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April 28, 2024

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KathyJanuary 28, 2014

Pres. Boyd K. Packer quoted the following scripture in his book "Mine Errand From the Lord" in connection with same-sex marriage ... D&C 101:97-98: The Lord warned members of His Church, "Let not that which I have appointed [marriage between one man and one woman] be polluted [same-sex marriage] by mine enemies, by the consent of those who call themselves after my name: For this is a very sore and grievous sin against me, and against my people."

Mary JoJanuary 26, 2014

My heart feels broken today for several reasons: 1). My non-member husband tells me he told me before our marriage in an LDS chapel in June of 1964 that he would NEVER convert to my religion. We were deeply in love for many years before our marriage and felt it was important to finish most of our formal education before marrying. 2) our last child, who says he is gay, is a fine, upstanding citizen who is now allowed to be a teacher in New York State. He does NOT march in parades, etc. We had a memorable calm, civil, private discussion in which he assured me that if and when he made a civil, legal commitment to a same-sex partner, he would not attempt to embarrass our family. 3) I personally know people who support SSM who have remarkable talents worth sharing with the world. I wish them well. 4) I was told, with a not particularly civil glare, to NOT mix political topics into a Relief Society discussion. 5). I have a firm, solid testimony. 6). I just wish I had more than 4 beautiful grandchildren. 7) I am truly appreciative of Christ's Atonement, which applies to me and to all of you nearly perfect commentators. Thank you, dear Lord and Savior of us ALL.

Dennis January 25, 2014

Your article gives a lot of deference to the laws and constitution of the United States. Most members of the Church do not live in the United States. You should analyze the effects of same-sex marriage on the World-wide Church, not just on the United States portion of it.

Mary JoJanuary 25, 2014

My heart feels broken today for several reasons: 1). My non-member husband tells me he told me before our marriage in an LDS chapel in June of 1964 that he would NEVER convert to my religion. We were deeply in love for many years before our marriage and felt it was important to finish most of our formal education before marrying. 2) our last child, who says he is gay, is a fine, upstanding citizen who is now allowed to be a teacher in New York State. He does NOT march in parades, etc. We had a memorable calm, civil, private discussion in which he assured me that if and when he made a civil, legal commitment to a same-sex partner, he would not attempt to embarrass our family. 3) I personally know people who support SSM who have remarkable talents worth sharing with the world. I wish them well. 4) I was told, with a not particularly civil glare, to NOT mix political topics into a Relief Society discussion. 5). I have a firm, solid testimony. 6). I just wish I had more than 4 beautiful grandchildren. 7) I am truly appreciative of Christ's Atonement, which applies to me and to all of you nearly perfect commentators. Thank you, dear Lord and Savior of us ALL.

Blaine CutlerJanuary 25, 2014

Why is anyone surprised? The brethren have been warning us of the troubles that are coming since the restoration. As Latter Day Saints we can expect to be faced with terrible things before the Savior returns and this is one of those. It's best that we prepare our testimonies and families to with stand much. As for the SSM issue. We can probably expect that the law of the land will force the church is stop all church officials, Bishops, stake presidents, temple sealers etc from performing any civil marriages.Sealers first marry the couple then they seal the marriage.Theret's actually 2 separate ordinances. Once that authority is taken away the church will not be performing illegal marriages. All marriages will then be performed by civil or government authorities, then those holding a temple recommend will go to the temple to have that marriage sealed. The government could next remove all tax exemptions for religious organiztions if they don't comply with new laws. This could further put pressure on the church. However the church will never change this policy on marriage is between a man and a women. Thank goodness for that.

DAVIDJanuary 22, 2014

It is good to know the Lord has spoken and many years before with the Family Proclamation. I know the time is comming fast that we have to grasp the Iron Rod to make it through the mists of darkness. I know the Lord is in charge we just need to keep a hold and make our way to the Tree of lives ever after...I love you ...

mary jane fJanuary 22, 2014

It is refreshing to read the comments of fellow believers about this issue, marriage and family, freedom of religion. To me, "This is worth fighting for!"

