So, tomorrow I go in to talk to my Bishop about serving a mission.
To be honest, I'm sort of disappointed I don't have any filthy sins to confess.
However, there is one thing that I guess could possibly prevent me from going: I still fully support gay marriage. 100%.
I also will not go back into the closet for my mission. I am gay. I will use the word "gay" to describe me.
In fact, in sharing my testimony, my experiences as a gay young man will probably pop up rather often.
This may not be acceptable.
But if the Church doesn't want a gay to serve a mission, then the Church doesn't want me to serve, and I'll respect that and go where the next gust of wind takes me.
Either way, it should be an interesting ride, eh?
Good luck Andrew, we will all eagerly await your report.
ReplyDeleteInteresting, this is (yes, I am imitating Yoda from Star Wars, lol). I was thinking about your mission tonight and was going to recommend that you be authentic.
ReplyDeleteIt is my observation, though I will not go so far to say it 'is' a fact inasmuch as I am not Mormon, that the LDS Church is still quite homophobic so it will be interesting to see their reactions. It is my hope that their hearts will be open to your words. But if not, remember also that Christ was rejected from his own hometown...and violently so. Read Luke 4:16-28 for a direct reference.
I will respond to most, if not all, of your e mail tonight. I returned from the conference yesterday. May the Lord bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you. Amen. :)
Peace,
Andrew
So, in other words, you're not going on a mission...
ReplyDeleteI really can't see how they'll let you serve as an "out" gay man.
But I may be completely suprised.
I'm extremely curious to see where this goes, because it's difficult for me to imagine your "attitude" (which I applaud you for, by the way) going over well with local leadership.
ReplyDeleteBut who knows... maybe the stars will align and you will find that you have a progressive bishop and stake president who will help push things through and get you called to a mission presided over by a progressive president who can pair you with open-minded companions, and everything will work out just fine.
I pray that everyone involved will be open to the Spirit, so that things will work out the way they're supposed to. Best of luck!