Overview of Evergreen International and Chairman’s Message

by Larry Richman, Chairman of the Board of Trustees
Delivered Friday, September 19, 2008 at the 18th Annual Evergreen Conference

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        Welcome to this first session of the 18^th Annual Evergreen Conference. Additional people will join us for the sessions tomorrow who were not able to get off work today. And on Saturday morning, more Church leaders will join us for the General Authority session with Elder William R. Walker. By the end of this two-day conference, about 500 people will have attended from many states and from several other countries. We also recognize and welcome several visitors who are religious, education, and civic leaders

        The purpose of this opening session is to orient you on the events that will transpire during these two days. In the next 45 minutes, we’ll do the following:

• Spend about 15 minutes reviewing the conference program and orient you to the facilities and opportunities available to you during this conference.

• Spend about 10 minutes to acquaint you with the purpose and resources that Evergreen can provide.

• Talk for about 20 minutes about a few issues that have been in the news recently and clearly state Evergreen’s position.

Conference Theme

        This year’s theme this year is from 2 Nephi 33:9: "…be reconciled unto Christ, and enter into the narrow gate, and walk in the strait path which leads to life, and continue in the path until the end of the day of probation." In all the sessions and workshops throughout this conference, look for things that will help you to live righteously and “walk in the strait path which leads to life.” Key messages will include:

• Be reconciled to Christ.

• The gate is narrow and the path is strait.

• We need to continue on the path.

• Remember that our destination is eternal life.

• Peace and safety is not of the world.

Evergreen Mission Statement

        “Evergreen is founded on the belief that the atonement of Jesus Christ enables every soul the opportunity to turn away from all sins or conditions that obstruct their temporal and eternal happiness and potential.

        “Evergreen attests that individuals can overcome homosexual behavior and can diminish same-sex attraction, and is committed to assisting individuals who wish to do so.

        “Evergreen provides education, guidance, and support to those involved in the transition from homosexuality, and is available as a resource to family, friends, professional counselors, religious leaders, and all others involved in assisting individuals who desire to change.

        “Evergreen sustains the doctrines and standards of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints without reservation or exception, but is not affiliated with the Church. Evergreen welcomes all people who wish to participate in the pursuit of these goals.”

Evergreen Organization

        Evergreen began as a grass-roots organization in the summer of 1989, by eleven men who believed that homosexual practices were not in keeping with the gospel of Christ. They were frustrated with their experience in other organizations and concluded that there must be a solution other than destroying spiritual beliefs or denying sexual longings.

        The next spring, this small group sponsored a conference to publicly attest to their belief and hope. The conference received national and international media coverage, and group members were invited to appear on the Phil Donahue Show, Larry King Live on CNN, and various local television and radio programs. This prompted public debate over the possibility of growth out of same-sex attraction. It also inspired interest in those who felt the truth of the principles promoted by Evergreen, and participation grew even more.

        Support groups were formed for men and women who were unhappy with their same-sex attraction and sought answers. Groups were also formed for spouses and for family and friends.

        From this small group, Evergreen has grown to an international organization with affiliates in locations throughout the United States and in many other countries.

        Evergreen International, Inc. is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) corporation. Evergreen is governed by a Board of Trustees which has fiduciary and oversight responsibility to ensure that the organization’s goals and objectives are carried out according to the Mission Statement. Trustees serve without compensation. Let me introduce the Trustees to you:

• I am the Chairman of the Board

• Julie Haws is the Vice-Chairman

• The two of us, plus Lee Chambers form the Executive Committee

Other Trustees include:

• Dr. Shirley E. Cox

• Vera E. Eccles

• Elder L. Lionel Kendrick

• Elder James O. Mason

Evergreen also has two employees:

• David Pruden (the Executive Director) and

• Rebekah Mohr (the Office Manager)

Evergreen Priorities

        The Board of Trustees keeps Evergreen’s efforts focused on three priorities: (1) being a referral service, (2) developing resources, and (3) providing education.

1. Referral service

        We maintain a network of therapists and affiliate groups to whom we can refer people for help. Over the years, we have developed a list of over a thousand resources across the country and in other countries. This is the world’s largest database of its kind. It includes information on therapists who have specific training in same-sex attraction, LDS Family Services agencies, support groups (which we call “growth and accountability groups”), and other organizations that can help. We network and maintain good relationships with many organizations with philosophies similar to Evergreen.

