The LDS Church's Policy on Gay Baptism: Divorce or Commitment?

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or LDS Church, faces many complex questions regarding its doctrinal stance on sexual orientation and marriage, particularly when it comes to baptism. Unlike some other religious bodies, the LDS Church does not force its members to divorce in order to qualify for baptism. However, its teachings and policies do present significant challenges for LGBTQ individuals seeking full participation in church activities.

Church Doctrine and Baptism Requirements

According to the official doctrine of the LDS Church, individuals must meet specific requirements to be baptized. These requirements include a willingness to live a life according to the commandments of Jesus Christ, including avoiding sexual relations outside of a legal monogamous heterosexual marriage. This doctrine is rooted in a belief that adhering to traditional family values and sexuality is essential for spiritual growth and salvation.

If a baptismal interview reveals that an individual is not willing to comply with this requirement, they cannot be baptized. This decision is based on a commitment to preserving individual spiritual integrity and aligning with the teachings of Christ.

Case Studies and Personal Insights

There are cases where LGBTQ individuals, particularly those in same-sex marriages, seek to participate in church activities despite the official stance. A real example involves a gay married couple I know, both returned missionaries, who wanted to be active in their local congregation. Though I would not recommend it, their non-sexual relationship allows them to remain faithful to the church without seeking baptism.

The handbook of the LDS Church (formerly known as the handbook of instruction for church leadership) advises leaders against recommending divorce or remarriage to any member. Instead, the decision is left to the individual. However, a bishop would strongly counsel a same-sex couple seeking baptism to carefully consider the importance of their commitment to each other and their commitment to the church.

One example of this is the Brother of one of theTwelve Apostles, who was gay and in a committed relationship for 25 years. Despite his religious family accepting his partner, he ultimately chose to end the relationship to be baptized, finding the experience deeply personal and transformative.

Challenges and Solutions

The dilemma of gay members seeking baptism or full participation in church activities highlights the broader challenges within the LDS community. While the church does not shun LGBTQ members, the conflicting values and traditions can be difficult to reconcile. The core issue lies in the unchangeable nature of the LDS doctrine regarding family and sexuality.

For those who remain committed to their relationships, such as the gay couple previously mentioned, the question arises: are they willing to adhere to the church’s teachings or continue in non-heterosexual unions? The lack of an easy solution reflects the complexity of balancing personal beliefs and religious teachings.

Closing Thoughts

While the LDS Church does not force anyone to divorce before baptism, the required adherence to traditional family values makes it a challenging path for LGBTQ individuals. The church recognizes the importance of showing love and respect to everyone, even if their behavior does not align with certain teachings.

Ultimately, the decision to pursue baptism or full participation in church activities is a deeply personal choice, involving a nuanced understanding of one's faith and commitment to Christ's commandments. The LDS Church continues to evolve in its approach, striving to support its members while maintaining adherence to its doctrinal beliefs.