Frankly, I would welcome a rejection of services by those who have such strong feelings against my religious beliefs. I would simply look elsewhere. Of course, the problem compounds if _everyone_ begins holding those beliefs and no one is willing to provide the service. In that case, I guess we'll just have to resort to that old principle of self-reliance. Better that than give up principles.
CareshmehJanuary 30, 2015
In response to your question on whether people refuse LDS people services.... Yes they do. A woman in Texas was refused a position in a Preschool in a Presbyterian church even though she was qualified because she disclosed she was Mormon. It is common for churches to refuse services because the doctrine contradicts and that would put the integrity of the doctrine in conflict. It seems that forcing someone to see it your way is against all the freedoms procured by the constitution.
hollandparkJanuary 29, 2015
"Brothers and sisters, there is great safety in having a love for the Brethren...Leave no question in anyone’s mind where you stand. Declare in quiet tones that you love the Brethren and that you are going to follow them." Elder L. Aldin Porter, Oct Conference 1987
Allison ColtesJanuary 29, 2015
https://m.soundcloud.com/mormon-newsroom/press-conf-audio-mormon-leaders-call-for-laws-that-protect-religious-freedom
Here is the link for the audio of the news conference.
Rebecca BrockwayJanuary 29, 2015
I'd like to find the news conference in full without the interjections. I really like what the authorities had to say, but I only want their words. Does anyone know where I can find the actual thing?
Kate WilsonJanuary 29, 2015
Being spiritual, believing in a Supreme Being, Beings and on the other hand being religious, attending some sort of Church or group... Those are two completely different ways of life. Most people believe in something, even if that something are moral principles on their own, but to attach your whole life, lifestyle and beliefs to one Church, following its principles to the letter, without a question... More and more people find it strange, unnecessary and rightfully so.. With the invention of the Internet we are not as ignorant and narrow minded as we used to be, there is no borders for people to talk, ponder, compare. I personally chose a non religious although spiritual path, and that is the decision made after years of attending Mormon Church and studying other religions with understanding, compassion and open mind. If the government doesn't support religion anymore, may be it has a good reason for it. Since the majority of people don't. The Church is of course worried, there is the work of the hundreds of missionaries at stake. Not so good for the Church, its profit etc etc. but is it so bad for the people? I doubt it.
TimothyJanuary 28, 2015
This article is so insightful. What can the average citizen do to be an influence for good in protecting and standing up for religious freedom?
The White StoneJanuary 28, 2015
A lot of my blog is devoted to this same topic and what they said in that press conference is spot on.
StevenJanuary 28, 2015
"it is usually people who value religious freedom who find themselves on the losing side, retreating from freedoms they once thought were assured."
Just out of curiosity, can anybody name a religious freedom that they have lost? I've heard many cries from the religious right (I'm an active Mormon) about losing religious freedom, yet I haven't seen any examples of religious freedoms being denied. Is it because gays are now largely getting the right to be married? This seems to be of real concern to those in the church, yet I just don't see how it denies us of any religious rights. I only see one group being denied rights, and it sure isn't us.
John CsankiJanuary 28, 2015
We here in Australia are undergoing exactly the same issues. You can't publicly disagree with the LGBT agenda without being shouted down and called a bigot, homophobe, or religious nut and threatened with lawsuits. All in the name of "tolerance", of course. Satan is indeed working overtime in every country and in every facet of our Western society to obliterate our God given freedoms. Good on our Church leaders for taking a stand.
Vicki CrumJanuary 28, 2015
I am glad (and very relieved) to see the Church coming forward publicly to acknowledge the seriousness of what is happening in our country and the world pertaining to the dissolution of basic religious rights. A battle is being waged against people of faith and the moral beliefs we hold dear. Make no mistake, the adversary is working around the clock to wreak havoc in the world by erasing liberty freedom on every front. Essentially, we are literally losing our God-given right to free will. My fear is that without our church and other strong Christian churches become actively engaged in the battle, we will be quickly swept under. The Lord is on our side, but he needs us to fight with all we have.
James TurnerJanuary 28, 2015
Church members and non-Mormons who don't vote or speak out for Religious Freedom need to take a better look at what they have. Much more could be said -- get up, get out, speak up, speak out for our freedoms before we lose more of what we have.
Brent BowlesJanuary 28, 2015
California judges are now prohibited from being part of the Boy Scouts of America. The BSA has good reason for prohibiting homosexuals from positions of leadership. The BSA does not want a repeat of the abuse incurred in the Catholic Church. Homosexual Catholic priests were found to abuse children 81 times more frequently than heterosexual priests, according to Father Groeshal, the Catholic Church's subject matter expert on priest abuse..
