NOM

Talks like Elder Neil L. Andersen’s (he who once said “Give Joseph a break!”) afternoon talk praising a gay friend who has kept himself celibate and alone thanks to a misguided faith in his religion really set me off. How would he like to be sentenced to a life of celibacy, never being able to have romantic, intimate relationships? It’s not just about the sex - unable to ever have a lifetime companion? They make it sound so noble, so worth it - when really it is condemning a person to a lifetime of loneliness and isolation for no good reason.

Andersen told of a gay friend, who has been “true to his temple covenants” that require celibacy outside of heterosexual marriage.

The man has “expanded his creative and professional talents and has served nobly in both the church and the community,” the apostle said, and sympathizes with other gays who choose not to “keep the law of chastity in the world in which we live.”

I grieve for any homosexual who listens to his horrifically misguided advice and gives up their chance for a long-term, fulfilling relationship, all in the name of the Church’s bigotry and prejudices.

Elder Andersen preaches a lie - a homosexual cannot live a fulfilling life by doing what the Church requires of them. And leaders like Elder Andersen preach a life of loneliness they themselves would not want to have to live.

https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2019/04 ... faith-not/

I was actually really surprised that he admitted that what the straight leaders of the church demand of gay leaders isn't just chastity, it's celibacy. We don't like to use the word "celibacy" because it smacks of the Great and Abominable Church, even the Roman Catholics.

Anyway, insisting that you can't POSSIBLY be homophobic because you have a gay friend isn't a good look for an Apostle of the Lord.