Given the recent decision of the Mormon Church to excommunicate LGBT couples and bar their children from baptism and church membership, we thought it would be best that we respond in some manner. While this is a move that will affect Mormon LGBT people across the world, it has particularly raised concern in our local community.
Get Reading reported on a member of a Mormon Church in Tilehurst that spoke out against this recent decision. First and foremost, an act of compassion in the face of intolerance and hate is a brave thing to do. Knowing full well they were directly disagreeing with their own church, this unnamed person had the conviction to take this matter to the local media. However small this act may seem to the person who made it, to the media or even to the church, it makes a difference. While it is cause for concern that decisions such as this still happen, there is hope in the fact that there are people standing against it. (1) Speaking out like this sends a simple message. That not all people of faith wish to deny the rights of LGBT people. Hundreds of Mormons protested and resigned from the church in reaction to the new “Handbook of Instruction” that outlined these new policies.(2)
It would be very easy to get into a long discussion as to the what, why and who of religious attitudes towards the LGBT community and we will do so in due course. The doctrines of all major religions place love, compassion and altruism above hate. It is important to remember that the decisions made at the top of any organisations, do not necessarily reflect those who are part of it. So we would say thank you to those of faith who recognise this and hold their morals above that of their various religious or church leaders. It is only when people speak out and take action that change occurs.
“When religion catches up with society and embraces that it’s not a life choice but who we are. We will no longer need to stand up for the LGBT community and shout that it’s ok to be gay. Then our service will be required less to support those who are religious and LGBT.”
Lorna (Co-Founder/Chief Operations Officer)
“It is incredibly easy to cherry pick phrases from any religious text and use them to justify hatred. The challenge comes when you want to use a religious text to justify love. That is the fundamental core teaching of most religions.”
Alyssa (Volunteer)
“The key thing to remember if you are in a situation like this is to stay safe. If you are afraid about being found out or think it’s time to come out to your family, religious or irreligious, ensure that you have external support. If you need a safe space to have the discussion with your family then seek a charity like Support U.”
Peter (Volunteer)
“The option to stand in the face of oppression is one that is never easy but can make a huge difference to people’s lives. It highlights the acceptance and ongoing change in attitudes that people have towards the LGBT community.”
Nick (Manager)
(1)http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/tilehurst-mormon-speaks-out-against-10624749
(2) http://america.aljazeera.com/opinions/2015/11/the-mormon-church-turns-against-gay-families.html