Church Responds: Boy Scouts May Allow Gay Leaders
This week, Boy Scouts of America President Robert Gates delivered his National Annual Business Meeting Remarks. As part of that address, Gates discussed the BSA's membership policy, specifically as it related to recent developments in national LGBT legislation.
Giving context to the discussion, he said, "I remind you of the recent debates we have seen in places like Indiana and Arkansas over discrimination based on sexual orientation, not to mention the impending U.S. Supreme Court Decision this summer on gay marriage."
Noting that several BSA chapters are in open defiance of the policy, he explained, "The status quo in our movement's membership standards cannot be sustained. We can expect more councils to openly challenge the current policy." Instead of revoking these chapters' charters, Gates suggested that doing so not only would deprive thousands of boys from the benefits of scouting, but that such a position would make the BSA "vulnerable to the possibility the courts simply will order us at some point to change our membership policy." This, he said, would likely happen "sooner rather than later."
-->See the rest of Gates' statement and the Church's response
President Uchtdorf Dedicates 145th Temple
The Church’s second temple in Argentina was dedicated on Sunday, May 17, 2015. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, presided over the services and gave the dedicatory prayer. Joining him was Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Lindsey Stirling Responds to Criticism Over Modesty of Her Billboard Awards Gown
In response to a storm of criticism, Lindsey Stirling commented on Instagram concerning her choice of dress at the recent Billboard Music Awards (where she won for Top Dance/Electronic album):
I’ve received a lot of hate over the last 2 days and I’m sorry for anyone that I’ve disappointed. The dress I wore to the awards was fully lined with tan fabric. But after looking at the pictures, I see that you actually can’t tell that it’s lined. In hindsight it wasn’t the best choice because modesty is important to me.
-->See what else she and other LDS bloggers had to say
Mormon Mom Surprised on the Ellen Degeneres Show Pays It Forward
Mary Banford, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, received the surprise of a lifetime when Ellen Degeneres gave her a brand new car. Banford recently paid it forward by surprising her aunt with a flash mob dance party.
Banford, who received a brand new Ford Escape and a date night with her husband who is serving in the National Guard, told LDS.net,
"We were so overwhelmed with love and gratitude that we immediately started thinking ‘How can we pay it FORDward?’"
Seminary Teachers Make Hilarious Parody of 'Uptown Funk'
-->Click here to see the lyrics!