        We answer over 300 phone calls each month and perhaps twice that number of e-mail messages. Perhaps the most important thing we do is just to be there when an individual, or a bishop, or a parent calls for help. They don’t know where to turn and we point them to resources and help and give them hope. We have information packets we happily send out upon request.

        We also nurture and provide help to growth and accountability groups. There are 29 groups we list on our Web site. We don’t sponsor or run these support groups and have no control over their weekly activities. However, if a support group abides by basic standards outlined on our Web site, we include them on our referral list, just as we do with other resources we consider to be helpful, such as affiliated therapists, affiliated organizations, and affiliated therapy groups. We try to support and train those who are affiliated with Evergreen so they can be more successful. Some of these groups also receive assistance and oversight by local priesthood leaders or LDS Family Services agencies. There are also various online groups in English, Spanish, and German.

2. Resources

        The Evergreen Web site, evergreeninternational.org, contains nearly 600 pages of information. Since its inception in December 1999, the Web site has been visited nearly one million times, with over three million pages viewed. The entire site is available in English and we provide limited information online in 32 other languages.

        Evergreen also provides an electronic newsletter, Evergreen Update, which is posted online. You can also subscribe online to receive it by e-mail. We publish the Evergreen Update a few times a month with information about additions to the Web site, new products in the bookstore, and Evergreen events. We’ll also tell you about things outside of Evergreen, such as news events about same-sex attraction, other Web sites, or requests from others to participate in research studies that we believe are generally positive. We’ll let you know about some of these things and let you decide which ones are helpful to you.

        We maintain a library at the headquarters office, which you are welcome to use. It has about 500 books, plus articles, research papers, and audiovisual materials.

        We also maintain relationships with other community and faith-based organizations with goals similar to ours.

3. Education

        The 18 annual conferences we have held have been attended by a total of about 6,500 people. The conferences have included major addresses by 13 general authorities, numerous world-renowned speakers, and hundreds of workshops.

        Throughout the year, we hold firesides and training meetings.

        We maintain close relationships with Church leaders and provide training to local leaders upon request. Have your bishop or stake president call us if he would like our help in providing training.

        Evergreen itself provides no clinical therapy program, nor does it espouse any specific curriculum or therapeutic approach. However, we encourage therapists to become educated on helpful approaches and we have sponsored training meetings for hundreds of therapists.

        That’s the summary of our three areas of focus.

How You Can Help

        Many people ask us how they can help. Let me quickly mention three ways.

Share What You Know

        First, we invite you to be part of this educational process by learning as much as you can, then sharing that knowledge with others. The mass media isn’t the answer. It needs to happen one on one, in small group conversations, in church classes, and in training sessions. When people make offensive comments because they don’t understand the issues, lovingly teach them so we can collectively be more loving, compassionate, and nurturing of each other.

        When people spread incorrect information, stand up for what you know is right and correct them. In a recent university faculty meeting, a suggestion was made that the faculty could benefit by working more closely with Evergreen. One person raised an objection, stating that people are born gay and couldn’t make changes in their sexual orientation—therefore, a relationship with Evergreen would be inappropriate. After the meeting, another person carefully pointed out the plethora of studies that show the fluidity of same-sex attractions and the successes of organizations such as Evergreen.

        After attending an Evergreen conference, one sister shared the information she learned with her Relief Society. She expressed her love for her son, even though he was making destructive choices in his life. She asked for the support and prayers of the ward. She also talked about the many people she met at the conference who are turning their lives around and staying true to gospel standards.

        Take a book back home and share it with a neighbor. Get a copy of the introductory CD from the bookstore and give it to your bishop and stake president along with an Evergreen brochure so they’ll have information to help those who approach them seeking help with same-sex attraction.

Faith and prayers

        Secondly, please know that your faith and prayers have an amazing effect on how this work moves forward. We believe that God wants this work to move forward and that He will bless us individually and collectively as we are ready to make things happen.

Financial support

        Third, like any non-profit organization, we have to beg for money. We have a few large donors, but we rely on medium and small donations from people just like you. You can make one-time donations, set up monthly contributions by direct deposit, or indicate “Evergreen International” on your United Way donation form with your employer. Your employer may even match your contributions or make a contribution themselves. You can donate appreciated stock and avoid paying capital gains tax. You can even leave assets to the organization in your will.