Janet G.January 28, 2015
I am so very thankful for the Church standing and saying what has needed to be said by those in authority regarding this issue and our right to complete religious freedom. They are right, we do need to stand firm and support the Constitution in all things, to protect ALL our rights under it. It is the goal of the opposition to do away with the guiding principles that have made America the great guiding light to the world. If we lose those freedoms we are - and will be - no better than the third world countries around us. It is imperative to God's plan for His children that the freedoms He has put in place be maintained. He has said in the Doctrine and Covenants that if the time comes that the people choose wicked rulers, they will be swept off. We are headed in that direction; we must be diligent in knowing what is planned and is beginning to happen, and to stand for freedom. Many great people through the ages have given all for the blessings we are in danger of taking for granted and losing. This is a call for every member of the Church to educate themselves in everything that is going on behind the scenes in every way..
Kevin JKJanuary 28, 2015
Elder Holland feels that it is OK for people of faith to refuse services to individuals if not refusing the service, the individual would then be supporting an activity that violate's the individual's religious beliefs.
The problem then comes with those who refuse services to LDS. Can a evangelical Christian refuse to bake a cake for an LDS couple celebrating their temple wedding? Can an evangelical photographer refuse to take photos on temple grounds? Would a clothing company owned by evangelicals be permitted to refuse to sell suits to a newly called LDS missionary since the missionary would be advancing doctrines contrary to the evangelicals' beliefs? Would Elder Holland support those actions?
Elder Holland also denounced boycotts. We LDS boycott all of the time. The Deseret News recently reported on LDS women who were boycotting Carl's Jr. because of their commercial's sexual content. Would Elder Holland denounce that?
Debra L.January 28, 2015
Thank you for posting this article. I've already hear questions: why this, why now, etc. Not everybody sees the entire quilt, just their little square. Thanks for sharing, and enumerating specific examples that highlight the concerns about erosion of religious freedoms.
Alan BurgessJanuary 28, 2015
Like Nephi, I was born of goodly parents. My father was a Baptist minister and a "circuit rider" serving several small rural churches. I was a "preacher's kid." Before joining The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I attended a protestant evangelical school - Barrington College, which later merged with Gordon College.
After joining the Church, I completed my undergraduate degree at BYU and went on to complete my masters in hospital administration at GWU, which is more liberal but has a very devout Jewish population and is also concerned with religious freedom.
I just was moved to say "Thank you" to Maurine Proctor for such a well-written, comprehensive and straight-forward report on this historic news conference. I have a brother who is gay and was legally married to another man. Although I do not approve of their lifestyle, I accept their right to non-discrimination and would actively support their rights in return for civility in dialogue regarding religious freedom.
I was thrilled with the moderate stance the Church has proffered on these issues and pledge my full support in this effort.
Comments | Return to Story
LorquilFebruary 3, 2015
Frankly, I would welcome a rejection of services by those who have such strong feelings against my religious beliefs. I would simply look elsewhere. Of course, the problem compounds if _everyone_ begins holding those beliefs and no one is willing to provide the service. In that case, I guess we'll just have to resort to that old principle of self-reliance. Better that than give up principles.
CareshmehJanuary 30, 2015
In response to your question on whether people refuse LDS people services.... Yes they do. A woman in Texas was refused a position in a Preschool in a Presbyterian church even though she was qualified because she disclosed she was Mormon. It is common for churches to refuse services because the doctrine contradicts and that would put the integrity of the doctrine in conflict. It seems that forcing someone to see it your way is against all the freedoms procured by the constitution.
hollandparkJanuary 29, 2015
"Brothers and sisters, there is great safety in having a love for the Brethren...Leave no question in anyone’s mind where you stand. Declare in quiet tones that you love the Brethren and that you are going to follow them." Elder L. Aldin Porter, Oct Conference 1987
Allison ColtesJanuary 29, 2015
https://m.soundcloud.com/mormon-newsroom/press-conf-audio-mormon-leaders-call-for-laws-that-protect-religious-freedom Here is the link for the audio of the news conference.
Rebecca BrockwayJanuary 29, 2015
I'd like to find the news conference in full without the interjections. I really like what the authorities had to say, but I only want their words. Does anyone know where I can find the actual thing?
Kate WilsonJanuary 29, 2015
Being spiritual, believing in a Supreme Being, Beings and on the other hand being religious, attending some sort of Church or group... Those are two completely different ways of life. Most people believe in something, even if that something are moral principles on their own, but to attach your whole life, lifestyle and beliefs to one Church, following its principles to the letter, without a question... More and more people find it strange, unnecessary and rightfully so.. With the invention of the Internet we are not as ignorant and narrow minded as we used to be, there is no borders for people to talk, ponder, compare. I personally chose a non religious although spiritual path, and that is the decision made after years of attending Mormon Church and studying other religions with understanding, compassion and open mind. If the government doesn't support religion anymore, may be it has a good reason for it. Since the majority of people don't. The Church is of course worried, there is the work of the hundreds of missionaries at stake. Not so good for the Church, its profit etc etc. but is it so bad for the people? I doubt it.
TimothyJanuary 28, 2015
This article is so insightful. What can the average citizen do to be an influence for good in protecting and standing up for religious freedom?
