Talk:Prop8Recording/Full
From KolobCafe
Following Elder Ballard, Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve will speak to us. Then, Elder Ballard and Elder Cook will jointly provide some additional insight. We will proceed to that point of the broadcast. Elder Ballard.
[edit] Elder M. Russell Ballard
[edit] Confidentiality
Thank you, Elder Clayton.
Well, Brothers and Sisters, I wish to thank you for attending this satellite broadcast, and pray that my words will be consistent with the wishes of our Heavenly Father.
I ask you to let this hour that we're together be as though we were sitting in my living room having a confidential talk about this serious concern.
[edit] First Presidency Direction
We convey the deep love of President Monson, his counselors, and the Quorum of the Twelve.
Under the First Presidency's direction, we've been asked to bring you together to spend some time discussing things that are critical and important in a day when temptation and increased pressure is being placed on each of you. I hope you'll sense the spirit with which we will share our thoughts this evening and will take the time to ponder and consider these messages carefully.
Each of you is in a unique position to influence the world for good. Your ability to impact society is greater than ever. You are a mighty army. In you I see the future of the Church. In the years ahead, you'll be caring for and protecting the kingdom.
You'll be responsible for holding true to the doctrines of the Church and raising future generations that will be prepared for the coming of our Savior.
We thank you for your commitment and dedication in the battle for truth and right.
I focus my remarks on the importance of family and marriage.
[edit] Proclamation to the World
In 1995 the Church issued a Proclamation to the World. Proclamations in the Church are not an every day occurrence. They are relatively rare.
The First Presidency and Council of the 12 Apostles clearly declared the church's position on the family and marriage.
“Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained God and the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children. All human beings — male and female — are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual pre-mortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose."
[edit] Recent Church Proclamations
Now Elder Russel M. Nelson made this very clear to the whole church Sunday afternoon in his talk at General Conference. In the last several weeks the church has again provided additional insight through an article titled, “The Divine Institution of Marriage.” You can find it under the Newsroom portion of the Church's website.
“Marriage between a man and a woman is central to the plan of salvation. The sacred nature of marriage is closely linked to the power of procreation. Only a man and a woman together have the natural biological capacity to conceive children. This power of procreation – to create life and bring God’s spirit children into the world – is sacred and precious. Misuse of this power undermines the institution of the family and thereby weakens the social fabric. Strong families serve as the fundamental institution for transmitting to future generations moral strengths, traditions, and values that sustain civilization.”
These are truths. These are eternal principles upon which the core doctrines of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ are based. Although many in the world may question them, we cannot walk away from them or alter them. These doctrines of family and marriage were established from the beginning and are part of our Heavenly Father's great eternal plan.
[edit] The Plan of Happiness
It was initiated in mortality on this earth with Father Adam and Mother Eve. The scriptures are replete with insight concerning eternity and the plan of happiness. The prophet Alma in the Book of Mormon talked of why we are asked to live by certain standards. “Therefore, God gave unto them commandments, after having made known unto them the plan of redemption.” In the Pearl of Great Price, the majesty and the purpose of our Father in Heaven's work is explained. “The heavens, they are many, and they cannot be numbered unto man; but they are mine, and as one earth shall pass away, and the heavens thereof even so shall another come; and there is no end to my works, neither to my words. For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.”
[edit] Porn and Divorce
Marriage and the family are cornerstones of His great plan. Today the pressures and forces working to destroy the divine institution of the family and marriage are many. Divorce rates are growing and out of wedlock births continue to increase, and the scourge of pornography is destroying that which is sacred.
Providing prophetic counsel, President Thomas S. Monson said in his first address in General Conference, after being sustained in a solemn assembly:
“My friends, be strong. The philosophies of men surround us. The face of sin today often wears the mask of tolerance. Do not be deceived; Behind the facade is heartache, unhappiness, and pain. You know what is right and what is wrong. And no disguise, however appealing, can change that. The character of transgression remains the same. If your so-called friends urge you to do anything you know to be wrong, you be the one to make a stand for right, even if you stand alone. Have the moral courage to be a light for others to follow. There's no friendship more valuable than your own clear conscience, your own moral cleanliness. And what a glorious feeling it is to know that you stand in your appointed place, clean and with confidence, that you are worthy to do so.”
[edit] Proposition 22
I ask you to heed the words of President Monson. We need to stand up for that which is right. We can take a moral stand on an issue and do it in a respectful way. Today we face the ramifications of a movement to legalize same sex marriage. Just eight years ago, many worked to pass Proposition 22, which prohibited same sex marriage in California. Several months ago, the California Supreme Court ruled against the vote of the people and legalized same sex marriage.
We are again participating with a coalition of churches, organizations, and individuals sponsoring the November ballot issue known as Proposition 8. The amendment would change the California constitution to ensure that only marriage between a man and a woman would be legally recognized. We know that it is not without controversy. Yet let me be clear that at the heart of this issue is the essential doctrine of eternal marriage and the role it plays in our Father in Heaven's plan.
