I … wish to set forth,
as simply as I know how, my response to what people are asking.
My beloved brothers and sisters, it is a tremendous honor to
speak on this occasion.
We are interviewed frequently by the media these days. As many of you know,
I recently appeared on the Larry King Live television program. I
consented to do so because I felt that while there were possible hazards in
it, there also was a great opportunity to speak to the world on issues
before us.
In the course of the show Mr. King asked me point-blank, “What is your role?
You’re the leader of a major religion. What’s your role?”
I replied: “My role is to declare doctrine. My role is to stand as an
example before the people. My role is to be a voice in defense of the truth.
My role is to stand as a conservator of those values which are important in
our civilization and our society. My role is to lead.”
This reply was extemporaneous. I never expected that question. But in the
spirit of that response I have thought this morning that I would like to
raise a half-dozen or so questions we are invariably asked by those of the
media and other churches. For this occasion I must be necessarily brief.
Every one of these issues is worthy of a full discourse.
I have chosen these questions at random, not putting them in any special
order except for the first. I do not wish to argue with anyone. I respect
the religion of every man and woman, and honor them in their desire to live
it. I simply wish to set forth, as simply as I know how, my response to what
people are asking about us. ******
Question 2: What is your Church’s attitude toward homosexuality?
In the first place, we believe that marriage between a man and a woman is
ordained of God. We believe that marriage may be eternal through exercise of
the power of the everlasting priesthood in the house of the Lord.
People inquire about our position on those who consider themselves so-called
gays and lesbians. My response is that we love them as sons and daughters of
God. They may have certain inclinations which are powerful and which may be
difficult to control. Most people have inclinations of one kind or another
at various times. If they do not act upon these inclinations, then they can
go forward as do all other members of the Church. If they violate the law of
chastity and the moral standards of the Church, then they are subject to the
discipline of the Church, just as others are.
We want to help these people, to strengthen them, to assist them with their
problems and to help them with their difficulties. But we cannot stand idle
if they indulge in immoral activity, if they try to uphold and defend and
live in a so-called same-sex marriage situation. To permit such would be to
make light of the very serious and sacred foundation of God-sanctioned
marriage and its very purpose, the rearing of families. ******* Why are
we such a happy people? It is because of our faith, the quiet assurance that
abides in our hearts that our Father in Heaven, overseeing all, will look
after His sons and daughters who walk before Him with love and appreciation
and obedience. We will ever be a happy people if we will so conduct our
lives. Sin never was happiness. Transgression never was happiness. Falsehood
in word or behavior never was happiness. Happiness lies in obedience to the
teachings and commandments of God our Eternal Father and His Beloved Son,
the Lord Jesus Christ.
As I have said before from this pulpit, my brothers and sisters, we love
you. We love you for your faith and goodness. We love you for your
willingness to do whatever you are asked to do. We love you for your
obedience to the will of the Lord.
Knowing this work to be true, we go forward, each of us. May we make a
renewed effort to put on the whole armor of God and look to Him is my humble
prayer in the name of our Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.
© 2006 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. |
