tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5835564038959249094.post2978258975056905700..comments2023-06-26T07:03:26.219-07:00Comments on I am Mitch Mayne. I am an openly gay, active Latter-day Saint.: Small steps, big hopes: Changes to the Mormon "Handbook of Instructions" dealing with homosexualityMitch Maynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01581529961840637683noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5835564038959249094.post-74760875912008601152010-12-08T13:02:28.734-08:002010-12-08T13:02:28.734-08:00Heya Cindy- I'm just seeing this! Thanks for y...Heya Cindy- I'm just seeing this! Thanks for your response...and point well taken. I was trying to prove a point that an average Bishop may not be well equipped to handle the gay topic--handbook or no. See my previous experiences listed above. <br /><br />I have found that while there are a lot of members like you and me, there are a large number still who lack the willingness to learn and to be open (see my other post on critical thinking). I think the capacity is there, but for whatever reason, many Mormons (on this issue in particular) are scared to step out onto the ice--and cite doctrine as a way to close down conversation. <br /><br />BTW, I love a good debate and love your comments! Keep on typin', sister! :-)Mitch Maynehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01581529961840637683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5835564038959249094.post-91233828127147259792010-12-02T06:04:51.117-08:002010-12-02T06:04:51.117-08:00I realize your experiences shape your views. But ...I realize your experiences shape your views. But I must say that stereotyping the Orem, UT bishop is the same sort of stereotyping we are hoping to help others overcome. Isn't it?<br /><br />I apologize if I misunderstood, but I hear similar comments from others in and out of the church. Yet I find most people I associate with in church are a lot like you and me. Compassionate. Open. Loving. Willing to understand and wanting to learn about each other. I think the exceptions (those who are judgmental and close-minded) are not so many in number. Possibly their strong characteristics can sometimes make us think there are a larger part of the population than they are in reality.<br /><br />Here's to not stereotyping.<br /><br />Keep writing. I find your words thought-provoking.Cindy at LottieBirdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14983096000933814079noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5835564038959249094.post-41147560867712533992010-11-15T09:36:49.894-08:002010-11-15T09:36:49.894-08:00I read many of the comments on the SLC article and...I read many of the comments on the SLC article and was disappointed that so many people missed the point entirely. While I agree that the church (ANY church) should not be involved in the legal issues surrounding gay marriage, all churches MUST come to terms with the fact that they have gay members. And if they want to KEEP those members, church leaders must stop denying the fact that homosexuality is not a choice. <br /><br />You are literally helping write the future history of the Mormon church, Mitch. 100 years from now, when gay men and women able openly live their true lives AND be valued members of the Mormon church, your name will be part of their language. <br /><br />xoxokatehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15592401463121063648noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5835564038959249094.post-76243419295152434072010-11-13T13:35:16.187-08:002010-11-13T13:35:16.187-08:00This comment has been removed by the author.Zen Twittererhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00109953869604023075noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5835564038959249094.post-26266651312356710072010-11-13T12:16:21.622-08:002010-11-13T12:16:21.622-08:00Thanks, Chris! We need allies like you! Made my da...Thanks, Chris! We need allies like you! Made my day!Mitch Maynehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01581529961840637683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5835564038959249094.post-15438798094229110632010-11-13T11:44:34.631-08:002010-11-13T11:44:34.631-08:00Hey Mitch, designwolf/ Chris here, it makes me rea...Hey Mitch, designwolf/ Chris here, it makes me really happy that you are pushing this envelope gently open. I am not Mormon, myself, but I dated a Mormon gal in High School who is still one of my very best friends. I have defended the faith repeatedly, because I respect it even though it is not for me. I pray for the day that church members and the doctrine reflect the same views toward homosexuals. I know so many great guys who are ex-Mormons and would probably not be if the church had unconditional love... You are doing great work.PHX HOTNESShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07582029210880379902noreply@blogger.com