[edit] Matter of Morality, not Civil Rights
President Gordon B. Hinckley addressed the church's involvement a number of years ago in similar issues in this way. He said,
"Some portray legalization of so-called same-sex marriage as a civil right. This is not a matter of civil rights. It is a matter of morality. Others question our constitutional right as a church to raise our voice on an issue that is of such critical importance to the future of the family. We believe that defending this sacred institution by working to preserve traditional marriage lies clearly within our religious and constitutional prerogatives, indeed we are compelled by doctrine to speak out."
[edit] We Encourage Technological Conversation
How do we go about that? You are critical in this effort because so many of you are connected. You are engaged in conversations through the use of technologies that were the dreams of science fiction in my day. As most of you know, we encourage members to join in the conversations. Many of you will text message, blog, make phone calls, walk your neighborhoods, or just talk to friends, associates, and neighbors. These methods of engaging will be major elements of informing people of the issues and of the coalition's position.
[edit] Hate the Sin, Love the Sinner
As you do this please do so in a sensitive manner. Our approach must always be with respect for others and their positions and opinions. President Hinckley counseled,
"I wish to say that our opposition to attempts to legalize same-sex marriage should never be interpreted as justification for hatred, intolerance, or abuse of those who profess homosexual tendencies either individually or as a group. We love and honor them as sons and daughters of God."
[edit] Be Strong in Defending Our Position
Let us be strong in defending our position, yet when we approach others, please let us remember the need for understanding, honesty, and civility. We must act in the spirit described by Elder Robert D. Hales in his conference address on Sunday morning and proceed with love, kindness, and humanity towards all people. We ask you to prayerfully consider your involvement in this effort and remember that strong stable families headed by a father and a mother are the anchors of civilized society.
The final paragraph of the Proclamation on the Family reads, "We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society. This is our goal and purpose. It is our doctrine. Please remember the importance you play in teaching these important concepts today and for the benefit of future generations.
Now my beloved brothers and sisters, may our Heavenly Father bless you in every way as you move forward in this most important work. I bear you my testimony that what we're about is the work of the Lord, and he will bless us and he will bless you as you do your part, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
[edit] Elder Quentin L. Cook
[edit] I'm From California
My brothers and sisters, I begin by mentioning that I have lived much of my adult life in California. My wife and I came to California to go to law school at Stanford. We stayed for 33 years and raised our family in California. We only left because I was called as a General Authority. I love California and its people.
[edit] Again, We Love Everyone
As Elder Ballard has so clearly and eloquently stated marriage is a sacred institution ordained by god. To trifle with it is not in accordance with His plan. Before going further I want to make clear that we are talking about protecting the divine institution of marriage. Please understand that the central message of the Savior is to love all of our brothers and sisters. Remember there are good people who disagree with the church's teachings on marriage.
Others are unsure of where they stand. Be respectful of their opinions as you share your message. Nothing we say here can be used as an excuse to treat those with same gender attractions partially or disrespectfully.
[edit] Gay Temple-Worthy Members
There are faithful temple-worthy members of the church who struggle with this great challenge, often in silence, fear, and great pain. Our hearts go out to these good brothers and sisters even as we uphold the divine truths the Lord has revealed about marriage.
[edit] Tolerance does not mean Tolerating Transgression
I would like to say a few words, however, about tolerance. For many, including some of our own members, a contemporary view of tolerance has become a value that overrides important principles taught by the Savior. The divine institution of marriage, found on the church website as Elder Ballard mentioned, contains the following:
"Those who favor homosexual marriage contend that tolerance demands that they be given the same right to marry as heterosexual couples. But this appeal for tolerance advocates a very different meaning and outcome than that word has meant throughout most of American history and a different meaning than is found in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Savior taught a much higher concept, that of love. “Love thy neighbor,” He admonished. Jesus loved the sinner even while decrying the sin. Tolerance as a gospel principle means love and forgiveness of one another, not tolerating transgression.
In today’s secular world, the idea of tolerance has come to mean something entirely different. Instead of love, it has come to mean condone – acceptance of wrongful behavior as the price of friendship. Jesus taught that we love and care for one another without condoning transgression. But today’s politically palatable definition insists that unless one accepts the sin he does not tolerate the sinner.
As Elder Dallin H. Oaks has explained,"Tolerance obviously requires a non-contentious manner of relating toward one another’s differences. But tolerance does not require abandoning one’s standards or one’s opinions on public policy choices. Tolerance is a way of reacting to diversity, not a command to insulate it from examination."
[edit] Tolerance is not "Live and Let Live"
As you can see, the concept of tolerance has come to mean that we live and let live, that we accept behavior and practices contrary to our own beliefs and standards.
However, is that the Savior's instruction to us? Is that how he would have us as his disciples behave? Read the Sermon on the Mount carefully. The Savior was very direct about immoral conduct and our responsibility to both be an example and teach.
[edit] The Sermon on the Mount
Listen to these words from the Sermon on the Mount:
"Ye are the light of the world. The city that is set on a hill can not be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel but on a candlestick and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
The Savior continues more directly in verse 19:
Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven. But whosoever shall do and teach them the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
[edit] Officially Fighting Gay Marriage Since 1994
We have the privilege and obligation of letting our voice be heard on important matters. In 1994, the First Presidency stated with amazing foresight,
"We encourage members to appeal to legislatures, judges, and other government officials to preserve the purposes and sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman and to reject all efforts that give legal authorization or other official approval or support to marriages between persons of the same gender."
