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Today I was really proud of myself. In my YSA branch on the third hour we talk about our branch goals. They split us off into groups and I was in the temple group. I personally decided the temple isn’t for me at this time, which can be really rough. As a group we ask out our goals should be. I figure nothing out of my mouth wouldn’t great at all. They started talking about “noticing” those who isn’t around and find them and we should ask them why they didn’t show up at the temple. I couldn’t stay quiet on that. I talk about how it’s not fair to pester people who aren’t going to temple because there is a spectrum of belief among members that people never talk about and we should respect people’s spiritual boundaries. Everybody went 180 on their original position and strongly agreed with me. After that they said what specifically the goal should be. Right away they talk about % of people who should be endowed and temple worthy and how many baptism and endowments should be done. Again, I said that’s unfair for some members who may never go to temple due to personal belief. instead I suggested our goals should be based making “opportunists”. Again, everybody went 180 again and we decided as a group to have at least one opportunity a month for those who feel like they temple is for them. We also decided we need to have at least two separate discussions that is in a safe environment about the temple and temple worthiness questions and create an environment where everybody can be completely open and honest on how they feel about it. This way it can include everybody.
I had two people from the group thanking me for speaking out about my concern about the goals (both of them being very orthodox believers).
I think very important to give perspective and challenge the assumptions that a lot of members have. We don’t need to over step our boundaries with the church but just simply remind everybody that all of our spiritual goals are very personal and unique and not everybody can fit in the “mormon mold”. If you do it with love and gentle voice most people will listen and respect your concerns.
I’m not saying that all of the policies change, but what can change is that we can all teach others respect the spectrum of belief in the church and let people be aware of what is going on.
I love those moments. Congratulations on the success and the comments of support. When you speak up in a productive way, it connects you to the Church in a powerful way, and it opens doors for people who might be in a similar position and are struggling to feel like they fit in. Kudos for the courage to speak up. I think change only comes “by a thousand duck bites”. mczee, I think you did a good thing! Thanks for sharing not just that you did it, but exactly how. :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:
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