SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, – Jan. 28, 2016 (Gephardt Daily) — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has responded to a widely shared social media posting which claims nearly three dozen young people have committed suicide in the first 81 days since the church amended its handbook regarding church membership and homosexuality.
The changes to the LDS handbook, which serves as a guide to LDS bishops and other church leaders, reaffirmed the church’s non-acceptance of homosexual marriages or couples, and also added that children living with two homosexual parents would be banned from church rites, including baptism, until they reached age 18 and renounced their parents’ lifestyle.
The policy changes drew significant outcry from the LGBT community and its supporters.
Now, according to figures posted on Facebook by Chrysteil Hunter Bird – aka “a Mama Dragon” – the policy changes are taking a deadly toll on LGBT youth in the LDS community.
“On Saturday, the 33rd LDS LGBT youth (14-20 yrs old) took their life, since the November 5th policy came out,” Bird wrote. “32 is only the number that is confirmed. True numbers are obviously likely higher. And attempts? No conceivable way to know.
“Since November 5th, I have personally stood in the hospital at the bedside of 2 wonderful LDS LGBT souls who were not successful in their attempts, thankful that I could tell them I was grateful that they were still here.”
Another online posting shares Bird’s allegations. A blog by L.T. Downing, titled “Life Outside the The Book of Mormon Belt,” 28 of the youth suicides since Nov. 5, 2015 took place in Utah, a state that averages 37 youth suicides per year, Downing wrote. The bottom of the page also lists suicide hotlines.
What follows immediately below is a response issued by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The statement was released Thursday by church spokesman Dale Jones.
LDS Church statement
“Every soul is precious to God and to the Church and the loss of life to suicide is heartbreaking. Those who are attracted to others of the same sex face particular challenges and pressures in this regard, both inside and outside the Church. We mourn with their families and friends when they feel life no longer offers hope.
“Each congregation should welcome everyone. Leaders and members are taught to follow the example of Jesus Christ and to reach out in an active, caring way to all, especially to youth who feel estranged or isolated.
“The Church has repeatedly stated that those who feel same-sex attraction and yet choose to live the commandments of God can live fulfilling lives as worthy members of the Church. We want all to enjoy the blessings and safety offered by embracing the teachings of Jesus Christ and living the principles of His gospel.”
The new LDS handbook, issued to church officials including bishops and stake presidents, reaffirmed the church’s opposition to homosexuality, and declared that those acting on same-sex urges are considered apostates.
The handbook also said that legal marriages between same-sex couples are not recognized by the LDS Church.
Bird’s full post
*This morning’s confirmed update is 34. (1/27/16)
32 in 81 days.
“This number has been pounding in my Mama Dragon head & heart for two days.
“On Saturday, the 33rd LDS LGBT youth (14-20 yrs old) took their life, since the November 5th policy came out. 32 is only the number that is confirmed. True numbers are obviously likely higher. And attempts? No conceivable way to know.
“Since November 5th, I have personally stood in the hospital at the bedside of 2 wonderful LDS LGBT souls who were not successful in their attempts, thankful that I could tell them I was grateful that they were still here.
“I know that most of us believe that we are purely being loving, but our efforts have not been enough. My son is bravely out, but there are many more than we know, sitting in our pews, serving missions, passing the sacrament, serving in class presidencies, that are too afraid to be out. They have been told their whole lives how wrong it is to be gay. They have prayed & pleaded with the Lord to change them.
“They know that the day that they come out, their worlds will change forever. They will have to fight to attend girls’ camp, to continue to serve their missions, to ever get another calling, to attend the temple. But also, that their own families won’t know how to help them. Their leaders have no training about their danger of depression, shame, & suicide.
“We must be careful with our words. Children, youth & adults alike, are listening with fears that we don’t know.
“I am a Mama Dragon. I will continue to fight fiercely for my children & others’ children, who aren’t out, who can’t use their voices. Please just love with your words & actions. Love & support can change the suicide rate of these beloved souls from 41%, down to 3%. Just by loving more. Affirm to them how much they are loved by our Heavenly Father & His Son. We must love more. Our LDS LGBT children are dying.”
Bird’s Facebook page describes her as an ABA therapist working in Issaquah, Washington. Bird’s Facebook page also says she studied Marriage and Family at BYU-Idaho, and is from Sandy, Utah.
What happened to the comments?
LDS PR paid them off, the member responses were too ridiculous.
Censorship at its finest. Pathetic. Let them expose themselves for the ignorant people they are. Don’t hide it for them by wiping away comments. Shameful.
While that many youth taking their own life is a tragedy of epic proportions, can it be confirmed that it’s directly related to the change in LDS policy? How do we know those youth were not already contemplating suicide, or that it may have been for a different reason? And I agree we need to love everyone. But how do we show that love differently to a youth who is not out yet? We can’t help the silent.
Something is missing here! Were notes being left behind? How active are these LGBT persons? Why their attachment to a Church, any Church at all? Are they seeking a relationship with God or Christ? Are they so set in their attachment to their partner that Spiritual Relationships fail? We are asked constantly to be tolerant and accepting of a gay life style! Why are they not tolerant and accepting of the church’s standards and position? Yes, this does touch me personally! I lost a nephew a year or so ago, supposedly because some said he was afraid to tell his mother he was gay! But nobody knows his truth because he chose OUT of life, not just the closet!
The policy change was the final message to some that they are flawed. That they have to choose between the church and love. That is too much for some who had hope of change. Life without hope of love means death for many.