this past week I had a conversation with my Bishop that included some discussion regarding my sexuality. Including this one, I've had all of two conversations with my Bishop where this topic was discussed. He asked a general how am I doing question and I responded by explaining I was working through self built walls originally erected around the time I began dealing with my homosexual desires and the anti-homosexual attitudes I had heard expressed in church. Part of his response regarding others' attitudes was that it was none of their business, after which, he followed up by saying it was none of his business as long as the law of chastity wasn't involved. There was much more to the conversation, but only the above relates to the point of this post. I realized after hearing my Bishop say the above in the manner/tone that he did, that this man I consider my ecclesiastical leader has no qualms with my sexuality, doesn't think of me any differently knowing of my sexuality, and is not worried or making assumptions that simply because of my sexuality there might be something I need to do differently or change. Further discussion and encouragement to be more consistent in my scripture reading and prayer had absolutely nothing to do with sexuality and were only directed towards my expressed desire to address my self diagnosed spiritual ho-humness. I know some leaders can be, in their humanity, less than kind, less than sensitive, and led more by manmade ideas than by spiritual guidance, but I feel very fortunate to have had opportunities to speak with a humble man who truly relies on the Lord in the discharge of his religious responsibilities.
3 other thought(s):
I'm glad you've got a good bishop! (: It makes immediate dealings with the church so much easier.
amen, brother, amen...
Sigh. That's awesome. I wish more people could hear this. Have you seen this? http://gaytheistagenda.lavenderliberal.com/2009/05/25/8-the-mormon-proposition-interview-w-director-reed-cowan/
Sigh.
Natasha
BecomingSomething.com
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