Changes to Policy for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

Yesterday on April 4^th, 2019 the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints which is widely known by its nickname “the Mormon Church” released a statement to change a policy regarding the baptism of children of same sex couples. The policy changes a previously installed policy which was introduced in 2015 which stated that the children of same sex parents could not be baptized until they were 18 years old or lived outside the house. The 2015 policy also stated that those who participated in homosexual marriages are “apostates” and faced different disciplinary action than other transgressions committed by members of the faith. The new policy states that those who are involved in same sex marriage are no longer considered apostates and makes it possible with parental permission and proper instruction for children to be blessed and baptized by priesthood holders of the faith. It also changes the disciplinary action possible for members who practice homosexual behavior relieving the possibility of excommunication. Upon the release of this new policy change the church stated its purpose was to “reduce the hate and contention so common today” (Burk). This change comes as a welcomed relief to many of the faith and is certainly a major step in the LGBTQ community.

            While the church still holds tightly to its view of traditional marriage and family as divinely appointed and ordained by God the new changes make it much easier for members who are gay to be involved with the church and its activities. The church has long since claimed its acceptance of everyone, but with previous church declarations, statements, and culture acceptance was certainly not felt by many. The church states that it still does not condone same sex marriage and considers it a serious transgression, but with the recent policy changes it can be conferred that the church recognizes more so that same sex attraction is a created attribute and can therefore be more open in giving access to what it deems as “sacred ordinances” to more people. As previously stated, the entire goal of the policy changed was to relieve hatred and contention and hopefully that goal will be accomplished and felt by both the church and members of the LGBTQ community.

            This change to church policy and practice is one of many changes that has been implemented under the direction and leadership of their current Prophet and President, Russell M. Nelson. Since President Nelson’s time as leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints the church has revised many church policies. Some examples of the changes are the length of Sunday meeting service, revision to quorum organization, revision to ministering efforts amongst its members, and changes to rules that the missionaries of the church must follow concerning communication with their families. The recent change and all the changes that the church makes are said to be the “will of God” made known to the leaders of the church, particularly President Russell M. Nelson. All changes have made many waves both in the church and outside and the newest regarding the children of married same gender couples has maybe caused the most. Biannually the church holds a General Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah where the leaders of the church address the entirety of the church membership. Past changes have been announced at these General Conference sessions. It so happens that the next conference occurs tomorrow Saturday April 6^th, 2019. It will certainly be interesting to see if the church reveals any more changes to policy or conduct.

Growing Anticipation For General Conference After Last Year’s Announcements And Thursday’s Policy Change

https://www.cnn.com/2019/04/04/us/mormon-lgbt-policy/index.html

World War I “Peace Cross” Under Question

Just 5 miles away from the Supreme Court on public land stands a 40-foot monument called the “Peace Cross.” It stands as a memorial for approximately 50 fallen soldiers who died in battle during World War I. Completed in 1925, it has stood for almost a century in remembrance of valiant veterans who died in the line of duty. However, today this monument and what it represents is under investigation as to whether or not it truly separates church and state. The controversy surrounding the Peace Cross illustrates how in the United States the line between church and state can be undefinable and difficult to interpret.

As the name of the monument suggests this memorial is in the shape of a cross; a very explicit symbol of Christianity. It first faced legal questioning when a law suit was filed in 2014 claiming that the Peace Cross violated the First Amendment. At first, a federal district court ruled that the monument could stay, but in 2017 an appeal was made and a panel concluded that the monument displayed the “preeminent symbol of Christianity” and therefore violated the First Amendment. The ultimate fate of the Peace Cross will be decided this upcoming week when the Supreme Court hears the trial.

This controversy over the Peace Cross is only one of the most recent examples of the seemingly never-ending battle to separate church and state. Although the United States was founded to ensure religious freedom the very obvious “American religion” has always been Christianity. For example, during World War II Japanese Americans were taken from their lives and their homes and were forced to live in internment camps. These camps were more like prison camps. Guarded with armed men and chain link and barbed wire fences Japanese men, women, and children were forced to work and learn the American way. They were taught Christianity in these camps although many of them had very different religious beliefs. Although the First Amendment obviously stood in place at the time these camps and conditions were justified because of culture. When the Peace Cross was erected it was also justified because of prominence and the cultural norm of Christianity. It was erected to remember soldiers who had fallen. Each soldier coming from different backgrounds, beliefs, and practices, but each soldier had one thing in common; they were American. The cross was originally supposed to memorialize and include all Americans who had died at war, but today it is under fire because not all Americans and certainly not all who have died for this great country are Christian.

To help set boundaries as to what the government could and could not do in regard to religion something called the Lemon Test was created in 1971. Through the years however courts have ignored the Lemon Test and its set of rules and decided cases on more of a case by case basis making it ever more unclear and uncertain as where the line should be drawn to truly separate church and state. As for the ruling on the Peace Cross next week the only thing that is certain is that the ruling will be unpredictable. Whatever the ruling ends up being the repercussions could have far reaching effects on the fate of other First Amendment controversies and could shed light on what actions the government should take in the future to separate church and state.

Source: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2019/02/20/cross-shaped-war-monument-puts-supreme-court-crosshairs/2792388002/