Homosexuality
"People inquire about
our position on those who consider themselves so-called gays
and lesbians. My response is that we love them as sons and
daughters of God. They may have certain inclinations which
are powerful and which may be difficult to control. Most
people have inclinations of one kind or another at various
times. If they do not act upon these inclinations, then they
can go forward as do all other members of the Church. If
they violate the law of chastity and the moral standards of
the Church, then they are subject to the discipline of the
Church, just as others are" (Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, Nov. 1998, 71).
Additional Information
"We want to help these
people, to strengthen them, to assist them with their
problems and to help them with their difficulties. But we
cannot stand idle if they indulge in immoral activity, if
they try to uphold and defend and live in a so-called
same-sex marriage situation. To permit such would be to make
light of the very serious and sacred foundation of
God-sanctioned marriage and its very purpose, the rearing of
families" (Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, Nov. 1998, 71).
See also Chastity
Church Magazine Articles
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"Helping Those Who Struggle with Same-Gender Attraction"
Jeffrey R. Holland, Liahona, Oct. 2007, 40–43; or Ensign, Oct. 2007, 42–45
You have a loved one or friend who struggles with same-gender attraction and asks for your help. What do you say? What can you do?
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"Compassion for Those Who Struggle"
Ensign, Sept. 2004, 58–62
Friendship and compassion can strengthen those dealing with same-sex attraction.
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"My Battle with Same-Sex Attraction"
Ensign, Aug. 2002, 48–51
I was certain Heavenly Father had given up on me. How wrong I was!
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"When a Loved One Struggles with Same-Sex Attraction"
A. Dean Byrd, Ensign, Sept. 1999, 51–55
Families and friends can reach out to those with homosexual difficulties by relying on accurate information and on guidance from the Lord's prophets. There is no struggle for which the Atonement is not sufficient.
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"Same-Gender Attraction"
Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign, Oct. 1995, 7–14
God created us male and female. What we call gender was an essential characteristic of our existence prior to our birth.
Additional Online Materials
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God Loveth His Children
This booklet, available as both text and PDF (original graphical layout), provides counsel for individuals who experience same-gender attraction. It is helpful for their priesthood leaders and family members as well.
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Other Organizations and Resources
These resources are not sponsored by LDS Family Services, but they may provide assistance in dealing with challenges and issues. The purpose for providing these additional resources is to foster awareness of other community-based services and programs that are available to provide help and offer adjunct support.
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Interview with Elders Dallin H. Oaks and Lance B. Wickman
An interview conducted by Church Public Affairs staff to help clarify the Church's stand on these important, complex, and sensitive issues.
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Articles on Homosexuality
This page, sponsored by LDS Family Services, provides a list of Church-produced articles on the topic of homosexuality.
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Counseling Services
LDS Family Services
LDS Family Services has 57 offices throughout the United States and 12 international offices in Canada, Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Mexico, Chile, and Brazil available to provide counseling services to individuals, couples, and families.