Think of the prophetic timing of this call to action by the First Presidency. It predated nearly every effort to legalize same sex marriage. For our time it was an unprecedented comprehensive call to action.
[edit] Specific Support for Prop 8
More recently, and for this monumental undertaking in California, the First Presidency concluded its letter to us with this clear call to action:
"We ask that you do all you can to support the proposed constitutional amendment, by donating of your means and time to assure that marriage in California is legally defined as being between a man and a woman. Our best efforts are required to preserve the sacred institution of marriage."
[edit] Proclaim the "Yes on Prop 8" Message With Love
There are those who vigorously promote beliefs and practices contrary to our own. They have the right of free speech granted in our constitution. So do we. We can vigorously promote our beliefs and practices. We can do so with great conviction and also with great love. Just as our missionaries experience rejection in sharing the message of the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ, we will experience rejection as we faithfully proclaim this message. If we always share our message with love and compassion we will be in accordance with the Savior's teachings.
[edit] Inevitable Conflicts
Some ask what is wrong when marriage is granted to those of the same gender, as was done by the California Supreme Court. I've already stated one reason: it is contrary to God's plan. In addition, the court's decision will inevitably lead to conflicts with religious liberties, freedom of association, and free speech rights.
The freedom of families to raise children in an atmosphere that values and supports the unique importance of marriage between a man and a woman will be lost. Society will become more and more hostile to traditional beliefs about marriage and family. People inside of institutions with beliefs that oppose same sex marriage will increasingly be labeled as intolerant and subjected to legal penalties or social ostracism--and this will not limited to California, as its powerful influence is felt across the country.
[edit] Three Concerns
[edit] Public Schools Teaching Gay Marriage
Three examples will illustrate this concern. First: curriculum in public schools. Nearly all public schools provide education about health and sexuality. By law, health education includes the legal and financial aspects and responsibilities of marriage and parenthood. By law, sex education includes age-appropriate instruction in grades K-12 that teaches respect for marriage.
The California Supreme Court has declared that same-sex unions must be given equal dignity under the law. That's unless Proposition 8 passes, children in public schools likely will be taught about same-sex marriages, and that such unions should be respected as the equal of traditional marriages. Children will also likely receive age-appropriate information about sexual relations within heterosexual and homosexual marriages.
[edit] Religious Adoption Agencies
Second, religious adoption agencies. After same-sex marriage was imposed in Massachusetts, the state tried to force Catholic charities in Boston to disregard its religious beliefs and place children with homosexual couples. Rather than abandon its faith, Catholic Charities discontinued its adoption services. California's religious adoption agencies will likely face the same choice under California's rigorous anti-discrimination laws.
[edit] Religious Tax-Exempt Status
Third, religious tax exempt status. Pressure will mount to revoke the tax exempt status of religious organizations and other charities that refuse to recognize same-sex marriages or open their facilities for the performance of such marriages. The argument will be that the government shouldn't subsidize discriminatory beliefs with tax exemptions.
[edit] Most Americans Don't Want Gay Marriage
The majority of Americans share the concerns that have prompted the coalition to protect marriage to move forward with Proposition 8. At this time, twenty-seven states already have constitutional provisions similar to Proposition 8. These are shown in red on this chart. Twenty-one additional states have statutes or court decisions that define marriage as being between a man and a woman. Only Massachusetts and California allow same sex marriage. In both cases this was imposed by the courts. You should also know that six other state supreme courts have reached the opposite decision from California and Massachusetts when presented with similar constitutional arguments. Both vice presidential candidates in the debate last Thursday indicated that they support traditional marriage between a man and a woman.
[edit] Love, Compassion, and Humility
My dear brothers and sisters, let me reemphasize the need for love, compassion, and humility as we move forward in this important cause. This is especially true for families in the wards you attend who face special challenges as a result of this issue. We take great confidence that our loving Father in Heaven has inspired the First Presidency to raise a prophetic voice in defense of marriage between a man and a woman. We ask the Lord's blessings to be upon you as you attempt to protect our Father in Heaven's plan for his children, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
[edit] Elder M. Russell Ballard
[edit] You Twitter, Blog, and Podcast
I would like now to turn my attention to the young singles and the young married adults who are with us this evening. I feel a special connection with you.
In July, the Ensign published a talk of mine concerning sharing the gospel using the Internet. Since then I've heard from many of you--you speak of podcasts, you twitter, you blog, you update your profiles, you text message, and you write on your "walls". In my day my parents would have sent me to my room for doing something like that.
[edit] Today We Don't Control the Message
The way we communicate today is evolving and today we don't control the message. We have to engage in it. The Internet is such a powerful tool for both good and evil in our modern world. This evening I'm asking you to use these skills that you uniquely know how to use for the benefit of building the kingdom of god and for good uses.
