Emotional Distance

Recently, I was asked to give a lesson from a Conference address in October by the new apostle Elder Renlund.  The last few lessons I have taught have been a significant struggle for me to teach.  My heart was devastated…

Some Church Leaders Are Seeking To Understand

By Diane Oviatt and Michael John Amesquita This post contain two different accounts describing the same Bishop who was willing to listen and learn from and about LGBT Mormons   Like so many fellow Mormons, especially those of us who…

The LDS Church’s Policy on Gay Parents and their Children–As Seen through the Lens of love

One of my Lithuanian students sent a note the night of the terrorist attack on Paris expressing appreciation for an essay I had written after 9-11 titled, “America’s War on Terrorism: One Latter-day Saint’s Perspective,” and informing me that there…

The Scarlet Letter: Apostasy

“…if truth were everywhere to be shown, a scarlet letter would blaze forth on many a bosom…” The last few weeks have been agony.  On November 5th, the Church shifted its policy regarding LGBT members.  Now any LGBT person who…

Our Leaders Need To Hear Your Concerns About Policies Toward LGBT Mormons

I urge everyone who has a concern about the new church policy to write their local leaders. If we care about the church and those who are being hurt by this policy, I believe we have a right and an…

Sadness

A couple years ago, a member of the Bishopric in a previous ward shared how happy he is in the Church.  He shared how happy the gospel makes him and his family.  He finished it off with, “I don’t even…