In these statements, the HRC President Joe Solmonese told the senior apostle that his statements were, “both factually and scientifically wrong and that more importantly, they are dangerous and are putting millions of lives in great danger.” The two major points that the group wanted Pres. Packer to recant were: first, homosexuality is impure and unnatural, and second, that it can (and should) be changed. The HRC also was obliged to take some of Pres. Packer’s words out of context and simply fabricate some conclusions based on them. For example, officials in these organizations rashly accused Pres. Packer of saying that gay and lesbian children don’t deserve God’s love. They even go so far as to say in a very blunt way that Pres. Packer is a bully that needs to be stopped.
Despite this very heated and intense atmosphere surrounding the Church, it responded to these accusations and petitions in the usual way: with clarity, fortitude and love. The Church took this opportunity not to attack the HRC, but instead to point out the truth behind the matter and even build a relationship on the common ground we share.
Finding Common Ground
As stated, the address was given by a representative speaking in behalf of the Church leadership. While some may call this a snub, it does show the audience the fact that the Church is not worried by these petitions, it is simply responding in a calm way. Brother Otterson begins by stating that the Church and the HRC share a vast amount of common ground. To prove this fact, he states: “We join our voice with others in unreserved condemnation of acts of cruelty or attempts to belittle or mock any group or individual that is different – whether those differences arise from race, religion, mental challenges, social status, sexual orientation or for any other reason. Such actions simply have no place in our society.” The fact that he, and by extension Church leadership, even had to make this statement shows us something about the public perception of the Church. Public perception can and, in many cases, is much skewed. Many of the officials who made these statements of petition towards the Church don’t realize the fact that the Church truly is about equality. President Packer’s statements were not in any way against the people struggling with homosexual tendencies; they are, however, much against the act of homosexuality. In fact, Brother Otterson goes on to say, “Further, while the Church is strongly on the record as opposing same-sex marriage, it has openly supported other rights for gays and lesbians such as protections in housing or employment.” It is certainly not the goal of the Church, as stated in this article, to attack LGBT’s or their happiness or agency; it is their goal to uphold the institution that we hold to be most sacred: marriage between a man and a woman. Those who have the idea that the Church is anything but loving and tolerant towards those who have homosexual tendencies it simply wrong, and that is made very clear in this article.
Standing Firm in the Defense of Truth
The second fact that Brother Otterson makes clear is that the Church and its leadership stand by their statements. In a clear, didactic way, Brother Otterson states that, “As a church, our doctrinal position is clear: any sexual activity outside of marriage is wrong, and we define marriage as between a man and a woman.” Without equivocation, this statement – no different than the message found in President Packer’s original talk – responds to the heat of public opinion directly and unabashedly. The Church will not submit to calling good evil and evil good. The Church will not budge, squirm, buckle, or back down to confrontations. They will, however, preach against sin in any form – whether it be murder, dishonestly, pornography, or homosexuality. This Church has its doctrine and it is willing to keep it, despite any flack that may come.
A Doctrine of Love
The third fact – paramount to all other points made in the article – is that, “The Church’s doctrine is based on love. We believe that our purpose in life is to learn, grow and develop, and that God’s unreserved love enables each of us to reach our potential. None of us is limited by our feelings or inclinations. Ultimately, we are free to act for ourselves.” The fact is that the Church teaches love consistently and openly for all, no matter whom they are. Although not every member might be practicing this doctrine perfectly, the Church should not be held responsible because of tragic events that occur because of bullying and terrorism. The doctrine is clear: follow Christ. “Jesus Christ, whom we follow, was clear in His condemnation of sexual immorality, but never cruel. His interest was always to lift the individual, never to tear down.” Mean-spirited jokes and scathing remarks are not part of the acclaimed doctrine of the Church; however, the people in the Church are not perfect and the HRC must have gained this understanding after this response was made.
Speaking from Experience
Other interesting points made in this statement – ones that simply add to the ethos of the speaker – are also added. A quote is mentioned by Otterson that builds upon a seemingly forgotten fact: this Church is no stranger to unwarranted abuse. The Church knows what it is like to be belittled, scourged, torn-down, mobbed, hated, driven-out, and killed. This point, however true it is, was not made to provide an excuse for the behavior of select members. In fact, it is quite the opposite. “This Church has felt the bitter sting of persecution and marginalization early in our history... [We] should therefore, of all people, be especially sensitive to the vulnerable in society and be willing to speak out against bullying or intimidation whenever it occurs, including unkindness toward those who are attracted to others of the same sex.” Admitting this fact - the fact that Church members must work harder than they are now at loving all of God's children - is a sincere act of humility, one that should not go unnoticed by this audience.
Our True Message
The fact is that the Church’s true doctrine, the doctrine it preaches in the walls of its sacred chapels and indeed the doctrine explained in this reply to the HRC, is not “inaccurate” or “dangerous” in any way. It is clear: any sexual activity outside of marriage is wrong, and we define marriage as between a man and a woman. That is the simple truth. This doctrine is not in any way saying that those who are gay or lesbian, “don’t deserve love,” despite how anti-Church organizations have seemed to think. It is not one that should strike fear or terror in the heart of any young man or young woman. Instead, the doctrine in this news release and in President Packer’s talk should only inspire hope and peace in the hearts of all who listen. To quote President Packer, “Every soul confined in a prison of sin, guilt, or perversion has a key to the gate. The key is labeled “repentance.” If you know how to use this key, the adversary cannot hold you. The twin principles of repentance and forgiveness exceed in strength the awesome power of the tempter. If you are bound by a habit or an addiction that is unworthy, you must stop conduct that is harmful. Angels will coach you, and priesthood leaders will guide you through those difficult times.”
In this reply, Church leadership has managed to portray an increase of love while remaining firm in their beliefs. The Church was able to strike the perfect balance: a balance between love and fortitude, between mercy and justice. It is educational to the uninformed and resolute to the opposition. No unbiased reader – reading without the intent to destroy – can honestly misinterpret the facts outlined in this article. The Church is not at odds with The HRC; in fact, on this issue, it joins them in saying that terrorizing and victimizing is wrong. However, the Church holds true to its belief about the sanctity of marriage and is clear in this response that is will never let go. Ultimately, love is the guiding light for the Church’s doctrine, a love that comes from the fountain of all righteousness: Jesus Christ. Those who do bully and scathe LGBT’s are not living in accordance with the clearly stated standard. Encapsulating these facts beautifully in this well-delivered message, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has managed to respond to the whirlwind of hate in a calm and clear way.
Related Articles:
"Cleansing the Inner Vessel" by President Boyd K. Packer
"Helping Those Who Struggle with Same-Gender Attraction" by Elder Jeffery R. Holland
The Family: A Proclamation to the World
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