Unworthy for supporting gay marriage

The Price of Supporting Gay Marriage in Mormonism

The question of whether supporting gay marriage renders a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints "unworthy" for temple privileges is not just theological, but deeply personal. As societal norms evolve, the dissonance between traditional religious doctrines and progressive views on marriage has become sharper. This tension was starkly highlighted in a recent episode from the Mormon Stories Podcast, where an individual's support for gay marriage led to a review of their temple recommend status. This raises crucial questions: Can one's personal belief in marriage equality coexist with holding a temple recommend?

Historical Context: The LDS Church and Marriage

The LDS Church has been steadfast in its definition of marriage as a union between a man and a woman. This belief is enshrined in LDS doctrine and is central to the Church’s teachings about family. Officially, the Church has opposed the legalization of same-sex marriage, seeing it as incompatible with their interpretation of divine law. Historically, members who deviate from, or publicly oppose, established doctrines can face consequences that range from informal social pressure to formal ecclesiastical action, including the revoking of temple recommends.

Key Claims and Evidence of Ecclesiastical Consequences

A temple recommend serves as a key privilege for LDS members, granting them access to sacred temple rituals. According to an account on the Mormon Stories Podcast, a member who supported temple gay marriage faced repercussions when a stake president subjected him to a quasi-temple recommend interview upon his request for release from a calling. When asked if he believed in temple gay marriage, he affirmed that he did. This admission was deemed the "wrong answer." Consequently, it called into question his standing within the church and the validity of his temple recommend.