What Is The Position Of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-day Saints On Same-Sex Marriage?

The Vital Importance Of Marriage.

In 1995, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued "The Family: A Proclamation to the World," which declares the following:

'We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children. . . .

'The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity.'  (See link here.)


Position Of The Church

President Gordon B. Hinckley taught: “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.

“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” (See link here.)

Will the Position Of The Church Change On This Matter?

'On the question of same-sex marriage, the Church has been consistent in its support of traditional marriage while teaching that all people should be treated with kindness and understanding. If it is being suggested that the Church’s doctrine on this matter is changing, that is incorrect.

'Marriage between a man and a woman is central to God’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children. As such, traditional marriage is a foundational doctrine and cannot change.' (See link here.)

'..some news reports have given the impression that the Church has changed its stance on same-sex attraction. We caution (all) to remember that the Church’s position on the issue of same-sex attraction has not changed. The Church’s doctrinal position is clear and unchanging: Sexual activity should occur only between a man and a woman who are married. The Church teaches that same-sex attraction is not a sin, but acting on it is.'  (See link here.)

'Because the issue of same-sex marriage strikes at the very heart of the family and has the potential for great impact upon the welfare of children, the Church unequivocally affirms that marriage should remain the lawful union of a man and a woman.' (See link here.)

Civility And Kindness

'The gospel of Jesus Christ teaches us to love and treat all people with kindness and civility—even when we disagree.'  (See link here.)

'As Church members strive to protect marriage between a man and a woman, they should show respect, civility, and kindness toward others who have different points of view.

'The Church has advocated for legal protection for same-sex couples regarding “hospitalization and medical care, fair housing and employment rights, or probate rights, so long as these do not infringe on the integrity of the traditional family or the constitutional rights of churches.” In Salt Lake City, for example, the Church supported ordinances to protect gay residents from discrimination in housing and employment.

'The Church’s affirmation of marriage as being between a man and a woman “neither constitutes nor condones any kind of hostility toward gays and lesbians.” Church members are to treat all people with love and humanity. They may express genuine love and kindness toward a gay or lesbian family member, friend, or other person without condoning any redefinition of marriage.'  (See link here.)

'Consistent with our fundamental beliefs, ..the Church does not permit its meetinghouses or other properties to be used for ceremonies, receptions, or other activities associated with same-sex marriages. Nevertheless, all visitors are welcome to our chapels and premises so long as they respect our standards of conduct while there.' (See link here.)

Additional Resources

Homage to the Home: Why Society Needs Strong Families

Church Instructs Leaders on Same-Sex Marriage
What is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' attitude regarding homosexuality and same sex marriage?

Same-Sex Marriage

The Divine Institution Of Marriage

By Sandy Munro

Funny Friday 4

Happy weekend to all!

By Sandy Munro

EMP Mormon Journal - Sister Kaiserina Iva

Last week my neighbor passed away. He ended his life. And although I didn't know him very well personally, his battle has affected me, personally.

Nice kid, he was. I remember him always cruising the block in his dark blue sports car. Always with company, always smiling. I didn't know he suffered from depression. I didn't know about the struggles he endured day to day. But I found I was asking myself - did I ‘have’ to know his personal issues in order to befriend him? To say hello? To offer a smile? Of course not.

Church leaders have always encouraged us to reach out across age and cultural lines to bless and serve others. I realise that it's not limited to the women I’m assigned to Visit-Teach each month. The Lord said in D&C 38:27 'I say unto you, be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine.'

I realise, right at this moment, that I have not been at one with the people in my community. I have not fully understood what it means to be at one with God, because if I had, I would not have unintentionally created barriers with members of my community because they live differently – because they are not Latter-day Saints, or are inactive Latter-day Saints, or for whatever other reason. I've been focusing on our differences for too long rather than the things we have in common. I've forgotten that they too, are sons and daughters of God experiencing mortality. And I have a responsibility and duty to be one with God and invite them to be one with Christ.

