I wrote this in response to a series of news articles that have been published recently regarding the LDS Church's recently released policy on children of same-gender relationships. If you have not familiarized yourself with the issue, please see either of the following two articles:
http://www.ksl.com/?sid=37248288&nid=148&title=lds-church-children-of-same-sex-couples-not-eligible-for-membership&fm=home_page&s_cid=topstory
http://kutv.com/news/local/lds-church-to-exclude-children-of-same-sex-couples-from-membership
And here is my response:
This is by no means an easy subject to discuss, as it's a topic that I do not claim to have a complete answer for. I will do my best to respond appropriately, as a member of the Church and not as an authority on it.
On the subject of baby blessings. A baby blessing in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not a typical "Christening." While we consider it an ordinance of the Priesthood, it isn't a "baptism" etc. For a child to be "born in the covenant" and given a name and a blessing publicly, my understanding at least, is that said baby must be the child of a member of the LDS Church. By definition, a child from a same-sex relationship would not be the child of members of the LDS Church, because they would either have been excommunicated, or never been members.
As to the topic of baptism, we don't believe that baptism is a "rite of passage." While we believe that children can begin to make decisions for themselves at the age of 8, and this is the point when they can with guidance recognize right and wrong, they are by no means 100% accountable for their actions, and as such require the nurture and guidance of parents who will help raise them in the Gospel.
When an individual is Baptized into the LDS Church, they are entering into sacred covenants with God. Those covenants are a commitment to:
1. Take upon themselves the name of Christ
2. Keep the commandments (as understood by the LDS Church, which includes not participating in same-gender relationships among many other things)
I believe that the churches standpoint on with holding baptism from those children being raised by same gender parents is both a measure of protection for the child, as well as for the church. A child being raised by those of the same gender, who desires to be baptized a member, would have to declare that they do not agree with the lifestyle that said child's parents are living. This would put the child, while still in their formative years, in a very difficult position.
Not only that, but we believe that upon entering into covenants, such as baptism, we are raising our accountability. We believe that God will judge others based upon the knowledge that they possess, and how they use that knowledge. Anyone who has been baptized increases their accountability level. When an 8 year old child of active parent(s) is baptized, that parent(s) accountability is in effect raised. If an 8-17 year old child of same-gender parents was baptized, they would be living in a household that is in direct violation of what the LDS Church teaches are commandments of chastity.
To restate, this "rule" is to protect both the child, and the Church. For instance, when I decided that I wanted to be baptized at 16, the Church indicated that I would require parental approval to be baptized. I sought it, and my parents rejected. The Church's policy on such situations is that the individual wait until they are 18, which I did. I know of other denominations that would have said "to heck with what the parents want" and baptized me. This is not the Church's way.
I'm not saying whether or not I agree with this line of thought, nor am I saying this is necessarily my Church's response to it. What I am saying is these are the reasons I can think of at this time as to why this policy is in place. I believe that the teachings of the Savior can be summed up in "love God" and "love your neighbor." I believe that part of loving God is striving to keep His commandments. I believe that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true, but is still run by people. Fallible people. I believe that there are on record very clear instances when individuals within the church's leadership have made errors in judgment, and conflated God's will with their own. I think that in a world where God works through imperfection, one can only expect that such is going to happen. The law of averages practically demands it.
Finally, I will say that I believe in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I believe in where it has come from, and where it is going. I believe that its teachings lead people to happiness, peace, and eventually to eternal life. I believe that its policies and practices are meant to lift others, and not to condemn them. I am who I am as a follower of Christ because of my membership in this Church. I would be a...far different person than I am today without it. I love this Church, and believe that I always will.
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