[edit] Elder Quentin L. Cook
[edit] Sunday-best Tribute to President Hinckley
Let me give you an example. On Sunday, January 27th of this year, President Gordon B. Hinckley passed away at the age of 97. On Monday morning, thousands of Latter-day Saint students were getting ready for school. They were dressing in their Sunday best in tribute to President Hinckley. These young men and women were responding to a flood of text messages from teens in at least six states who decided to wear their best clothing as a symbol of respect for someone they had come to love and deeply admire.
The original source of the message is unknown, but cell phone service providers in some areas noticed an increase in traffic as our youth, quote, "engaged". Holly, a high school student, said, "I received a mass of text messages and several phone calls, and not just messages from my friends here, but from other schools, too." A parent from Arizona was surprised to find his daughter up early ironing a skirt for Monday's classes. "What a change from the usual mad dash to the door in jeans or other casual clothes."
[edit] "Going Viral"
I believe he referred to messages being sent so quickly and in such quantities as "going viral". Three major talks have been given by Elder Ballard on this subject: one in Hawaii to the students there, one at BYU Idaho, and one in Washington, DC to the BYU Management Society--this last one appeared in the Ensign.
Today there are many conversations going on about the Church. These conversations will go on with or without our involvement. You can be such a positive force with thousands and even millions as we take a stand for something that doctrinally is so critical to our beliefs. It is my hope that you will engage. It is my hope that you will "go viral".
[edit] Partners in Our New Media World
We hope to give you the tools that will help you in your efforts. Print, radio, television, Internet, and other new media are being used to carry the message of the restored gospel forth. Tonight we will look forward and take another step to help you as partners in our new media world. We have posted information that will help you articulate, in a respectful manner, the reasons the church is so committed to preserving traditional marriage between a man and woman. We have established a website with videos, podcasts, messages, links, and materials you can reference.
We'll provide some examples of how you can answer challenging questions when asked. We will continue to update these resources and even send you additional information as it becomes available if you register.
[edit] Elder M. Russell Ballard
[edit] Do Something That Those Who Are Older Can't Do
You can engage, share meaningful stories in the words that your friends and neighbors will understand. Blog, post videos, and join the conversations through these new media tools. I'll have to be frank, I don't understand how all of this works, but you do, and you must, of course, understand why we believe that you can do something that perhaps some of us that are older can't do.
You must take time to prepare, please study the scriptures, and carefully review the materials we of the coalition provide. Then prayerfully seek the guidance of our Father in Heaven as you participate. Please remember that you're a member of the Savior's church. And we need to reflect in all that we do, His example of love.
[edit] Be Careful in the Workplace
You know, in Proverbs we read, "a soft answer turneth away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger." There's no need for hurtful, cutting exchanges. There are certain people who disagree with the church's teachings on marriage. Others are unsure of where they stand. Be respectful of all of their opinions as you share your message, be especially careful in the workplace and in other settings where discussions of social issues might result in inappropriate tension or conflict. Let's simply have a respectful conversation with our friends and our neighbors and our fellow employees. Now, let's work together, brothers and sisters, to share these messages and protect that which is most sacred to our Father in Heaven.
We've asked Elder Clayton who has worked his heart out as chairman of this effort from the General Authorities--he's a member of the Presidency of the Seventy--and we've asked him now to give you some additional resources that you can consider to use when you have these conversations and participate in this good work.
Elder Clayton, we appreciate all that you've done.
[edit] Elder L. Whitney Clayton
Thank you, Elder Ballard. And thank you, Elder Cook, as well, for those inspired words. I'm very happy to offer a few thoughts now.
[edit] The Campaign to Pass Proposition 8
I'd like to focus on the campaign to pass Proposition 8, and explain something about the timing of the campaign between now and Election Day. We invite you to consider helping the efforts that I'll mention. So very much will happen in the next four weeks. The time between now and Election Day will be a sprint instead of a marathon. After much preparation and ground work, now is the time for us to shine in this magnificent cause.
[edit] Grassroots Efforts
This campaign is now concentrating on what is called grassroots efforts. This needs a little explanation. On the screen you'll see a rough outline on what needs to be done as the grassroots level, or local level, between now and the election. As you will see, the campaign is divided into three well-recognized and proven campaign phases. This organized approach actually works. And that's why we are doing these things as part of the coalition supporting Proposition 8.
[edit] Three Phases
Phase One: this is the voter identification phase which consists of canvasing to identify voter preferences so that phases two and three can focus on those likely to vote for Proposition 8.
Phase Two: phase two is the advocacy and persuasion phase in which we seek to educate and persuade those voters who are undecided.
Phase Three: phase three is the "get out the vote" phase, in which voters are encouraged to actually go to their polling place and vote.
[edit] Yard Signs Will Be Blossoming
Now with these three phases in mind, here is an outline of activities between now and Election Day. First, the week of October 6th. What's going to be ongoing or continuing during this week? Well, phase one: canvassing, identifying voter preferences. Phase two will also continue--that's the advocacy and persuasion phase. That also includes voter registration, and yard signs will be blossoming. That means they'll be being put up in your neighborhoods and around your homes. We'll also begin early contacting of the voters who will be voting by mail.
