A few weeks ago in teacher development meeting we were asked to talk about LGBT issues with our kids In Sunday School. (We teach the 16-17-year-olds) It's a very important topic that our youth are facing more and more each day. So today was the day.
Our youth need to understand the truth (the doctrine). They need to know and understand the Lord's commandments and stance on same-sex attraction, same-sex marriage, and transgenderism. And be able to contrast that with the lies they're being bombarded with in school and society.
I have seven pages of notes so I don't think I will add them here but I will include our handouts. On second thought, it's easier to just copy and paste my notes. Unfortunately we didn't even get to the New Testament and our lesson on testimony. But, nonetheless, truth was taught. Scroll down to the very bottom for pictures of the handouts. (Lisa worked hard making the temple cookies, which were a big hit.)
I wanted to make sure to emphasize the doctrine and policies of the church. Therefore we went over the family proclamation – pertinent points in bold. And part of the church handbook which discusses LGBT issues. I also included a short portion on the law of chastity which is pertinent to LGBT issues. Here are my lesson notes:
Tammy’s Sunday School Lesson April 2023
LGBT and Matthew15-17, Mark 7-9
the FAMILY
A PROCLAMATION TO THE WORLD
The
First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints
We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that
marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is
central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.
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.
In
the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshipped God as their
Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a
physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and
ultimately realize their divine destiny as heirs of eternal life. The divine
plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the
grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it
possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to
be united eternally.
The
first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential
for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God’s commandment for His
children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded
that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and
woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.
We
declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We
affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan.
Husband
and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for
their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a
sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for
their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one
another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever
they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable
before God for the discharge of these obligations.
The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is
essential to His eternal plan. Children are
entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father
and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family
life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord
Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained
on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love,
compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design,
fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are
responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their
families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children.
In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one
another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may
necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when
needed.
We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who
abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will
one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn
that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities,
and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.
We
call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote
those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the
fundamental unit of society.
This proclamation was read by President Gordon B. Hinckley as part
of his message at the General Relief Society Meeting held September 23, 1995,
in Salt Lake City, Utah.
38.6.5
Chastity and Fidelity
The
Lord’s law of chastity is:
·
Abstinence
from sexual relations outside of a legal marriage between a man and a woman.
·
Fidelity
within marriage.
Physical
intimacy between husband and wife is intended to be beautiful and sacred. It is
ordained of God for the creation of children and for the expression of love
between husband and wife.
Only a man and a woman who are legally
and lawfully wedded as husband and wife should have sexual relations. In God’s
sight, moral cleanliness is very important. Violations of the law of chastity
are very serious (see Exodus 20:14; Matthew 5:28; Alma 39:5). Those involved misuse the sacred power God has given to
create life.
A
Church membership council may be necessary if a member:
·
Has
sexual relations outside of a legal marriage between a man and a woman, such as
adultery, fornication, same-sex relations, and sexual encounters online or over
the phone (see 32.6.2).
·
Is
in a form of marriage or partnership that is outside of a legal marriage
between a man and a woman, such as cohabitation, civil unions and partnerships,
and same-sex marriage.
·
Uses pornography intensively or compulsively, causing significant
harm to a member’s marriage or family (see 38.6.13).
The
decision about whether to hold a membership council in these situations depends
on many circumstances (see 32.7). For example, a
council is more likely to be necessary to help a member repent if he or she has
violated temple covenants or if the sin was repetitive.
See 32.6.1.2 for when a
council is required for
sexual sins.
In
some cases, personal counseling and informal membership restrictions may be
sufficient (see 32.8).
Questions/comments on the law of chastity?
38.6.15
Same-Sex Attraction and Same-Sex
Behavior
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. The
Church does not take a position on the causes of same-sex attraction.
God’s
commandments forbid all unchaste behavior, either heterosexual or same-sex.
[talk about same-sex attraction as an unfortunate trial for some – give examples]
Church leaders counsel members who have violated the law of chastity. Leaders help them have a clear understanding of faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, the process of repentance, and the purpose of life on earth. Behavior that is inconsistent with the law of chastity may be cause for holding a Church membership council (see 38.6.5). It can be forgiven through sincere repentance.
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, have temple recommends, and receive temple ordinances if they are worthy. Male Church members may receive and exercise the priesthood.
