Church Spokesperson Responds Following LGBT Rally and Protest Outside Church Office Building

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Following a peaceful protest and rally outside the Church Office Building of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Friday afternoon, Church spokesman Doug Andersen made the following statement:

“The teachings of the Church and the policies of our universities are consistent with eternal principles and seek to encourage and strengthen relationships that lead to eternal covenants made with God. The Church and its leaders continue to teach that though there may be disagreement on an issue or policy, we should treat one another with love, respect, and kindness.”

The statement comes after a tumultuous week for LGBTQ students at Brigham Young University and those who love them. Two weeks ago, following the Church’s handbook update, adjustments were made to the BYU honor code that seemed to have cleared the way for same-sex dating. But on Wednesday, the commissioner of Church education wrote a letter stating the same-sex romantic behavior is not compatible with the honor code.

Deseret News reporter Tad Walch covered the rally and provided insight into the speeches that were given.

“The enemy is neglect, ignorance, pride and hate,” said Bradley Talbot, 22, a psychology major from Pleasant Grove. “I love BYU and am not leaving. I love the Church and I am not leaving. I am a child of God and a disciple of Christ. It is not black and white. I cannot and will not choose one family or the other. It’s rainbow, and I choose both.”

Read Walch’s coverage here.

Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News
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