Next is the week of October 13th. We'll be doing some more phase one canvassing to identify voter preferences during that week. We'll also be working on phase two, "Advocacy and Persuasion," and phase three, contacting voters who will vote by mail.
Next is the week of October 20th. During that week we'll work on phase two, "Advocacy and Persuasion," trying to reach voters who are yet undecided. We'll work on phase three, to "get out the vote".
[edit] Phone Banks and Calling Teams
Now October 20th is the deadline for all completed voter registration forms to arrive at local registrar voter offices. Next is the week of October 27th. The eight day final calling list begins. Phone banks will be available for evening calling. Calling teams are also welcome to make calls from their homes. Calls will be both persuasive and "get out the vote" in nature. Finally, the week of November 3. On November 3 we'll have all-day calling centers. On November 4, we'll be working on "get out the vote", which will require many different activities to help voters get to their voting places and cast their ballots.
[edit] Thirty People in Each Ward
As you can see, much remains to be accomplished. We have been asked that at least thirty people in each ward and branch in California be asked to donate four hours each week between now and the election. Think of the good that will come from this level of participation between now and November 4th.
[edit] Hope for the Family
Because you are here tonight, there is hope for the family, for your family, the one you have and pray to hold onto, or the one you pray to form. Long after many of us who are here tonight have gone to the next life, California will still be yours, and your childrens'. So it is for this reason that we are here tonight, so that the California we so love will remain a place where families are welcome, marriages are still a sacred bond between a man and a woman, and children are brought up in a home where mothers and fathers together teach them correct principles, so that they can properly govern themselves.
[edit] I'm From California, Too
I moved to California with my parents when I was two years old. I grew up in Whittier, and went to school there. Six of our seven children were born in California, and some of our grandchildren as well. We raised our family in Irvine. I practiced law in California. And when I was called to be a General Authority, I had lived in California for forty-two years. Most of my closest and dearest friends, and many of my family live in California.
[edit] More Than Four Hours Per Week
Therefore, we invite you tonight to consider the following as your time and circumstances allow. For those with young families, substantial involvement may be out of the question, even though it may matter most to you. For others, however, we hope that what we are inviting you to consider tonight will inspire you to respond with your time and your energy. We especially wish to encourage young single adults and young married adults to do all you can.
[edit] Six Ways to Spend Your Time on Prop 8
As you will see, we are inviting you to consider up offering much more than four hours per week between now and the election. So number one, if you haven't done so already, register to vote this week. Number two, contact your California friends and family living temporarily out-of-state, and make sure that they are registered to vote, that they understand the importance of voting in favor of Proposition 8, and that they have ordered an absentee ballot.
Number three, if you belong to a young single adult ward, student ward, or young married ward, contact your bishop and get the name and number of the Proposition 8 coordinator for your ward. Call that person and volunteer to donate whatever time you can, Tuesday evenings to Thursday evenings from six until nine pm, or any other hours you may be available.
Four, if you are a young single adult or a young married adult in a traditional adult and involved with Institute, please contact your Institute director and get the name of the Proposition 8 coordinator at the Institute. Consider making the same commitment for Tuesdays and Thursdays. Or, if the Institute's primary effort is working with like-minded organizations on-campus to educate their members and register them to vote, then your tasks may be during the daytime.
Five, we invite each of you to set aside Saturdays between now and the election from nine in the morning until two in the afternoon to participate in calling, walking, and other assignments.
Number six, finally, the weekend before the election, as Saturday the 1st of November, through election day on Tuesdsay, the fourth of November, we invite you to set aside as much of your time as possible for the One Hundred Hour program. Details for this program will be forthcoming.
We love you, and have faith in your testimony, your dedication, and your commitment to righteous principles. You are our future.
[edit] Church-Prepared Multimedia Pieces
Now, a specific request to you young singles or young married adults who are proficient in using the Internet. The Church has prepared several multimedia pieces that will help you better understand this issue, and what you can do to defend and protect marriage. And, perhaps more importantly, they will also help you inform and even persuade others whom you are close to--your friends and your family--to join in this noble cause. These multimedia pieces include videos, a web site, and Internet sharing tools. We hope that as Elder Ballard has suggested, you will post these materials on your own blogs, social media sites, and elsewhere. We would like to show you just a few of the videos that have been produced.
[edit] Elder Bednar with Young Adults
The first video features a discussion with Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve, and a group of young adults discussing this issue. Eldar Bednar answers some of the same questions you and your friends may have.
- (Watch the video here: http://www.preservingmarriage.org/video_02.html)
[edit] Judicial Decisions
"Massachusetts as already legalized same-sex marriage. I'd never heard about it until California is now having this issue with Proposition 8."
In some places you have courts that are making judicial decisions that are impacting what takes place within a particular state. What's happening in California is that the citizens of the state, a majority indicated that they wanted marriage defined as between a man and a woman. The courts in California overturned that, so now it's going back for the people to express their point of view. Should it be between a man and a woman, or should it be between various types of partners and relationships.
