Policy regarding children of gay parents is gone!

[rockpond]

A new revision to Handbook 1 has been published:  "December 2019".

The section which previously contained the "Nov 2015" policy related to children of gay parents has now been deleted in its entirety.

The section defining same-gender marriage as apostasy remains unchanged despite the 4-April FP statement to the contrary.  But perhaps this change will come soon.

A new section was added, Section 17, titled "Church Participation".  In that section, it explains that minors may be baptized with permission from custodial parent(s) or legal guardian(s).  And that the custodial parent(s) or legal guardian(s) should understand the Church doctrine their child will be taught and support the child in making and keeping the baptismal covenant.

Section 17 also states, regarding church attendance, that we should avoid "making political statements or speaking of sexual orientation or other personal characteristics that detract from meetings focused on the Savior."

 

I think these are good changes and I'm really glad to see the Nov 2015 policy finally removed from the handbook.

[Duncan]

and I attended a baptism last night with two women witnesses🙂

[smac97]

1 minute ago, Duncan said:

and I attended a baptism last night with two women witnesses🙂

Last week I attended the temple with my wife and children.  My wife and I acted as witnesses while my son performed proxy baptisms with my daughter.  It was cool.

[Amulek]

16 minutes ago, rockpond said:

The section which previously contained the "Nov 2015" policy related to children of gay parents has now been deleted in its entirety.

The long awaited promise has now been fulfilled. I suppose this is the appropriate time of year for that sort of thing.  

 

[The Nehor]

I am not seeing any update to Handbook 1 but updates can be finicky. Handbook 1 vanishes from my app every so often and then pops back up.

[Metis_LDS]

50 minutes ago, rockpond said:

The section which previously contained the "Nov 2015" policy related to children of gay parents has now been deleted in its entirety.

Rockpond thanks for that news.  Does not matter what type of organization you have. Commercial, religious, charitable etc..  The WHEELS TURN SLOWLY.

[CV75]

56 minutes ago, rockpond said:

A new revision to Handbook 1 has been published:  "December 2019".

The section which previously contained the "Nov 2015" policy related to children of gay parents has now been deleted in its entirety.

The section defining same-gender marriage as apostasy remains unchanged despite the 4-April FP statement to the contrary.  But perhaps this change will come soon.

A new section was added, Section 17, titled "Church Participation".  In that section, it explains that minors may be baptized with permission from custodial parent(s) or legal guardian(s).  And that the custodial parent(s) or legal guardian(s) should understand the Church doctrine their child will be taught and support the child in making and keeping the baptismal covenant.

Section 17 also states, regarding church attendance, that we should avoid "making political statements or speaking of sexual orientation or other personal characteristics that detract from meetings focused on the Savior."

 

I think these are good changes and I'm really glad to see the Nov 2015 policy finally removed from the handbook.

These and the other changes were discussed in great detail in a meeting I attended last night. very interesting, but all designed to bring people to Christ ("gathering Israel on both sides of the veil"). We engaged in some council discussion on how to handle statements in testimonies and talks that detract from meetings focused on the Savior.

[CV75]

8 minutes ago, Metis_LDS said:

Rockpond thanks for that news.  Does not matter what type of organization you have. Commercial, religious, charitable etc..  The WHEELS TURN SLOWLY.

A "data dump" exercise I was involved in recently, of the changes that have been made in the past year or so, shows how and why that might be, and yet why and how this has all actually happened very rapidly!

[CV75]

52 minutes ago, Duncan said:

and I attended a baptism last night with two women witnesses🙂

I hope you didn't make a political statement or speak of sexual orientation or other personal characteristics... (about yourself or them)😀 !!!

[bluebell]

1 hour ago, rockpond said:

A new revision to Handbook 1 has been published:  "December 2019".

The section which previously contained the "Nov 2015" policy related to children of gay parents has now been deleted in its entirety.

The section defining same-gender marriage as apostasy remains unchanged despite the 4-April FP statement to the contrary.  But perhaps this change will come soon.

A new section was added, Section 17, titled "Church Participation".  In that section, it explains that minors may be baptized with permission from custodial parent(s) or legal guardian(s).  And that the custodial parent(s) or legal guardian(s) should understand the Church doctrine their child will be taught and support the child in making and keeping the baptismal covenant.

Section 17 also states, regarding church attendance, that we should avoid "making political statements or speaking of sexual orientation or other personal characteristics that detract from meetings focused on the Savior."

 

I think these are good changes and I'm really glad to see the Nov 2015 policy finally removed from the handbook.

That section would have been handy a few weeks ago in my ward when one of the older members stood up in EQ and talked about how everyone needs to be careful with what minerals they take into their bodies because some can cause homosexuality.  

[strappinglad]

14 minutes ago, bluebell said:

because some can cause homosexuality.  

I didn't know A Jones was a member !

[mfbukowski]

1 hour ago, Duncan said:

and I attended a baptism last night with two women witnesses🙂

And I attended a temple proxy baptism AND a sealing with two women witnesses!-  In both cases!   Fabulous!

