Feature Article

The Divine Institution of Marriage

As most people are now aware, in May of this year the California Supreme Court ruled that a state marriage ban on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional. The ruling overturned both a 1977 state law defining marriage as the union of a man and a woman and Proposition 22, a ballot measure affirming the law that was approved by 61 percent of California voters in 2000. The following day, the Church responded to that ruling, stating:

"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recognizes that same-sex marriage can be an emotional and divisive issue. However, the Church teaches that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is the basic unit of society. Yesterday's California Supreme Court decision is unfortunate."

On Sunday, June 29, a few short weeks following that ruling, a letter from the First Presidency was read from California pulpits noting that the Church had joined a "broad-based coalition of churches and other organizations" in placing a proposed state constitutional amendment on the November ballot and urged Latter-day Saints in California to

"do all you can to support the proposed constitutional amendment by donating of your means and time to assure that marriage in California is legally defined as being between a man and a woman. Our best efforts are required to preserve the sacred institution of marriage."

The letter also stated,

"The Church's teachings and position on this moral issue are unequivocal. Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God, and the formation of families is central to the Creator's plan for His children. Children are entitled to be born within this bond of marriage."

Since that time, the Church Newsroom has published a document, titled "The Divine Institution of Marriage," which seeks to clarify the Church's position and concerns regarding the potential effects of legalized same-sex marriage. In addition, the Church has launched an official Internet site, PreservingMarriage.org, which seeks to encourage and assist Latter-day Saints in their efforts to support the Church's involvement. In the launch of these efforts, the Church Newsroom has released the following videos:

North Star's Position on Political Activism

In the weeks and months since the Church's official entry into this initiative, many have inquired concerning North Star's position with regard to these efforts. Our purpose in this article is to make our position clear. The mission of North Star is to help individuals and families dealing with same-gender attraction deepen their personal relationship with our Savior, Jesus Christ, and to support them in their desires to live according to the teachings and covenants they have made in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The elements of faith and spiritual conviction with which we are most concerned are not subject to legislation.

In addition, those in the North Star community sustain the First Presidency and members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers, and revelators. In an effort to maintain the focus of our stated mission, North Star itself does not engage in political activism, though we encourage all within the community to exercise their sustaining vote in ways they feel are within their abilities and appropriate to their individual circumstances and consciences. As we have stated in on our FAQ page:

What is North Star's position on political issues? Does North Star participate in political activism?

North Star exists to help people affected by same-sex attraction deepen their personal relationship with their Savior, Jesus Christ, and to support them in their desires to live according to the teachings and covenants they have made in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We understand that political issues are of great importance to many people who make up or are influenced by our organization. In our function as a support organization whose core purpose is to build community and focus on the spiritual journeys of our members, we have decided as an organization not to join political coalitions.

There is often a wide array of perspectives and opinion regarding the best application of public policy, and conversations regarding political agendas often become heated or emotional. As we keep abreast of influential current events, North Star encourages the application and engagement of each member's free agency in light of and in congruence with the doctrines of the Church and principles of the gospel. Meanwhile, within our community's discussion groups, we encourage our members to focus on the personal implications of supporting each other through what could be divisive and painful conflicts. We encourage questions such as, "How should we handle our hurt feelings at Church if people on either side of a political debate say things that seem hateful or ignorant during discussions of a political nature?" or, "Is it possible to have policy disagreements and still show forth love as we come together as the body of Christ to build bridges of understanding and bring more people to Christ?"

In light of North Star's mission and focus, we are particularly appreciative of statements such as that by Elder Quentin L. Cook in the first of the above video addresses, in which he says,

"Please understand that the central message of the Savior is to love all of our brothers and sisters. Remember there are good people who disagree with the Church's teachings on marriage. Others are unsure of where they stand. Be respectful of their opinions as you share your message. Nothing said here can be used as an excuse to treat those with same-gender attraction harshly or disrespectfully... We can vigorously promote our beliefs and practices. We can do so with great conviction, and also with great love... My dear brothers and sisters, let me reemphasize the need for love, compassion, and humility as we move forward in this important cause. This is especially true for families in the wards you attend who face special challenges as a result of this issue."

It seems that too often as people reference "the gospel" while speaking against homosexuality, they speak only of a warped version of it used to justify purely personal prejudice and limited cultural tradition. Our hope is that members of the Church will rise above personal prejudice in their efforts to follow Church leaders and that they will likewise heed Church leaders in the above counsel, which is more reflective of what we believe to be a truly Christ-like approach. Some additional helpful statements include the following:

"Some with same-gender attractions have unresolved fears and are offended at church when no offense is intended. On the other hand, 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)" (Jeffrey R. Holland, "Helping Those Who Struggle with Same-Gender Attraction," Ensign, October 2007).

"People inquire about our position on those who consider themselves so-called gays and lesbians. My response is that we love them as sons and daughters of God. They may have certain inclinations which are powerful and which may be difficult to control. Most people have inclinations of one kind or another at various times. If they do not act upon these inclinations, then they can go forward as do all other members of the Church" (Gordon B. Hinckley, "What Are People Asking about Us?," Ensign, November 1998).

"I wish to say that our opposition to attempts to legalize same-sex marriage should never be interpreted as justification for hatred, intolerance, or abuse of those who profess homosexual tendencies, either individually or as a group. As I said from this pulpit one year ago, our hearts reach out to those who refer to themselves as gays and lesbians. We love and honor them as sons and daughters of God. They are welcome in the Church. It is expected, however, that they follow the same God-given rules of conduct that apply to everyone else, whether single or married" (Gordon B. Hinckley, "Why We Do Some of the Things We Do," Ensign, November 1999).

In closing, our hope and prayer is that all Latter-day Saints who involve themselves in social and political causes, in California and elsewhere, will do so in a way that is mindful of the above counsel of our Church leaders--that they will be kind and compassionate and as equally mindful of personal ministry to those individuals and families who wrestle with these issues as they are of their efforts to influence positive social and political change. We pray for God's blessing and guidence to be with you as you do so.

The North Star Executive Committee

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