[edit] People View the Church as Intolerant
"Elder Bednar, I think a lot of people view the Church's stance on this issue as an intolerant stance, and basically labeling our views as immoral, when we're really taking a stance for morality. How do we address that argument?"
If tolerance is the premise, then it's not a one-way tolerance, nor a tyranny of tolerance, it goes both ways. And people can talk, they can appreciate each other, and they can have divergent and very different points of view, and they can still get along, and they can even still love each other. One of the things that can occur over time is that, if marriage is defined as a relationship between two of the same gender, there can be a decreasing tolerance for our beliefs, as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this very label of bigotry, from people who don't want to be labeled, would likely be used more frequently, and with even greater intensity. So one of the potential consequences growing out of this, is that we may find a decreasingly tolerant environment for our beliefs as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
[edit] I'm Nineteen, Why Do I Care?
"I am almost nineteen, I'm not married, and I don't have any kids, so, what effect does this have personally for me?"
Well, people say is, "All we want is our opportunity, it has no effect on you." But there are people who push on the edges of what is legally allowable, and they use the courts to try to make additional progress to their particular point of view. Therefore, if you have a church, and it does not recognize same-gender marriage, then that is discriminatory, and you should not be allowed to do that.
It is not just wild and crazy to suggest that there could be sanctions against the teaching of our doctrine, because we focus on marriage between a man and a woman, and would not place on equal standing marriage between a man and a man, or a woman and a woman.
[edit] Same-Gender Couples Would Lose Nothing
"My understanding of Prop 8 is that it's to clear up the language, the definition of marriage. So, what would be the impact on the homosexual population if it passed, or if it didn't pass."
Well, in California, same-gender couples have a variety of protected rights, so they don't lose anything if this particular proposition goes down. It's not as though they have rights or responsibilities or benefits that will be removed, this is simply an attempt to have the definition of marriage expanded to include same-gender couples. But they would lose nothing.
[edit] It's Just a Title
"And they don't get any new rights from this at all, it's just the title that they're given, if Prop 8 does not pass."
Well, what you do is that you redefine marriage, and then the uncertainty is, what happens is that people begin to push the limits of that new definition. That's the uncertainty that poses a real risk.
[edit] Clash Between Religious Liberty and Free Speech
"So, if it wasn't to pass, like, would the ability for us to, I guess, to live our religion or preach our religion, could we not do that any more?"
Yeah, that's why I used the concept of the "tyranny of tolerance." It seems to be tolerant, but it only goes in one direction. So you're going to have the possibility of inevitable clashes between religious liberty and free speech. And if your religious doctrine is such that you believe marriage between a man and a woman is the only definition of marriage, then that smacks up against free speech, because if marriage is defined in a more broad way, between members of the same gender, then you can't talk about that.
Now, I'm not suggesting that in one fell swoop, that's what happens. But, if you throw a rock in a pond, the ripples extend out for a very long way. This argument is not just about the rock hitting the water, and the initial ripple. You also have to consider the extended ripples over time, and you get some sense of what can happen by looking at other places in other countries where same-gender marriage has been adopted legally, and you begin to see some of those potential ripples.
[edit] Consequences to the Children
"So what would the consequences be, to the children?"
Well, let's say for example, that if same-gender marriage becomes legally the norm, then it's pretty clear that you're going to have to treat equally in public-school curriculum various forms of marriage relationships. Heterosexual marriage and homosexual marriage would have to be treated equal footing. So what you then will have is an environment where children coming from your home, where you believe that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God, and that the family is central to the Father's plan for the divine destiny of His children, your children will go to school, those will be placed on equal footing. That, to me, is a very troubling and uncertain consequence of what we're talking about. And that would infused into the school curriculum--that would be mandated.
[edit] Why Is It Important To You, Bednar?
"So, I have a question. So, you've been married, you have kids and granchildren. What is it--what do you feel personally about Prop 8? Why is it important to you? I mean, what's the most important thing to you, why do you feel so strongly about it, having children, having grandchildren."
I go back to a very simple doctrinal foundation: marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God. Sister Bednar and I have nine grandchildren, eight of them are little girls, and one is a little boy, and the greatest joy in life comes in marriage and as children come into your home. And I just simply feel this passionate because, for our children, for our grandchildren, and for our grandchildrens' children, my desire is that they would have the happiness of the family, and marriage between a man and a woman as the central feature of the Father's plan. His plan is called the Plan of Happiness. It's called that for a reason, and everyone who has happiness in mortality, it comes in a variety of ways, but all of those ways focus on and lead to the marriage between a man and a woman, and if they're blessed to have children, the rearing and nuturing those children. That's what it's all about. And I don't want that disrupted. I don't want that redefined. I don't want that altered for our children and grandchildren.
[edit] Church Members Who Support Prop 8
This next piece illustrates what some Church members are doing to support Proposition 8.
- (Watch the video here: http://www.preservingmarriage.org/video_01.html)
[edit] Random People In This Video
My name is Jill, and I support Proposition 8, the "Yes on 8" campaign!
I support Proposition 8.
My name is Jennie Lynn, and I support Proposition 8.
