North Star Newsletter - September 2009
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Elder Bruce C. Hafen addresses Evergreen Conference attendees
This last weekend, Elder Bruce C. Hafen of the Seventy, gave the Saturday morning fireside address at the recent annual conference for Evergreen International. The following is a transcript of his address posted at the LDS Newsroom, as well as additional blogs and news stories that cover both the Evergreen and Affirmation annual conferences (Note: North Star does not necessarily endorse any of the blog or media commentary included below; it is merely provided for cultural reference.):
Elder Bruce C. Hafen Speaks on Same-Sex Attraction
LDS Newsroom - September 19, 2009In Defense of Elder Hafen: Brief Response to FMH
Thinking in a Marrow Bone - September 21, 2009Affirmation v. Evergreen
By Common Consent - September 20, 2009Don’t succumb to cultural confusion, Elder Hafen urges
By Lana Groves and Scott Taylor
Deseret News - September 19, 2009
Notorious
It’s great to know that many faithful latter-day saints who experience same gender attraction (how’s that for a PC description?) are sharing their thoughts, feelings, and testimonies online. I can only imagine what a difference these voices would have made to my self-perception as a teenager or young(er) adult. It’s good to know that the Internet has enabled LDS men and women to connect on same sex issues and in order to better understand how to reconcile the perceived dichotomy of LDS and SSA.
When I first learned about online support groups for homosexual Christians nearly a decade ago, I was forever changed. It helped snap me out of a period of self-pity and despair; I saw no alternative to eventually leaving the church and abandoning gospel values. The online community helped me to know that I was not the only SSA member of the church (it may seem funny, but somehow I thought that was true).
From the Bloggernacle (9-6-09)
The following are recent homosexuality-related blog discussions on popular LDS-themed blogs—or on other blogs as topics may be of interest to Latter-day Saints (see the North Star website for a more comprehensive list of blog discussions):
LDS scholars critique Byrd, Cox & Robinson review
Warren Throckmorton blog - September 2, 2009In Quiet Desperation: Rebuttal to Byrd, Cox & Robinson
Warren Throckmorton blog - September 1, 2009Michael Bailey reacts to “blatant misquotation” on LDS website by Byrd, Cox and Robinson
Warren Throckmorton blog - August 31, 2009LDS Interfaith Relations, Orange County, California; Interfaith Activities in Orange County
LDS Focusing on Jesus Christ - August 30, 2009