LDS Church Leader explains new policies for children of same-sex parents
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SALT LAKE CITY — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a statement and video Friday – explaining new guidelines for local leaders that bar underage children living with same-gender parents from membership.
The updated instructions from the church handbook were confirmed Thursday by a church spokesman. To be eligible for membership, baptism, confirmation, ordination, or recommendation for missionary service, the new rules require individuals to specifically disavow support for the practice of same-sex marriage or cohabitation and receive approval from the Office of the First Presidency, the highest level of leadership in the church.
The guidelines are included in revisions to Handbook 1, which is only available to stake presidencies and bishoprics.
In a statement and video published Friday evening, the church reaffirmed the Church’s position on marriage and outlined the changes to the handbook.