My children are small. In November, we’ll have 6 under 8 yrs. But I think I've been using them as my excuse to be selfish. Just because I need to have my eye on them to watch them, doesn't mean I can’t offer my friendship – or a smile, or a hello, to the people on my street, the other parents at school or others in my extended community.

  

The love of our Savior extends beyond my home. It extends beyond the Relief Society room and my comfortable little pocket of Mormon friends. It encompasses the people I live alongside, down the street with, around the corner and in the next suburb. I thought I already knew that, but I guess I’m still learning.

My neighbour's mum wrote this on his Facebook page a few days after he passed away:

To my sweet beautiful son,

The day you blessed my life I knew you were an angel sent from above. You didn't need to show your wings to me, I just knew.

It was an honor and a privilege that you chose me to be your mother and your best friend.

You held me up through life and lead me through just by the love and happiness you gave me each and everyday.

You were a guiding light through my darkest days and you were my strength when I had no more left.

I understand it was time for you to show your wings and spread them wide once again and I know that each night and day those wings are strongly wrapped around me, and you will never let me fall.

I love you as much as all the sand and if my love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.

Be at peace my beautiful angel xxx

The words of his mother touched me. And she could have easily been talking about the Saviour in her heartfelt tribute to her son.

In the case of our big brother who is Christ the Redeemer, his life was filled with daily selfless service to others. He strived for obedience and perfection, kept daily communication with Father in Heaven and acknowledged his divinity. He tells us how to pattern our lives in 3 Nephi 27:27 'What manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am.' He suffered and was crucified for the sins of the world and rose again on the third day, preparing the way for us to overcome spiritual and physical death. Only by His mercy and grace can anyone enter into the Kingdom of our Heavenly Father. His love CAN save us. He is the Lord God Omnipotent and will be Lord of the Church, my street, community and world forever.

By Kaiserina Iva

Kaiserina was born in New Zealand and moved to Australia with her husband in 2005, one week after their marriage in the New Zealand temple. She was born in the Church, and is of Samoan and Chinese ancestry.  She speaks both Samoan and English.  Although Kaiserina misses her family in NZ, she enjoys the weather here. She enjoys being in the sun, swimming, reading and sewing.  Her current calling is to teach in Relief Society.  Past callings have included working in Primary, and playing the piano for various groups. Francis and Kaiserina are expecting their seventh child in November.  "I love being a mum.  I think it's very rewarding, and the kids are very kind. They want you to succeed, and they help you along the way." She says that the challenge from Church leaders to read the Book of Mormon twice this year "is doing wonders for me!"

(By S. Munro)

Sister Vivian Villalobos

Vivian is Spanish-speaking, and is finding the language barrier very difficult since she moved to Brisbane.  Although her daughter, Helen, was there to help, Vivian really speaks English very well. 

What would you like the sisters to know about you?
"I would like the sisters to know that I am always available to help and to be a friend!  I am always grateful for my own leaders in our stake and in our ward, and all the efforts that the Church puts in.  I feel a lot of love and respect for all my sisters, but I can't express it very well.  All the sisters are an example to me.  I have a big testimony of the Church.  My testimony is very important to me.  It's helped me a lot in my life, in so many different situations.  I know I am a daughter of God.  I know He loves me.  Sunday is very important to me."

Vivian and her husband joined the Church almost 30 years ago.  Eleven months later, as they were preparing to visit the temple in one month's time, Luis had an terrible accident.
"I was pregnant with Helen; it was Christmas time, and I had two children.  Our Stake President gave him a blessing and it was the only thing that (Luis) remembered.  He was in a coma for three days.  His eyes were closed, but they opened when our stake president gave him the blessing.  He was very sick for a long time. He could not remember anything of the three months.  But he remembered that the Stake President came. The blessing saved his life."

What makes you happiest?
"The Gospel. Children. Family. The scriptures. Heavenly Father.  When we feel bad, I know reading scriptures and my prayers helps me to feel better."

