In the latest edition of Getting it Right, over on the Mormon Newsroom's blog, they're sending no small message by featuring a Washington Post article entitled: In America's Christian churches, okay to be gay?: From same-sex marriage to prohibitions on homosexual behaviors, Christian churches range in their outreach to gay members. And, not surprising, included The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
"With the launch of a new Web site by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, mormonsandgays.org, the church extended an olive branch to its gay members without changing its teaching that sex is reserved for marriage between a man and a woman. "The experience of same-sex attraction is a complex reality for many people. The attraction itself is not a sin, but acting on it is. Even though individuals do not choose to have such attractions, they do choose how to respond to them. With love and understanding, the church reaches out to all God’s children, including our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters."" WP
If you're wondering why this is so significant, perhaps you're not aware of the many articles, blog posts, and discussions that immediately followed the launch of MormonsandGays.org giving rise to hopeful speculation, even among some members, that this was an indication that the LDS Church is moving closer to a time when they will ultimately accept same-sex marriage.
In the Newsroom's post they did acknowledge that much of the reporting that surrounded the initial launch of the website was accurate, in regard to the teachings of same-sex attraction, but that others gave the impression that the Church had changed.
"It is also true that some news reports have given the impression that the Church has changed its stance on same-sex attraction. We caution reporters and readers to remember that the Church’s position on the issue of same-sex attraction has not changed. The Church’s doctrinal position is clear and unchanging: Sexual activity should occur only between a man and a woman who are married. The Church teaches that same-sex attraction is not a sin, but acting on it is.
We also remind journalists and readers of the vital message on mormonsandgays.org that those with same-sex attraction “need our love and understanding. God loves all His children alike, much more than any of us can comprehend, and expects us to follow.”"
I believe it was in March of 2012, during the height of the presidential campaign, when the Mormon Newsroom first launched Getting It Right, with the specific purpose to set the record straight when the news media and/or bloggers, etc. started twisting the message of the Church, either intentionally or unintentionally.
"We are starting a regular Mormon Newsroom feature. "Mormonism in the News: Getting It Right" will present several recent news articles, blog posts or videos that, in our view, provide accurate and fair reporting on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as well as those that misrepresent the faith to readers."
I've enjoyed following this particular feature on the Mormon Newsroom for exactly the reasons the Church launched it: clarification and props. Especially this past year, when often times, be it inside or outside of the Church, those with alternative messages have attempted to persuade others and at times are quite effective. Here, 'Getting It Right' gives props to those with strong, credible voices that use them with integrity, and set straight a few that don't. I'm all for that!
tDMg
Kathryn Skaggs
Photo Credit: Lifted from Mormon Newsroom
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