This guide is designed to help LDS families
in which a family member experiences homosexual attraction.
When such attraction occurs, it requires consideration
for every family member as well as understanding, supporting,
and nurturing the family member who experiences homosexual
feelings. Homosexuality is a complex and complicated matter,
one that has generated much religious discussion. While
there is no universal consensus on the causes or nature
of homosexuality, there is an emerging body of reliable
evidence as well as spiritual wisdom that can help guide
individuals, families, and ecclesiastical leaders who
deal with this issue.
Members of the Church are counseled to
assist individuals and families dealing with homosexuality.
As President Gordon B. Hinckley has said, in speaking
of the Church's attitude toward homosexuals, "We
want to
help these people, to strengthen them, to assist them..."
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
The authors of this guide make compassionate,
insightful suggestions for Latter-day Saint families that
include someone with homosexual orientation. They bring
a deep understanding to this task based on wide experience
in church leadership, academic preparation, and professional
achievement. One is a psychotherapist; the others have
been involved as Church leaders in counseling LDS homosexual
persons and/or they have experience dealing with this
in their own families.
The authors have served and do serve in
many church callings including serving as Relief Society
President, Young Women's President, two served as bishop,
one as mission president in Hong Kong, others served as
mission counselor in the Baltic states, stake mission
president,
bishopric and stake presidency counselors, gospel doctrine
or priesthood teachers. They are---
Robert A. Rees, Ph.D., Emeritus, University
of California, Los Angeles - Ron Schow, Ph.D., College
of Health Professions, Idaho State University - Marybeth
Raynes, M.S.W. LCSW, Marriage and Family Therapist
- William Bradshaw, Ph.D., Professor of Molecular Biology,
Brigham Young University