What advice would you give the sisters?
"I like always for the sisters to say hello and be happy.  For the sisters who are very cheerful and have love, who greet others and make them feel welcome - to keep doing it. And for those who don't, just to maybe build the courage to do so.  Just to maybe even be more aware of those who may need the smile.  Sit close.  Say hello.  Sometimes we are so busy, but it's the simple things."

Past callings?
"Primary president, Relief Society president, Young Women president, and Compassionate Service Leader, in my (Spanish-speaking) ward in Sydney.  I love to give service and to have callings and responsibilities. I love to be more actively involved in Church.  My favourite calling is compassionate service."

How would you describe yourself?
"Friendly.  Gets nervous easily.  Very family orientated.  Hard worker.  Determined.  Loves being a mother." Vivian's mother says that Vivian is:  "a very good daughter to her."  (Helen added: 'Very humble. And very strong.')

Vivian was born in Chile.  After joining the Church, her family came to Australia.  They were very happy in Sydney, then moved to Brisbane eight years ago for Luis' work.  They have five children - three boys and two girls, and 41/2 grand-children.  Their youngest daughter, Karen, is currently on a mission in California.  Vivian's husband, Luis, was diagnosed with bowel cancer and operated on eight weeks ago, but is doing well now and is back at work. Vivian loves dancing, and is a wonderful home-maker, but her particular interest is in flower-arranging.  She worked for 19 years as a florist in Sydney - something she misses a lot!  Vivian also has a wedding hire and decorating business that she runs from home, for which she prepares functions about once a month.  She truly loves to give service and would love 'to be used more' if possible. Vivian tries to keep social, and to keep 'doing', but she sometimes misses the friends and the responsibilities she enjoyed so much in their Spanish-speaking ward in Sydney, and she would love to do more with the sisters here. The Villalobos family live in Loganholme ward.


By Sandy Munro

Sister Annie Parrish's Famous Chocolate Fudge Recipe

When people talk about 'angels among us' they might well be referring to Sister Annie Parrish, who has given freely of her hugs, her love and kindness, and her delicious baked goods, to everyone she meets, for the last 50 or 60 years.  Countless people have been delighted to find a small brown paper bag full of goodies, or a homemade sugar Easter egg, or Christmas treat, or container of chocolate fudge, pressed into their hand on a Sunday...    'It's better to give than to receive,' Annie says, 'even if it's a hug, a kiss, or a smile.'   Annie's advice for us is: 'We can't be too friendly!  You can go out of your way to say hello to people..'  

Annie's Chocolate Fudge 

2 cups of white sugar

1/3 cup Golden Syrup

1/2 cup full-cream milk

2  slightly rounded *tablespoons cocoa

2  well-rounded *tablespoons butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

Add all of the ingredients, except for the vanilla, into a saucepan, and stir with a wooden spoon until the mixture boils.  Turn down the heat a little, and keep stirring while the mixture boils until it reaches the soft boil stage, (about 5 minutes).  Remove from the heat and add the vanilla.  Beat with the wooden spoon until the mixture thickens, but is still spread-able.  (If you stir for too long the mixture will become hard and grainy, and it will become set in the pan.  Take it out before it hardens.)  Turn into a small, greased and papered 20cm x 20cm pan.  When it has set, lift out of the pan using the paper, then cut into squares.  '..give some of it away..'

*NOTE

The tablespoon that Sister Parrish used to measure the ingredients in this recipe is one of the larger, old-fashioned ones, like the one shown to the left in this photo.  To compare for size, next to it is a smaller, modern tablespoon, then a modern dessert spoon and teaspoon.  

Sister Annie Parrish was born in Brisbane in 1934.  She joined the Church with her husband, Frank, when she was 25.  They have 5 children, 14 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.  Over the years she has served as a Relief Society president, a Seminary teacher, as a Ward and Stake Primary president, in Young Women, as ward librarian, as a cub leader... 'I don't think there is anything that I haven't done'.  She and Frank served one church mission in Papua New Guinea, and another in Perth.  For 13 years she served as a self-appointed 'Greeter' in Waterford ward, and has been serving as a worker in the Brisbane temple for the past 11 years. Her current shifts there are on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday nights.  Annie enjoys cross-stitch, cooking, jigsaw puzzles and crossword puzzles.  She loves to be friendly.

