I have read many articles and opinions in The Salt Lake Tribune written by current and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who are LGBTQ folks or those concerned about them. They lament how the church has ostracized and excluded them from full participation.
They want the church to come around to their way of thinking and apparently change church doctrine or policies.
Let me tell you, there are numerous ways you can be ostracized at church that don’t get publicity. Here is a partial list: drinking your caffeine at the wrong temperature, having an adult beverage with a friend, watching R-rated movies, not wearing the prescribed undergarments, not donating 10% of your income to the church, not accepting every assignment asked of you, having sex with the wrong person or at the wrong time, voting for a Democrat, not attending all your meetings, not giving unquestioning agreement with leadership.
You get the idea.
There are many rules, policies and social expectations that exclude many. Think of it as an HOA or club. If you don’t agree with all the rules and do not intend to abide by them, don’t move in or don’t join the club. Don’t expect them to change the rules for you. Just move on and realize the church may not be for you.
Robert Jennings, Draper
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