[reiterate that anyone who keeps the
law of chastity is worthy, regardless of sexual orientation]
All
members who keep their covenants will receive all promised blessings in the
eternities whether or not their circumstances allow them to receive the
blessings of eternal marriage and parenthood in this life (see Mosiah 2:41).
[many people, not just those who suffer from same-sex attraction, don’t have the opportunity to marry, and subsequently live celibate lifestyles. Including those with physical and mental disabilities.]
The Church provides the following resources to better understand and support people whose lives are affected by same-sex attraction:
·
“Same-Sex Attraction,” Gospel
Topics, topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org
·
“Same-Sex Attraction,” Life Help, ChurchofJesusChrist.org
In
addition to the inspired help of Church leaders, members may benefit from
professional counseling. Leaders may contact Family Services for assistance.
See 31.3.6 for contact
information.
38.6.16
Same-Sex Marriage
As
a doctrinal principle, based on the scriptures, the Church affirms that
marriage between a man and a woman is essential to the Creator’s plan for the
eternal destiny of His children. The Church also affirms that God’s law defines
marriage as the legal and lawful union between a man and a woman.
Only
a man and a woman who are legally and lawfully wedded as husband and wife should
have sexual relations. Any other sexual relations, including those between
persons of the same sex, are sinful and undermine the divinely created
institution of the family.
38.6.23
Transgender Individuals
Transgender individuals face complex
challenges. Members and nonmembers who identify as transgender—and their family
and friends—should be treated with sensitivity, kindness, compassion, and an
abundance of Christlike love. All are welcome to attend sacrament meeting,
other Sunday meetings, and social events of the Church (see 38.1.1).
[tell
story of transgender patient in ID rotation as fourth-year medical student]
Gender is an essential characteristic of
Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness. The intended meaning of gender in the family proclamation is biological sex at birth. Some people experience feelings of
incongruence between their biological sex and their gender identity. As a
result, they may identify as transgender. The Church does not take a position
on the causes of people identifying as transgender.
Most Church participation and some
priesthood ordinances are gender neutral. Transgender persons may be baptized
and confirmed as outlined in 38.2.8.10. They may also partake of the sacrament and receive
priesthood blessings. However, priesthood ordination and temple ordinances are
received according to biological sex at birth.
Church
leaders counsel against elective medical or surgical intervention for the
purpose of attempting to transition to the opposite gender of a person’s
biological sex at birth (“sex reassignment”). Leaders advise that taking these
actions will be cause for Church membership restrictions.
Leaders also counsel against social transitioning. A social
transition includes changing dress or grooming, or changing a name or pronouns,
to present oneself as other than his or her biological sex at birth. Leaders
advise that those who socially transition will experience some Church
membership restrictions for the duration of this transition.
Restrictions include receiving or exercising the priesthood,
receiving or using a temple recommend, and receiving some Church callings.
Although some privileges of Church membership are restricted, other Church
participation is welcomed.
Transgender individuals who do not pursue medical, surgical, or
social transition to the opposite gender and are worthy may receive Church
callings, temple recommends, and temple ordinances.
Some children, youth, and adults are prescribed hormone therapy by
a licensed medical professional to ease gender dysphoria or reduce suicidal
thoughts. Before a person begins such therapy, it is important that he or she
(and the parents of a minor) understands the potential risks and benefits. If
these members are not attempting to transition to the opposite gender and are
worthy, they may receive Church callings, temple recommends, and temple
ordinances.
If a member decides to change his or her preferred name or
pronouns of address, the name preference may be noted in the preferred name
field on the membership record. The person may be addressed by the preferred
name in the ward.
Circumstances vary greatly
from unit to unit and person to person. Members and leaders counsel together
and with the Lord. Area Presidencies will help local leaders sensitively
address individual situations. Bishops counsel with the stake president. Stake
presidents and mission presidents must seek counsel from the Area Presidency
(see 32.6.3 and 32.6.3.1).
For further information on
understanding and supporting transgender individuals, see “Transgender” on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
16 Know
ye not that ye are the temple of God,
and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
17 If
any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for
the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
Questions/comments on LGBT doctrine/policy?
13 ¶ When Jesus came into the coasts
of Cæsarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the
Son of man am?