By Sandy Munro

'The Price That I Paid To See This View'

It's our testimony, as members of the Church, that God loves us.

Elder Orson F. Whitney taught that: “No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted.  It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude, and humility. … It is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire.” 

I think you'll love this beautiful musical video, in which Hilary Weeks sings of taking 'the rain with the sunshine'..

The two sisters featured in the video are Stephanie Nielson and Mariama Kallon.  (Click on their names to read their stories.)  Stephanie was badly burned in a terrible accident, and Mariama lost her family in the tragic war in Sierra Leone.  Both have found the strength to be happy again.

The Monument

God, before he sent his children into the world, 

Gave each of them a carefully selected package of problems.

"These, He promised smiling, are yours alone.

"Only you have the special talents and abilities that will make these problems your servants, 

And no one else may have the blessing these problems will bring you.

"So, go down to your birth, and to your forgetting.

"Know that I love you beyond measure.

"The problems I give you are a token of my love.

"The monument you make of your life, with the help of your problems, 

Will be a token of your love for me."

Your Father

- Blaine M. Yorgason

By Sandy Munro

Funny Friday 3

By Sandy Munro

EMP Mormon Journal - By Leonie Stewart

I received some personal revelation recently. I had been pondering why answers seemed

to come to me very slowly.  In fact I sometimes wondered, when I did finally feel some light

shining on a matter I had been concerned with, if I had imagined or conjured up the answer myself.

'Doubting Thomas' would sometimes appear, discounting and devaluing the answer I had received.

I had been feeling a need to improve the quality of my prayers, and to study in different ways, when I received a direct prompting.  I was in the temple at the time and I was walking up the hallway when it stopped me in my tracks.  It felt for a moment as if I was being spoken to quite clearly, but there wasn't anyone around.  I heard clearly in my head, 'Why do you not study more and pray longer. I am trying to reach you but you are blocking.  I have much to reveal to you.'  (To maintain their sanctity I have changed the words slightly.)

So I immediately put this to the test.  I was teaching a Relief Society class the following Sunday and had prayed, (more than usual), that I could receive some very direct inspiration.  I was very specific in these longer prayers and 'talked' to Heavenly Father in a more heart-felt way.  I received unmistakable guidance that I actually knew Heavenly Father was listening.  I still can't quite get my head around how He truly does hear everybody's prayers, but now I really KNOW he does.  Longer, more thoughtful prayers and greater diligence in studying the scriptures is opening my eyes and my understanding, and better preparing me to LISTEN to the answers. 

By Leonie Stewart

Leonie joined the Church when she was 15.  Her parents were supportive though not interested, but, although she didn't know it until later, her married sister Judy, and her husband Hank, were having the missionary discussions at the same time.  They were also baptised, and were a great support.  Leonie married Rick in the New Zealand temple, and they have 4 sons, and 8 grand-children.  Leonie has a degree in psychology and worked as a counselor.  Now widowed, she still works part-time, and also keeps busy as a temple worker on Wednesday mornings and second Saturdays, which she loves! Her interests include reading, movies, and dabbling in painting.  From EMP ward, Leonie is staying with family down the coast this year.

(By S. Munro)

Sister Hazel Kaese

Hazel (in pink shirt) with her husband Mitchell and their three children.

