We’d like to invite readers to respond to this. Please give us your thoughts and opinions by sending them to ma*****@la***************.com.
I was listening to a local radio talk station this week and a guest was speaking on behalf of traditional marriage. I found it interesting that she said that as Mormons, we seem to be reluctant to take a vocal stand on the sacred and traditional institution of marriage, as defined in the Proclamation to the Family. Some of the reasons stated were:
1.Latter-day-saints are not typically confrontational’ and may wish not to voice an opinion for fear of offending.
2.Because more and more, popular opinion seems to lean in favor of re-defining marriage, what good will voicing my opinion do?
3.Because a majority of people do believe marriage should be re-defined, should we be swayed?
I am sending this question your way, NOT TO KNOW WHERE YOU STAND, but to ask this question:
What do you think we can do as a Latter-day Saints to – STAND UP FOR MARRIAGE? Why does it matter? Send your thoughts to ma*****@la***************.com and we’ll print many of them next week.
Karen ZeaSeptember 19, 2014
1. We can educate people about what is really true. The eye opening thing for me was to see the DATA on this subject. Look at the historical data in France since they accepted gay marriage, for example. There is a whole list of societal consequences that can be looked at practically, and linked to this issue. 2. LOVE. Robert Oscar Lopez is a GREAT example of this. He was raised by 2 moms. He has a love for them, but he stands squarely against what they are doing (and did). If you haven't heard him speak, you are missing out! We can share these stories of love from those with experience. 3. Grow a backbone. Speaking up is not comfortable. However, we are not being crucified upside down or stoned as were some of his disciples. We are to "lose" our lives by using it in His service. That includes speaking up when something is not right, and spreading truth in all matters. I would say eternal marriage is a pretty important matter!
Rosemary N. PalmerSeptember 17, 2014
QUOTE we declare tolerance for gays and pride in a community's "gay pride" parade, we will receive lots of "likes." Whereas if we tell the truth, that there is a better way, we receive hatred and removal of "likes." UNQUOTE These aren't the only two choices, and neither are they opposites. Faithful members of the church are taught by their leaders that it is wrong to treat people differently because they are attracted sexually to their same sex. Saints should NOT be in the business of criticizing those with tha proclivity or homosexuality. Standing for marriage doesn't require THAT. The LDS church does NOT advocate putting down those who are gay. Standing for marriage requires talking about the Lord's plan for families of mother and father and children, and that marriage is not to satisfy adult love interests and desires, but to give safe place to children who come to that union. We deserve societal reprobation if we are using words that demean others and exclude them because they sin differently than we do. If we are still using demeaning words to describe those who deal with same gender attraction. If we remove support from our children when they come out to us. We might think it inappropriate to support a gay pride parade, but we ought not judge another saint for deciding that is the way they express love and support for someone who is gay. I think we stand for marriage by learning what our church leaders say about mormons and gays, and by being Christlike and loving to those who are different from us, but just as much beloved children of God, AND clearly articluate the arguments the church supports in the legal briefs.