Tag: mormon

Religious Freedom, Our Founding Fathers and Marriage Equality

We all learned in elementary school that the Pilgrims came to America so that they could practice their religion without persecution. They were willing to put up with hardships as they left their homes and countries in order to live their…

Things You Should Know When Watching TLC’s “My Husband’s Not Gay,” Joining North Star, or Considering a Mixed-Orientation Marriage

Due to the significant controversy surrounding the upcoming TLC show entitled, “My Husband’s Not Gay,” and (more importantly) due to the very high stakes surrounding the topic of LDS Mixed-Orientation Marriages (defined in this case as a gay, lesbian or bisexual…

An LDS Family Unites In Love For Their Gay Son, Brother, Nephew, Cousin

By Liisa Lowe Frei, Jordan Frei and the Frei Family My husband, Nick, and I have six children: four boys and two girls.  This is the story of our fourth child, Jordan. Almost two years ago I was in my…

The Doctrine of Celibacy

When Mormons speak of the Law of Chastity, they often define it as remaining celibate until marriage.  In actuality, it would be more properly defined as remaining abstinent until marriage.  Today, the words abstinent and celibate are frequently used interchangeably,…

What Words Can’t Define

Mormons, like most Christian’s, in pursuit of greater spiritual understanding, pursue Christ’s words in scripture. Who’s words, on any given subject, are more authoritative than those of the Savior himself? Even more notable are subjects on which Christ never spoke…

A Difference of Opinion

Over the past few years, I have had dozens of conversations with friends and family members who are active members of the LDS Church on the subject of homosexuality.  Most active members feel misunderstood and maligned by the ‘world’ and…

Shame and Affirmation

I am the father of a teenage gay son and the sun never sets on the drama and trouble that that boy can get into.  As such, there is a continuous need to touch base and talk about the things…

Lessons Learned: Going Back To Church After Transition

The last two Sundays were the first time I had been to church in 5-6 months, mostly because I feared going. The last time I had gone, I was wearing a suit and tie. Last week, I showed up to…

Christmas Cards

Christmas has come and gone.  It is now that carefree time between Christmas and New Year’s.  The Christmas tree is still up and Christmas lights still adorn the house.  There is a bit of a food hangover from family parties,…

A Grandmother Demonstrates Her Family Values

By Scott Van Tussenbrook Some of my favorite childhood memories are of times spent at Grandpa Tuss & Grandma Carol’s.  They lived in a little two-bedroom house on a third of an acre of property in Bountiful, Utah.  Their gigantic…