Mass exodus of Mormon church following new policies

The Mormon church is standing behind its new rules targeting gay members and their children that generated widespread blowback from members, while providing more explanation about the policy changes and clarifying exactly what they mean.

Under a new policy from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, children of same-sex couples are barred from being baptized. The resignations were prompted by the Mormon church policy barring the children of married same-sex couples from receiving baptism.

At the same time, Mason said it’s worth noting that the church’s stance on same-sex couples and their children is also bringing rebuke from the church’s rank and file.

“The Church has always been on record as opposing same-sex marriages”.

Naugle said the church’s clarification did not stop the resignation requests coming into his email inbox.

Founded in the 19th century in the USA, the church now claims more than 15 million members and 85,000 missionaries around the world.

Children who are already baptised, they said, will not have their membership revoked.

At least 650 demonstrators plan to gather on Saturday at a park across the street from the headquarters complex of the Utah-based church, said organizer Lauren Elise McNamara.

Church officials said the policy applies to children whose primary residence is with a same-sex couple.

Earlier this year the Mormon church said it would support laws protecting LGBTI people from discrimination in housing and employment.

Roughly 1,500 Latter-day Saints have submitted letters of resignation from the Mormon Church this weekend in protest against homophobic changes to church policy.

“It’s panic-inducing”, said Dehlin, who was excommunicated past year after repeatedly making public statements in support of the admission of women into the church’s priesthood and more acceptance of gay Mormons. Same-sex marriage may be legal, but it’s still a serious sin in the eyes of the church.

The document was released in the final days of a tight race for mayor in Utah’s Salt Lake City and follows a June Decision by the US Supreme Court legalizing same-sex marriage.

“We don’t want the child to have to deal with issues that might arise where the parents feel one way and the expectations of the church are very different”. He rescinded the order Friday, and though his initial order had no direct connection to the church, it contributed to the general tension between the gay community and the LDS. Those raw feelings were on display Saturday.

Lindford stated that two of his brothers had already left the church for similar reasons and that he had yet to tell his parents he was quitting too, adding “it’s only them now”. They are welcome to attend Church meetings and participate in Church activities.