Foundation for
Reconciliation
THE FOUNDATION FOR RECONCILIATION
Media Release: September 21, 2009
Media Contact: Peter Danzig, 801-865-9029
Foundation for Reconciliation/LDSapology.org
requests a meeting with LDS General Authority Elder Bruce C. Hafen
to discuss concerns about his recent comments at the 19th annual
conference of Evergreen International.
Elder Bruce C. Hafen, a member of the First
Quorum of the Seventy, spoke at the 19th annual conference of
Evergreen International, a group that helps Mormons "overcome
homosexual behavior." In his remarks Elder Hafen insisted that
while homosexual orientation “may not” be “consciously chosen,” the
notion that it can be “inborn and unalterable… will ultimately lead
to discouragement, disappointment, and despair.”
The Foundation for Reconciliation has sent a
letter requesting a meeting with Elder Hafen to share with him the
many personal stories that prove the exact opposite, that spiritual
peace has been found in accepting that sexual orientation (in this
life at least) is often unalterable particularly for those who begin
with no attraction to the opposite sex. This is born out by a recent
resolution from the American Psychological Association (APA) which
indicates that there is no credible scientific evidence to indicate
that sexual orientation change attempts are successful and that
“some qualitative research suggests the potential for harm” if such
therapies are implemented.
“The idea that sexual orientation can be
changed through therapy and faith is just as unfortunate as the now
abandoned LDS teaching that Native American’s skin color would
change if they followed the Gospel,” stated Cheryl Nunn, founder of
LDSapology.org.
She continued “We are concerned that Elder
Hafen seems to have misconstrued the recent resolution of the APA as
endorsing sexual orientation change efforts in some cases when in
actuality the report suggested that ‘practitioners… assist clients
through therapies that do not attempt to change sexual orientation.”
“Reading Elder Hafen’s speech we feel confident
that his intent is to help, and he gave a number of useful
suggestions for remaining celibate and in full fellowship as a
homosexual member of the LDS church. We hope in meeting with him to
be able to explain how some of what he said actually may
unnecessarily harm those he intends to support.”
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The Foundation for Reconciliation was
established to foster a climate for reconciliation between the LDS
church and the LGBT community. In addition to education, and
charitable programs the organization has begun a petition that will
be delivered to the Mormon Church’s First Presidency on the first
anniversary of the passage of Prop. 8, November 4th, 2009. It calls
for forgiveness on all sides, recognition of responsibility, and a
beginning to the healing. For more information please visit
http://www.ldsapology.org.
Resources:
APA Resolution
http://www.apa.org/releases/therapeutic.html
Elder Bruce C. Hafen’s Talk
http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/public-issues/elder-bruce-c-hafen-speaks-on-same-sex-attraction
