Steven Wright was my branch president in the MTC at the end of 1980. I remember the first time we all met as an MTC branch. He asked me to speak to the missionaries about my conversion. I met with him regularly because I was the branch secretary. He also assigned me to be flight leader when the time came for my group to leave for Peru. I had very good conversations and counseling with Pres. Wright. I remember his kindness and love. I spent the holidays in the MTC (Thanksgiving and Christmas). We met his beautiful family. I remember that his kids made Christmas cards for all the missionaries. I miss those days, and this good president.
MJSeptember 21, 2020
This is me 2020. Recently released as Stake President and this is my situation almost to a T. My will to live has been bleak but I’ve got strong support from family and friends for which I’m grateful. The weight of same sex attraction is so very heavy. For all those out there who see or know someone in this struggle, love them don’t judge them. The struggle on its own is plenty of judgement.
Judith GrantSeptember 8, 2020
This is such a lovely story. I’m especially impressed by the love shown to Brother Wright by his ex wife and her husband. Not everyone is able to go that extra mile.
Pat ProffitSeptember 8, 2020
Thank you for posting this story. I personally am close to several who have been excommunicated; some because of same sex attraction. Regardless of the cause, it causes heartbreak, disrupts families and causes guilt, shame and anger.
Hopefully this article will help us all to more compassionate and supportive as our friends and family members suffer through these ordeals.
Linda Jean millerSeptember 8, 2020
I got an email from the family history dept. that Charles Rich and I are related so I am guessing this mission president and I are also related which makes this story personal to me. It’s a sad story but also shows the power of the Atonement. How grateful I am Brother Wright has returned to activity in the church for there is no other place to go once you know the truth. How courageous he is to let this be published. Perhaps his journey will save another traveler along the way.
Joceleen B TuaimeiutaSeptember 7, 2020
This was a beautiful and inspiring story. So glad I chanced upon it to read it.
AnonymousSeptember 7, 2020
I am genuinely very happy for this man. He has certainly paid the price to be re-baptized a member of the Church. I did have a feeling of sadness as well for his children and posterity whose lives were inadvertently and needlessly publicized. I especially pray for their exposure to have to go through the after-shocks of this intensely private matter for this family. My love to them!
Renate McKendrySeptember 6, 2020
Thank you for sharing your story!
Mar June Payne ScheierSeptember 6, 2020
My parents Junius & Marguerite Payne served in Bolivia with Steve & Sug Wright and loved them & were grateful for the time spent serving with them. Such good news Pres Wright.
Christina SmithSeptember 6, 2020
Thank You for sharing your story!
KarenSeptember 6, 2020
Thank you for sharing your personal journey through your many difficulties. It is inspiring hear your story of personal faith! It is another testimony that the love of God plus long-standing support from loving family and friends, can bring us back to Him in the midst of our own need for growth and the extreme messiness of mortal life.
AudreySeptember 6, 2020
Thank you so much for sharing this journey.
SarahSeptember 5, 2020
It was a privilege to read about Steve Wright's courage and faith. Thank you so much for sharing this!
Lorena Whetten HolmsteadSeptember 5, 2020
Steve Wright was my mission president, and he was wonderful! He listended to me, understood me, and gave me confidence and trust. It was difficult when I found out he had his membership withdrawn, but it didn't stop me from loving him - not in the least! We have kept in touch over the years, and I was overjoyed when he was baptized in 2016. I am so grateful for his kindness and friendship to me, and for all that he has taught me, even through his mistakes. I love him dearly!
Elaine BaldwinSeptember 4, 2020
What a difficult but beautiful story. Thank you for sharing. I am sure it will help all who take time to read it. Stay strong.
Jan KingSeptember 4, 2020
Elder Ballard's statement "he knew what you are when he called you" also applies to us. What an assurance!
Bob PowelsonSeptember 4, 2020
I came to know a man while teaching English at a Korean University. His problem through most of his adult life had been similar.
He had after a long struggle returned to activity and temple endowments in the Church. Then after several years his University had not renewed. I helped him find a new position and then he got ill.
He returned to the US and we corresponded by Email for a time. His brother wrote me that my friend had died and added "he considered you his best friend. I expect to see him again before a long time (I am well over 80).
The Church's new emphasis on ministry should help situations like his.
Kristynn Wright RunyanSeptember 4, 2020
Welcome back cousin!
Debbi McSeptember 4, 2020
I have known Steve for many years in Las Vegas (same ward), but never knew his story. I have known him as a kind, gentle and talented organist who has always been positive. I am only further amazed and strengthened as I read his story. Truly the Lord knows each of us!
Sylvia EngleSeptember 4, 2020
His story gives me hope for my loved ones. I'm thankful he endured so many rejections and finally was rebaptized.
Diane G HaggartSeptember 4, 2020
See people can come back if not judged
Wonderful storyline.
LornaSeptember 4, 2020
I wish more people would tell their personal stories like this. It helps so many people who think they are alone in their trials.
DanSeptember 4, 2020
Fantastic "never give up" story - very inspiring.
JanieSeptember 4, 2020
WOW! What a journey. So grateful this brother was willing to share his experiences. This gives me hope for my children who are less active and one who’s taken their name off the records of the church. An inspiring story. God’s not dead. He’s surely alive and this story just proves His love for us. Regardless of the journey and how hard things seem to be going right now, knowing that we have a Heavenly Father who loves us makes all the difference in the world
Betty Lou MannSeptember 4, 2020
Reminds me that every soul is precious to Heavenly Father. Detours from the path happen, but we are never lost from the sight, or love of our Savior Jesus Christ.
Nancy Miller MendenhallSeptember 4, 2020
Brother Wright is a great example of talent determination and perseverance. I was his neighbor. Nancy Mendenhall
ShaunaSeptember 4, 2020
thank you for such a profound and moving story. My brother served in Bolivia shortly after President Wright. what a difficult tragic time for all concerned in the deaths of those Elders.
And to Br. Wright for his courage in allowing this story to be told. We all "fall short of the glory of God" and need His grace.
HelenSeptember 4, 2020
Having been through this soul-searing process and redemption myself my love goes out to this stalwart Saint. It all comes back to one sweet thought Heard or read somewhere, “It’s true, isn’t it?”
Melissa MarkhamSeptember 4, 2020
Wow!!! What a powerful and heart-breaking story. An affirmation of the power of the atonement and of the need to love and forgive. Steve Wright is a beautiful example, as is Sug, her 2nd husband and their family. I'm reminded of an impression I had recently to pray specifically for members of the church who experience same-sex attraction and desire to live a lifestyle consistent with the teachings of the Church. The voice of the world is so loud concerning their situation, and often urges them to choose a different way. We all need strength and guidance, but perhaps they need an added measure. Thank you for this story!
Patricia H. ArnazziSeptember 4, 2020
What a moving story, and invaluable message of Hope. We all fall short of perfection, but our Heavenly Father knows us, and He and our Savior love us beyond our comprehension, and in most instances worthiness. I commend brother Wright for his courage to press on and especially in sharing his life story to demonstrate these facts. Thank you ❤️
DTSeptember 4, 2020
Thank you for this redeeming story. It is a representation of all of our struggles through life. For a lot of us, things don't go how we've planned, or even as we've lived...children don't follow our script. Bodies age and develop disease & conditions. People let us down & break our hearts. Steve took the high road ultimately and he is an inspiration to me. Thank you!
DianeSeptember 4, 2020
Thank you for this article. Very uplifting, touching, and also heart-wrenching.
Comments | Return to Story
Lemuel FigueroaOctober 7, 2020
Steven Wright was my branch president in the MTC at the end of 1980. I remember the first time we all met as an MTC branch. He asked me to speak to the missionaries about my conversion. I met with him regularly because I was the branch secretary. He also assigned me to be flight leader when the time came for my group to leave for Peru. I had very good conversations and counseling with Pres. Wright. I remember his kindness and love. I spent the holidays in the MTC (Thanksgiving and Christmas). We met his beautiful family. I remember that his kids made Christmas cards for all the missionaries. I miss those days, and this good president.
MJSeptember 21, 2020
This is me 2020. Recently released as Stake President and this is my situation almost to a T. My will to live has been bleak but I’ve got strong support from family and friends for which I’m grateful. The weight of same sex attraction is so very heavy. For all those out there who see or know someone in this struggle, love them don’t judge them. The struggle on its own is plenty of judgement.
Judith GrantSeptember 8, 2020
This is such a lovely story. I’m especially impressed by the love shown to Brother Wright by his ex wife and her husband. Not everyone is able to go that extra mile.
Pat ProffitSeptember 8, 2020
Thank you for posting this story. I personally am close to several who have been excommunicated; some because of same sex attraction. Regardless of the cause, it causes heartbreak, disrupts families and causes guilt, shame and anger. Hopefully this article will help us all to more compassionate and supportive as our friends and family members suffer through these ordeals.
Linda Jean millerSeptember 8, 2020
I got an email from the family history dept. that Charles Rich and I are related so I am guessing this mission president and I are also related which makes this story personal to me. It’s a sad story but also shows the power of the Atonement. How grateful I am Brother Wright has returned to activity in the church for there is no other place to go once you know the truth. How courageous he is to let this be published. Perhaps his journey will save another traveler along the way.
Joceleen B TuaimeiutaSeptember 7, 2020
This was a beautiful and inspiring story. So glad I chanced upon it to read it.
AnonymousSeptember 7, 2020
I am genuinely very happy for this man. He has certainly paid the price to be re-baptized a member of the Church. I did have a feeling of sadness as well for his children and posterity whose lives were inadvertently and needlessly publicized. I especially pray for their exposure to have to go through the after-shocks of this intensely private matter for this family. My love to them!
Renate McKendrySeptember 6, 2020
Thank you for sharing your story!
Mar June Payne ScheierSeptember 6, 2020
My parents Junius & Marguerite Payne served in Bolivia with Steve & Sug Wright and loved them & were grateful for the time spent serving with them. Such good news Pres Wright.
Christina SmithSeptember 6, 2020
Thank You for sharing your story!
KarenSeptember 6, 2020
Thank you for sharing your personal journey through your many difficulties. It is inspiring hear your story of personal faith! It is another testimony that the love of God plus long-standing support from loving family and friends, can bring us back to Him in the midst of our own need for growth and the extreme messiness of mortal life.
AudreySeptember 6, 2020
Thank you so much for sharing this journey.
SarahSeptember 5, 2020
It was a privilege to read about Steve Wright's courage and faith. Thank you so much for sharing this!
Lorena Whetten HolmsteadSeptember 5, 2020
Steve Wright was my mission president, and he was wonderful! He listended to me, understood me, and gave me confidence and trust. It was difficult when I found out he had his membership withdrawn, but it didn't stop me from loving him - not in the least! We have kept in touch over the years, and I was overjoyed when he was baptized in 2016. I am so grateful for his kindness and friendship to me, and for all that he has taught me, even through his mistakes. I love him dearly!
Elaine BaldwinSeptember 4, 2020
What a difficult but beautiful story. Thank you for sharing. I am sure it will help all who take time to read it. Stay strong.
Jan KingSeptember 4, 2020
Elder Ballard's statement "he knew what you are when he called you" also applies to us. What an assurance!
Bob PowelsonSeptember 4, 2020
I came to know a man while teaching English at a Korean University. His problem through most of his adult life had been similar. He had after a long struggle returned to activity and temple endowments in the Church. Then after several years his University had not renewed. I helped him find a new position and then he got ill. He returned to the US and we corresponded by Email for a time. His brother wrote me that my friend had died and added "he considered you his best friend. I expect to see him again before a long time (I am well over 80). The Church's new emphasis on ministry should help situations like his.
Kristynn Wright RunyanSeptember 4, 2020
Welcome back cousin!
Debbi McSeptember 4, 2020
I have known Steve for many years in Las Vegas (same ward), but never knew his story. I have known him as a kind, gentle and talented organist who has always been positive. I am only further amazed and strengthened as I read his story. Truly the Lord knows each of us!
Sylvia EngleSeptember 4, 2020
His story gives me hope for my loved ones. I'm thankful he endured so many rejections and finally was rebaptized.
Diane G HaggartSeptember 4, 2020
See people can come back if not judged Wonderful storyline.
LornaSeptember 4, 2020
I wish more people would tell their personal stories like this. It helps so many people who think they are alone in their trials.
DanSeptember 4, 2020
Fantastic "never give up" story - very inspiring.
JanieSeptember 4, 2020
WOW! What a journey. So grateful this brother was willing to share his experiences. This gives me hope for my children who are less active and one who’s taken their name off the records of the church. An inspiring story. God’s not dead. He’s surely alive and this story just proves His love for us. Regardless of the journey and how hard things seem to be going right now, knowing that we have a Heavenly Father who loves us makes all the difference in the world
Betty Lou MannSeptember 4, 2020
Reminds me that every soul is precious to Heavenly Father. Detours from the path happen, but we are never lost from the sight, or love of our Savior Jesus Christ.
Nancy Miller MendenhallSeptember 4, 2020
Brother Wright is a great example of talent determination and perseverance. I was his neighbor. Nancy Mendenhall
ShaunaSeptember 4, 2020
thank you for such a profound and moving story. My brother served in Bolivia shortly after President Wright. what a difficult tragic time for all concerned in the deaths of those Elders. And to Br. Wright for his courage in allowing this story to be told. We all "fall short of the glory of God" and need His grace.
HelenSeptember 4, 2020
Having been through this soul-searing process and redemption myself my love goes out to this stalwart Saint. It all comes back to one sweet thought Heard or read somewhere, “It’s true, isn’t it?”
Melissa MarkhamSeptember 4, 2020
Wow!!! What a powerful and heart-breaking story. An affirmation of the power of the atonement and of the need to love and forgive. Steve Wright is a beautiful example, as is Sug, her 2nd husband and their family. I'm reminded of an impression I had recently to pray specifically for members of the church who experience same-sex attraction and desire to live a lifestyle consistent with the teachings of the Church. The voice of the world is so loud concerning their situation, and often urges them to choose a different way. We all need strength and guidance, but perhaps they need an added measure. Thank you for this story!
Patricia H. ArnazziSeptember 4, 2020
What a moving story, and invaluable message of Hope. We all fall short of perfection, but our Heavenly Father knows us, and He and our Savior love us beyond our comprehension, and in most instances worthiness. I commend brother Wright for his courage to press on and especially in sharing his life story to demonstrate these facts. Thank you ❤️
DTSeptember 4, 2020
Thank you for this redeeming story. It is a representation of all of our struggles through life. For a lot of us, things don't go how we've planned, or even as we've lived...children don't follow our script. Bodies age and develop disease & conditions. People let us down & break our hearts. Steve took the high road ultimately and he is an inspiration to me. Thank you!
DianeSeptember 4, 2020
Thank you for this article. Very uplifting, touching, and also heart-wrenching.
GarySeptember 4, 2020
Great article. Thank you!
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