        That’s the end of the overview of Evergreen International. At the request of the Board of Trustees, I’d like to now review a few issues about same-sex attraction and clearly state Evergreen’s position.

Definition of Same-sex Attraction

        Same-sex attraction includes sexual thoughts, feelings, and behaviors directed toward the same gender. These attractions should not be confused with a healthy emotional and social interest in persons of the same gender. Homoemotional and homosocial interests are healthy as long as they are not excessive and do not develop a sexual dimension. It is when same-gender interests are eroticized and become sexual that they are unhealthy.

        Homosexuality may include sexual feelings or attractions without sexual behavior or it may include complete emotional and sexual involvement.  It cannot be identified simply by the presence or absence of outward sexual behavior.

        Individuals usually have no control over the emergence of homosexual attractions. Since they make no conscious choice for them, they should not feel guilty for having them. However, we can choose how we respond to any feelings we experience and should not deliberately feed the feelings by fantasizing or turning them into lustful thoughts. We are responsible for our agency in the thoughts we entertain and in the behaviors we pursue.

        In 1991, the First Presidency issued a letter to all members of the Church with a subject line “Standards of Morality and Fidelity.” In it, they make clear the Lord’s standards:

        "The Lord's law of moral conduct is abstinence outside of lawful marriage and fidelity within marriage. Sexual relations are proper only between husband and wife appropriately expressed within the bonds of marriage. Any other sexual contact, including fornication, adultery, and homosexual and lesbian behavior, is sinful."

        The letter continues: “There is a distinction between immoral thoughts and feelings and participating in either immoral heterosexual or any homosexual behavior. However, such thoughts and feelings, regardless of their causes, can and should be overcome and sinful behavior should be eliminated. This can be achieved through faith in God, sincere repentance, and persistent effort. The help of others may be needed. We commend and encourage those who are overcoming inappropriate thoughts and feelings. We plead with those involved in such behavior to forsake it. We love them and pray for them. We are confident that through repentance and obtaining needed help, they can experience the peace that comes from conforming their lives to God's teachings."

        Reserving sexual activity for use within the bonds of marriage between a man and a woman is central to the Creator’s eternal plan of salvation and is necessary for mortal and eternal progression.

        Homosexual behavior violates God’s commandments and blocks eternal progress. However, it is also important to overcome sexual attractions toward the same gender because they distort healthy, loving relationships and steer individuals away from the blessings that can be found in marriage and family relationships. Such attractions divert capable priesthood holders from the roles of husband and father. They divert loving women from the roles of wife and mother.

People are Making Changes in Their Lives

        We testify that people do overcome homosexual behavior and diminish same-sex attractions. We’ve seen it happen time and time again. For some, it means that they figure out why they have the attractions, what they are lacking, and they find ways to legitimately fill those needs. The attractions diminish to the point that they don’t get in the way of moving on with their lives, marrying, and raising families. They are fully capable of living the Lord’s law of chastity and remaining faithful. That is the experience of many people I know personally.

        For others, it may be something less than that ideal. Evergreen does not believe that everyone will make a total change to exclusive heterosexual feelings and attractions. However, most people who put forth a significant effort will be able to change addictive or destructive behaviors to non-addictive, non-destructive behaviors. Most people will gain more self-esteem, learn to see themselves as God sees them, learn to love themselves, and recognize that God loves them. Most people are able to diminish same-sex attractions enough that they are manageable. They develop patterns of behavior and self-perception that are consistent with their personal beliefs and values.

        Elder Boyd K. Packer tells us that for some people, same-gender attraction “may be a struggle from which you will not be free in this life.” But he also tells us “If you do not act on temptations, you need feel no guilt. They may be extremely difficult to resist. But that is better than to yield and bring disappointment and unhappiness to you and those who love you. Some think that God created them with overpowering, unnatural desires, that they are trapped and not responsible (see James 1:13–15). That is not true. It cannot be true. Even if they were to accept it as true, they must remember that He can cure and He can heal (see Alma 7:10–13; Alma 15:8).” (Boyd K. Packer, “Ye Are the Temple of God,” Ensign, Nov. 2000, 72)

