Rainbow Ribbons on Sunday
Last week, church leaders released a letter that will be read on Sunday the 29th. This letter will encourage members to donate time and money to pass a CA ammendment that restricts marriage to one man and one woman.
It's a disappointing letter and hurtful to some people who would like their gay friends and family members to have the chance to marry.
So this week my friends will be wearing rainbow ribbons to church to quietly show our support for our gay friends. I'll be out of town (in Hawaii - yay!), but I'm sad I won't be there to wear a rainbow ribbon with them. This afternoon Brooke and I are going to make a bunch of rainbow ribbons to distribute to interested people. If you want one, let us know.
It's a disappointing letter and hurtful to some people who would like their gay friends and family members to have the chance to marry.
So this week my friends will be wearing rainbow ribbons to church to quietly show our support for our gay friends. I'll be out of town (in Hawaii - yay!), but I'm sad I won't be there to wear a rainbow ribbon with them. This afternoon Brooke and I are going to make a bunch of rainbow ribbons to distribute to interested people. If you want one, let us know.
posted by Caroline | 2:43 PM
45 Comments:
and here i had been so glad that they read it last sunday while i was in vegas. and now i have to listen to it. and all the resulting commentary throughout the rest of the meeting.
i'll incorporate a rainbow somehow. how are you doing your ribbons?
You guys are my heroes - it's continually inspiring to see the way you continue your activity and involvement in your community while still being true to yourselves and maintaining your integrity. Your actions help restore my faith in organized religion, and I'm sure I'm not the only one that feels that way. Good luck and let us all know how it goes! Have fun in Hawaii.
Amy, we're doing them like a pink ribbon or a yellow ribbon. Like this.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d0/Yellow_ribbon.svg/370px-Yellow_ribbon.svg.png
They are about 1 inch by 3 or 4 inches and have a safety pin so you can pin it to your shoulder.
Journeygal,
Thanks! You make me feel awesome. We need to hang out more. :)
i like this idea! i never wear black in summer, but had planned on wearing my favorite black maternity dress and wearing a rainbow silk scarf with it. i just can't find a scarf! a ribbon may have to suffice.
Either you believe the Lord has His prophet on earth or you don't. The fact that you would publicly oppose a Prophet of God speaks volumes to where you are in your spirituality.
WOW. I am shocked that there would be this kind of silent protesting in church. I think this blog is making its rounds, and it is understandable why the Prophet and his Counselors would need to send out an official letter. The Proclamation to the World was given about 13 years ago, and yet there are still members that are not listening? The Lord has asked us to protect the sacred nature of families. The Lord.....
Good grief.
Being Mormon doesn't mean you have to agree with every policy and political stand the Church leadership takes.
Makakona,
Yay! Let me know how it goes on Sunday.
I haven't been to my home ward in years, but I'm going to my ward tomorrow to walk out when this letter is read across the pulpit. People in my home ward deserve more than to hear the tone of intolerance.
Those who encourage and condone homosexual behavior are not true members of the LDS church, they are just cultural Mormons. It is one thing to love and accept those who make mistakes, it is another to support the mistake itself. Marriage is a commandment of God, and it is between one man and one woman, Adam and Eve were the first example of it. Anything else is perversion, and is definitely NOT ordained of God. To pretend that it is because you love your gay or lesbian friends is to do them great harm. God will not condone that type of 'marriage' because it is not marriage at all. You will see great tribulations and natural disasters increase if you continue to support this wickedness.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrwJMMsF110
I think it is important to note what grants us freedom in the United States. The principles we must be founded on.
That video is hilarious!!!
Ryan, Let me know how your Sunday goes. I suspect there will be quite a few people in the chapel who won't be thrilled by that letter.
Anonymous said, "Marriage is a commandment of God, and it is between one man and one woman."
Wow. Someone has a short memory. Remember polygamy and polyandry in the early Church? The truth is that marriage has taken various forms throughout history. And God, if you're a believer in the Bible, has clearly sanctioned forms of marriage that fall outside 'one man and one woman.'
I see nothing wrong with supporting another person's agency to form committed and recognized marital unions with the person they love. Unions which are recognized by our government. Just because the government recognizes such marriages doesn't mean the Church has to. (Maybe that's what you're afraid of...?)
Your last sentence was intriguing. What natural disasters do you foresee because of this? I also see pending natural disasters coming. Because of global warming.
John, you're right. That video was something special.:) Loved that soaring music.
Wow, how sad when members of the church decide which commandments from God are right and which are wrong. I am saddened to see this apostasy has begun. I pray that you will see the wrongness of not following the Lord's ordained Prophet. Be ware of what you are doing or you will end up numbered with the Sons of Perdition.
You're right...the Bible does tell of different marital types but can you show me where it has ever condoned marriage between the same sex?
