Feature Article

Helping Those Who Struggle with Same-Gender Attraction | PDF
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Ensign, October 2007

In the October issue of the Ensign, an official magazine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, addresses members of the Church dealing with same-gender attraction. With compassion and humility, Elder Holland speaks both to those who experience same-gender attraction personally, as well as family members, friends, and those of the Latter-day Saint community who love someone who does.

For example, to those who experience these feelings, Elder Holland writes,

"You are first and foremost a son of God, and He loves you. What's more, I love you. My Brethren among the General Authorities love you. I'm reminded of a comment President Boyd K. Packer made in speaking to those with same-gender attraction. 'We do not reject you,' he said. '... We cannot reject you, for you are the sons and daughters of God. We will not reject you, because we love you.'...

"When an angel asked Nephi a question about God, Nephi answered, 'I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things' (1 Nephi 11:17). I too affirm that God loves all His children and acknowledge that many questions, including some related to same-gender attraction, must await a future answer, perhaps in the next life.'"

Addressing how members of the Church might respond more openly and compassionately, he said:

"Although I believe members are eager to extend compassion to those different from themselves, it is human nature that when confronted with a situation we don't understand, we tend to withdraw. This is particularly true of same-gender attraction. We have so little reliable information about it that those wanting to help are left feeling a bit unsteady...

"As fellow Church members, families, and friends, we need to recognize that those attracted to the same gender face some unique restrictions regarding expression of their feelings. While same-gender attraction is real, there must be no physical expression of this attraction... Such feelings can be powerful, but they are never so strong as to deprive anyone of the freedom to choose worthy conduct...

"Some members exclude from their circle of fellowship those who are different. When our actions or words discourage someone from taking full advantage of Church membership, we fail them—and the Lord. The Church is made stronger as we include every member and strengthen one another in service and love (see D&C 84:110)."

To read other addresses discussing same-gender attraction by General Authorities and Officers of the Church, see the applicable page in the North Star Library.