Top Mormon leaders sending letter to members, reaffirming God's law against same-sex marriage
Source: Salt Lake Tribune
In a letter to be shared with rank-and-file Mormons in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court's legalization of gay marriage across the nation, top LDS leaders are reaffirming the faith's steadfast belief in — and exclusive commitment to — heterosexual unions.
"Marriage between a man and a woman was instituted by God," reads the letter from the Utah-based church's governing First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, "and is central to his plan for his children and for the well-being of society." ... The letter instructs local lay leaders "to meet with all adults, young men and young women on either July 5 or July 12 in a setting other than sacrament meeting and read to them the entire statement."
... No matter what civil authorities in the U.S. or other countries dictate, Mormon officials "will not employ their ecclesiastical authority to perform marriages between two people of the same sex," the letter says, "and the church does not permit its meetinghouses or other properties to be used for ceremonies, receptions or other activities associated with same-sex marriages."
... At the same time, the highest-level LDS leaders urge Mormons "to love and treat all people with kindness and civility — even when we disagree." "We affirm that those who avail themselves of laws or court rulings authorizing same-sex marriage should not be treated disrespectfully," the letter states.
Read more: http://www.sltrib.com/lifestyle/faith/2682018-155/top-mormon-leaders-sending-letter-to
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