Same-Sex Marriage & the Church’s Latest Stand: When You Just Didn’t See it Coming

In June, 1978, I just didn’t see it coming. I will never forget where I was the moment I heard that every worthy male on earth could receive the priesthood. I was a young deacon that certainly did not understand how the announcement would transform the world of Mormonism. Even so, I was absolutely thrilled.

Circa January, 1985, I just didn’t see it coming. I will never forget where I was the moment I learned that I could extend my mission from eighteen months (the prescribed time I was called to serve) to twenty four months (according to the newly announced policy). I chose to stay and my mission president had me sign a document committing me to the additional months of service. I can still feel that pen in my hand—I signed with enthusiasm. I was absolutely thrilled.

November 5, 2015, I just didn’t see it coming. I suppose I will never forget where I was when I read the Church’s new policy addressing same-sex couples that are married, their status in the Church, and their children’s access to ordinances and missionary service. It goes without saying that I’m still processing this announcement. I have questions—especially about the children. After all, I know heterosexual couples that are Mormon and openly live together. The status of their children does not change in the eyes of the Church. I know convicted child molesters that are Mormon. The status of their children does not change in the eyes of the Church. I just have questions. I didn’t see this coming.

Well, I heard this announcement from KUTV news in Salt Lake City. I have not heard a syllable about this announcement from men I sustain as prophets, seers, and revelators. Yesterday they painted very bright lines and I am looking forward to hearing from them on the subject. To be sure, they’ve already said a lot—especially over the past twenty years.

So even though I didn’t see it coming, it will all work out in the end. I genuinely believe that. And in my mind and heart I have good reason to believe. In 1978, everything worked out. In 1985, everything worked out. I’m confident that in thirty years—when I am in my eighties—I will look back at November 5, 2015, and everything will have worked out. Right now, I don’t understand. But I will trust. And my trust is not blind. And if I am identified as a blind sheep following blind shepherds, I will make every effort to be kind and civil in my reply.