Category: Policies
Tip for Unit Leaders: When Multiple Organizations Request the Same People for Callings, Have a Meeting with Leaders to Explore Options
Today my wife praised our recently released bishop’s method of handling conflicts in calling requests. She just learned about this technique and was thrilled at the simple beauty of it….
The Church Announces Support for a Bill Supporting Same-Sex Marriage
The Church has spoken in favor of a federal bill supporting same-sex marriage, while still maintaining the position that homesexual activity is inconsistent with the teachings of the Gospel. Here…
Discussing Abortion With Your Children and Others: Please Include the Science on the Health of Women
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who understand the Church’s position on abortion or the reasons for its emphasis on the family and the sanctity of human life need to be better prepared to talk to our children and others about the issue of abortion. As we listen gently to sincere questions or concerns, we must also find the right moments to teach based on sound doctrine but also sound science.
How to Talk to Concerned Church Members Who Are “COVID Policy Doubters” (CPDs)
Some Latter-day Saints, probably only a minority, were frustrated with a recent request from Church leaders. Some of the frustration might be lessened after carefully considering the wording of the…
Fear and Trembling and Sickness Unto 47 Million Deaths: Basic Math and the Pandemic Panic
A well-educated friend with a graduate degree from an outstanding university sent me this video from Dr. Emily Porter of Austin, Texas and felt it was enlightening. She artfully and…
Coping with the Corona Virus: A New Report on Glucosamine and Other Nutriceuticals, and an Update on Masks
I irritated some readers (as I often do) in February when I shared some thoughts from another reader about the possible importance of glucosamine in helping pneumonia patients survive. I’m…
Race and the Priesthood: Significant New Statement on the LDS History of Blacks and the Priesthood at LDS.org
I’m delighted with the release of a thoughtful statement at ChurchofJesusChrist.org clarifying the history of the Church’s former policy that prior to 1978 prohibited those with African ancestry from holding…
Marcus H. Martins on Race in the Church
“A Black Man in Zion: Reflections on Race in the Restored Gospel” is a good read from the first black man to serve a mission after the 1978 revelation that…
Reminder on Comments: This Is Not the Place for YOUR Unconstrained Freedom of Speech
A couple people have been sorely offended when I have deleted comments that violate my policies here. As a reminder, I ask that your comments be on-topic, civil in tone,…
Updated Review of Black and Mormon
Many Latter-day Saints shouted with joy or at least breathed a sigh of relief on June 9, 1978 when the Church announced that any worthy male could be eligible to…