President Hinckley: Well, we have nothing to hide. Our history is an open book. They may find what they are looking for, but the fact is the history of the church is clear and open and leads to faith and strength and virtues.

Associated Press: If that's so, why have some people either been disfellowshipped or excommunicated for the things they have written?

President Hinckley: There have been very few of them. It's only when they begin to teach what they believe to try to influence others that action is taken against them.

Associated Press: Because by extension they try to damage the church in some way?

President Hinckley: Try to damage the church, yes.

Associated Press: The First Presidency's Proclamation on the Family issued 10 years ago set the nuclear family — husband, wife and children — apart as the ideal. But family structures are changing, and some of those include gay and lesbian Mormons who are parents. Is there room in the church for those families?

President Hinckley: Let me put it this way. Our hearts reach out to those who have this problem. We try to help them. Friendship them. Love them. Work with them. But if they violate moral standards, then they are just like anybody else. They have done that which causes the church to take action, whether they be homosexual or heterosexual.

Associated Press: The church fought against the (Equal Rights Amendment) in the 1970s, has put some weight behind gay marriage laws in California and other states, and in Utah, you have weighed in on alcohol law and tax reform. What is the church's position on political involvement, nationally or locally?

President Hinckley: We do not endorse any political party. We do not endorse any political candidate. We do not permit the use of our buildings for political purposes. The only time the church gets involved in what might be termed political matters is when there are moral issues at stake or when some proposed action directly impinges upon the program of the church.