New LDS site encourages compassion for gays

POSTED: 11:11 AM MST Dec 06, 2012    UPDATED: 02:12 PM MST Dec 06, 2012 
Mormon
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -

The Mormon church has a new campaign to encourage its members to be more compassionate toward gays and lesbians.

Church authorities insist they aren't changing the Mormon teaching that same-sex relationships are sinful.

However, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints says it wants to foster more understanding of homosexuality among Mormons and a more civil conversation about the issue.

The LDS church is making the push through a new website leaders launched Thursday.

Mormons faced intense criticism after church leaders helped fund the fight for California's Proposition 8. The 2008 ballot measure put in place a ban on gay marriage.

Church authorities said they were stunned by the backlash. Since then, the church has been trying to reach out to gays and lesbians to heal tensions.

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Online: www.mormonsandgays.org

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