MyrnaJanuary 21, 2014

Traditional marriage advocates of all faiths no longer have a voice in the public square, as we see laws that upheld our beliefs being struck down right and left throughout the country. It seems that SSM is now pretty much the law of the land and we have no right to question it. I am so thankful that the Prophet is not swayed by political pressure from the public or intimidated by the Courts as he still speaks plain truths directly from our Father above, and I appreciate your thoughtful analysis of this statement. I have friends in the Church who are confusing the Supreme Court with God and seem to think the Supremes can strike down God's laws. However, now that the Prophet has spoken through this new declaration, it should be very clear that we must continue to live our religion like Abraham of old in the days of Sodom and Gamorrah. The Adversary has infiltrated organizations at all levels that previously stood for strong family values. Sadly, I have had to leave a venerable national organization of mothers, since they have now lost their way by replacing their spiritual roots as they have embraced a very secular philosophy. Let's hope unlike Lot's wife that we Latter Day Saints will flee from such groups and turn away from the ways of the world.

NLGJanuary 20, 2014

As I have read the previous comments I can feel a few different spirits coming out of them. One is a concern for our fellow brothers and sisters. The other is animosity towards them or others who might sympathies with them. Remember all anger, enmity, towards our spirituals kin is a sin. We have multiple individuals who are being led astray by the

vickieJanuary 20, 2014

oh brothers and sisters.I can see what can happen and is happening now. the WORD POLICE is out and about and by that I mean the adversary who wants this world to go down. He is leading the march to abolish God in everything. He does it cleverly bit by bit. Its the same as homosexuality. it use to be a crime and the act was something that one could be arrested for. then slowly bit by bit..we laugh at how funny it is and then its accepted. I trust in the words of the First Presidency...and as they have said...if you stand up and make a statement in anyway about this issue..you can lose your job ..I knew of such a person who has lost their job. so we will have to gird up our loins and be strong and go in the straite and narrow path...it wont be easy but well worth it...eternaly..

MikeJanuary 19, 2014

It is interesting to see how many people think we will have ssm in the temple. If you truly understand that it is a sealing of blessings that takes place there and it is not a marriage. just like another person posted we will only perform sealings and that is only to a man and wife

DaveJanuary 17, 2014

In the oft misquoted "separation of church & state", the government, in violation of its own amendment, now actually passes laws that promote a national religion. That religion? We know it by its common names of "secularism", "humanism", or as Elder Maxwell so aptly described it, "irreligion".

JonJanuary 16, 2014

The laws of the land help define what is morally acceptable to a culture. The structure of a society that supports traditional marriage is among the most fundamental institutions that is in line with God's will. President Hinckley encouraged us to Stand for Something. Civil discussion of this topic is one of the key ways we can stand for what is right.

Marlee MeyersJanuary 15, 2014

A friend of mine made this analogy and I think it's apt: members of the LDS church are known for not drinking coffee or alcohol. We don't make a big deal when others around us do - we ourselves, however, refrain from such because of our beliefs. What's the similarity? We can act towards others who decide to support same-sex marriage in a similar fashion. We will not condone nor participate, but we will not bash those who choose to do so.

HollandParkJanuary 15, 2014

On the caution tin this article to follow the call to be courteous and civil in our discourse with others, I was reminded of President Hinckley Joseph Smith in the Jan. 2005 Ensign: "The Prophet Joseph Smith gave us instruction pertinent to the situation in which we find ourselves. Said he:

CollinJanuary 15, 2014

Carol, I agree with your statement completely.

HollandParkJanuary 15, 2014

For the record, it is terribly refreshing to have you as a kindred spirit ,Maurine, and to have your words published right here in the 'public square'-- when so many of us who desire to speak jthe same words you have used are silenced in our own small 'public squares'. Thank you for your words in this article, that have people across the LDS world saying: 'Amen'.

laverl09January 15, 2014

A civil marriage is really not a marriage--it is actually a business partnership and a divorce is merely the separating of the physical possessions of that partnership. And that partnership is not legal until it has been recorded in the county where it was performed. Since the "recording" is what makes it legal, the requirements of who performs it and who witnesses it have become almost non-existent. I have personally recorded two marriages in two different states just by signing the affidavit as a "friend" because the recorder said that there were no requirements otherwise. Currently, in a temple marriage the sealer acts in two capacities. One is to sign the civil marriage affidavit for "time" and the other is to seal the couple for "eternity". Therefore, I agree with a couple of the previous posts that we may have to separate these two functions and only perform the "sealing" in the temple.