Hazel's family converted to the Church when she was 9 years old:

"My mother was very, very ill.  We thought she could die.  I told my best friend at school in Grade 3, and she told her Mum - who was Carol Bentley, who was the ward Relief Society president.  Carol believed that everyone within the ward boundaries should be taken care of, whether or not they were members of the Church.  She organised support, (food and other help), so all these meals were turning up.  Carol told her husband, Tom, and he came too, saying, 'we just want to help.'  The missionaries did yard work, and kept coming around and offering to help.  Carol was packing lunches and looking after Mum at home, for several months, without any expectation.  It wasn't like - you can only have this if you come and listen to our beliefs. It was just done with kindness and love.  Dad recognized that these were good people.  He finally said to the missionaries, 'You keep coming around; you might as well tell me what you believe.'  Dad had a question that he asked everyone religious who came to the door: 'What's heaven like?  Do you work there?  How do you get your food?'  He liked the missionaries' answer that heaven is a beautiful place, but that we continue to work, learn and serve others there.

"My mother also had a question.  Her father was disappointed with religion because my mother had a sister who had died when she was 6 months old.  The minister wouldn't give her a Christian burial because she hadn't been Christened, and he said that she was 'full of sin'.  My grandfather studied the scriptures and he spoke to (my mum) when she was leaving home, saying:  'At some point you will want to discover religion. You need to look for one that has a living prophet, because that is what the scriptures taught.  Also, knowledge should have witnesses to it, so when you are taught, it should be two people teaching.  You should believe that children are born without sin.'  The missionaries still came around teaching for 6 months before they were baptised, because my parents really wanted to know."

Do you have any advice for the sisters?

"Go with your passion in life.  When I entered Uni, it was so I could work with 'normal' children, but I discovered that my passion in life is working with children with disabilities."

Original art by Hazel

What would you like the sisters to know about you?

"I am a mother and a wife.  And a teacher for anyone who wants to know about looking after children who have disabilities.  The thing that got me through university and some other trials in life, is knowing that I am a daughter of God."

   

Original art by Hazel

Hazel was born in Tingalpa, Brisbane.  When she was very young her family lived in Canada for 2 years, then spent 6 months in England, before coming back to Australia.  She and Mitchell married in the Sydney temple 25 years ago, and have three children.  In 2010 Hazel commenced a 'Bachelor of Child and Family Studies' degree at Griffith University.  While currently studying for her 'Masters in Autism', she also loves her work as an Inclusion Support Facilitator at Noah's Ark, providing special needs support.  Hazel's past callings at church include a 15 year stint serving in Primary as the Primary Music Leader.  She and Mitchell now serve as Nursery Leaders in the EMP ward.  Hazel loves reading her text books, singing, and bush-walking with her family, but her special interest is in Aboriginal painting and art - something she has loved since she was a little girl, even before she learned that her grandmother was Aboriginal.  Previous to university, Hazel taught Aboriginal art and behavioural management, as a teacher aide and Cultural and Indigenous Arts teacher aide.

Hazel describes herself as:

"Generally happy, love helping people, love working with children, love sharing the knowledge I have learned with other people."

By Sandy Munro

List of Children's Picture Book Classics

Studies show that fluency in reading is a major key to success in life.  Picture books introduce children to a love of reading.

Picture books are important because...

They introduce the concept of reading...  and of writing...

They introduce children to the world of art...

They encourage conversation and interaction...

They help children to discover themselves and the world...

They help to increase vocabulary, comprehension, and listening and speaking skills...

They stimulate imagination and foster curiosity...

They help to develop reasoning and visual literacy...

They teach that books and reading are enjoyable and fun...

Reading to a child increases intimacy, builds trust and strengthens emotional well-being.

This list of children's picture book classics includes books that have continued popular over time, and that regularly appear on 'best of' lists.  You can click on each of the following book titles for a review.  Or click on the highlighted author's names to see their other books.  (Note - if you are taken to the Goodreads site, scroll down the page to read reviews from hundreds of readers.)

  

If you like to buy books, my favourite site is here.  It's cheaper than most and has free postage. Alternatively, check out the semi-annual Brisbane Lifeline Book-fest for some second-hand bargain buys.

You don't need to buy these books to enjoy most of them. You can access sites to hear books being read aloud here and here.  Or go to YouTube here, and type in the title of the book you'd like to hear read aloud.

