ALarson

I can't imagine anyone would loose their testimony over this issue and I do hope that people will not judge each other no matter what personal decision they make for themselves. So far, our Stake President is giving everyone a choice regarding the masks. We are to be respectful and social distance. His emphasis is that we absolutely do not judge others or have any contention or problems because of choices we each have to make. I'm a big advocate of having the right to choose and don't want to see anything forced on anyone here. So far, I've seen members handling this very well too 👍

For what??? And I agree with bluebell.

Same for me. I thought the site was down.

This announcement was expected. It's too bad, but wise to do this!

It was just myself and my wife and we dressed in nice casual. I'm fine if others want to dress in the church attire as I believe that's a personal matter and choice. I honestly believe though that it's the respect and reverence you have in your heart and mind rather than what you are wearing that is important.

Thanks for your heartfelt post, Regor. I can tell you're in pain and that you are worried about your kids. I'm sorry you're struggling with this. My view is that you most definitely did not waste years raising your children in a manner you felt was best for them. It sounds like you were a very loving and caring Father. I'm sure they have so many great qualities because of the experiences they were able to have with you by their side and they learned from your example. Don't ever think that was a waste just because they've chosen a different path as an adult than you have chosen. Each one of us are on our own journey.....their journey is not your journey. Rejoice if they are a good, kind, loving, moral person. Rejoice if they work hard and give back to society and are a loving member of their own family now. One does not have to be an active member of the church in order to experience joy and happiness and be a great example to their family and friends. Stop mourning and start rejoicing in your relationship and love for them. Don't ever let them feel like you think they are a failure or that you are disappointed in them, but just continue to love them and serve as you do in the church. One thing I know for sure is that there are much, MUCH worse ways to "loose" a child than for them to choose another path regarding religion.

As I posted on the other thread in response to you, this is an excellent and very accurate analysis, IMO. Thanks for posting it!

And another article from the Trib (I'm posting the entire articles for those who can't access them): https://www.sltrib.com/news/education/2020/03/04/after-byu-honor-code/

Here's from the Trib today: https://www.sltrib.com/news/2020/03/05/robert-gehrke-byu-hurt/

This is the best, and most reasoned analysis of what took place that I've seen posted. I agree with every word and it helps make sense of why it took 2 weeks for it to play out and eventually get an clarification from the leaders. Church leaders are never shy about stepping in immediately and stopping something, but I do believe they were not prepared for what took place and it took them some time to figure out exactly how to deal with the situation. I agree that the answers from the Honor Code Office were all the same and very similar (the ones I've read and heard) and not all from the same officer. I think the one referenced in the news articles was the head of the Honor Code Office (can't think of his name...) and I know my Bishop did not speak directly to him, but received the same answer (almost word for word the same). It really turned into a mess, IMO, and was very poorly thought out and handled from the top down. There seems to have been a breakdown in communication somewhere in the line from the church leaders, to BYU, to the Honor Code officers, and then to the public and press. It's good they finally did step in and issue a clarification, but it's too bad that it took them so long to do so. And now students and members are left wondering why that section of the honor code (Homosexual Behavior) was removed if it's true that it still in deed is prohibited behavior.

Yeah....this is a mess and was handled so poorly. I just got off the phone with my Bishop and he plans to call the honor code office again tomorrow....he's on the road right now. But they need to get their act together and if the answer he got this morning is different from the one he gets tomorrow, that will be interesting. They've had weeks to get clarification. We both agreed that we will support whatever the leaders desire regarding this, but I hope they've learned from this confusing (and potentially very damaging to the image of the church) fiasco. (Just my opinion....)

I posted this on the other thread, but wanted to do so here too....thanks for posting the letter Scott!! (This was in response to Peppermint Patty's post: http://www.mormondialogue.org/topic/72653-byu-honor-code-matches-new-handbook/?do=findComment&comment=1209959208 )

Interesting.....I just now came on to post that I spoke to my Bishop a few minutes ago regarding that he'd called the Honor Code Office this morning with similar questions. He received the same answers you did. That same-sex students can now show open displays of affection including holding hands, hugging and kissing. They will also be allowed to date and not be in violation of the Honor Code. So, unless that changes (and in keeping with the letter posted now), it appears these behaviors are not prohibited as long as they do not lead to SSM or with that intent. I still find that a bit confusing or conflicting, but I'm grateful to hear from the leaders on this! It will be interesting to watch how this works for the Honor Code Office.

He did at least sort of address the recent Honor Code change, but this was a chance to clarify and he chose not to (which is fine....just an observation). Here's what the SLT states: If you read the comments (on the Trib and the Deseret News article) many are still left confused and wanting to hear a clarification. Hopefully one is still coming, but we will just have to wait and see.