Seer Stone

What does the Church teach about LGBTQ members?

Core teaching

The Church teaches that every person is a beloved child of God with divine worth. LGBTQ members and visitors should be treated with sensitivity, kindness, compassion, respect, and Christlike love; prejudice based on sexual orientation is contrary to the gospel (2 Nephi 26:33; Matthew 22:39).

The Church distinguishes between same-sex attraction and sexual behavior: experiencing same-sex attraction is not a sin, and members who do not act contrary to the law of chastity may hold callings, receive temple ordinances, have temple recommends, and—when otherwise worthy—receive and exercise the priesthood. The law of chastity teaches that sexual relations belong only within a legal marriage between a man and a woman; same-sex sexual relations and same-sex marriage are therefore not consistent with Church doctrine (D&C 42:22; 1 Corinthians 6:18).

Transgender members also have divine worth and should be treated with Christlike love. The Church teaches that gender is an essential characteristic of God’s plan and defines it in its policies as biological sex at birth; individuals who identify as transgender are welcome at Church meetings and may participate in many ways, while specific policies govern transition, ordinances, priesthood, temple recommends, and callings (Genesis 1:27; D&C 121:45). These matters should be addressed by local leaders with sensitivity, confidentiality, and love—not ridicule, rejection, or coercion.

2 Nephi 26:33

For none of these iniquities come of the Lord; for he doeth that which is good among the children of men; and he doeth nothing save it be plain unto the children of men; and he inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile.

Matthew 22:39

And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

D&C 42:22

Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart, and shalt cleave unto her and none else.

1 Corinthians 6:18

Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.

Genesis 1:27

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

D&C 121:45

Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven.

FAIR - Question: Since the Church teaches that homosexual conduct is sinful, does this mean it opposes efforts to protect those who engage in homosexual acts?

Summary: Several questions have arisen regarding the Church's approach to relations with the LGBT community. This page responds to those questions.

Light and Truth - LGBTQ+ Issues

Regarding sexual orientation, as the Church Handbook says: “The Church encourages families and members to reach out with sensitivity, love, and respect to persons who are attracted to others of the same sex. The Church also promotes understanding in society at large that reflects its teachings about kindness, inclusiveness, love for others, and respect for all human beings.”25 (emphasis added)

General Handbook - 38.6.15 Same-Sex Attraction and Same-Sex Behavior

The Church encourages families and members to reach out with sensitivity, love, and respect to persons who are attracted to others of the same sex. The Church also promotes understanding in society at large that reflects its teachings about kindness, inclusiveness, love for others, and respect for all human beings. The Church does not take a position on the causes of same-sex attraction. God’s commandments forbid all unchaste behavior, either heterosexual or same-sex. Church leaders counsel members who have violated the law of chastity. Leaders help them have a clear understanding of faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, the process of repentance, and the purpose of life on earth. Behavior that is inconsistent with the law of chastity may be cause for holding a Church membership council (see 38.6.5). It can be forgiven through sincere repentance. Feeling same-sex attraction is not a sin. Members who have these feelings and do not pursue or act on them are living in accordance with Heavenly Father’s plan for His children and with Church doctrine. Leaders support and encourage them in their resolve to live according to the commandments of the Lord. Members with these feelings may receive Church callings, have temple recommends, and receive temple ordinances if they are worthy. Male Church members may receive and exercise the priesthood. All members who keep their covenants will receive all promised blessings in the eternities whether or not their circumstances allow them to receive the blessings of eternal marriage and parenthood in this life (see Mosiah 2:41). The Church provides the following resources to better understand and support people whose lives are affected by same-sex attraction: In addition to the inspired help of Church leaders, members may benefit from professional counseling. Leaders may contact Family Services for assistance. See 31.3.6 for contact information. “Same-Sex Attraction,” Topics and Questions, topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org “Same-Sex Attraction,” Life Help, ChurchofJesusChrist.org

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