11.12
Many thanks to Project Mayhem for bringing these changes from the 2006 Church Handbook of Instructions to the 2010 version to my attention (deletions in strikeout, additions in italics):
Homosexual behavior violates the commandments of God, is contrary to the purposes of human sexuality, distorts loving relationships, and deprives people of the blessings that can be found in family life and in the saving ordinances of the gospel. Those who persist in such behavior or who influence others to do so are subject to Church discipline. Homosexual behavior can be forgiven through sincere repentance.
If members have homosexual thoughts or feelings or engage in homosexual behavior, Church leaders should help them have a clear understanding of faith in Jesus Christ, the process of repentance, and the purpose of life on earth. Leaders also should help them accept responsibility for their thoughts and actions and apply gospel principles in their lives.
While opposing homosexual behavior, the Church reaches out to understanding and respect to individuals who are attracted to those of the same gender. [This was moved from being the 2nd to 3rd paragraph]In addition to the inspired assistance of Church leaders, members may need professional counseling. When appropriate, bishops should contact LDS Social Services to identify resources to provide such counseling in harmony with gospel principles.
If members feel same-gender attraction but do not engage in any homosexual behavior, leaders should support and encourage them in their resolve to live the law of chastity and to control unrighteous thoughts. These members may receive Church callings. If they are worthy and qualified in every other way, they may also hold temple recommends and receive temple ordinances.
Baby steps, but encouraging ones. And that these changes appear in the Handbook is especially encouraging. It is an official LDS publication that communicates church teachings and policies to ecclesiastical leaders. If bishops adhere to this new Handbook, perhaps they’ll be less likely to refer gay youth to reparative counseling or tell them inane things like masturbation causes homosexuality.
The LDS Church has changed, is changing, and will continue to change on the issue of homosexuality. Will that change eventually manifest itself as full-fledged acceptance of homosexuality? I highly doubt it. I think we can only realistically hope for this.
So is USU SHAFT an alumni organization?
Shhh! No one has caught on to me yet…
Wow, after Packer i thought the church was taking a stance like on women and priesthood, but this is promising. I’m back to thinking homosexuality will be like blacks and the priesthood, we just have to wait another 15 years.
[...] of the super-secret fifth standard work was leaked. Naturally, many people have been parsing it in attempt to fathom what messages that old guys at the top are sending us. (I wonder what they [...]
I am all about giving credit where credit is due, but when I came across this (http://prideinutah.com/?p=5974) I am no longer impressed considering all the awful changes that were blatantly ignored. They have scored no PR points in this woman’s book.
Some highlights from the above link:
“Homosexual behavior is permanently annoted in your church records, meaning no matter where you go the church classifies you as a homo who has committed “sexual sin.” However, heterosexual people who commit “sexual sin” outside of marrage receive no such permanent annotations (pg 71).
If someone wishes to be baptized into the Mormon church but has previously committed a “homosexual trangression”, it requires special authorization from a “Mission President.” And just forget about it if you’re transgender. Anyone who has had an “elective transsexual operation” requires authorization from the 1st Presidency themselves before they can be baptized. (pg 143-144)
If someone has participated in homosexual activity during the last 3 teenage years, they can only go on a mission if there is strong evidence of “genuine reformation.” There is a 1 to 3 year waiting period if the person was the “agressor,” and a person must get a professional evaluation and an HIV test from LDS Family Services (pg 29).
Children are still forced to come out to their parents before they may be ready to (pg 57).”
Are these changes from the 2006 Handbook?