Originally published Monday, October 4, 2010
I realize that I will probably offend many with these words, and possibly even damage a couple of friendships that I've kept with current members of the LDS church. I don't care, I have to be true to myself and this message has been boiling inside of me and must be shared.
In the wake of recent multiple suicides from rejected and socially tortured gay youth, Boyd K. Packer chose this to be the opportune time to speak. To spread a message of intolerance, bigotry, and blatant stupidity. He made bold and dangerous assumptions that homosexuality is "impure and unnatural" while making claims that, like a disease, this too can be treated and cured. By spreading this message of hatred, he is continuing to fuel the very dangerous and rapidly growing fire that is killing off our overly misunderstood and mistreated gay, bisexual, & transgendered youth.
While I support both freedom of speech and freedom of choice in your personal beliefs, I ALSO support tact, education, understanding, and proper use of freedom of speech. None of the aforementioned were used in the case of the speech made by Mr. Packer. I fear these actions, in combination with the disgusting and unnecessary participation in support the prop 8 hate law, are going to be the sparks that will ignite a major civil war. On one side, an intolerant and mislead organization hellbent on shoving it's beliefs and opinions down everybody's throat whether they ask for it or not. An organization that is closed minded, and will not budge on it's outdated moral beliefs as society continues to evolve around it. On the other side, a people who have had enough. Who will fight for what we believe in to allow equal rights for ALL (even the members of the LDS church). People who aren't threatened by the ways others live their lives, and are willing to allow all to be themselves, and to be happy.
My message to you, The Church Of Latter Day Saints Of Jesus Christ, is this:
Your members misinterpret the purpose and actions of the protest that has been organized in response to this hate speech. One of your members stated " I will NOT protest against my Uncles Dad, sorry. Hope your walk around the church office building makes you feel better as all the brethren will be home by that time."
What your misguided church member failed to realize, as many of you do, is that it's not a "walk around the church office" nor is it intended to be seen personally by the "brethren" at the office. You are so shallow and naive that you fail to see that it is a display of unification, standing up against hatred and intolerance spread by your HORRIBLE excuse for a church. You claim to be christians, meaning you are "christ like" - but I see no forgiveness, understanding, or compassion in your words or your actions. You FAIL at being "christ like", and at being good & humane people. However, I forgive you for that as you do not know better due to the constant brainwashings and misguided teachings from your church today, and from those who taught the same lessons before you.
I challenge you to be more tolerant. I challenge you to actually show compassion and understanding to these tortured youth. You may not have to understand their sexuality, but you can definitely play a role in helping them feel less hated. I challenge you to allow others outside of your belief system to be happy, even if their beliefs do not coincide with yours. I challenge you to ACTUALLY be the "christ like" organization you claim to be.
You decide. Is this the beginning of a civil war, fueled by your hatred and intolerance? Is this the time where you rise to the challenge in order to grow into a better organization and better people as a whole? Only your actions will tell, but sadly enough - I think we all know the answer to those questions.
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