        Although I know many people who have overcome this challenge to the point that they have married, some may not marry in this life. Elder Richard G. Scott reminds those who don’t have an immediate prospect for celestial marriage, that they should “live for it. Pray for it. Expect it in the timetable of the Lord. Do not compromise your standards in any way that would rule out that blessing on this or the other side of the veil” (Richard G. Scott, “Receive the Temple Blessings,” Ensign, May 1999, 25). Whatever our inclinations are in this life that may hinder a fullness of joy, “we have the Lord’s assurance for every one of us that those in due course will be removed. We just need to remain faithful.” (Lance B. Wickman, Same-Gender Attraction: What if I can't marry?, http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/public-issues/same-gender-attraction).

        Many kinds of difficulties are not taken away in this life, no matter the effort we put toward them. The Apostle Paul had a “thorn in the flesh” for which he prayed would be taken away. But the Lord explained to him that his weakness would be for his good and make him a better person. Once he understood this, Paul responded, “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities… for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong” (2 Corinthians 12:9–10). Some afflictions require us to “be patient in long-suffering” that we might gain strength. I believe that God allows each of us to experience the exact challenges we need personally to grow and finally become all that He wants us to be. In the eternal sense, it really doesn’t matter what the outcome is today. What matters is the process and that progress is being made in the right direction.

        The good news is that you have don’t have to do this alone! Look around at all the people here to help you through it. And, most importantly, you have your Savior Jesus Christ who, through his own suffering on your behalf, knows exactly what you are going through and stands there anxiously waiting to help you.

Complex Issue: Complex Solutions

        Same-sex attraction is a complex issue and many factors may contribute to the development of homosexual attractions. Humans are complex beings and our feelings and behaviors are the result of many complex interactions. People are not genetically predestined to have same-sex attractions. Same-sex attractions usually result from a complex interaction of personality, biological inheritance, and developmental experiences.

        Just like the entry into same-sex attraction is multifaceted, we have found that the answer is also multifaceted. Individuals can be more successful when they use all the relationships and resources available to them, such as family, friends, counselors, Church leaders, faith, prayer, group and individual therapy, individual study, and support groups. They may also need to grow in other areas like coming to understand their divine self, confirming their masculine or feminine identity, healing the effects of abuse, healing old wounds, forgiving, reconciling their relationships with parents and peers, learning to control their behavior or overcome addictions, and most importantly, surrendering to God and the healing power of the Atonement.

        It is also important to recognize that this progression out of a state of same-sex attraction may take many years. In issues of personal growth and development, how long it takes to reach a goal is not as important as the choice of direction.

Acceptance of Individuals Who Experience Same-sex Attraction

        We call upon members of the Church everywhere to reach out and be more loving and kind to individuals and families who face these difficult challenges. Those who experience same-sex attraction need to feel the love and support of family, friends, and fellow ward members.

        After speaking in a general conference on the subject of same-gender attraction, President Gordon B. Hinckley said, “I desire now to say with emphasis that our concern for the bitter fruit of sin is coupled with Christlike sympathy for its victims, innocent or culpable. We advocate the example of the Lord, who condemned the sin, yet loved the sinner. We should reach out with kindness and comfort to the afflicted, ministering to their needs and assisting them with their problems.” (“Reverence and Morality,” Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, May 1987, p. 47.)

        The reason that sometimes people don’t respond with love and compassion is that same-sex attraction is foreign to many people. Unless they know a relative or friend who is affected by same-sex attraction, the only experience they have to draw on is perhaps a news report they saw about a gay pride parade where they saw lewd costumes and flaunted sexuality. From this, they draw conclusions based on the extremes of the gay population. They usually don’t think of the man or woman sitting next to them at church. And this is a catch-22 because if we are unwilling to share our struggles with others at church, we don’t give them a chance to change their stereotypes.

        While same-sex attraction may be a considerable trial to those who experience it, the discomfort and pain is not dissimilar to that experienced by others with different kinds of trials. The more we can help our fellow brothers and sisters to recognize this, the less strange and appalling same-sex attraction will be to them, and the more willing they will be to reach out with compassion and love.