[mfbukowski]

58 minutes ago, CV75 said:

I hope you didn't make a political statement or speak of sexual orientation or other personal characteristics... (about yourself or them)😀 !!!

It's amazing!  Women can actually tell if a person goes all the way under the water as well as a man!  Great progress!  😎

[rockpond]

1 hour ago, The Nehor said:

I am not seeing any update to Handbook 1 but updates can be finicky. Handbook 1 vanishes from my app every so often and then pops back up.

My app and LCR now show the December revision. 

[The Nehor]

47 minutes ago, bluebell said:

That section would have been handy a few weeks ago in my ward when one of the older members stood up in EQ and talked about how everyone needs to be careful with what minerals they take into their bodies because some can cause homosexuality.  

That is ridiculous. Everyone knows it is the fluoride in the water. That is why I only drink my own urine.

Edited December 13, 2019 by The Nehor

[The Nehor]

It finally updated. Gone from handbook.

[provoman]

 

2 hours ago, rockpond said:

 

Section 17 also states, regarding church attendance, that we should avoid "making political statements or speaking of sexual orientation or other personal characteristics that detract from meetings focused on the Savior."

Could you post the full section regarding this?

[rockpond]

1 hour ago, provoman said:

 

Could you post the full section regarding this?

 

See below.  Two things of note:  Section 17.4.2 seems to accomplish the policy that President Nelson laid out in that BYU Devotional (Sep 2019).  And, it is done in just two sentences without needing to refer to any specific subset of members (e.g. children of gay parents).  Also, I like that they seem to lean heavily on scripture references.  I hope that will be a new trend for the handbooks.

 

17.4 Church Participation

Our Father in Heaven loves all His children. “All are alike unto God,” and He inviteth all “to come unto him and partake of his goodness” (2 Nephi 26:33).

Church leaders and members are often asked who can attend meetings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who can become Church members, and who can attend a temple.

 

17.4.1 Attendance at Church Meetings

The Savior taught that His disciples should love their neighbors and be “no more be strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints” (Ephesians 2:19). The Savior also taught that Church members are not to “cast any one out from … public meetings, which are held before the world” (Doctrine and Covenants 46:3).

All are welcome to attend sacrament meeting, other Sunday meetings, and social events of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The presiding officer is responsible to ensure that all who attend are respectful of the sacred setting.

Those who attend should avoid disruptions or distractions contrary to worship or other purposes of the meeting. All age and behavior requirements of different Church meetings and events should be respected. That requires refraining from overt romantic behavior and from dress or grooming that causes distraction. It also precludes making political statements or speaking of sexual orientation or other personal characteristics that detract from meetings focused on the Savior.

If there is inappropriate behavior, the bishop or stake president gives private counsel in a spirit of love. He encourages those whose behavior is improper for the occasion to focus on helping maintain a sacred space for everyone present with a special emphasis on worshipping Heavenly Father and the Savior.

Church meetinghouses remain private property subject to Church policies. Persons unwilling to follow these guidelines will be asked in a respectful way not to attend Church meetings and events.

 

17.4.2 Becoming a Church Member

Membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is available to people who “come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits,” “are willing to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ,” and desire to make and keep sacred baptismal covenants (Doctrine and Covenants 20:37).

A minor child age 8 or older may be baptized with the permission of his or her custodial parent(s) or legal guardian(s). The custodial parent(s) or legal guardian(s) should understand the Church doctrine their child will be taught and support the child in making and keeping the baptismal covenant.

 

17.4.3 Temple Attendance

Temples are holy places of worship in which essential ordinances are received and sacred covenants are made. To members of the Church, temples are houses of God. Because of this sacredness and the covenants made, only members of the Church with a current temple recommend may attend the temple. Members may receive a temple recommend when they faithfully keep the required commandments and live the gospel of Jesus Christ.

 

17.4.4 Unmarried Member Participation and Blessings

All members, even if they have never married or are without family in the Church, should strive for the ideal of living in an eternal family. This means preparing to be sealed as a worthy husband or wife and to become a loving father or mother. For some, these blessings will not be fulfilled until the next life, but the ultimate goal is the same for all.

Faithful members whose circumstances do not allow them to receive the blessings of eternal marriage and parenthood in this life will receive all promised blessings in the eternities, provided they keep the covenants they have made with God (see Mosiah 2:41).

[CV75]

1 hour ago, mfbukowski said:

It's amazing!  Women can actually tell if a person goes all the way under the water as well as a man!  Great progress!  😎

Progress will be when a man can give underwater birth!

[Duncan]

3 hours ago, CV75 said:

I hope you didn't make a political statement or speak of sexual orientation or other personal characteristics... (about yourself or them)😀 !!!

I said nothing!it's SO NICE to attend something and not be responsible for any of it!