The White StoneJanuary 28, 2015
A lot of my blog is devoted to this same topic and what they said in that press conference is spot on.
StevenJanuary 28, 2015
"it is usually people who value religious freedom who find themselves on the losing side, retreating from freedoms they once thought were assured." Just out of curiosity, can anybody name a religious freedom that they have lost? I've heard many cries from the religious right (I'm an active Mormon) about losing religious freedom, yet I haven't seen any examples of religious freedoms being denied. Is it because gays are now largely getting the right to be married? This seems to be of real concern to those in the church, yet I just don't see how it denies us of any religious rights. I only see one group being denied rights, and it sure isn't us.
John CsankiJanuary 28, 2015
We here in Australia are undergoing exactly the same issues. You can't publicly disagree with the LGBT agenda without being shouted down and called a bigot, homophobe, or religious nut and threatened with lawsuits. All in the name of "tolerance", of course. Satan is indeed working overtime in every country and in every facet of our Western society to obliterate our God given freedoms. Good on our Church leaders for taking a stand.
Vicki CrumJanuary 28, 2015
I am glad (and very relieved) to see the Church coming forward publicly to acknowledge the seriousness of what is happening in our country and the world pertaining to the dissolution of basic religious rights. A battle is being waged against people of faith and the moral beliefs we hold dear. Make no mistake, the adversary is working around the clock to wreak havoc in the world by erasing liberty freedom on every front. Essentially, we are literally losing our God-given right to free will. My fear is that without our church and other strong Christian churches become actively engaged in the battle, we will be quickly swept under. The Lord is on our side, but he needs us to fight with all we have.
James TurnerJanuary 28, 2015
Church members and non-Mormons who don't vote or speak out for Religious Freedom need to take a better look at what they have. Much more could be said -- get up, get out, speak up, speak out for our freedoms before we lose more of what we have.
Brent BowlesJanuary 28, 2015
California judges are now prohibited from being part of the Boy Scouts of America. The BSA has good reason for prohibiting homosexuals from positions of leadership. The BSA does not want a repeat of the abuse incurred in the Catholic Church. Homosexual Catholic priests were found to abuse children 81 times more frequently than heterosexual priests, according to Father Groeshal, the Catholic Church's subject matter expert on priest abuse..
Janet G.January 28, 2015
I am so very thankful for the Church standing and saying what has needed to be said by those in authority regarding this issue and our right to complete religious freedom. They are right, we do need to stand firm and support the Constitution in all things, to protect ALL our rights under it. It is the goal of the opposition to do away with the guiding principles that have made America the great guiding light to the world. If we lose those freedoms we are - and will be - no better than the third world countries around us. It is imperative to God's plan for His children that the freedoms He has put in place be maintained. He has said in the Doctrine and Covenants that if the time comes that the people choose wicked rulers, they will be swept off. We are headed in that direction; we must be diligent in knowing what is planned and is beginning to happen, and to stand for freedom. Many great people through the ages have given all for the blessings we are in danger of taking for granted and losing. This is a call for every member of the Church to educate themselves in everything that is going on behind the scenes in every way..
Kevin JKJanuary 28, 2015
Elder Holland feels that it is OK for people of faith to refuse services to individuals if not refusing the service, the individual would then be supporting an activity that violate's the individual's religious beliefs. The problem then comes with those who refuse services to LDS. Can a evangelical Christian refuse to bake a cake for an LDS couple celebrating their temple wedding? Can an evangelical photographer refuse to take photos on temple grounds? Would a clothing company owned by evangelicals be permitted to refuse to sell suits to a newly called LDS missionary since the missionary would be advancing doctrines contrary to the evangelicals' beliefs? Would Elder Holland support those actions? Elder Holland also denounced boycotts. We LDS boycott all of the time. The Deseret News recently reported on LDS women who were boycotting Carl's Jr. because of their commercial's sexual content. Would Elder Holland denounce that?
Debra L.January 28, 2015
Thank you for posting this article. I've already hear questions: why this, why now, etc. Not everybody sees the entire quilt, just their little square. Thanks for sharing, and enumerating specific examples that highlight the concerns about erosion of religious freedoms.
Alan BurgessJanuary 28, 2015
Like Nephi, I was born of goodly parents. My father was a Baptist minister and a "circuit rider" serving several small rural churches. I was a "preacher's kid." Before joining The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I attended a protestant evangelical school - Barrington College, which later merged with Gordon College. After joining the Church, I completed my undergraduate degree at BYU and went on to complete my masters in hospital administration at GWU, which is more liberal but has a very devout Jewish population and is also concerned with religious freedom. I just was moved to say "Thank you" to Maurine Proctor for such a well-written, comprehensive and straight-forward report on this historic news conference. I have a brother who is gay and was legally married to another man. Although I do not approve of their lifestyle, I accept their right to non-discrimination and would actively support their rights in return for civility in dialogue regarding religious freedom. I was thrilled with the moderate stance the Church has proffered on these issues and pledge my full support in this effort.
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