REL
200 - The Eternal Family
Readings:
"All
human beings--male and female--are created in the image of God. Each is
a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such,
each has a divine nature and destiny.
"Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose."
The
Family: A Proclamation to the World
.
| Ether 3:14-16 | Moses 2:27 |
| Doctrine and Covenants 76:22-24 | |
| General Handbook (2020
Edition) Item 38.6.14 - Same-Sex Attraction and Same-Sex Behavior (see excerpt below) Item 38.6.15 - Same-Sex Marriage Item 38.6.22 - Transgender Individuals |
|
| Pres. Russell M. Nelson
- The
Love and Laws of God (2019) |
|
| Pres. Dallin H. Oaks
- Same-Gender Attraction (1995) Truth and the Plan (2018) |
|
| Elder Jeffrey R. Holland - Helping Those Who Struggle with Same-Gender Attraction (2007) | |
| Dr. Marcus H. Martins - Formalizing Relationships Through Priesthood Authority (video - 2021) | |
| The Doctrine of the Priesthood and Gender Issues (PDF) HTML (2016) | |
| Gender and Gender Roles as Eternal Characteristics (see below) | |
| For official resources from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Same-Sex Attraction: Kindness, Inclusion, and Respect for All of God’s Children |
|
"The Church does not take a position on the causes of same-sex attraction. ..."
"The Church encourages families and members to reach out with sensitivity, love, and respect to persons who are attracted to others of the same sex. The Church also promotes understanding in society at large that reflects its teachings about kindness, inclusiveness, love for others, and respect for all human beings. ...
"If members feel same-sex attraction and are striving to live the law of chastity, leaders support and encourage them in their resolve. These members may receive Church callings, hold temple recommends, and receive temple ordinances if they are worthy. Male Church members may receive and exercise the priesthood.
"The circumstances of some faithful members do not allow them to receive the blessings of eternal marriage and parenthood in this life. They will receive all promised blessings in the eternities, provided they keep the covenants they have made with God (see Mosiah 2:41)."
"Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose." (The Family: A Proclamation to the World)
Therefore, male and female gender identities are not merely an interplay of genetics and social norms, but a far deeper and eternal result of divine laws decreed by priesthood authority.
Gender roles are not merely temporary standards imposed by mortal cultures and traditions, but they were deeply ingrained in male and female spirits eternities ago, in heavenly courts of glory on high by the power of the everlasting priesthood.