Sign up for Meridian’s Free Newsletter, please CLICK HERE

The following is excerpted from the Deseret News. To read the full article, click here. 

Dan Reynolds’ own complex relationship with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has grown more complicated since last summer’s Loveloud festival. He has heard from church members who felt he criticized the church in his documentary film “Believer,” which debuted at Sundance in January and is about Reynolds, LGBT youth and suicide, LDS positions and the first LoveLoud Festival. He heard from many again afterhe appeared on “Ellen” last month before HBO aired the movie.

But Reynolds said he has been in regular contact with people at church headquarters since the first LoveLoud and called their patience with him “eye-opening.” He said those talks have reassured him that despite disagreements, they have something in common.

“The main theme we have found that we can have common ground on is that we love our LGBTQ youth,” he said.

LDS leaders issued a statement in response to a request for comment about next week’s festival.

“We remain committed to support community efforts throughout the world to prevent suicide, bullying and homelessness,” the church statement said. “Every young person should feel loved and cared for in their families, their communities and their congregations. We can come together, bringing our perspectives and beliefs, and make each community a safe place for all.

“God’s message is one of hope and we want our LGBT brothers and sisters to know that they are loved, valued and needed in his church.”

To read the full article, click here.