There were two changes made to the General Handbook of Instructions, which is the manual LDS church leaders use to specify in detail how the Church is to be run everywhere in the world.
The first policy change made was in regard to individuals who in same-sex marriages are now considered to be in apostasy. And the second change is that any natural or adopted children who live primarily in a home with same-sex parents are not eligible to receive a name and a blessing in the church. They cannot be baptized nor, confirmed with the gift of the Holy Ghost. And, they cannot be ordained to the priesthood nor, can they be recommended for missionary service.
Why would anyone want to belong to a Church that has a history of oppressing blacks, women, and gay people – including their children. I’m just trying to keep an open mind, so that I can understand the reasons behind these restrictive decisions made by the LDS Church.
Does this policy sound like something that would come from Jesus?
“At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.”
Mathew 18:1-5
Does that last verse, “And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me” say anything about how the LDS Church is prohibiting minor children from receiving the ordinances and blessings it offers to other children, who do not live in a same-sex environment?
It appears to many that this restrictive policy is very un-Christ-like. How would Jesus have handled this situation?
The LDS claim that their leaders are spirit-led. An LDS Apostle, Elder D. Todd Christofferson – of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, explained in an interview that, this policy originates out of compassion.
“It originates from a desire to protect children in their innocence and in their minority years.
… We don’t want the child to have to deal with issues that might arise where the parents feel one way and the expectations of the Church are very different.”
Elder D. Todd Christofferson
It seems to me that all the Mormon Church is doing, is creating a special category for the children of gay parents. The Church also teaches that children should not wait to be baptized beyond the age of 8 years old, because when they are baptized and confirmed, the Lord promises to give them daily guidance through the help of the Holy Ghost. Is this guidance important for some children, but not others?
If you look at the Church’s point of view, wouldn’t children raised in a home with same-sex parents, need the guidance of the Holy Ghost even more than others? Wouldn’t making the children wait 10 more years until they turn 18 to be baptized, put those children at a greater risk? Wouldn’t they need the guidance of the Holy Ghost more during those tender years not less, than other children?
As you recall, Jesus had some VARY serious remarks concerning those who offend by restricting little children from coming to Him.
“But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.”
Matthew 18:6
It seems clear to me that LDS Church leaders are trying to stem the rapid rise of acceptance of gay rights among young people. It appears to be an effort to designate gays as OUTSIDERS – to make them less comfortable being part of the Church. It leads people to believe that the LDS Church is more concerned about protecting its membership from these children of same-sex marriages, than it is about protecting those innocent children.
Turning children into cultural pawns violates every moral standard of conduct taught by Jesus. And, it puts Mormon leaders in jeopardy of wearing THAT MILLSTONE around THEIR neck.
