Walking home from work yesterday I was greeted by a pair of Mormon missionaries on bicycles, asking if I wanted to talk. I said I had a question for them, why was their church so much against gays. This happened in Urbana, Illinois.
When I challenged him about how his church was preaching for its members to campaign against gay marriage, he challenged me back, how did I "know" that. I said I read many internet accounts and he said they were all lies. He wouldn't give me his address because anything I would send him "would be lies". So I'm looking for a better response for next time.
Funny thing, only one of them did the speaking.
Of course, after I walked away there was stuff I wish I'd said. It was the usual kinds of responses: he would object if I interrupted, but wasn't really interested in my thoughts. He thought homosexual behaviour was an "abomination", but with god's help (the help of Jesus?) homosexual inclination can be ... something, I forget the exact phrase. "We all have weaknesses".
He said it was a lie, there are lies all over the internet, all the mormon preaching he's heard hasn't been political. Again, I forget the exact phrases. The exact phrases probably matter, though, on what would be a "lie" or not. What I'd wish I'd said, but only thought of afterwards: "On your honor, your church has not done this? You will research to prove to yourself I am wrong? Because if it's true, your church is dishonorable. And you'd be dishonorable if you didn't challenge them."
I also wish I'd asked the 2nd missionary, "What do you think? Why aren't you talking?"
I found this:
The following letter was sent from the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Church leaders in California to be read to all congregations on 29 June 2008:
Preserving Traditional Marriage and Strengthening Families
In March 2000 California voters overwhelmingly approved a state law providing that "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." The California Supreme Court recently reversed this vote of the people. On November 4, 2 008, Californians will vote on a proposed amendment to the California state constitution that will now restore the March 2000 definition of marriage approved by the voters.
The Church’s teachings and position on this moral issue are unequivocal. Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God, and the formation of families is central to the Creator’s plan for His children. Children are entitled to be born within this bond of marriage.
A broad-based coalition of churches and other organizations placed the proposed amendment on the ballot. The Church will participate with this coalition in seeking its passage. Local Church leaders will provide information about how you may become involved in this important cause.
We ask that you do all you can to support the proposed constitutional amendment by donating of your means and time to assure that marriage in California is legally defined as being between a man and a woman. Our best efforts are required to preserve the sacred institution of marriage.
Is it ok to quote the whole thing? (Looks like a press release to me.) I'm going to make a printout and put it in my wallet.
The website says its the "Official Web site of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints"
I think that counts as preaching, don't you? If it's a fraud website, the Bakersfield Californian, Oct. 6, quotes the letter as a source in "Churches see defeat of gay marriage as a biblical — not political — cause".
Another thing I wish I'd said: "If you are registered to vote in California or Arizona, are you going to vote against same sex marriage?" and, if yes, that is trying to impose their religion on others.
PS: There was a nice cap to this. Since I was on the sidewalk and he was on the street on his bicycle, we were both speaking loudly. Three houses down I got a "hello" from a porch -- the occupants had heard & came out to listen. One of them was gay, and appreaciated my words. It was dark
enough that I don't know if we'd recognize each other next time, but I have a new friend.