SALT LAKE CITY—Two groups that work to support Mormons who experience same-sex attraction will host dueling conferences this weekend aimed at helping the faithful deal with their physical and spiritual dilemmas.
Evergreen International and Affirmation: Gay & Lesbian Mormons take very different approaches to the same issue. Although the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints no longer considers homosexual lust a sin, acting on such impulses remains forbidden. Evergreen, with the assistance of therapists, attempts to help the faithful “overcome homosexual behavior” by attempting to “diminish same-sex attraction.” Affirmation, on the other hand, supports current and former members of the church in living openly homosexual lives and viewing their orientation as “a special gift from God.”
Evergreen and the therapists who work with the organization reject the American Psychological Association’s new resolution—passed in August—advising members not to tell clients their sexual orientation can be changed through therapy. Not only is there no evidence such treatments work, but mounting evidence suggests they may do harm, the APA noted.
A “longstanding consensus” among behavioral and social scientists holds that homosexuality is “a normal and positive variation of human sexual orientation,” according to the APA.
However, the association conceded the role religion plays in people’s attitudes about sexual orientation, ultimately recommending therapists “respect clients’ religious beliefs” and help them “consider possibilities for a religiously and spiritually meaningful and rewarding life” through celibacy or by switching churches.
Affirmation’s approach to homosexuality among Mormons mirrors the APA’s position and is based on the organization’s belief that forcing marriage to the opposite sex or disowning gay family members in order not to “contaminate” straight ones does more harm than good.
“The church has done tremendous damage to families, to individuals,” Affirmation Executive Director Melson says. “The breaking up of families, the homelessness, the suicide has to end. We would like to work with the church to do that, but, with them or without them, we would like to make an effort to end the damage now.”
Evergreen Executive Director David Pruden said the LDS church has stopped forcing heterosexual marriage on homosexuals, although it continues to oppose same-sex marriage vehemently. Approximately 40 percent of the individuals who seek Evergreen’s help already are married to someone of the opposite sex, he said. His groups believes it is possible to “change” someone’s orientation through prayer, therapy and scripture reading.
Evergreen International’s 19th Annual Conference, to occur Friday and Saturday at the South Temple in Salt Lake City, includes workshops and lectures to help Mormons overcome same-sex attraction. For $160, attendees receive full access to speakers from the LDS Church, Focus on the Family and the National Association of Research and Therapy of Homosexuals.
Affirmation’s 30th Annual Conference, to take place at various locations on the University of Utah campus Friday through Sunday, will include workshops, a theatrical reading, a pop concert and a Sunday devotional service. Fees begin at $179, and participants include writers, psychologists and researchers, musicians and other artists.
