From Deseret News archives:
LDS women gather at BYU
Though many found themselves dashing through a midafternoon downpour, few seemed to let the rain dampen their enthusiasm for the annual event, which draws participants from across the United States and several foreign countries.
The two-day conference offers a variety of LDS speakers and performers, sharing their beliefs in forums ranging from large classrooms to the 20,000-plus seat Marriott Center. Catering to a growing local contingent of Latinos, a series of workshops throughout the day was presented in Spanish.
Topics included family relationships, marriage, gospel teaching and raising children.
Social issues that impact Latter-day Saints were also discussed, with workshops focusing on mental illness, suicide, pornography and same-sex attraction.
David Pruden, executive director of an LDS-sponsored support organization for those with same-sex attraction called Evergreen International, said studies show as many as 400,000 members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are dealing with the issue at any given time. The number represents from 3 percent to 4 percent of total church membership
Yet God allows such struggles because self-mastery and putting Christ at the center of one's life refines and purifies character, he said. "We're here to be tested, and without opposition in all things, we could not achieve righteousness."
Michael Buxton, a marriage and family therapist at BYU who serves as an Evergreen board member, said he often counsels with students who tell him they came to Provo specifically because they believed they could find help with same-sex attraction.
He finds many experience attraction to those of their own gender, but he does not define them as homosexual or gay unless they are acting on their sexual urges or are involved with political groups that advocate for social acceptance. The distinctions are vital for Latter-day Saints, he said, because they distinguish between acting on such feelings and choosing not to do so.
The LDS Church condemns homosexual behavior and opposes same-gender marriage, but top leaders have made it clear in recent years that those who struggle with same-sex attraction are to be supported and loved.
Comments
- Notre Dame fires Weis 2:52 p.m.
- Daughter: Mitchell fed me my pet 2:51 p.m.
- Mansion tours begin Tuesday 2:48 p.m.
- Chaffetz: Leave Afghanistan 2:37 p.m.
- Mitchell's 'books' are coherent 2:24 p.m.
- Mexican consulate in SLC dies 1:47 p.m.
- eBay fined for selling perfumes 1:46 p.m.
- Debate opens on health care bill 1:44 p.m.
- Man arrested in screwdriver assault 1:42 p.m.
- Police seek man in underwear thefts 1:42 p.m.
- Hall mouths off about hate of Utah
890 - Cougars beat Utes in overtime
481 - Max Hall issues apology
361 - Hall's pain reflects self-betrayal
253 - Hall reprimanded by MWC
173 - BYU is champion of the state
140 - Utes won't respond to Hall
122 - Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies
121 - Cave to be sealed with body inside
118 - Rivalry Week is highly profane
91
I wanted to tell them not to go. I dropped subtle hints. "My money is on...
When I was a kid, I worshipped my grandpa. He was undoubtedly my hero....
You hit the nail right on its head Roberta T. Dempsey of Sandy, BYU is an...
What a hypocritical Ute fan. Complaining about how big, mean Max Hall beat...
This is ridiculous. Once a consumer owns an item, they should have the right...
Don't they have some undies at D.I. you can pick up? Stop going into...
A loss is a loss Utah. It dosen't matter what Max said. You lost and this is...
Hahaha, the self righteous are having a field day with this one.
I took my 8 year old son to RES 3 years ago and sat amongst Ute fans - like I...
Hall just all but guaranteed a slaughter in RES next year. Enjoy Vegas and...
I agree with you completely. You forgot one. Nothing wrong with...
"Those writing about Whittingham's wife and son's experience Saturday, check...




You can be the first to comment on this story.