        Elder Dallin H. Oaks said that “each member of Christ’s church has a clear-cut doctrinal responsibility to show forth love and to extend help and understanding. Sinners, as well as those who are struggling to resist inappropriate feelings, are not people to be cast out but people to be loved and helped (see 3 Ne. 18:22–23, 30, 32).” Elder Oaks continued, “Church leaders are sometimes asked whether there is any place in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for persons with homosexual or lesbian susceptibilities or feelings. Of course there is…. the message of hope and the hand of fellowship offered by the Church is the same for all who strive.” Elder Oaks further explained that people who experience same-sex attraction “are in special need of the love and encouragement that is a clear responsibility of Church members, who have signified by covenant their willingness ‘to bear one another’s burdens’ (Mosiah 18:8) ‘and so fulfil the law of Christ’ (Gal. 6:2).” (“Same-Gender Attraction,” Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign, Oct. 1995, p. 14.)

Current Issues

        I’d now like to comment on several current issues about same-sex attraction that continue to be hot topics in the news, and put them into perspective from Evergreen’s point of view.

Gay Identity

        It was about 30 years ago that the gay movement came out of the closet and began demanding public acceptance and equal rights. Today, this well-funded and highly organized public relations machine has gained the upper hand in cultural acceptance and political momentum. They have swayed popular opinion to almost believe that people are born gay and will always be gay and that homosexuality is simply a normal variation of sexuality equal in value to heterosexuality. If you buy in to that philosophy, then it makes sense that they should be given the full array of rights, perhaps even including the right to marry.

        The truth is that a gay identity is a political and social construct that many Evergreen participants don’t accept. They don’t believe that same-sex attraction is a variation of sexuality equally valuable to heterosexuality. They believe that they have other options in life.

        Some people consider same-sex attraction to be the defining fact of their existence. Most Evergreen participants choose to define themselves as sons and daughters of a loving God, knowing they were born on this earth for a purpose and with a divine destiny. Whenever any other notion “gets in the way of that ultimate defining fact, then it is destructive and it leads us down the wrong path” (Dallin H. Oaks, Same-Gender Attraction, http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/public-issues/same-gender-attraction).

Political Correctness

        Today, we live in a world where some people think it is more important to be politically correct than to be right. In the name of tolerance, they accept all choices and behaviors as equally valid and normal. But the gospel of Jesus Christ is eternal and basic doctrines do not change with the times nor according to the politically-correct notions of the day. Evergreen proudly proclaims its support for the doctrines and standards of the Church without exception or reservation. As an organization, we commit to follow the direction of the Prophet without exception.

People Really Do Overcome Same-sex Attraction

        Those who promote pro-gay philosophies would like you to believe that no one has really overcome same-sex attraction. I am aware of hundreds of Latter-day Saints who have in varying degrees found success and liberation from same-sex attraction.

        And Evergreen is not the only organization of people who have experienced success. Exodus International is an umbrella organization of many evangelical ministries. Courage is the organization for Catholics. Jonah is the organization for Jews. These organizations publish testimonies from people every month in their newsletters. They have even published full-page ads in the Washington Post and other newspapers trying to get their message out. Other than these ads, it is difficult to get much media coverage when overcoming same-sex attraction is not a politically-correct topic.

        And remember that overcoming same-sex attraction is not a phenomenon of the latter days. In the first century, in a letter to the Corinthians, Paul wrote to a group of people who had overcome homosexuality. He said to them, “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:11).

        Some people find it politically expedient to pretend that no one has really changed their same-sex attractions. I think you’ll enjoy some of these rumors:

• They say that Erin Eldridge, author of Born That way? doesn’t really exist but that the book was written by a team of LDS Family Services staff members. Apparently, they did not attend her speeches at the Evergreen conferences in 1997, 1998, and 2004. She was pretty much alive then.

Other claims abound:

• That the author of the book Desires In Conflict, and former president of Exodus, Joe Dallas, is now actively gay and has repudiated all he wrote in his book. This is preposterous since he has now written a score of books and continues to actively speak and counsel.

• It also is rumored that Jeff Konrad and others don't really exist. Jeff spoke at the Evergreen conferences in 1990 and 1994. I also visited Jeff in California a few years later and have written to him over the years. He’s very real and very alive.

• And my favorite: That Jason Park, author of Resolving Homosexual Problems: A Guide for LDS Men was never really "gay" at all. I know him personally, and believe me, the story he tells is real.

