It’s a small step, but at least a step in the right direction.
New Mormon guidelines to be used worldwide by church leaders have been published and there have been some small, but significant changes in their attitude toward homosexuality.
The new handbook has eliminated the suggestion that same-sex relationships “distort loving relationships” and that gays should be ashamed and atone for their “homosexual thoughts or feelings.”
It also says that celibate gay Mormons who are “worthy and qualified in every other way” should be allowed to go on church assignments, participate fully in temple rituals, and even have “callings.”
Openly gay and active Mormon Mitch Mayne says that the changes are “baby steps in the right direction. At least the handbook takes the damning terminology out of it.”
We agree. Of course there are many more changes that need to be changed when it comes to church leaders’ attitudes toward homosexuality, but this just opens doors for positive change.
[Image via Ability Films.]