[provoman]

1 hour ago, rockpond said:

 

See below.  Two things of note:  Section 17.4.2 seems to accomplish the policy that President Nelson laid out in that BYU Devotional (Sep 2019).  And, it is done in just two sentences without needing to refer to any specific subset of members (e.g. children of gay parents).  Also, I like that they seem to lean heavily on scripture references.  I hope that will be a new trend for the handbooks.

 

17.4 Church Participation

Our Father in Heaven loves all His children. “All are alike unto God,” and He inviteth all “to come unto him and partake of his goodness” (2 Nephi 26:33).

Church leaders and members are often asked who can attend meetings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who can become Church members, and who can attend a temple.

 

17.4.1 Attendance at Church Meetings

The Savior taught that His disciples should love their neighbors and be “no more be strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints” (Ephesians 2:19). The Savior also taught that Church members are not to “cast any one out from … public meetings, which are held before the world” (Doctrine and Covenants 46:3).

All are welcome to attend sacrament meeting, other Sunday meetings, and social events of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The presiding officer is responsible to ensure that all who attend are respectful of the sacred setting.

Those who attend should avoid disruptions or distractions contrary to worship or other purposes of the meeting. All age and behavior requirements of different Church meetings and events should be respected. ...   It also precludes making political statements or speaking of sexual orientation or other personal characteristics that detract from meetings focused on the Savior.

If there is inappropriate behavior, the bishop or stake president gives private counsel in a spirit of love.

 

Thank you for the post.

I was curious to read the full context. Even in full context, someone might claim that speaking against same-sex marriage is a distraction or disruptive.

Edited December 13, 2019 by provoman

[rockpond]

29 minutes ago, provoman said:

Thank you for the post.

I was curious to read the full context. Even in full context, someone might claim that speaking against same-sex marriage is a distraction or disruptive.

Agreed - it’s a bit nebulous.  I read it as:  Sacrament meeting is not the place to “come out” to your ward.  As with many other things, interpretation will be left up to local leaders. 

[california boy]

2 hours ago, rockpond said:

 

See below.  Two things of note:  Section 17.4.2 seems to accomplish the policy that President Nelson laid out in that BYU Devotional (Sep 2019).  And, it is done in just two sentences without needing to refer to any specific subset of members (e.g. children of gay parents).  Also, I like that they seem to lean heavily on scripture references.  I hope that will be a new trend for the handbooks.

 

17.4 Church Participation

Our Father in Heaven loves all His children. “All are alike unto God,” and He inviteth all “to come unto him and partake of his goodness” (2 Nephi 26:33).

Church leaders and members are often asked who can attend meetings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who can become Church members, and who can attend a temple.

 

17.4.1 Attendance at Church Meetings

The Savior taught that His disciples should love their neighbors and be “no more be strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints” (Ephesians 2:19). The Savior also taught that Church members are not to “cast any one out from … public meetings, which are held before the world” (Doctrine and Covenants 46:3).

All are welcome to attend sacrament meeting, other Sunday meetings, and social events of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The presiding officer is responsible to ensure that all who attend are respectful of the sacred setting.

Those who attend should avoid disruptions or distractions contrary to worship or other purposes of the meeting. All age and behavior requirements of different Church meetings and events should be respected. That requires refraining from overt romantic behavior and from dress or grooming that causes distraction. It also precludes making political statements or speaking of sexual orientation or other personal characteristics that detract from meetings focused on the Savior.

If there is inappropriate behavior, the bishop or stake president gives private counsel in a spirit of love. He encourages those whose behavior is improper for the occasion to focus on helping maintain a sacred space for everyone present with a special emphasis on worshipping Heavenly Father and the Savior.

Church meetinghouses remain private property subject to Church policies. Persons unwilling to follow these guidelines will be asked in a respectful way not to attend Church meetings and events.

 

17.4.2 Becoming a Church Member

Membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is available to people who “come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits,” “are willing to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ,” and desire to make and keep sacred baptismal covenants (Doctrine and Covenants 20:37).

A minor child age 8 or older may be baptized with the permission of his or her custodial parent(s) or legal guardian(s). The custodial parent(s) or legal guardian(s) should understand the Church doctrine their child will be taught and support the child in making and keeping the baptismal covenant.

 

To me, this feels so much more like how the Savior would treat a child and their family.  It just feels right.  I am both surprised and glad that the Church felt the need to make this change for whatever reason.  I hope this new policy will heal some tender wounds some have had and is not too upsetting for all of those that were in full support of the old policy.

[bsjkki]

Does this also apply to the provisions about children in polygamous households? Just curious because I remember the two policies were considered ‘analogous.’ Does this new policy address all children no matter their household circumstances?

[The Nehor]

4 hours ago, bsjkki said:

Does this also apply to the provisions about children in polygamous households? Just curious because I remember the two policies were considered ‘analogous.’ Does this new policy address all children no matter their household circumstances?

It appears so unless they moved it. There is still the requirement for adults who have been involved in, practiced, or taught plural marriage to get First Presidency permission before baptism but I do not see anything about their children.