Why does the church does speak out against some and not others?

Why Does the LDS Church Remain Silent on Some Issues and Not Others?

When it comes to the doctrines and policies of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), there's a perplexing trend that many followers and critics alike have observed: the church often remains silent on certain matters while choosing to address others. This pattern raises an essential question that both members and researchers grapple with today: why does the LDS Church choose to speak out on some issues while remaining quiet on others? Analyzing the church's reluctance to take definitive stances in some areas might reveal underlying concerns about membership retention, financial implications, and overall public perception.

A Contextual Look at LDS Public Statements

Historically, the LDS Church has never been shy about taking stances on contentious issues. Whether it was the church's historical opposition to the Equal Rights Amendment in the 1970s or its outspoken support for Proposition 8 in California in 2008, the church has not hesitated to make its beliefs known. However, this assertiveness is not universal. John Dehlin from Mormon Stories Podcast points out that when the church does respond, its statements are often vague, almost intentionally sidestepping controversial topics rather than confronting them directly.

This tendency to tiptoe around contentious issues suggests that the church might be strategically avoiding alienating certain segments of its congregation. Unlike its vocal past, the LDS Church today seems to prioritize maintaining unity over taking clear, potentially divisive positions.

Evidence and Patterns in LDS Church Responses