I want to protect traditional marriage.
I want to protect religious freedom.
I want to stand up for children and families.
My name is Dane, and I'm in favor of Proposition 8.
I'm in support of Proposition 8.
[edit] Surfer Dude Supports Prop 8
Once I decided, hey, this is something I want to get involved in, all of the sudden I realized there were a bunch of other people my age that felt exactly the same way. There are a whole lot more that would be in support of Proposition 8, if we were just able to educate them.
It's not just letting people do their own thing, that won't effect us. This is going to have a huge effect on society.
Same-sex domestic partnerships already have all the civil and legal rights and benefits of marriage. This is not really about that, this is about the actual definition of marriage, and as what we as a society agree marriage is and should be about.
[edit] Mom Thinks Children's Rights Are Affected
My name is Rachel, and I am very much in support of Proposition 8. First of all, I think religious freedoms are at stake here. I think that people's ability to believe in marriage as a divine institution of God, and to preach that, and to follow their conscience, and incorporate that into their everyday lives, that is very much a risk. And I think also that the rights of children are affected. Children have a right to be raised by a mother and father.
[edit] Prop 8 Party (Free Food)
Come on in!
You ready for this?
Yeah, you guys hungry?
We're networking with other single adults throughout the state of California, getting the word out, getting them energized behind Proposition 8.
Well, I think that one of the greatest things we've done as a group, is that we've talked to each other about the process to become in support of Proposition 8. As other people talk about why it's important to them, it strengthens why it's important to me.
[edit] Fight for Religious Freedom
Well, I feel that it's important for my children's future. I don't want my children to grow up in a genderless society. This is my opportunity to fight for religious freedom.
When you talk to the phone on somebody, and they say, oh, well I didn't know about that, then they start to think, that maybe this is something that they need to vote "yes" on.
I'm calling up old friends and asking them to get involved, and when they hear about the issue, and when they realize how it's going to affect not only California, but the entire country, they're very concerned.
[edit] Prop 8 Makes Me Feel American
The fact that there were four judges that went, and made this decision after sixty-one percent of the population of California said, actually, we define marriage as between a man and a woman, and then to go and to flip it, I have a hard time with that.
When I vote for something, I expect that that law is going to remain on the books until the people say, you know, never mind. And so, for me, to be able to stand up and say, I don't agree with what four judges did, and I'm going to put my foot down about that, that makes me feel American. I mean, call it cheesy, but it really does. Because, I recognize that there's power in our vote, and there's power in our voice.
[edit] I'm An Internet Guy
I'm Kenny, and I support Proposition 8.
That's what we do, yeah, we stay up late, and ...
Now, I'm not political as the next guy, I'm not, but you can be, and on issue that really hits home to you, you should be.
To get involved, I think all that matters is that you want to.
I noticed a big lack on the internet of just real information about Prop 8, about same-sex marriage. Like, just articles and editorials and viewpoints from different religions, there wasn't really one place, and so we made that.
Everyone can do really well in their own field, and so they should do what they do to promote Prop 8. For example, I'm an Internet guy, I can make web sites, so I made a web site. Somebody else might be into film, somebody else might be an artist. Somebody else might just like to talk. So talk, you know! Write a blog, put it out there, make a youtube video, or send a letter to the editor of the local newspaper. If all you can do is take a sharpie and write "Yes on Prop 8" and pin it to your bag, do it!
[edit] Extending Our Nets
The Internet is such a great resource, we can really extend our nets that way.
The more we talk about it, the more information that gets out there, I think that's going to swing it towards the "yes". If everyone stays quiet, I think it would go, it would favor the "no" on this issue.
If we were to let this fail, this can be a big hit on the family.
[edit] We Have Friends That Are Gay
We don't discriminate. We have friends that are gay. It's just that we believe, and we want to stand up for family.
I definitely believe this is going to be a key moment in history, where, are you going to be on the sidelines, or are you going to be in the game participating, and so you can really have a say.
So, read it up, study, because when you know about something you can talk about something. Most importantly, when you know about something, you can make your own decision about it. And when you've decided, it will be all that much easier to share your opinion.
[edit] Four Things You Should Do
I would say that there are four things that you can and should do. Number one, if you live in California, make sure that you're registered to vote at your current residence, so that you can go and vote in November.
Number two, educate yourself. Read articles, read the opinions, find out what's being said, find out what the issues are.
Number three, go to ProtectMarriage.com, and register to help. There are so many different ways to help. Calling, and taking surveys to find supporters, walking around precincts, or talking to the undecided, getting on your blog and talking about it, whatever it may be, there are so many different ways, and someone will contact you to help you learn what's available in your area.
And then the fourth thing is, is talk to your friends. See what they know. If they don't know, direct them to the resources you've looked into. Educate them on the issues. This is going to be a personal battle, that everyone needs to talk to the people around them, and make sure that those people are informed, and vote with knowledge, not based on the faulty premises that are out there right now.
[edit] Most Important Thing Of Our Generation
This is the most important thing that our generation will do. Because it will determine the structure of our society for the rest of our lives.
