Homosexual Thoughts and Feelings Not a Sin, Says New LDS Handbook

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APOSTASY:
Homosexual Thoughts and Feelings Not a Sin, Says New LDS Handbook

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ARTICLE
November 11, 2010
7:43AM
Homosexual Thoughts and Feelings Not a Sin, Says New LDS Handbook
Post by Joanna Brooks

Changes to LDS Church policy on homosexuality will be presented to LDS
lay clerical leaders worldwide this Saturday, November 13.

The changes are being introduced through a global leadership training
satellite broadcast for the release of the newly revised Church
Handbook of Instructions (CHI), a 400-page lay priesthood manual
reserved for use by LDS Church members in local and regional lay
leadership positions.

Multiple advance copies of the CHI leaked on the internet reveal
significant changes to Church policy on homosexuality.


Websites are reporting changes (in CHI Book 2) as follows, with
deletions marked in strikeouts and additions in italics:

Homosexual behavior violates the commandments of God, is contrary to
the purposes of human sexuality, distorts loving relationships, and
deprives people of the blessings that can be found in family life and
in the saving ordinances of the gospel. Those who persist in such
behavior or who influence others to do so are subject to Church
discipline. Homosexual behavior can be forgiven through sincere
repentance.
If members have homosexual thoughts or feelings or engage in
homosexual behavior, Church leaders should help them have a clear
understanding of faith in Jesus Christ, the process of repentance, and
the purpose of life on earth. Leaders also should help them accept
responsibility for their thoughts and actions and apply gospel
principles in their lives.
While opposing homosexual behavior, the Church reaches out to
understanding and respect to individuals who are attracted to those of
the same gender. [Paragraph moved from second to third position.]
In addition to the inspired assistance of Church leaders, members may
need professional counseling. When appropriate, bishops should contact
LDS Social Services to identify resources to provide such counseling
in harmony with gospel principles.
If members feel same-gender attraction but do not engage in any
homosexual behavior, leaders should support and encourage them in
their resolve to live the law of chastity and to control unrighteous
thoughts. These members may receive Church callings. If they are
worthy and qualified in every other way, they may also hold temple
recommends and receive temple ordinances.
As was the case in reading the LDS Church’s October statement in
response to the controversy surrounding Elder Boyd K. Packer’s General
Conference Talk, these are incremental but significant changes. The
new CHI:

1. Removes the implication that same-sex relationships “distort” love.
2. Removes the imperative that members should repent for having
“homosexual thoughts or feelings.”
3. Removes the instruction that Church leaders should refer members to
professional counseling. This is especially significant because in
times past leaders were encouraged to refer members to practitioners
of reparative therapy such as Evergreen International. Reparative
therapy has been discredited by scientists and professionals and, in
some instances—including the electroshock aversion therapy prescribed
by BYU-affiliated practitioners in the 1970s—exposed as abusive.
4. Adds the counsel that LGBT members who remain chaste should be
“supported” and “encouraged” by Church leaders and be included in
every dimension of LDS life and practice.
As I said of the LDS October statement, the new CHI does not offer
institutional welcome or affirmation to LGBT people who want to live
full lives as LGBT people. It maintains that “homosexual behavior” is
sinful. It does not create space for LGBT Mormons to attend church on
Sunday with their partners, as I am able to do. But it does show
institutional LDS movement on LGBT issues, most crucially—one hopes—
for LDS LGBT young people who may have been brought up to despise
themselves simply for having homosexual thoughts and feelings. Church
leaders will play a pivotal role in making sure this message gets out
to local congregations, where it is most needed.

http://www.religiondispatches.org/dispatches/joannabrooks/3720/homosexual_thoughts_and_feelings_not_a_sin%2C_says_new_lds_handbook/