Respecting Successes in Overcoming Same-sex Attraction

        To admit that someone who once felt same-sex attracted and engaged in homosexual behaviors has grown past that and is now heterosexual in both desire and conduct suggests that others could change as well. If growth and change are possible, there is hope for those who find their values incongruent with a gay identity. This news is disheartening to those who espouse the contrary philosophy that you’re born gay and will never change. They fight against organizations that reach out in informational, therapeutic, or spiritual ways to help those who wish to overcome unwanted same-sex attractions. The truth is that such organizations are useful and successful.

        Men and women have their agency in how to respond to same-sex attractions. Some choose to be actively homosexual. That is their choice. They have a right to be treated with respect and valued as individuals. Their safety should be protected just like every other citizen. Others choose not to accept a gay identity or engage in homosexual behavior. They may choose to diminish or eliminate their same-sex feelings. They have the right to seek and receive the help of professional counselors, spiritual leaders, and organizations such as Evergreen. That is their right to self-determination. And their choices and values should also be treated with respect.

        We hold no ill will to those who disagree with us. Some have participated in Evergreen support groups and did not find the kind of help they needed. However, we hope they would not assume that others are having the same disappointing experiences they had, nor feel to misrepresent the outcomes of others.

        Our proclamation that people can and do change their same-sex attraction is so unsettling to some people that they declare us to be “anti-gay,” "hate-filled,” “homophobic,” and “bigoted.” Sorry, but we are not “homophobic” simply because we disagree with your position. Those who seek an alternative to a gay identity are not “slaves” or “sheep”—they are embarking on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Indeed, many individuals have found a truth they sensed within themselves.

        Name-calling and personal attacks are intended to harass, intimidate, and silence those who have different views. Opponents of what we teach are happy to be center-stage and monologue to the public about gay issues, but stifle dialogue with people who have a differing philosophy. Shouldn’t all people have the right to live their lives according to their beliefs and personal values?

        In today’s political climate, the media attacks a candidate because of her "dangerous religious beliefs," referring to the fact that her "crazy homophobic pastor" decided to place flyers in his church bulletin for a Love Won Out conference sponsored by the "gay-hating fundamentalist group" Focus on the Family. The conference teaches a biblical message on sexuality and assists those seek to overcome same-sex attractions.

        Those who make fun of organizations like Evergreen call what we do a “pray-away-the-gay” program. But these flippant comments are patronizing and do a disservice to people who, from a deep sense of commitment and values, are trying to analyze and improve their lives.

        They call therapists who dedicate their lives to helping people “ex-gay for pay.” But these men and women are my heroes. They quite literally save lives by steering people in the right direction: toward healing and toward the Savior.

Does Evergreen Support Gay and Lesbian Rights?

        Evergreen recognizes the God-given right of all individuals to choose how they live. We denounce hatred and oppression. We also proclaim that people have as much right to pursue a heterosexual lifestyle as they do to pursue homosexuality. Former homosexuals and lesbians should not be harassed and castigated by the gay community.

        It is our opinion that much of the agenda of the gay and lesbian rights movement is not congruent with Evergreen's mission. The mission of Evergreen is to provide opportunities for individuals struggling with same-sex attraction to diminish their attractions and overcome homosexual behavior.

The Church’s Doctrines and Policies

        In an effort to love and support their loved ones who experience same-sex attraction, some members of the Church have found themselves condoning homosexual behavior and even fighting to get the Church to change its doctrines or policies regarding same-sex attraction.

        Evergreen does not believe that the Church needs to change its doctrines or policies regarding homosexuality. We believe that if there is incongruence between the doctrines and standards of the Church and the current perspectives of members regarding same-sex attraction, the incompatibility is not in God’s truth, but in the members’ limited understanding of the doctrine.

        Although the Church maintains neutrality regarding political parties, platforms, and candidates, it affirms its constitutional right of expression on political and social issues.

Same-sex Marriage

        We respect the right of the Church to take a moral stand on the issue of same-sex marriage. Marriage between a man and a woman is central to the gospel plan of salvation. The sacred nature of marriage is closely linked to the power of procreation and only a man and a woman together have the natural biological capacity to conceive children.