[edit] More Videos To Come
More of these videos are available now on PreservingMarriage.org, a new web site, and additional videos will be posted in the days to come. We invite you to share these materials with others.
Our brothers and sisters in California, I'd love to share with you my testimony that God lives, that Jesus is the Christ, and that this Church is His church. God loves us, all of us, and so does the Savior. We're delighted to have this time with you this evening. I share my testimony with you in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
We'd now like to provide some time for some final thoughts from Elder Ballard and Elder Cook. First, we'll hear from Elder Cook, and then from Elder Ballard. Following Elder Ballard's remarks, we will end this broadcast, and ask that local leaders close this meeting with a hymn and a prayer. Thank you for your time this evening, and for your dedication and commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Elder Cook.
[edit] Elder Quentin L. Cook
[edit] We Don't Support Political Parties
There have been some very specific requests that are made of you this evening. As a church, we do not get involved in supporting candidates or political parties. But when there are moral issues, the First Presidency has always felt that it was important for our members to stand up and support those, that are significant to the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the restored church.
[edit] We Ask You To Give Your Best
And so we, without concern, go to the membership of the church, after the call of the First Presidency, to ask you to give your best to this most significant effort to support in every way possible, the sacred institution of marriage, as we know it to be. I want to leave you with my witness and my testimony of the divinity of the Church, of the divinity of the institution of marriage, the traditional marriage, and I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
[edit] Elder M. Russell Ballard
[edit] Coalition with the Catholics and Evangelicals
Well now, brothers and sisters, thank you for the time you've given us this evening. I think you'd like to know that we've received an invitation from the Catholic Church and from many of the evangelical churches to join with them in the coalition that has been formed. All of what you've heard tonight is being done by other organizations--the Catholic Church is involved, the evangelical churches are involved, other organizations that care about this matter are involved--and we're all trying to enlist the help and the effort of our own people so that this effort of the coalition will bring about the positive result that we retain marriage in California as being between a man and a woman.
[edit] Talk to Non-Members and Less-Active
And one of the things that I would suggest to all of you is to think through who you know that feels about marriage as you do, that are not members of the Church, and ask them to join you in this great effort. The wonderful thing--I don't know how many we have assembled here tonight, but I'd guess there'd be thousands of you--just think if each one of you got one or two others who are not here tonight, or who are less active in our church, or who are members of other churches, and you rallied them to join with you in this great effort. We'll have many more hands to get this work done and that's the true purpose, that's the true objective of the work of the coalition which we are very happy to be a part of, because marriage is so deeply important, as it pertains to the doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
[edit] Children Can Only Happen Through Marriage
Now, in closing, let me just remind you that our Heavenly Father, when the time came, gave us the privilege of creating this earth. The earth was created with the primary purpose, that His spirit children--His sons and His daughters whom He loves as His spirit children--would have the opportunity to come to the world and experience mortality, to go through the challenge of choosing good and evil, and finding and seeking truth, and striving to find the Lord Jesus Christ in their lives, and honoring Him by striving to keep his commandments--and then receive all the of the blessings that our Heavenly Father has for those who are willing to seek the truth, to find it, and to live by it. And there's no way that our Father's children--spirit children--can come to this Earth except through the bonds of marriage, of man to a woman. You have the capacity--divine capacity to being forth children.
[edit] Fundamental Doctrinal Principle
This is so fundamental, my beloved young people, and all of you who are working on the grassroots efforts there in California, that I pray our Heavenly Father will bless you, that the power of the Holy Ghost will be in your minds, that the wonderful promise the Lord has given all of us, that--if we seek to do what's right, and if we seek to try to defend His Kingdom and His purposes, that the very moment that we need to know what to say, that the power of the Spirit will be there to help us in our work in defending the Kingdom of God and strengthening the work of Lord Jesus Christ.
[edit] The Very Basis of the Kingdom of God
Now we know--and you've already heard my colleagues bear their testimonies to you. I bear my witness to you that Jesus is the Christ, He is the Son of God, He does live, this is His Church, we're on His errand. May God bless all of us to unite together in love, and wisdom and careful efforts, as we do all we can to help defend a very fundamental doctrinal principle--the very basis of the Kingdom of God--and that is marriage between a man and a woman, that they might be joined together, and multiply and replenish the earth, and give our Father's spirit children the opportunity to experience mortality. May God bless us as we go forward. You are in our prayers, and we thank you for your faith, and extend our love to you, and we do so in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.
[edit] Handsome Brother John
Now I'd like to have--just before we leave--I'd like to ask Brother John Dalton if he'd come up. Brother John and--I just want to have the camera go and show this handsome man who has been chairing this great effort for the Church in California. Brother Dalton and others have just put in untold hours, and, Brother John, we want you to know how much we love and appreciate what you've done and pray the Lord's blessings to be with you as you carry on this work that we've now discussed with the young people and the folks who we've had together tonight.
[edit] Elder Cook?
Brothers and Sisters, we'd also like to thank you again for all that you've done to help promote California's Proposition 8. We know that you've been working very hard and we're thankful for that, and we're very grateful. Thank you for you donations of money and for your donated time. Thank you very much.
