,

- There should only be one “that” in the first paragraph.
- The end of the third paragraph should say “people who do NOT hold that same conviction.”

:-)

The modern philosophies in most of the world today are different from the LDS philosophy in this way. Most philosophies, in one way or another, say that each person needs to find their own truth and accept the fact that another person will find a different truth.

Latter-day Saints face the challenge of holding fast to their conviction of universal truth (which is, after all, one of the things that makes the religion strong) while communicating effectively with people who do hold that same conviction.

The LDS Church and Affirmation have trouble communicating because the LDS Church is adhering to its conviction of universal truth which says that the natural order of the universe is for male and female to be be united eternally and that to try to unite male and male or female and female is contrary to the order of the universe and therefore, the order of happiness.

Therefore, the LDS Church is in the tough position of trying to communicate with Affirmation (because LDS doctrine values empathy and love for all people) while not abandoning their convictions.

It’s a tough position and I don’t know that it is possible for the two groups to ever really agree unless one of the two fundamentally changes their philosophy (therefore changing the nature of the organization).

Well, I hope this little statement on philosophy is helpful to someone.

As a straight and active member of the Mormon Church I had high hopes for this meeting. A new President had just been seated, a more reconciliatory tone had been taken in leaderships talks and articles, and for the first time ever they have agreed to meet w/ Affirmation.

It’s not like they’re going to leave the position unfilled, and once it has been filled, hold them to their word. By holding a press conference now, you screwed everything up. What motivation do they have to meet with you now that you’ve proven you’ll just run to the press when you don’t get what you want when you want it? Better to leave you on the outside screaming in, rather than to meet with you and give you more ammo.

Time to hire someone w/ a sliver of political IQ.

:(

some family values, scaring kids into thinking they will never see their parents in heaven if they don’t tow the LDS line.

I think Affirmation was wrong. They should have waited until the church hired a new person in that position and had the discussion first. If things went sour after that, then go public.