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A member of the Mormon congregation in Tilehurst has spoken out against a decision by the church which she says discriminates against homosexuals and same-sex marriage supporters - and could lead to them being excommunicated.

The member of the Reading Latter-day Saints Chapel, who did not wish to be identified, said the decision had come from the highest levels of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The updated policy is written within the church's 'Handbook 1', which is distributed to church leaders as a reference point with which to make decisions.

The changes, which are cited here, say a serious transgression which may result in a disciplinary council includes "homosexual relations (especially sexual cohabitation)" and people in 'same gender marriage'.

Other transgressions listed include "forcible rape, sexual abuse" and "intentional serious physical injury of others".

The member of the church said: "It's happened worldwide throughout the whole church, it's a worldwide policy.

"They are choosing to [implement] it here in Reading.

"I fundamentally don't believe in it [but] there are people [at the Tilehurst church] who are professionals and I find it very difficult that they can have professional lives and not support equality."

This worldwide directive to excommunicate homosexuals and same-sex marriage supporters may also affect children born into the church.

What's in the Church's policy handbook?

The policy regarding children which are part of a same-sex family say: "A natural or adopted child of a parent living in a same-gender relationship, whether the couple is married or cohabiting, may not receive a name and a blessing."

It goes on to say a child of a parent in a same-sex relationship can only be baptised if approval is received from the Office of the First Presidency of the Church.

This can only be obtained according to the handbook when:

"1. The child accepts and is committed to live the teachings and doctrine of the Church, and specifically disavows the practice of same-gender cohabitation and marriage.

"2. The child is of legal age and does not live with a parent who has lived or currently lives in a same-gender cohabitation relationship or marriage."

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' position

getreading approached the church for a comment and was directed to a selection of its websites.

On a page which seeks to clarify the church's position on same-sex marriage, a statement from the Office of the First Presidency reads: "The newly added Handbook provisions affirm that adults who choose to enter into a same-gender marriage or similar relationship commit sin that warrants a Church disciplinary council."

This statement is signed by President Thomas S. Monson and his counselors, President Henry B. Eyring and President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. It can be read in full here.

On another page, mormonsandgays.org it says: "Members of the Church who have same-sex attractions, but don’t act on them, can continue to enjoy full fellowship in the church, which includes holding the priesthood, carrying out callings, and attending the temple.

"Same-sex attraction itself is not a sin, but yielding to it is."