        Those who favor homosexual marriage contend that “tolerance” demands that they be given the same right to marry as heterosexual couples. But this appeal for “tolerance” has a very different meaning and outcome than that word has meant throughout most of American history and a different meaning than is found in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Tolerance as a gospel principle means love and forgiveness of one another. In today’s secular world, the idea of tolerance has come to mean condoning or accepting something—even if it is contrary to your values or beliefs.

Beware of Some Latter-day Saint Gay Organizations

        We wish to warn you of the danger of some LDS groups who label themselves as “gay Latter-day Saints” who support the right to engage in same-gender sexual relationships while trying to maintain some vague association with the Church.

        While these social, educational, and political organizations may have some laudable concerns, in the final analysis, they do not support the doctrines and standards of the Church. Be aware of vague references to a relationship between them and the Church that just doesn’t exist.

        This statement posted on the Web site of one such organization says it all: “The Church currently has an extremely hostile, hate-inspired, anti-gay position. One must question the validity of Church leaders when their ‘inspired’ teachings are based on prejudice, and that should affect our views about their authority to represent God. God created individuals to be homosexual. Gays cannot change, and everyone who claims they have is secretly living a gay life.”

        Our concern is that many people who visit their meetings or visit their Web sites are often deceived into believing that the principles of the organization are compatible with membership in the Church. When you reject clear gospel teachings, and do not sustain the leaders of the Church, you have already left the Church. Most folks who join these groups find out after a while that you cannot ethically sustain both, and they end up either leaving the organization or the Church.

Stay Firm in the Faith

        How can you stay firm in the faith in the midst of such question and uncertainty? First, be sure you understand the basic doctrines of the gospel, especially the plan of salvation and the law of chastity. Second, become very family with the booklet God Loveth His Children. It was prepared by the Church with great care to explain these doctrines.

        Don’t let this challenge make you weaker, destroy your faith, or allow you to drift away from the gospel. Use it to deepen your understanding of God’s plan of happiness for you. Build a deep and lasting relationship with God. Learn what He would have you do. Make Holy Ghost your friend to guide you through the trials in your life. Use these challenges to become steadfast and immovable, willing with all diligence to keep the commandments of the Lord (see 3 Nephi 6:14).

        As Elder Ronald A. Rasband recently explained, "Our personal journey through life provides us with many special experiences that become building blocks of faith and testimony. These experiences come to us in vastly different ways and at unpredictable times. They can be powerful spiritual events or small enlightening moments. Some experiences will come as serious challenges and heavy trials that test our ability to cope with them. No matter what the experience may be, each gives us a chance for personal growth, greater wisdom, and, in many cases, service to others with more empathy and love. As the Lord stated to the Prophet Joseph Smith in a reassuring way during one of his most significant trials at Liberty Jail, 'All these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good' (D&C 122:7)." (Ronald A. Rasband, "Special Experiences," Ensign, May 2008, 11

Conclusion

        The world is full of naysayers who think that people who try to grow beyond their same-sex attractions are delusional. I disagree. Some of you here today have same-sex attractions and others are here to try to understand and help someone else. I know it’s not easy. But I also know that the fight is worth it. I am very proud of you. I know many of you personally and think you are some of the finest people I know. You are being faithful in the midst of tremendous challenges. You know what is right and you are committed to see the struggle to the end.

        We sometimes refer to people who experience same-sex attraction as “strugglers.” I personally like the word “fighters.” We all have to fight for what’s right no matter the challenges before us.

        After working through issues of same-sex attraction, you won’t be the same person. And thank goodness. You’ll be a better person—more complete, more humble, and more compassionate. And through this struggle, you’ll learn that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is real. “And in time we become His tested and strengthened disciples.” (Elder Henry B. Eyring, "In the Strength of the Lord," Ensign, May 2004, 19)

        Stay loyal to the Church and its principles. Rely on each other. Rely on those who love you. Rely on the gospel truths that are deep in your souls. And most of all, rely on your Savior. He paid the price of your sins. No matter how long your resume of sins may be, the Atonement is broad enough and deep enough to cover it. But the Atonement is more. Christ also suffered every imaginable pain so He could heal the effects of all pain and affliction in mortality—including same-sex attraction. He is mighty. I testify that with Him, you can accomplish anything. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Copyright © 2008 Larry Richman. May be photocopied or shared electronically for noncommercial, educational use as long as it is in its entirety and contains this notice. For more information, see www.evergreeninternational.org.