In the most recent General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Boyd K. Packer, President of the Council of Twelve Apostles — the second highest ranking body of ecclesiastical leadership in the Church — gave a sermon wherein he made some controversial remarks regarding homosexuality generally, and same-sex marriage specifically.
President Packer’s remarks angered many within the LGBT community and even some members of LDS Church found the remarks to be troubling. President Packer put forward, quite boldly, that homosexuality is a choice and one that can be overcome.
These are the remarks, in reference to homosexuality, as delivered:
Some suppose that they were pre-set and cannot overcome what they feel are in born tendencies towards the impure and the unnatural. Not so. Why would our Heavenly Father do that to anyone?
The following day the Church released the official printed version wherein President Packer made some changes to these remarks:
Some suppose that they were preset and cannot overcome what they feel are inborn temptations toward the impure and unnatural. Not so! Remember, God is our Heavenly Father.
You will notice of course, that the printed remarks are toned down a bit. It is not at all uncommon for General Conference addresses to be altered and amended after delivery (perhaps the most extensive example can be seen here). The Church actually released a statement on these particular changes:
The Monday following every General Conference, each speaker has the opportunity to make any edits necessary to clarify differences between what was written and what was delivered or to clarify the speaker’s intent. President Packer has simply clarified his intent.
As we have said repeatedly, the Church’s position on marriage and family is clear and consistent. It is based on respect and love for all of God’s children.
-Scott Trotter, LDS Church Spokesman
