How long before this Bishop gets released?

[_Drifting]

This will be interesting to watch play out. Many on other boards are cheering this Bishop on, hoping that he'll be the first of many (in leadership positions) who will come forward and support him and that the church will begin to change their policy toward gays in the church. I don't hold out much hope of that happening and I think that's pretty naïve. I think it'll be much more likely that this Bishop will be made an example of and will be released.

I think you're right and I'm happy the Church will not change their policy/doctrine on gays because it is perfect now and has been always as far as I can tell. If I were cynical, I would say that the Church cannot make such changes because of what it's stated before especially regarding not being in conflict with the scriptures.

But the reality is that the doctrine of the Church is not based on public opinion but on revelation from God and God has already stated his opinion on homosexuality through His prophets. Those who would argue public opinion should remind themselves that the Church still practices plural marriage; it's still a doctrine. And the Church has not repudiated not allowing descendents of Cain to have the priesthood for a time. In the face of public opinion, the Church merely presents another face, it doesn't change it's doctrine.

Are you happy that the Church has visibly softened its stance with regards to gay members, even to the point where they release PR about an openly gay man being 'called' to serve on a Bishopric?

[_Madison54]

Are you happy that the Church has visibly softened its stance with regards to gay members, even to the point where they release PR about an openly gay man being 'called' to serve on a Bishopric?

I actually have a good friend whose family member works in the Church Office Building. They told me there has been "rumors" and "talk" amongst some up there that many definitely are "softening" their feelings towards gay members of the church. Some even believe gay members will be able to remain in good standing within the church who remain faithful within same sex marriages. Of course, there will probably never be same sex temple marriages, but this would be a step in the right direction.

Also, John Dehlin has posted on his Facebook page that this Bishop's Stake President is not releasing him and is fine with what he said in his speech this past weekend.

Definitely another step in the right direction.

[_Madison54]

This is what John Dehlin posted on his Facebook page yesterday about Bishop Kevin Kloosterman:

"Kevin has met with his Stake President, and apparently, he's in great shape."

So, unless someone higher up than the SP takes action, the church is remaining silent on this. It was interesting to read the Deseret News' article on the Mormon Stories Conference. They did not even mention the Bishop's presence at the conference, let alone that he spoke:
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/7001 ... .html?pg=1

What's weird is that they mention the other 2 speakers who spoke at the Sunday service but conspicuously leave Kloosterman's name out.

[_Buffalo]

I actually have a good friend whose family member works in the Church Office Building. They told me there has been "rumors" and "talk" amongst some up there that many definitely are "softening" their feelings towards gay members of the church. Some even believe gay members will be able to remain in good standing within the church who remain faithful within same sex marriages. Of course, there will probably never be same sex temple marriages, but this would be a step in the right direction.

Also, John Dehlin has posted on his Facebook page that this Bishop's Stake President is not releasing him and is fine with what he said in his speech this past weekend.

Definitely another step in the right direction.

Man, I hope that's true. The silly superstitious stuff in the church wouldn't bother me so much if they just got rid of the misanthropy.

[_bcspace]

Are you happy that the Church has visibly softened its stance with regards to gay members,

I don't see a change in doctrine in this regard. Only a reemphasis of loving the sinner.

even to the point where they release PR about an openly gay man being 'called' to serve on a Bishopric

Potentially a mistake in my honest opinion but it depends on what this Bishop says or actually believes.

[_Drifting]

even to the point where they release PR about an openly gay man being 'called' to serve on a Bishopric

Potentially a mistake in my honest opinion but it depends on what this Bishop says or actually believes.

He isn't a bishop he was (If I recall correctly) an Exec Sec. His appointment was used as positive Church PR (I'm sure googling "LDS, bishopric, openly gay", will get you the article). Almost to the point that it was conceivable that his being called was deliberately for the purpose of PR.

It was slightly disingenuous in, my opinion, in that "openly gay" was interpreted as someone who 'suffered' with same sex attraction but didn't act upon those urges.

I agree with your opinion that it was a mistake, both to appoint him and also to advertise it.