On Tuesday, November 15, 2022, the Church released an official statement regarding a United States Congressional bill entitled 'Respect for Marriage Act.' In the latter, congress calls attention to same-sex marriage.
The following is a free translation of the original statement:
'The doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints related to marriage between a man and a woman is well known and will remain unchanged. We are grateful for the continued efforts of those who work to ensure that the Respect for Marriage Act includes appropriate religious freedom protections while respecting the law and preserving the rights of our LGBTQ brothers and sisters. We believe this approach is the way forward. As we work together to preserve the principles and practices of religious freedom together with the rights of LGBTQ individuals, much can be accomplished to heal relationships and foster greater understanding.'
Some international agencies and media have echoed the statement as 'support for same-sex marriage,' but such an assertion is incorrect. As indicated in the statement, the Church has not changed its doctrine regarding the nature and form of marriage, which states that the Lord has decreed it only between a man and a woman.
Also, in line with the 12th Article of Faith, which states that 'We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates; in obeying, honoring and sustaining the law', the Church declares its position of respect for those things established by the state, to which these civil matters correspond.
However, it appreciates the work of those who try to ensure that, in the midst of these decisions, the rights of others and religious freedom are respected.
In summary, just as Church members assume a civil and respectful attitude toward practices permitted by law that are not consistent with the law of the Gospel, as in this case, but this attitude of respect should not be interpreted as a doctrinal endorsement or approval of same-sex marriage.
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