In Salt Lake City this weekend, however, the church is finding unwavering support for its stance from a group representing Mormons who experience same-sex attraction.

Evergreen International, which offers itself as a resource to Mormons who "want to diminish their attractions and overcome homosexual behavior" does not involve itself in politics, executive director David Pruden said. But he added the group supports LDS doctrines and standards without exception.

In opening remarks this morning at Evergreen International's annual convention, board chairman Larry Richman publicly supported the church's advocacy on behalf of California's Proposition 8, emphasizing that marriage between a man and a woman "is central to the gospel plan of salvation" because "the sacred nature of marriage" is closely linked to the ability to conceive children.

"Those who favor homosexual marriage contend that 'tolerance' demands that they be given the same right to marry as heterosexual couples. But this appeal for 'tolerance' has a very different meaning and outcome than that word has meant throughout most of American history and a different meaning than is found in the gospel of Jesus Christ," he said. "Tolerance as a gospel principle means love and forgiveness of one another. In today's secular world, the idea of tolerance has come to mean condoning or accepting something - even if it is contrary to your values or beliefs."

Affirmation, another group representing gay Mormons, sees things differently. Committed gay couples seek legal marriage to maintain the integrity of the family, spokesman Micah Bisson said.

Last month, his group implored leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to open a dialogue Affirmation believes may help the church gain understanding and acceptance of its gay members and welcome their full participation in the church.

A meeting never happened. Church leaders told Affirmation a new director of family services must be named before any discussion can take place.

The delay disappointed the group's members, but they remain hopeful a meeting will eventually take place. "We believe everyone is acting in good faith," Bisson said.

His group and others are critical of Evergreen International's approach, saying the group's insistence that same-sex attraction can be overcome does little other than prolong unnecessary anguish.

Salt Lake City's Russ Baker-Gorringe, a one-time member of an LDS bishopric and stake presidency, participated in Evergreen International for 10 years, including as a member of the organization's board, before eschewing the group to openly explore his homosexuality.

"There's nothing godly about denying who you are," he said, adding he believes Evergreen International, by professing it can help individuals overcome same-sex attraction, "instead fuels the fire of the very thing it's trying to stop."

"If you come out to God, to yourself and to those who love you and be honest about who you are, everything will come together for good and you will be happy for having done it," said Baker-Gorringe, who married his partner Joe Baker-Gorringe in a religious ceremony this summer and plans a legal marriage in California Oct. 11. "There's nothing to be ashamed of. You should be grateful to your Creator for making you who you are."

Evergreen International's Pruden maintains many faithful Mormons will never share such a view.

Debate about Proposition 8, if anything, has prompted more inquiries to his organization. When issues related to homosexuality and the church are in the news, members experiencing same-sex attraction often feel more compelled to confront and address their urges, he said.

"Those individuals dealing with same-sex attraction need to surround themselves with individuals and organizations that will support them in their desire to remain faithful," he said.

Richman said about 500 people will attend at least part of Evergreen International's conference, which continues Saturday. Sessions cover topics ranging from "Fitting Into Your Ward," to "Healthy Intimacy with the Opposite Sex."

At 9 a.m. Saturday, William R. Walker of the LDS Second Quorum of the Seventy, will address the group. Evergreen International is not officially sanctioned by the LDS Church, but a general authority does typically address its annual conference. No one knows what Walker will talk about, but his remarks are much anticipated, Pruden said.

LISA CARRICABURU is editor of the Faith section. Contact her at lisac@sltrib.com or 801-257-8716.