LDS leaders speak out on same-sex attraction

"True happiness depends on more than the expression of physical urges. These urges diminish as more fundamental emotional needs are met — such as the need to interact with and serve others," it says. "True happiness comes from self-control, self-respect and positive direction in life," as well as a "testimony of true doctrine."

It urges those who have felt rejected by fellow church members to "show love and kindness to others" in order to help change attitudes and "follow Christ more fully. No member of the church should ever be intolerant."

At the same time, "it is not helpful to flaunt homosexual tendencies or make them the subject of unnecessary observation or discussion," the document says. "It is better to choose as friends those who do not publicly display their homosexual feelings. The careful selection of friends and mentors who lead constructive, righteous lives is one of the most important steps to being productive and virtuous."

Pruden said the effort to produce such an official church document has been under way for at least a decade, and as church members deal more openly with the topic, a new resource was necessary. Opinions and input were sought from across a wide spectrum of LDS professionals and scholars, he said, noting his organization had no formal role in producing the document but was aware of the effort and provided limited input.

"Anything is better than where we are. I don't mean that in a negative way. This is a hard subject, and silence is hard on people who are often looking for input and ideas," Pruden said. "Some are begging for anyone that will give them some help and hope and a little clarity. From that standpoint, doing something (like this) is important."

He lauded administrators at church-owned Brigham Young University for their attempt earlier this year to clarify the subject for students worried about whether they are breaking the school's honor code if they are attracted to others of the same gender. "They were really trying to help students — not confuse or frighten anyone. They were trying to turn the temperature down under the pot," urging students to seek counseling from school officials without fear.

"A lack of information often leads people to speculate," he said, adding officials are seeking to help church members understand the faith's stance without "turning it into a drama."

To see the new document, titled "God Loveth His Children," go to www.lds.org, click on "gospel library" then search under "support materials."

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On the net: www.lds.org/God Loveth His Children

E-mail: carrie@desnews.com