I suggest you read Lehi's dream again before you call those who hold to the rod "Hilarious"
There are other interesting accounts in the scriptures of one faithful person among a crowd. Alma was among the wicked priests of King Noah. These were men described as being lifted up in the pride of their hearts, lazy and idolatrous, who spoke lying and vain words to the people.2 They had perverted the ways of the Lord because they had not applied their hearts to understanding.3 When Abinadi delivered his message of repentance, they mocked him and finally put him to death. This was indeed an evil crowd. Yet as the scriptures point out, “there was one among them”4 who believed. Alma alone took to heart what Abinadi had taught. With courage he stepped away from the crowd to follow the Lord. The influence of this one man among the crowd on the course of Nephite history is immeasurable.
One of the most well-known crowds in the Book of Mormon is the one that occupies the great and spacious building in Lehi’s vision of the tree of life. The building was filled with people, old and young, male and female, who were mocking and pointing their fingers toward those who were partaking of the fruit of the tree.5 Unfortunately, some who had tasted of the fruit listened to the crowd and “fell away into forbidden paths and were lost.”6 There were others, however, who partook of the fruit and paid no heed to the crowd.7 These were the ones who enjoyed the full blessings of the tree of life.
What a great idea! It almost makes me want to go back to church. Almost.
You people who are supporting gay people in this just don't get it. You don't understand the difference between discrimination and defending Gods kingdom. The purpose behind rejecting Gay marriages is not to discriminate against gay people. It is to protect society from disintegration and the destruction of the family unit. Legalizing a gay marriage is the same thing as giving it a stamp of approval. It's saying it is okay. It is not okay. It is in societies best interest to be based around the plan God has designated as correct, that is heterosexual marriages. You people who are in support of gay people need to see what you are really supporting. It is a sickness and the victims need to be loved and supported in becoming healed, not further immersed into their sickness. It's like supporting a fat humungous person that only wants to EAT EAT EAT all the time and you encourage them to do so.
Ok, so i just found out who all these strange anonymous commenters are.
They are from:
http://www.ldsfreedomforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=3248
which seems to be some weird message board for very conservative LDS people. They've linked to my little post here.
Check them out, friends. They are hilarious.
Straight is the gate and narrow is the way that leads to eternal life and few there be that find it. The Lord alone sets his standards. They are not open to interpretation or given to swaying with the political tide. Right is right and wrong is wrong. Interestingly it has been prophesied that in the last days evil will be seen as good and good as evil. This is a prime example of that prophesy being fulfilled. The issue of gay marriage is not even a debatable issue in the context of right or wrong. The scriptures are very clear on the matter of homosexuality. One of the commandments given to Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden was to be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth that they may have joy and rejoicing in their posterity. Explain to me how that is accomplished in a homosexual relationship. It simply is impossible. I am heartsick for those who "have the truth" yet willingly turn from it. But as we all know, the choice is yours to make. However, the consequences to you personally, and to society, as a result of your choice are not yours to decide.
I think this is disgusting. Either you have a testimony of the Lord and his work here on earth or you don't. Whose side are you on? It is not the job of the church to be "tolerant". It is to do the Lord's work on this earth. I find it sad that you have the blessing of truth in your life and choose to turn away to that in favor of society.
I'm absolutely shocked that so many LDS people are willing to abandon church principles. This isn't the Church of Thomas S. Monson. This is the Church of Jesus Christ - and the leaders of our church are acting in His name. I don't believe that Jesus Christ would "tolerate" gay marriages. Gay marriages threaten to tear the family to shreds. I fear for my children in this "tolerant" society.
BTW, I am NOT a part of the ldsfreedomforum you were talking about. I have a mind and opinion of my own and I also have a testimony of my Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ.
I haven't read/posted for awhile. Those comments were so funny! Thanks for posting.
I love that you and Brooke organized the rainbow ribbons. Great job!
I have two words for you: Sodom, and Gomorrah. And here are a few more:
God is the same yesterday, today and forever. What makes anyone think the repercussions for current sins that are the same as old sins would be any different? The difference will be that the downfall of our people will be worse this time. Worse than what you might ask? Worse than fire and brimstone raining down out of the sky killing all inhabitants of those two cities I mentioned.
I feel sorry for anyone who claims to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and does not support the Prophet of God, Thomas S. Monson. You can laugh and deride and even persecute, but it won't ever make wrong right in the sight of God.
I will be looking for those ribbons and walk-outs in my meeting on Sunday. I will pray for those people.
I am not from ldsfreedomforum.
Caroline,
I have to say that I am very proud of you for standing up for your beliefs. I am amazed at how many "LDS" people will come on here and call you to repentence like they are the prophet. I agree on your stance that every person who wants to be in a committed relationship has the right to be married, no matter their sexual orientation. Kudos to you!
Well if California ever dose fall off into the ocean we'll know why.
Could anyone please explain to me, in explicit detail, as if I'm only three years old, EXACTLY how gay marriage threatens the family unit?
I just don't understand how Adam and Steve down the street getting married makes one whit of difference to the health and sanctity of my own family.
Anyone?
