By Adam Larson
A new pamphlet outlining policies on same-gender attraction within the LDS Church was posted on the church''s official Web site last week.
The pamphlet, titled 'God Loveth His Children,' details the official church position in relation to same-gender attraction and the laws of morality - an issue that has been in the public eye in recent years.
The focus of the pamphlet is largely that of the difference between temptations and immoral actions, and it employs an accepting and inviting tone to convey a message of support.
'Attractions alone do not make you unworthy,' it states. 'If you avoid immoral thoughts and actions, you have not transgressed even if you feel such an attraction.'
Within the document, Elder Dallin H. Oaks is quoted as saying, 'All of us have some feelings we did not choose, but the gospel of Jesus Christ teaches us that we still have the power to resist and form our feelings and to assure that they do not lead us to entertain inappropriate thoughts or to engage in sinful behavior.'
Though many counsels and suggestions for church members dealing with same-gender attractions are included in the pamphlet, it does not allege to contain an answer for the cause or reasoning behind same-gender attractions.
'While many Latter-day Saints ... overcome same-gender attraction in mortality, others may not be free of this challenge in this life,' it states. 'You are best served by concentrating on the things you can presently understand and control, not wasting energy or enlarging frustration by worrying about that which God has not yet fully revealed.'
President Bill Baker, of the BYU 21st Stake, said he sees the pamphlet as an affirmation of policies already in place and has, for years, echoed the counsel contained therein.
'One of the best things you can do is stay busy doing good things,' Baker said. 'Have other interests to take your mind off the issue so you can focus on things that will provide joy and fulfillment..'
'I give the same counsel to those who are single - to move on in a normal and healthy way,' he said. 'Continue to grow and learn, and develop your mind, talents and abilities to serve, so that this does not become the cause of other disappointments in your life. All have gifts and talents to be used to benefit others. Focus on what we have to offer. God will help us bear those burdens.'
Information contained within the pamphlet is also directed at the general populous of the church, counseling them to be charitable and compassionate.
'No member of the Church should ever be intolerant,' it states. 'No one is, or ever could be, excluded from the circle of God''s love or the extended arms of His Church, for we are all His beloved sons and daughters ... every blessing contemplated by Heavenly Father''s plan of happiness remains available for each of his children.'
Thomas Nielson, bishop of the 189th BYU student ward for the last three years, considers the release of this pamphlet beneficial to those experiencing same-gender attractions because it will help reduce the taboo nature of their struggles and hopefully help them to find support.
'I deal with this issue a lot,' Nielson said. 'I have dealt with this issue with both men and women alike. They all have to have a support group - a set of friends who know the issues and can hold your hand while you are struggling with them. Someone you can go to when you can''t go anywhere else. You cannot get through this without having someone understand you.'
The pamphlet, expected to be available soon through church distribution, is currently accessible only in Web format. A link to the document is provided in the Web version of this story.