Official Statement Regarding Attacks on Churches
Saturday November 15, 2008
Yesterday the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sent out a statement urging civility and respect regarding the outcome of Proposition 8. They said:
"Since the people of California voted to reaffirm the sanctity of traditional marriage between a man and a woman on November 4, 2008, places of worship have been targeted by opponents of Proposition 8 with demonstrations and, in some cases, vandalism. People of faith have been intimidated for simply exercising their democratic rights. These are not actions that are worthy of the democratic ideals of our nation. The end of a free and fair election should not be the beginning of a hostile response in America....Read the entire notice in the LDS Newsroom article, "First Presidency Urges Respect, Civility in Public Discourse." It is sad that there has been so much contention on both sides of this issue. Jesus Christ said, "For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another" (3 Ne. 11: 29). May we all seek to respect one another as we each exercise our democratic rights.
"We call upon those who have honest disagreements on this issue to urge restraint upon the extreme actions of a few that are further polarizing our communities and urge them to act in a spirit of mutual respect and civility towards each other."
Of course, ‘traditional’ marriage has not always been the preferred option of the LDS church. Multiple marriages were practiced, even by its founder, Joseph Smith, who had a number of wives, even as young as 16 years!It was only under civil and political pressure that the church leaders had a ‘divine revelation’ to change this practice.
At least they were 16 year old girls.
Our church is a family orientated church.We are told in “The Proclamation to the Family” that marriage constitutes a father and mother, male and female. What happened in Joseph Smith’s time was by commandment from God. To my knowledge there has been no commandment in this dispensation toward more than 1 wife or 1 husband. As Latter-Day Saints, we obey the laws of the land.What else can we say?
I have one wife, given to me by GOD. I believe that some in our country want only what they want and not what the majority decide. If you don’t like the message please to not kill the messenger.
I have one and only husband!We respect yours, respect us!!!were not the only church who voted for that prop 8. Many other churches as well, lame !!! I’m from the Philippines yet aware of what’s going on there. If given a chance i would vote 100million times for yes!!!
I have read the comments about Joseph Smith and his many wives. I think partly you need to look at the time this was happening. Back then women needed husbands to take care of them and with the church being new and so many more women then men it became needful for these women to have husbands to take care of them. We do not know how many of these marriges were not consumated but I am also wondering were is the outrage over the other countries which exists right now with plural marrige you never hear anyone complaining about them. Also women did not have to enter into these marriges if they did not want to.They must have seen some benefit for themselves.
I have friends who practice the Gay and Lesbian lifestyles. In my heart I know they are living against God’s laws. I love my gays friends and I want all the blessings God has for them as much as I do any one if his children. If we all practice what Christ teaches through the Holy Scriptures, by the Holy Spirit, these contentions would fade away. I believe God wants us to love ALL our brothers and sisters regardless of whatever choices he or she makes. It is not our place to judgme, but to try to be better people ourselves and pray that we can all repent and turn our lives over to Christ so we can all be forgiven of our sins. Remember God doesn’t look at sin in the least degree; but rather SIN is SIN and we all fall short. Can’t we just practice good old fashion courtesy and good manners?