The fireside was entitled, "Understanding, supporting and embracing members of the church who experience homosexual attraction." It was held in an LDS church building on April 23, 2010. Here's the audio from the first speaker:
The password to access fireside audio is 'ssafiresides'
Among those who experience homosexual attraction are members of our families, members of our wards, and members of our community. Sometimes, those who experience such feelings are fearful of being accepted in a church where family is so central to our doctrine and purpose. As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we have the capacity to uplift our brothers and sisters who experience homosexual attraction as we embrace them in a spirit of genuine love and fellowship.
In an effort to encourage open and honest dialogue that is critical to furthering understanding of this issue, we solicited the help of concerned members and local priesthood leaders to organize a fireside to which members of three stakes in the St. Louis area were invited.
Over one hundred people attended and what ensued was a series of talks and conversations that fostered a spirit of love, compassion and understanding. The encouragement and support we received from members of the St. Louis stakes and priesthood leaders was incredible. We hope that what we have learned will be useful to other wards and stakes throughout the church that would like to organize similar firesides.
As a result of encouraging open discussion among church members, we hope to avoid causing deep pain to families and leaving far too many without the love and friendships that would help them in finding the Peace the Savior promises to all who come unto Him.
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