Five Points of Council

Religious Freedom, the talk given my Elder Dallin H. Oaks at BYU-Idaho gives us five principles by which we Latter-day Saints should conduct ourselves "to enhance religious freedom in this period of turmoil and challenge".

1) We must speak with love. Although "we must not be surprised when our positions are ridiculed and we are persecuted and reviled. "

2) We must speak out and participate in government. We must also defend others right to do so without retaliation.

3) We must preach our doctrines even though they be unpopular at times.

4) We must be wise in our political participation ... in other words speak with inspiration and with the Holy Ghost.

5) A person's religious beliefs does not qualify them for public office.

This talk made me uncomfortable and I am sure it was meant to do so. It uncovered my eyes to the conflicts that continue to occur and my responsibility to defend my faith. I interact with people of opposing beliefs all the time, even LDS persons who support same sex marriage. I now know for certain though that it is my job, when guided by The Spirit, to stand up and say no. Marriage is between a man and a woman and there is no question about it. As Elder M. Russell Ballard stated:

“We follow Jesus Christ by living the law of chastity. God gave this commandment, and He has never revoked or changed it. This law is clear and simple. No one is to engage in sexual relationships outside the bounds the Lord has set. This applies to homosexual behavior of any kind and to heterosexual relationships outside marriage. It is a sin to violate the law of chastity.

“We follow Jesus Christ by adhering to God’s law of marriage, which is marriage between one man and one woman. This commandment has been in place from the very beginning.” (“Engaging Without Being Defensive,” BYU Commencement Address, 13 August 2009. )