The LDS Church recently made headlines with new guidance for lay leaders in dealing with same-sex couples and their children. Critics call it a step backwards in the Church’s efforts to show compassion to the LGBT community. Defenders say it’s simply a reflection of Church doctrine. The LDS Church has declined to join us. So Thursday, historian and Mormon scholar Russell Stevenson takes us through the doctrine that under-girds the Church’s religious policies towards its LGBT members.

Russell Stevenson is author of For the Cause of Righteousness: A Global History of Blacks and Mormonism [Indiebound|Amazon] He has also authored articles for the Journal of Mormon History and Dialogue, including Manly Virtue: Defining Male Sexuality in Nineteenth-Century Mormonism.

LDS Church Sources

First Presidency Clarifies Church Handbook Changes

Commentary, Understanding the Handbook, Michael Otterson, Managing Director of Church Public Affairs

Elder D. Todd Christofferson Provides Context on Handbook Changes [Video]

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Scott Raia has created a beautiful portrait of what it means to be gay and Mormon. The story plays out on the campus of BYU in the year he is graduating to an uncertain future. That uncertainty is the centerpiece of the film and it has come even more into focus over the last few weeks as the LDS Church released a new policy about same-sex couples and their children. See it and share your thoughts.