14 And
they said, Some say that thou art John
the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of
the prophets.
15 He
saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
16 And
Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
17 And
Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in
heaven.
What did Jesus teach about how we receive a testimony?
Have any of you had
to explain how you know the gospel is true?
Have any of you shared your testimony
with family or friends?
45 And
this is not all. Do ye not suppose that I know of these
things myself? Behold, I testify unto you that I do know that these things
whereof I have spoken are true. And how do ye suppose that I know of their
surety?
46 Behold,
I say unto you they are made known unto me by
the Holy Spirit of God. Behold, I have fasted and prayed
many days that I might know these things of myself. And now I do know of myself
that they are true; for the Lord God hath made them manifest unto me by his
Holy Spirit; and this is the spirit of revelation which is
in me.
How did Alma gain his testimony?
The Lord
speaking to Oliver Cowdery :
Doctrine and Covenants
6:14–15, 22–23
14 Verily,
verily, I say unto thee, blessed art thou for what thou hast done; for
thou hast inquired of me, and behold, as often as thou hast
inquired thou hast received instruction of my Spirit. If it had not been so,
thou wouldst not have come to the place where thou art at this time.
15 Behold,
thou knowest that thou hast inquired of me and I did enlighten thy mind; and now I tell thee these things that thou mayest
know that thou hast been enlightened by
the Spirit of truth;
22 Verily,
verily, I say unto you, if you desire a further witness, cast your mind upon
the night that you cried unto me in your heart, that you might know concerning the truth of these things.
23 Did
I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter? What
greater witness can you have than from God?
2 Yea,
behold, I will tell you in your mind and in
your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall
come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart.
3 Now,
behold, this is the spirit of revelation; behold, this is the spirit by which
Moses brought the children of Israel through the Red Sea on
dry ground.
How do we recognize personal revelation/truth?
7 Behold,
you have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when
you took no thought save it was to ask me.
8 But,
behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in
your mind; then you must ask me if it be
right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.
9 But
if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the
thing which is wrong; therefore, you cannot write that which is sacred save it be given you from me.
14 ¶ And when he came to his disciples, he saw a
great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them.
15 And
straightway all the people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and
running to him saluted
him.
16 And
he asked the scribes, What question ye with them?
17 And
one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my
son, which hath a dumb spirit;
18 And
wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he
foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy
disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.
19 He
answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you?
how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.
20 And
they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the
spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed
foaming.
21 And
he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said,
Of a child.
22 And
ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him:
but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us,
and help us.
23 Jesus
said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him
that believeth.
*24 And
straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I
believe; help thou mine unbelief.
25 When
Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto
him, Thou dumb
and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.
26 And the spirit cried, and
rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many
said, He is dead.
27 But
Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and
he arose.
28 And
when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could
not we cast him out?
29 And
he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.
Three observations to
help us gain more faith.
On one occasion Jesus came upon a group arguing vehemently with
His disciples. When the Savior inquired as to the cause of this contention, the
father of an afflicted child stepped forward, saying he had approached Jesus’s
disciples for a blessing for his son, but they were not able to provide it.
With the boy still gnashing his teeth, foaming from the mouth, and thrashing on
the ground in front of them, the father appealed to Jesus with what must have
been last-resort desperation in his voice:
“If thou canst do any thing,” he said, “have compassion on us, and
help us.
“Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are
possible to him that believeth.
“And
straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I
believe; help thou mine unbelief.”1
After retelling the account found
in Mark 9:14–29, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland taught:
“Observation
number one regarding this account is that when facing the challenge of faith,
the father asserts his strength first and only then acknowledges his
limitation. His initial declaration is affirmative and without hesitation:
‘Lord, I believe.’ I would say to all who wish for more faith, remember this
man! In moments of fear or doubt or troubling times, hold the ground you have
already won, even if that ground is limited. …
“The second observation is a variation of
the first. When problems come and questions arise, do not start your quest for
faith by saying how much you do not have, leading as it were with your
‘unbelief.’ … I am not asking you to pretend to faith you do not have. I am asking you to be true to the faith
you do have. …
“Last observation: When doubt or
difficulty come, do not be afraid to ask for help. If we want it as humbly and
honestly as this father did, we can get it” (“Lord, I Believe,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2013, 93–94).
Our handouts:
