Revelation from the LordTHE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
OFFICE OF THE FIRST PRESIDENCY
November 13, 2015
wrote:To: General Authorities; Area Seventies; General Auxiliary Presidencies; Stake, District, Mission, and Temple Presidents; Bishops and Branch Presidents
Dear Brethren and Sisters:
This revelation is given to all general leaders of the church including "Sisters" of General Auxiliaries
THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
OFFICE OF THE FIRST PRESIDENCY
November 13, 2015
wrote:The Council of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles provides the following guidance in applying provisions on same-gender marriage recently added to Handbook 1:
A general mandate is given by the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve (without a sustaining vote by the General vote of the Church) as new policy is introduced into the Handbook by revelation.
THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
OFFICE OF THE FIRST PRESIDENCY
November 13, 2015
wrote:Revealed doctrine is clear that families are eternal in nature and purpose. We are obligated to act with that perspective for the welfare of both adults and children. The newly added Handbook provisions affirm that adults who choose to enter into a same-gender marriage or similar relationship commit sin that warrants a Church disciplinary council.
The Church affirms its "doctrine" about eternal families. The Church states it is "obligated" to act in effecting new policy in in effort to secure the general welfare of adults and children. Gay marriage is hereby proclaimed a sin that "warrants" a Church disciplinary council.
THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
OFFICE OF THE FIRST PRESIDENCY
November 13, 2015
wrote:Our concern with respect to children is their current and future well-being and the harmony of their home environment. The provisions of Handbook 1, Section 16.13, that restrict priesthood ordinances for minors, apply only to those children whose primary residence is with a couple living in a same-gender marriage or similar relationship. As always, local leaders may request further guidance in particular instances when they have questions.
The Church claims its concern is for the "well-being and the harmony" of children and is therefore instituting a ban on priesthood ordinances for the children of gay marriages.
THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
OFFICE OF THE FIRST PRESIDENCY
November 13, 2015
wrote:When a child living with such a same-gender couple has already been baptized and is actively participating in the Church, provisions of Section 16.13 do not require that his or her membership activities or priesthood privileges be curtailed or that further ordinances be withheld. Decisions about any future ordinances for such children should be made by local leaders with their prime consideration being the preparation and best interests of the child.
Children of gay marriages who are already members of the church are able to continue in full fellowship without restriction whereby no privileges will be "curtailed". But non-member children of gay marriages who have not been baptized are banned from joining the church.
THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
OFFICE OF THE FIRST PRESIDENCY
November 13, 2015
wrote:All children are to be treated with utmost respect and love. They are welcome to attend Church meetings and participate in Church activities. All children may receive priesthood blessings of healing and spiritual guidance.
May the Lord continue to bless you in your ministry.
Sincerely yours,
Children of gay marriages can come to church as visitors but they cannot join the church. This is the sincere will of the Lord Jesus Christ.
THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
OFFICE OF THE FIRST PRESIDENCY
November 13, 2015
wrote:The First Presidency
The matter is not open for discussion or debate. The First Presidency has acted and by revelation this policy is binding upon the entire Church.