does not support Dear Editor, In light of the recent article, Why religions should marriage, I thought it appropriate support same-se- x to clarify LDS doctrine and policies in regards to your statements which were quite confrontational. They including accusations that our religion pushes those who practice homosexuality to suicide, holds them responsible for the AIDS pandemic, and telling them their soul is dammed for eternity. You also Saints do not love those mentioned that Latter-da- y practicing homosexuality, even members of their own families, and believe that God will disown those who practice homosexuality and throw them in hell. While considering the harsh and untruthful comments you made, I would like to advocate and express appreciation to the Westminster core value of respect for diverse people and perspectives. I hope and expect this ideal to apply even to the members of the LDS church (commonly referred to as Mormons). With that in light, I will discuss LDS doctrine and policy on same-se- x marriage and homosexuality. The LDS church, along with Jewish, Catholic, Muslim, and Protestant groups (interestingly, none of these groups received criticism from you although each is larger than the LDS church) has actively opposed any legislation redefining marriage to allow same-se- x couples. Our Family Proclamation states that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God. It is central to our belief that all mankind are children of Heavenly Parents, which makes us all part of a large family. To redefine marriage is to redefine the family unit which frustrates Gods plan to have families live together forever. As Gordon B. Hinckley, a former LDS church president, stated, marriage between a man and a woman has been the basis of civilization for thousands of years. There is no justification to redefine what marriage is. Such is not our right... We deserve respect for these views and strongly value our freedom of religion and speech established in this country. It is ironic how we are accused of violating others rights when exercising our own rights such as supporting the democratic process of policy and law- God-sanction- ed same-se- x marriage making and our freedom of speech. Some (such as you, Krista) have taken these actions as evidence that we hate those practicing homosexuality. Let me give you some facts about the statements you made. A thorough review of Church literature finds no accusation of AIDS as a punishment for homosexuals. Rather there are several calls to help those who are suffering from AIDS (LDS press release, 1 Dec 2005). Living LDS standards in regards to sexuality (sexual abstinence before marriage, fidelity in marriage) does gready decrease the chance of contracting HIV and other sexually-transmittdiseases. It is ironic you accuse our sexual standards as not allowing someone to safely explore his or her sexuality. Research has shown those who live these standards have lower divorce rates, happier marriages, better sex lives, and live healthier. However AIDS has never been declared as a punishment for homosexual practice. Any makes such member who an accusation is not acting in harmony with church teachings. LDS doctrine regarding sexuality states that sexual relations are only to be employed between a lawfully wedded husband and wife. Obviously homosexual practices are in violation of this law of chastity as well as premarital heterosexual relationships, and infidelity. These are all regarded as serious sins. However we would never accuse those violating these sexual standards as being damned for eternity. Rather as the First Presidency of the Church stated in 1991, We encourage Church leaders and members to reach out with love and understanding to those struggling with these issues (meaning same-se- x attraction). Elder Oaks, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve (the church governing body) was asked what he would do and say to a son engaged in homosexual behavior. He gave the following as his response and an example to the members of the LDS church: not easy. Youre embarking on a course of action that will weaken you in your ability to repent. It will cloud your perceptions of what is important in life. Finally, it may drag you down so far that you cant come back. Dont go that way. But if you choose to go that way, we will always try to help you and get you back on the path of growth. This statement is not made with an absence of love, family abandonment, or belief in a God that will throw them in hell. Any wishing to know more about the Churchs view on homosexuality should visit newsroom.lds.orgldsnewsroomengpublic-issue- s ed on. ' My son, if you choose to deliberately engage in this kind of behavior, youre still my son. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is powerful enough to reach out and cleanse you if you are repentant and give up your sinful behavior; but I urge you not to embark on that path because repentance is Finally, Krista, your accusation that the LDS religion does not create a safe environment for anyone different from conservative white males is quite inappropriate and completely false. Our Church extends into hundreds of countries with members of nearly every ethnic group on the face of the earth. There are more members outside the United States than within. You may be surprised to know there are full Polynesian, Hispanic and Oriental congregations right here in Utah. In addition the LDS Church was one of the first supporters of womens suffrage (the right to vote), and established an exclusively female organization (the Relief Society) in the 1830s when women had few privileges in society or religion. This organization still exists today and is the largest female society in the world. Your comments are out of place for a newspaper liberal editor, especially that of a arts school. We are neither sexist nor racist. Such accusations are serious and, in this case, without evidence or foundation. Please extend to the LDS community the same respect you would to any other religious, ethnic or minority group. We do the same. I have yet to see or have heard of an incident of an LDS member here at Westminster verbally abuse or violate the rights of any person practicing homosexuality on campus. We wish the same respect. well-reput- Sincerely, Ben Walker Student The LDS religion is right To the r Westminster Classifieds editor: I read your article titled, Why religion should support opinion section of The Forum. marriage , in the Because it is an opinion page, I respect that you were able to share your thoughts. The majority of your article was aimed at the LDS Church. I felt a need to respond to your article because I believe that there is a huge misunderstanding in our world today regarding this issue of same-gend- er marriage and the undeviating stance that the LDS Church has taken concerning it. I feel that before anyone begins to criticize the Church and its efforts to ban same-gend- er marriage, should have a better of understanding why the they Church has taken this stance. There is an article titled, Same-Gend- er Attraction, on the official LDS Church news website that consists of an interview between two public affairs members and Elder Dallin H. Oaks, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church, and Elder Lance B. Wickman, a member of the Seventy. In this interview, they answer the how and why concerning many of the points that were presented in your article. The link to the interview is: newsroom. same-se- x ed It is interesting to note that the public affairs members pose a question at the end of the article asking Elder Oaks to sum this huge complex issue into a few basic principles. His immediate reply, God loves all of his children. The Church teaches love and kindness, but that does not mean that all members adhere to those teachings. If anyone is to be blamed for the issues presented in your article, it should be members alike) the individuals (LDS and non-LD- S who use choose to do those things. Not the Church. I only ask that we all seek to understand both sides of the issue before criticizing one or the other. In Isaiah of the Old Testament, we learn concerning our Heavenly Father, For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. Unfortunately not even Church membership or affiliation with those who are members can bring about this understanding. The desire to understand must come from within each of us individually. Only through personal study of the subject with an open mind and an open heart can we truly see. for from text- i books to roommates. Suy what you need Sell what you dont want Trade . whatever you want . Find what you're looking Roommates Find someone Personals Tell that special someone you love them Announcements ; Advertise an upcoming event Services , Offer your services to other Griffins J Exclusively for Westminster students, i staff and faculty. Just $ 5 for the first 25 I words. Buy your classified now! Email Eric ! at forumbusinesswestminstercollege. ; f David Sondrup to spilt the rent I edu. 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