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LDS Church Clarifies Policy Changes on Same-Sex Relationships

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The LDS Church is standing behind its new rules targeting gay members and their children, but officials provided information Friday intended to clarify the policies.

Church officials said in a news release that the new rules are intended to prevent children from being caught in a tug-of-war between teachings at home and church. The policy change makes clear that gay marriage is grounds for excommunication and bans baptisms for children living with gay parents until they’re 18. The church clarified that the rules apply only to children living primarily with a same-sex couple. They also are not retroactive for children who have already been baptized.

Local church leaders are advised to ask for guidance from more senior leaders in cases where they have questions.

From the First Presidency

Commentary from Michael Otterson, Managing Director, Church Public Affairs

Andrea Smardon is new at KUER, but she has worked in public broadcasting for more than a decade. Most recently, she worked as a reporter and news announcer for WGBH radio. While in Boston, she produced stories for Morning Edition, Marketplace Money, and The World. Her print work was published in The Boston Globe and Boston.com. Prior to that, she worked at Seattleââ
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