Wow... There's a bunch of people all high and mighty up in their white towers passing judgement on others aren't they. I thought I'd remind people that it's "LOVE thy Neighbor as thy self" NOT JUDGE thy neighbor. No where in that message does it say unless they are sinners.
I took a little trip over to that message board and WOW. Wasn't one of the seven deadly sins Pride?
I bet these ladies are all sitting around wondering how they can one up eachother on holiness. Maybe they should "Repent the use of the internet" and turn their computers off. It would save us from their brainwashed rhetoric.
It does say "Love thy neighbor..." You can do that without supporting the sin.
As if you are only three years old - HOW DOES GAY MARRIAGE SUPPORT THE KINGDOM OF GOD?
Simple answer. It doesn't. So, do you support the kingdom of God or don't you? How is it more difficult than that?
Try explaining to your kids why you support Adam and Steve down the street getting married, and then explain to them that you expect them to find a worthy partner to be sealed to in the temple for all eternities. Good luck with that one.
Hahaha! Wow! Caroline, you've gathered some fierce "anonymous" posters! Careful, you may be "numbered with the Sons of Perdition." I love it! The anonymous comments made me laugh so hard today!! Oh, and I needed a good laugh.
Brooke told me later about the rainbow ribbons. This topic is still so difficult for me. I'm so conflicted. All I know is that we are ALL children of God and should be treated EQUALLY, no matter what.That's how I read the scriptures. Where political and religious issues merge (or if they should) is unclear to me. But I'm sad to see so much hatred towards anyone for standing up for what they believe in.
BTW. There are so many comments about how the church couldn't grow if all its members were gay, etc. Wow, I don't know how the church is going to grow with so much condescension and self-righteousness emanating from its members who are supposed to be Christ-like. And by being Christ-like I don't mean "condoning gay marriage." You don't have to agree with another person's stance on gay marriage, but why is that license to unleash such harsh condemnation--um, and from people without the "authority" to do so. Even when Jesus himself is letting someone have it, I never feel the hatred and fear from Him that I feel when I read these "anonymous" comments. Who are any of you to judge another's "spirituality."
I'm LDS. Very active. I'm not from ldsfreedomforum. That place is scary--and possibly Satanic.
"I'm LDS. Very active. I'm not from ldsfreedomforum. That place is scary--and possibly Satanic."
Yeah...because Satan was all about freedom wasn't he?
Gay marriage is horrible! I cant believe that people could look at something like that, and think it is right, but then to support it also. It tears families apart. Imagine if your dad, DECIDED to be gay? How would you explain that to the child? Imagine the pain that child would experience, in trying to cope with its father leaving its mom for another kid. How can anyone do that to a kid, and preach "tolerance" for gay marriage?
Its sickening to read that people can support something as horrid and wrong and distorted as gay marriage
It must be wonderful to be so anonymously righteous! :-)
Although I'm not in support of gay marriage, I found those anonymous postings ridiculous.
Why? Because the posters were afraid to put their names to them.
Nothing wrong with disagreeing, but people need to own their statements.
Caroline, I admire you for stating what you believe on your blog.
I just read your post and thought it was so lovely. I wish I had thought to wear a rainbow ribbon!
"Anonymous" person writes:
"BTW, I am NOT a part of the ldsfreedomforum you were talking about. I have a mind and opinion of my own and I also have a testimony of my Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ."
The most disgusting thing about this thread is not that someone feels smug enough in their own spiritual life to accuse Caroline of walking the path to perdition (disgusting, yes, but not the MOST disgusting). No, what really seems slimy and ungodly is that these potshots would get thrown from people unwilling even to sign their own names to what they are supposedly "standing up" for. If you feel so righteous, so pious, so absolutely confident that you are the chosen ones of GOD, then stand up and sign your name--OWN it! I don't think you'll get far at the judgment seat by claiming that you "anonymously" (read: cowardly) called others to repentance. Choosing to remain anonymous when you've done something noble or generous (like, say, giving money to a charity) has a certain Christian panache to it; remaining anonymous when you're supposedly standing up for your sacred beliefs does not. I don't think Lehi and his family went to the tree and ate the fruit with masks on.
I respect Caroline for having the charity to actually engage in conversation with people who are not human enough to sign their name. I'm not sure I'd have the patience for it. Remaining anonymous is *irresponsible* in the most fundamental sense: not taking responsibility for what you've written.
Signed,
Robert John Williams
P.S. I'm only sad I got to this thread so late that I couldn't chastise these anonymous so-holy-their-name-cannot-be-uttered folks while they were still here and reading.
Signed (again),
Robert John Williams
Anna, Amanda, thanks for the kind words.
R.John, you are awesome. I too wish you had been here when the pathetic anonymous posters were going at it. I didn't have the stomach to deal with them for long. Love your comment.
Hey, I thought I said it funnier!
John with an h, you are awesome and hilarious too!
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Is anyone else scared? I want to be open and honest about these things, but it honestly scares me.
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