I’m a mormon bishop, and I struggle with same-sex attraction. I have a strong testimony and because of that I have put aside my true feelings and live within the guidelines of the LDS church. I feel so ashamed. Sometimes I feel like God doesn’t answer my prayers. I don’t know what to do. (Question adapted from a blog entry the webmaster recently read.)
3 Responses to “I’m a mormon bishop, and I struggle with same-sex attraction…”
Diego Castro
2010-05-10 05:12:44
Hi brother bishop. You question really struck me. You seem to feel ashamed about your same-sex attraction, but if you're living the gospel standards I don't think you have anything to be ashamed of. Acting on homosexual feelings or cultivating homosexual thoughts is sinful, but simply feeling uncontrollable attraction for others of your same sex is not a sin in and of itself. If anything, the fact that you're a faithful member of the church despite this great challenge makes you a super Mormon. :)
I'm a practicing member of the Church, and I would be very disappointed if I learned that my bishop had broken the law of chastity. However, I would not be disappointed at all to learn that my bishop struggles with same-sex attraction. I think there is nothing about same-sex attraction that should preclude a man from being a bishop, as long as he remains faithful to the teachings of Christ as taught in the Church. I'm not saying you should go broadcasting your attraction to the world. Obviously it is something that is private. However, I see no reason to be ashamed. You might be interested in a blog article I recently wrote.
Bishop, you know that God does answer your prayers. Perhaps it's not the answer you expect, and perhaps the message is subtle, but He answers just the same. Perhaps this little comment is part of that answer. Best of luck to you.
Richard
2010-05-10 17:32:25
Jesus himself was tempted. As recorded in the Bible at least three major times. Jesus just simply ignored the temptations and usually countered the devil with scriptures. Perhaps an immersion into things scriptural would give you a better feeling of closeness to God again.
It's not a sin to be tempted only to give in to the temptation. Also, please go to your stake president for help, thanks.
I'm a practicing member of the Church, and I would be very disappointed if I learned that my bishop had broken the law of chastity. However, I would not be disappointed at all to learn that my bishop struggles with same-sex attraction. I think there is nothing about same-sex attraction that should preclude a man from being a bishop, as long as he remains faithful to the teachings of Christ as taught in the Church. I'm not saying you should go broadcasting your attraction to the world. Obviously it is something that is private. However, I see no reason to be ashamed. You might be interested in a blog article I recently wrote.
Bishop, you know that God does answer your prayers. Perhaps it's not the answer you expect, and perhaps the message is subtle, but He answers just the same. Perhaps this little comment is part of that answer. Best of luck to you.
It's not a sin to be tempted only to give in to the temptation. Also, please go to your stake president for help, thanks.