The Church publishes "Hope for Transgressors" booklet advising leadership on homosexuality and states it can be "cured" and "forgiven".

Date
1970
Type
Book
Source
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
LDS
Hearsay
Direct
Reference

Hope for Transgressors (Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint, 1970), 7

Scribe/Publisher
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
People
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Audience
LDS Priesthood Leadership
PDF
PDF
Transcription

Dear Brethren,

In the event that you have members who have homosexual tendencies or activities, it will be your privilege and responsibility to assist them to effect a cure and bring their lives back into total normalcy. This dread practice is becoming widespread in the country and there is some of it even among our members which we deeply regret.

Expressions of homosexuality and related perversions are varied and range from petting and love making to sodomy with its degradation. It is a despicable practice but when it once gets deeply entrenched in man or woman, it is difficult to dislodge. It is, therefore, your responsibility to assist any such person to recover himself and become normal again. Some are merely in the beginning stages and have a guilt feeling, knowing it is wrong. They can often be helped to a total cure by a kindly Church official who understands.

. . .

REMEMBER:

Homosexuality CAN be cured, if the battle is well organized and pursued vigorously and continuously.

Homosexuality CAN be forgiven. Like other serious sins, it can be forgiven by the Church and the Lord if the repentance is total, all-inclusive, and continuing.

. . .

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