Robert WilliamsJanuary 15, 2014

It is interesting to look at church history to see how the US government forced the church to capitulate on plural marriages. What are we going to do when the government begins to withhold tax-exempt status from the church, or even eventually lock the temples down. The work for the dead will cease and the church will be stopped dead in its tracks. Am I wrong here? It happened before.

GIgiJanuary 15, 2014

ME743, I certainly hope this happens. That way family members who are nonmembers or who don't hold recommends will not be excluded from seeing a loved one married. This has needed to change in the U.S. and hopefully this will happen now.

B. David NicholsJanuary 15, 2014

Somehow, the members of the Church who support SSM have forgotten what Joseph Smith taught: "

Diane KunkelJanuary 15, 2014

Thank you, Maurine, for standing for the truth, and for helping me understand more about the implications of the Brethren's statement.

TonyJanuary 15, 2014

No doubt this is an issue which the Brethren have handled perfectly but by far a bigger issue is the number of men and women living together without being married - ask the missionaries around the world how often they are confronted with this. Think about what this has done to the sanctity of marriage and the countless number of children growing up in homes where parents are not committed to each other resulting in single parent homes and the resultant challenges youth are having.

JeffersonJanuary 15, 2014

@ Me743: Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! What are you saying here?!? There are absolutely *NO* same-sex sealings being done in LDS temples anywhere in the world!! Where did you ever get THAT information?? And how can you say that "the church will have to start doing" SSMs? I think if the church were ever "forced" by a government to perform SSMs in its temples, THE CHURCH WOULD RATHER CLOSE DOWN THE TEMPLE(S) IN THAT COUNTRY, than to comply with such a government edict!!! Mark my words! :)

Me743January 14, 2014

I suppose the church will have to start doing what they have been doing in other countries where same-sex marriage has been legal for years: couples will get married in a civil ceremony first and get sealed in the temple later in the day.

Kimball FindlayJanuary 14, 2014

Satan is at the heart of the same sex marriage issue, as in times past, he will loose but unfortunately many of those valiant in their first estate are being led astray but such satanic confusion. It is wonderful to have a Prophet to guide us in these latter days.

Debby BennettJanuary 14, 2014

in addition to my previous comment...being civil of oneself is also for your protection and safety as well as for your own peace of mind...you are less easily targeted if you maintain gentle speech and civil behavior in all circumstances...like all the commandments this is instruction from a loving Heavenly Father who desires your safety and well=being. Having said that there are people who are practicing these things and are still targeted with intent to destroy...just don't make it any easier for anyone to find fault with you.

Debby BennettJanuary 14, 2014

I think Heavenly Father already has it covered as far as marriages in the temple..because the temples are built primarily for sealings...and same-sex jurisdicition isn't covered under sealings...people can be married by any authority but only sealed by priesthood authority in the temple...so no marriages need be performed there

Carol ColtrinJanuary 14, 2014

I fear this statement says it all! Wherever government is giving you access to something, licensing the power to perform certain acts, government can abuse that position to promote a particular point of view. We might add that wherever a government can offer or withhold a tax deduction, a building permit, or a professional license, it can exercise that power against a religion whose views it disdains. As we stand firm in our beliefs, we may have to make changes or sacrifices. And yes, Pray, we must.

Arden HansenJanuary 14, 2014

The Brethern tell us to fight nice but its still war. Always has been.

MelanieJanuary 14, 2014

Thank you for this. Since reading a few opinions of church members not understanding the Brethren's direction, it's refreshing to read from someone standing for the truth.

ConfusedJanuary 14, 2014

As usual, whenever the Prophet speaks, he does so in a manner that leaves no doubt as to what the Lord intends, and the message is crystal clear. What confuses me is the rush to ANALYZE what has been said. What possible need is there for an ANALYSIS of this very clear statement by the First Presidency?? The statement stands on its own. It needs no interpretation by anyone. It is concise, easy to understand, and is the word of God to us through a living prophet. Leave it alone.

Brent TaylorJanuary 14, 2014

Saw a comment on a blog about this issue that made some sense. Remove church/clergy entirely from marriage w/ no sanction to officiate weddings/marriage. Make 'marriage" completely a legal matter. Churches then would be free to perform or refuse to perform any religious service surrounding the vows that couples take. Otherwise this issue will continue until all churches, including temples, are forced to solemnize SSM.

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