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Testimony by Chris J.  

Evergreen Conference

September 18, 2010

Brothers and sisters, it is now my privilege to share my testimony with you. I know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and is my Savior and your Savior, who atoned for all our sins so that we could repent. I know that we are the spiritual sons and daughters of God, our Heavenly Father. He has sent us to this earth to experience adversity and temptation, to try us and prove our faithfulness, that by obedience, repentance, and faith in Christ we may be qualified for the choicest blessings of Heaven. Our trials are given to us that we may learn to grow stronger through reliance on the Lord.

I didn't know that I had same-sex attraction growing up. I assumed that my strong feelings for my male peers were just the result of being socially disadvantaged or a byproduct of my depression. Later, when these feelings intensified during college I realized that I did have this challenge and that I needed help. Because I was not finding much relief from the acuteness of these feelings through counseling alone, I decided, against the advice of a counselor I was seeing at the time, to seek the aid of my local Evergreen- affiliated support group. By connecting with others with my same values, I have had many wonderful opportunities to be strengthened in my confidence and in my testimony, as well as to build others in turn. This has been one of the best choices I have made in my life.

Just as it is possible to pray and gain a testimony that the Gospel of Christ, taught by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is true, one may also pray and receive a witness of the truth of specific doctrines, principles and commandments. By the Holy Ghost, I know for myself that neither labeling myself as “gay”, dating other men, having a boyfriend, nor taking part in the culture, values, and practices of them that espouse living lives of homosexuality has any part in my Heavenly Father's plan of happiness for me. I share with you my bold belief that the individual who diligently studies the teaching of the Church and its leaders on this issue and who then prays in humility and submissiveness to know the mind, and will of the Lord will receive very similar if not identical direction and a witness of these things by this same power.

I have discovered that many of the things that would allure one to leave the Gospel for a different life can in fact be had in a life which is Gospel-centered, if one knows where to look. Such things as gaining acceptance from peers, living authentically, righteous sharing of brotherly or sisterly physical affection (like hugs; for example), social connectedness, and emotional closeness with friends can all be had outside of a life of homosexuality. This list does not include same-gender romance and immorality, because over time, these things are ultimately destructive to our souls and are contrary to God's Plan of Happiness. However, being able to find those other things within the context of a Gospel-centered life has given me the courage, conviction, and resolve not to partake of the wisdon of the world in matters of same-sex attraction.

I am far from perfect and have my own sins to confess before God, but I know that my efforts to live a virtuous life, imperfect as they are, have brought me many blessings- formost among them the presence and guidance of the Holy Ghost. A great many of these precious blessings would be lost to me, were I to choose disobedience by living as the world tells us we with same-sex attraction ought to be living. I know that such a life would not bring me lasting happiness.

I close by bearing my testimony of President Thomas S. Monson and all those who serve with him as general authorities of this church. Those who serve in this church are called by the Lord, from our beloved prophet down to each bishop and branch president. These men are not perfect and on occasion it may show, but I testify that blessings await those who honor their leaders in heeding their inspired counsel. God gives us commandments for our temporal and eternal happiness and welfare, and I testify that no commandments are given us for which a way is not prepared, that we may be able to learn to keep them with time and practice. I bear this witness in the glorious name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, amen.

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