LIST OF CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOK CLASSICS

'Press Here'  by Herve Tullet

'We're Going on a Bear Hunt'  by Michael Rosen       

'Pat the Bunny'    by Dorothy Kunhardt   
'Where the Wild Things Are'  by Maurice Sendak
'The Very Hungry Caterpillar'  by Eric Carle
'Guess How Much I Love You'  by Sam McBratney
'The Wonkey Donkey'  by Craig Smith, Katz Cowley

'The Rainbow Fish'  by Marcus Pfister 

'Are You My Mother?'  by P. D. Eastman 

'The Cat in the Hat'  by Dr. Seuss (almost all Dr. Seuss books)

'The Story of Ferdinand'  by Munro Leaf 

'A Bear Called Paddington'  by Michael Bond 

'Dear Zoo'  by Rod Campbell 

'The Gruffalo'   by  Julia Donaldson  

'Goodnight Moon'  by Margaret Wise Brown 

'Harry the Dirty Dog'  by Gene Zion     -    

'Russell the Sheep' by Rob Scotton

'Goodnight Moon'  by Margaret Wise Brown

'The Little Engine That Could'   by Watty Piper  

'Olivia'  by Ian Falconer    

'A Sick Day for Amos McGee'  by Philip C. Stead       

'Fancy Nancy'  by Jan O'Connor

'The Monster at the End of This Book'  by Jon Stone, Michael J. Smollin
'Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!'  by Mo Willems
'Pearl Barley and Charlie Parsley'  by Aaron Blabey
'Madeline'  by Ludwig Bemeomans
'The Giving Tree'  by Shel Silverstein
'The Polar Express'   by Chris Van Allsburg  
'Corduroy'  by Don Freeman

'The Kissing Hand'  by Audrey Penn,
'Harold and the Purple Crayon'  by Crockett Johnson   
'Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs'  by Judi Barrett       
'Animalia'  by Graeme Base
'The Complete Adventures of Peter Rabbit'  by Beatrix Potter

'Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy'  by Lynley Dodd   

'The Velveteen Rabbit'  by Margery Williams

'Love You Forever'  by Robert Munsch

'Stellaluna'  by Janell Cannon

'Curious George'  by H.A. Rey

'Owl Moon'  by Jane Yolen

'The Little House'  by Virginia Lee Burton

'If You Give a Mouse a Cookie'  by Laura Joffe Numeroff    

'Make Way for Ducklings'  by Robert McCloskey

'Each Peach Pear Plum'  by Janet and Allan Ahlgerg

'Chicka Chicka, Boom Boom'  by Bill Martin Jr.

'Stone Soup'  by Marilyn Sapienza

'Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day'  by Judith Viorst

'Barnyard Dance'  by Sandra Boynton

'The Giving Tree' by Shel Silverstein

'The Tiger Who Came To Tea'  by Judith Kerr

'There Was An Old Woman Who Swallowed A Fly'  by Pam Adams

'Where Is Baby's Belly Button?'  by Karen Katz

'Oh The Places You'll Go'  by D.r Seuss

(A good Nursery Rhyme book.)

(A good Fairy Tale book.)

(Some of my favourites from the list above are, 'Press Here', 'Pat the Bunny', 'Are You My Mother', 'We're Going On a Bear Hunt', 'If You Give a Mouse a Cookie', and 'Where the Wild Things Are'.)  Of course, many of the books we love are not necessarily classics.  These are a few other picture books that our family enjoy...

'Isabella's Secret'  by Jane Tanner 

'I Love It When You Smile'  by Sam McBratney
'Diary of a Wombat' by Jackie French
'Room on the Broom'  by Julia Donaldson

'Fancy Nancy'  by  Jane O'Connor    

'Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge'  by Mem Fox,
'Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!'  by Mo Willems
'The Dot'  by Peter H. Reynolds
'Pearl Barley and Charlie Parsley'  by Aaron Blabey
'The Wonky Donkey'  by Craig Smith

What are your favourite children's picture books? 

By Sandy Munro