Gay Mormon Men

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints concedes that same-sex attraction constitutes a delicate matter which necessitates benevolence, empathy, and comprehension. The 'Same-Sex Attraction' segment on ChurchofJesusChrist.org underscores the truth that, as a Latter-day Saint scripture conveys, God "loveth his children" (1 Nephi 11:17), and endeavors to assist every individual in attaining a deeper comprehension of same-sex attraction from a gospel viewpoint.

The Church does not adopt a stance regarding the genesis of same-sex attraction. Back in two thousand and six, Elder Dallin H. Oaks declared, "The Church doesn't hold a position concerning the sources behind any of these vulnerabilities or inclinations, including those connected to same-gender attraction."

Feelings related to same-sex attraction are not, in actuality, a transgression. President M. Russell Ballard stated: "Let's make this absolutely unambiguous: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints affirms that 'the experience of same-sex attraction is a multifaceted reality for numerous individuals. The attraction itself is not a transgression; however, acting on it is. Although people don't elect to possess these attractions, they indeed determine how to react to them. With affection and understanding, the Church extends its outreach to all God's offspring, inclusive of [those with same-sex attraction].'"

Despite the fact that same-sex attraction is not a sin, it presents a potential struggle. Despite the fact that someone might not have opted to experience these feelings, he or she can vow to uphold God's precepts. A parent of a child grappling with same-sex attraction, or identifying as gay, should opt to love and completely accept their offspring. As a collective of Church participants, Latter-day Saints ought to cultivate a welcoming milieu.

Those who experience same-sex attraction, or acknowledge themselves as gay, are entirely able to partake in the Church. As a Church regulation proclaims, 'If members experience same-sex attraction and are endeavoring to abide by the law of chastity, leaders endorse and promote them in their determination. These adherents may be given Church assignments, hold temple recommends, and partake in temple rituals if they are considered worthy. Male Church members are authorized to receive and implement the priesthood. The circumstances of certain devout members preclude them from receiving the blessings of eternal matrimony and parenthood in this temporal existence. They will be granted all promised blessings in the eternities, provided they honor the covenants they have established with God (refer to Mosiah 2:41).'