Members of Mormon Religion March. Pride Parade Ashland

[_cwald]

Saw you on the Oregon state news tonight...first time I've been proud to be Mormon in a long time. Thank you and wish I could have been there.

"Sorry we are late."

[_sock puppet]

cwald,

For those of us that did not see the Oregon state news last night, nor are aware of parade, can you give us a bit more background information about

• what the parade was,
• what was significant about Mormons marching, and
• why that made you proud to be a Mormon for the first time in a long time?

[_Stormy Waters]

http://www.kobi5.com/component/zoo/item/mormons-march-for-gay-pride.html

From the article.

The Mormon group's organizer says this is the first time they've been permitted by the Church of Latter Day Saints to voice their personal opinions on the topic, and organizers say they've already walked in the Seattle and Portland pride parades.

First time they've been permitted to voice their personal opinions???

[_cwald]

Saw you on the Oregon state news tonight...first time I've been proud to be Mormon in a long time. Thank you and wish I could have been there.

"Sorry we are late."

cwald,

For those of us that did not see the Oregon state news last night, nor are aware of parade, can you give us a bit more background information about

• what the parade was,
• what was significant about Mormons marching, and
• why that made you proud to be a Mormon for the first time in a long time?

Sure.

If you didn't follow Stormy's link, it was the gay pride parade down in Ashland. I have no allusions at all that the church is okay with these folks marching. What makes me happy and proud, is there are some Mormons, active Mormons, who had enough guts to stand up to the church and voice their opinion about this issue...knowing full well how they will be condemned by the church institution and many many of the active membership for doing what they feel is honorable, and speaking up to show compassion to their neighbors. I think it is good for non members to see there are Mormons who do not agree with the church on this issue.

[_sock puppet]

I thought a 'pride' parade would be such, but it is so out of character for LDS Inc to 'permit' members to do so.

Glad to hear it.

[Guest]

This has meant the acquisition of a brand new, four drawer filing cabinet on the SCMC floor of the COB to cope with a flurry of new 'clippings'...

[_angsty]

I just don't know what it means when people identify as Mormons, and then express "support" like this. Do they mean that, without reservation, they believe in equality and feel that the church is wrong in these matters? Because that's really notable, and props to any Mormon who is willing to step out like that.

However, I know more than a few Mormons who don't quite mean that when they express "support" for their LGBT brothers & sisters.

Sometimes I hate that I'm so cynical.

[_Drifting]

I just don't know what it means when people identify as Mormons, and then express "support" like this. Do they mean that, without reservation, they believe in equality and feel that the church is wrong in these matters? Because that's really notable, and props to any Mormon who is willing to step out like that.

However, I know more than a few Mormons who don't quite mean that when they express "support" for their LGBT brothers & sisters.

Sometimes I hate that I'm so cynical.

I think the acid test would be whether or not you would be willing to sacrifice your temple recommend over it or not.

[_Fence Sitter]

I just don't know what it means when people identify as Mormons, and then express "support" like this. Do they mean that, without reservation, they believe in equality and feel that the church is wrong in these matters? Because that's really notable, and props to any Mormon who is willing to step out like that.

However, I know more than a few Mormons who don't quite mean that when they express "support" for their LGBT brothers & sisters.

Sometimes I hate that I'm so cynical.

Interesting point. While I would be inclined to march in support also, I am far from what would be considered a TBM. I expect that age plays a great factor in who marched but it still would be interesting to sit down with some of faithful members who marched to see what they actually felt they were supporting. I wonder if they carried signs that read "Mormons For Gay Rights... as long as they don't have sex".

[_angsty]

"Mormons For Gay Rights... as long as they don't have sex".

...or adopt children
...or want a non-hetero marriage
...or want to be called to serve in the primary
...or want to identify as gay openly

Exactly. I mean I know Mormons who think this is "supportive": http://www.LDS.org/manual/god-loveth-hi ... s+children

Suffocation and support are not the same thing.