Question
Gramps,
My wife and I know several members of the Church that claim to be homosexual. I keep trying to tell my wife that I am correct to say they are excommunicated if they choose to live that way after being counseled by Bishops, Stake Presidents and so forth. So Gramps, who is right? My wife or I?
Kevin
Answer
Dear Kevin,
I’m sure that no one would be excommunicated from the Mormon Church for having sufficient same gender attractions to label themselves as homosexuals. The point is however, whatever the sexual attraction, we are all under the same law to live lives of strict honor and morality. Any sexual relationships other than those between a husband and wife, legally and lawfully married, is strictly forbidden by the Lord. Further, we are required, as much as possible, to keep our minds clean and pure so that we may invite the presence of the Holy Spirit. To vicariously live lecherous lives by wallowing through unclean thoughts robs us of the Holy Spirit, and since our thoughts are the precursors of our actions, leads to actions as evil as the thoughts that they promote. That is one of the reasons why addictive pornography is to be shunned at all costs. As we read in Alma 12:14 in the Book of Mormon—
For our words will condemn us, yea, all our works will condemn us; we shall not be found spotless; and our thoughts will also condemn us; and in this awful state we shall not dare to look up to our God; and we would fain be glad if we could command the rocks and the mountains to fall upon us to hide us from his presence.
Gramps
