Mormon Exclusion Of LGBTQ Families “Deeply Painful” And Contradictory

WASHINGTON, DC, November 6, 2015 — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced a new policy to exclude LGBTQ families from their denomination.

“Millions of LGBTQ families of faith and their allies will find this announcement deeply painful — as it casts the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a denomination that actively excludes families. This decision also contradicts the widely reported words of Mormon leader Dallin H. Oaks who recently condemned the use of religion as an excuse to discriminate against LGBTQ people.  We would ask the leadership of the Church to settle this conflict by publicly clarifying whether they stand for non-discrimination against LGBTQ people as pronounced by Mr Oaks or for the discrimination that is exhibited in this new homophobic policy. We urge all denominations to practice spirit and do justice for each and every person, each and every family in their congregations. Don’t exclude and reject; welcome and affirm,” stressed Rev. Rodney McKenzie, Jr. the National LGBTQ Task Force’s Director of the Academy for Leadership and Action.

The National LGBTQ Task Force in partnership with Believe Out Loud have launched the 40 Days of Faith in Action campaign and a new toolkit. Through the toolkit, people of faith and allies may explore ways to build power in their home communities and show the world that they are pro-family, pro-faith, and pro-LGBTQ. For full details and to download a toolkit, go to www.thetaskforce.org/faithfamily.

–30–

CONTACT:
Jorge Amaro
Media and Public Relations Director
213-842-7564
jamaro@thetaskforce.org