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Last November, the Church abruptly changed the Handbook of Instructions. It added being in a same-sex marriage to the definition of apostasy. It also stated that children of married (or cohabitating) same-sex parents cannot receive a name and a blessing, be baptized, ordained, or serve a mission without First Presidency approval, and even then on conditions that the child (1) is committed to living the doctrines of the church, disavowing the practice of same-sex cohabitation and marriage; and (2) is of legal age and not living “with a parent who has lived or currently lives” in a same-sex marriage or cohabitation.

I do not personally agree with this policy change. I think it was wrong. I do not understand how this is what God wants from His Church, and I don’t ascribe this to God. I have tried, but I can’t get an answer that this is right.

These are my personal views, which should not be ascribed to anyone else. I simply felt the need to publicly describe my feelings on the topic. While I believe this policy is wrong, I do not believe the Brethren are without God’s light and knowledge. It’s complicated. I desperately love this Church, but I don’t think Mormonism requires that we all agree with everything that comes out of Salt Lake.

Friends of mine have expressed their opinions already, at BCC and elsewhere. Ronan in particular has written some very powerful things, which have weighed on my mind enormously:

No

Behold the Broken Camel

How Abrahamic Tests Work

Don’t Reap Me Bro

I am figuring out what it means to be an active LDS person who does not agree with this policy. A number of people feel lost and dismayed by this policy, and you may see some more posts at BCC about searching for Mormon identity in this new world. I must find a way to survive and even thrive in a Church that I love, even if I cannot agree with everything the Church does. I am not leaving; I am trying to find my way. I’m hoping that by writing about this, I can set the stage for navigating it all a little more clearly.

Thanks for your understanding.