21 on the way to catch his flight for California.
That turned the whole conversation, he recalls, and several later apologized to him and even asked his advice on how to be more sensitive.Įverything was happening right on schedule - until he lost his wallet Oct. One night, some of the others were making jokes about gays, and Smart gently called them out, saying that his mother was gay and to please stop.
While in the church’s flagship MTC, Smart enjoyed gaining new skills and new friends, among his “district” of missionaries. (Photo courtesy of Adam Smart) Adam Smart, center, with his Ventura, Calif., Mission leaders, David Nakken, right, Stephanie Nakken.
In our view, it doesn't really become a problem unless someone is out attacking the church and its leaders - if that’s a deliberate and persistent effort and trying to get others to follow them, trying to draw others away, trying to pull people, if you will, out of the church or away from its teachings and doctrines.” “We have individual members in the church with a variety of different opinions, beliefs and positions on these issues and other issues,” Christofferson said. Todd Christofferson, whose brother Tom is gay, weighed in on this question in March 2015. This is consistent with the previous statements of church leaders.”
In a temple recommend interview, members may counsel with their leaders about whether they are living in accordance with church standards. “To qualify for a temple recommend, members must affirm that their personal beliefs and actions are consistent with the church’s teachings, practices and doctrines.
“Members are free to have their own views on matters of policy,” church spokesman Eric Hawkins wrote in a statement. And inconsistency among officials - Smart’s views of LGBTQ rights had been OK with his Idaho lay leaders who had interviewed him before he left for his mission - can be tough for members to navigate.Ĭan Latter-day Saints who support same-sex marriage privately among family and friends - or publicly by posting entries on Facebook, marching in pride parades or belonging to gay-friendly organizations such as Affirmation or Mormons Building Bridges - do so without the threat of losing their church membership or temple privileges?