2004 World Conference Legislation

G-13 Dialogue on Homosexuality

Approved April 1, 2004

1279. Whereas, The church has been called to a loving and respectful dialogue on the issue of homosexuality as it pertains to the life of the church; and

Whereas, A process called “Listening Circles” has been developed for use throughout the church, with persons currently being trained to facilitate these sessions; and

Whereas, The Listening Circles are in their earliest stages and have not yet been implemented in most jurisdictions of the church; and

Whereas, The issue of homosexuality is a difficult and often divisive question that must be handled with sensitivity and care because people of faith and goodwill hold very different views about it, and because of pastoral concern for the lives of those families directly affected; and

Whereas, The World Church Leadership Council adopted a statement in September 2002 titled “Community, Common Consent, and the Issue of Homosexuality,” which affirms that the principles regarding calling and ordination contained in the March 18, 1982, Standing High Council Statement on Homosexuality would without exception govern church polity on this question “unless it is adjusted through the common consent of the people”; and

Whereas, The experience of other religious bodies has demonstrated the serious consequences that occur when their legislative assemblies prematurely vote on these matters without prayerful, thoughtful, and informed dialogue; and

Whereas, We have been divinely directed to pursue peace and to seek reconciliation and healing of the spirit (Doctrine and Covenants 156:5a), which instruction obligates us to use every possible means to resolve conflict, honor the worth of all persons, and seek God’s will on matters of disagreement within the body; therefore, be it

Resolved, That Items G-5, G-6, G-10, G-11, and G-12 be referred without prejudice or specific action to the First Presidency so as to not hinder or limit the continuing dialogue on this issue within the church; and be it further

Resolved, That the 2004 World Conference encourage the use of Listening Circles within all jurisdictions of the church where it is culturally appropriate; and be it further

Resolved, That the First Presidency report to the 2006 World Conference on the progress of the Listening Circles, along with recommendations as to further steps that may be appropriate to the mission and ministries of the church; and be it further

Resolved, That in the two-year period between now and the next World Conference, the Committee on Homosexuality and the Church currently in place be allowed to further study the effects of passing a resolution for or against homosexuals in the priesthood in the many countries where there is church activity; and be it further

Resolved, That the aforementioned committee be allowed to continue to look for ways to reach understanding and a compromise that can protect the church’s unity and be in keeping with our mission statement, which will be reported to the next legislative World Conference.

The First Presidency