Following are statements from leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on LGBT topics:
Kindness and civility
The gospel of Jesus Christ teaches us to love and treat all people with kindness and civility—even when we disagree. We affirm that those who avail themselves of laws or court rulings authorizing same‐sex marriage should not be treated disrespectfully. Indeed, the Church has advocated for rights of same‐sex couples in matters of hospitalization and medical care, fair housing and employment, and probate, so long as these do not infringe on the integrity of the traditional family or the constitutional rights of churches.
— Statement from the Council of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, June 29, 2015
Standards of moral conduct
Just as those who promote same-sex marriage are entitled to civility, the same is true for those who oppose it. The Church insists on its leaders’ and members’ constitutionally protected right to express and advocate religious convictions on marriage, family, and morality free from retaliation or retribution. The Church is also entitled to maintain its standards of moral conduct and good standing for members.
— Statement from the Council of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Jan. 9, 2014
Work together in love
Families who have loved ones who deal with same-sex attraction need to work together in love, respect, and affection for one another, while preserving family relationships and loyalty to the Lord. Joining with those who oppose the Lord’s teachings is counterproductive. Parents, for example, are sometimes faced with how to (support) someone who is struggling with same-sex attraction and all that may come with it and yet not condone or appear to be condoning anything that is inconsistent with gospel teachings and the Lord’s direction. That will involve conversation and prayer and sometimes difficult choices, and sometimes wonderful success. But the message we have is always to keep trying and keep praying and make sure the lines of communication are always open, and, though it may take time, the Lord will guide.
— Elder D. Todd Christofferson, Church News, Feb. 5, 2015
A place in the kingdom
I want anyone who is a member of the Church who is gay or lesbian to know I believe you have a place in the kingdom and I recognize that sometimes it may be difficult for you to see where you fit in the Lord’s Church, but you do. We need to listen to and understand what our LGBT brothers and sisters are feeling and experiencing. Certainly we must do better than we have done in the past so that all members feel they have a spiritual home where their brothers and sisters love them and where they have a place to worship and serve the Lord.
— President M. Russell Ballard, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, BYU devotional, Nov. 14, 2017
Righteous desires
“God assures His children, including those currently attracted to persons of the same gender, that their righteous desires will eventually be fully satisfied in God’s own way and according to His timing.”
— "God Loveth His Children" pamphlet, 2007
Eternal perspective
There are many political, legal, and social pressures for changes that would change the definition of marriage or de-emphasize its importance, confuse gender, or homogenize the differences between men and women that are essential to accomplish God’s great Plan of Happiness. Our eternal perspective sets us against such changes. God’s love is so great that He requires His children to obey His laws because only through that obedience can they progress toward the eternal destiny He desires for them.
— President Dallin H. Oaks, Young Marrieds Devotional, Los Angeles, California, August 24, 2018
