My thoughts on the Supreme Court Ruling!
The Supreme Courts decision does not alter or change what our Heavenly Father wants for His children. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I believe that a marriage is between one man and one woman.
In 1999, President Gordon B. Hinckley told the members of the Church the following:
"We regard it as not only our right but our duty to oppose those forces which we feel undermine the moral fiber of society. Much of our effort, a very great deal of it, is in association with others whose interests are similar. We have worked with Jewish groups, Catholics, Muslims, Protestants, and those of no particular religious affiliation, in coalitions formed to advocate positions on vital moral issues. ...Latter-day Saints are working as part of a coalition to safeguard traditional marriage from forces in our society which are attempting to redefine that sacred institution. God-sanctioned marriage between a man and a woman has been the basis of civilization for thousands of years. There is no justification to redefine what marriage is. Such is not our right, and those who try will find themselves answerable to God.
Some portray legalization of so-called same-sex marriage as a civil right. This is not a matter of civil rights; it is a matter of morality. Others questions our constitutional right as a church to raise our voice on an issue that is of critical importance to the future of the family. We believe that defending this sacred institution by working to preserve traditional marriage lies clearly within our religious and constitutional prerogatives. Indeed, we are compelled by our doctrine to speak out.
Nevertheless, and I emphasize this, I wish to say that our opposition to attempt to legalize same-sex marriage should never be interpreted as justification for hatred, intolerance, or abuse of those who profess homosexual tendencies, either individually or as a group. As I said from this pulpit one year ago, out hearts reach out to those who refer to themselves as gays and lesbians. We love and honor them as sons and daughters of God. They are welcome in the Church. It is expected, however, that they follow the same God-given rules of conduct that apply to everyone else, whether single or married.
I commend those of our membership who have voluntarily joined with other like-minded people to defend the sanctity of traditional marriage. .... You are contributing your time and talents in a cause that in some quarters may not be politically correct but which nevertheless lies at the heart of the Lord's eternal plan for His children, just as those of many other churches are doing. This is a united effort."
-President Gordon B. Hinckley
LDS General Conference, October 1999
My beliefs on marriage have not changed or wavered. However, I do believe in kindness, love and mercy for those that have different views.
I personally know people that are gay and lesbian. Do I agree with their life style? No, I don't! They in turn may not agree with me being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or Mormon as many refer to us. However, I choose the path of kindness and love, not hate! I love them as friends and children of God!
I have a friend that shared this analogy with me. She said, "Eggs come in different colors. They all look different on the outside, but when you crack it open...they all look the same inside!" We are all God's children!
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