Mental Health Resource Foundation Newsletter

Report Card - April 2005 - Same-gender Attraction
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Call 1.800.723.1760 or Email Info@MentalHealthLibrary.info or Write PO Box 3074 Ogden, UT 84409

The Problem
Elder Dallin H. Oaks stated "Some Latter-day Saints face the confusion and pain that result when a man or a woman engages in sexual behavior with a person of the same sex, or even when a person has erotic feelings that could lead toward such behavior. How should Church leaders, parents, and other members of the Church react when faced with the religious, emotional, and family challenges that accompany such behavior or feelings? What do we say to a young person who reports that he or she is attracted toward or has erotic thoughts or feelings about persons of the same sex? How should we respond when a person announces that he is a homosexual or she is a lesbian and that scientific evidence 'proves' he or she was 'born that way'?" (Same-Gender Attraction by Elder. Ensign. Oct. 1995.)

LDS Recovery Programs

Now, more than ever, a variety of resources are available to help. There are numerous LDS tailored resources available to assist those experiencing same-gender attraction and other sexual addiction/compulsive behaviors. Evergreen International is a nonprofit organization that helps people who want to diminish same-gender attractions and overcome homosexual behavior. It is also a resource to their loved ones, professional counselors, religious leaders, and friends. Evergreen provides support groups. Another resource is Disciples 2.

This is an Internet based bulletin board that has been up for 10 years. The Group provides support for LDS members who struggle with same-gender attraction and want to stay true to the Church. Another support group for LDS members who struggle with same-gender attraction and want to stay true to the church is Latter-day Saint Sexual Recovery (LDSR). This program is a private organization devoted to the support and help of Latter-day Saints who are desirous of overcoming sexual addiction/compulsion in their lives. They provide a newsletter and many resource materials.

Foundation Website

In addition to these support groups, there are several excellent books written for members of the LDS Church with a same-gender attraction problem. “Born That Way” by Erin Eldridge and the recent book “In Quiet Desperation: Understanding the Challenge of Same-Gender Attraction” by Fred and Marilyn Matis and Ty Mansfield published by Deseret Book. One excellent resource on our website is the LDS Family Service's Professional Development Program called "Understanding and Changing Homosexual Orientation Problems".

This program contains definitions, signs and symptoms, possible treatments and therapy, and much more information and help concerning homosexuality. Currently there are a variety of Christian (non-LDS) based organizations that promote resources to help change those experiencing same-gender attraction.

Exodus is the largest interdenominational Christian referral and information ministry dealing with homosexual issues in the world. They offer monthly newsletters, annual conferences, speaking engage-ments and, of course, web services. Exodus maintains a referral list of ministries, churches, and individuals.. National Association of Research and Therapy of Homosexuality (NARTH), an educational organization dedicated to the research, therapy and prevention of homosexuality. Another resources is PATH is a non-profit coalition of organizations that help people with unwanted same-sex attractions (SSA) realize their personal goals for change -- whether by developing their innate heterosexual potential or by embracing a lifestyle as a single, non-sexually active man or woman. These and many other resources can be located on the Mental Health Resource Foundation website.

Publications Released The Foundation has published "And I will Make Thee Whole" a book on Mental Health; and a Pornography Booklet for care givers of those suffering from this addiction. Learn more here.