Thursday, April 4, Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints lifted the ban that concerned members of the LGBTQ community.
The Mormons allowed the baptism of children of homosexuals, and gay marriage will no longer be considered a sin worthy of exile.
Policy adopted in 2015, in accordance with which persons who are in same-sex relations were «apostates» who must be expelled from the religion, has caused strong opposition and condemnation from the LGBTQ community and its supporters. But according to today’s statement by the highest leadership group called the First Presidency children of homosexuals can now to be baptized, if their parents approve of baptism and will allow their children to teach Church doctrine.
However, the Church notes that does not change its doctrinal opposition to same-sex marriage and still considers such relations as a «serious crime.»
«A very positive policy, announced this morning, should help the affected families, the statement reads. — In addition, the efforts of our members, in order to show more understanding, compassion and love, should promote respect and understanding among all people of good will.»
Cancel more strict rules represents the last of a series of changes made by the President of the Church Rassalam M. Nelson since he took office in January 2018. The new rules were warmly welcomed by the organizations that support LGBTQ representatives.
Troy Williams from the protection of the rights of LGBT «Equality Utah» called the statement of the Church a great step forward.
«Obviously that’s a big change for the Church, he said. — I think it will be of great importance for the healing of the latter-day Saint families who have LGBT relatives».
Sam Brinton, head of the Agency Trevor — the world’s largest organization for suicide prevention and intervention in crisis among LGBTQ youth, made this statement:
«The Trevor project welcomes the public commitment of any religious group to refer to the LGBTQ community fairly and equally, this statement of the LDS Church, the change rate is moving in the right direction, which is going to really change the lives of LGBTQ Mormons. Every day we listen to young LGBTQ people who are in crisis and struggling to reconcile himself with both LGBTQ and religious communities, and decisions about the termination policy of isolation can help LGBT youth feel seen, loved and less lonely.»
