| |
Petition Home Page
Below are links to church history and
personal stories of those who have experienced the pain that
comes from endeavoring to change their sexual orientation in
order to comply with church teachings and policy.
Personal stories,
Rocky, Drew, Val & Ray
Gay & Lesbian Member Suicide List
We Can Change History For Gay LDS
Lifetime
Celibacy or Excommunication
Policy
The Etiology of
Homosexuality from Authoritative Latter-day Saint Perspectives,
1879-2006
A Revised
History of Homosexuality & Mormonism, 1840-1980
Chronology Of Mormon / LDS Involvement In Same-Sex Marriage Politics
Mormons for Marriage
supports marriage equality for all, and stands in respectful
opposition to California Proposition 8.
Mormon Politics & Member Opinion
ABC News- Gay Mormons Face Excommunication
|
|
|
Foundation for
Reconciliation
All in the Family
"My
name is George Windes. I am an active high priest in the LDS church.
My
oldest brother Bill came out to my parents when he graduated high
school. My father rented a motel room for three weeks and told him
he was no longer welcome among us. Bill struggled for years, but
eventually found a companion & had 25 wonderful years together. He
died at age 51. His love for our parents was unconditional, he often
helped them, but his friend was never invited to their home. His
companion led our family in Bill's Catholic Mass (he'd converted).
We wept together.
My
next brother Len never came out. He joined the service, married,
fathered three children. When the marriage failed he moved to NYC
and found a companion. They had 17 years together. Len never told my
folks, never came home for holidays. Today I've brought him back to
California and am a partial caregiver. He is my brother, I love him
unconditionally. He has become an atheist, though I speak
occasionally of God's Grace.
My
oldest son is a special man. He is an activist for the environment
and for civil and social rights. He loves his family, his nephews &
nieces. I knew from early on, Spence was on the path of his uncles.
But because I wanted a mission for him (he did go), a marriage,
grandchildren, I said nothing. He suffered pain, rejection, church
ecclesiastical action and considered suicide. When he could stand it
no more, he left. He lost a 100 pounds via Rugby and found
friendship & acceptance. If he ever marries, I'll pay for the
wedding. If Heaven rejects him, I will join him in Hades. He is my
son and I have apologized for not standing with him in his youth. He
has accepted my apology.
It's
time Brethren. Do what Uncle Spencer did, change the policy and
change lives. Redemption is for all of God's children. He created
us." -George
Windes
|
|
|
Please take time to read this petition, as well as read the stories and
links provided, and pass this information on to your friends and
link to us if you have a website or blog.
By
doing so, you will be sending a message to the leaders of the Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that it is time for
reconciliation between the Church and its gay and lesbian members.
More importantly, you will be showing support for those who have
been hurt by Church policies and practices because of their sexual
orientation.
"Gay, lesbian and bisexual teens and
young adults have one of the highest rates of suicide attempts — and
some other health and mental health problems, including substance
abuse. A new study suggests that parental acceptance, and even
neutrality, with regard to a child's sexual orientation could have a
big impact in reducing this rate."-NPR, All
Things Considered, December 29, 2008
"I
implore the students at BYU to re-assess their homophobic feelings,"
wrote Stuart Matis in The Daily Universe
shortly before
committing suicide. "Seek to understand first before you make
comments. We have the same needs as you. We desire to love and be
loved. We desire to live our lives with happiness. We are not a
threat to you or your families."
"Utah’s overall suicide rate is the 10th highest in the nation.
Unfortunately, it is the leading cause of death for Utah males ages
15 to 19, who die at a rate nearly double the national average. It
is the leading cause of death for adolescent males in Utah."-KUED.org
Voices of Hope Discussion Guide
"Thank
you,
Carol Lynn Pearson,
for reminding us that the task of any religion is to teach us whom
we're required to love, not whom we're entitled to hate." - Rabbi
Harold Kushner
About
Us
|
|
