tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1320046297313453232.post8839161951159863632..comments2022-01-22T01:15:27.341-07:00Comments on Against the Wall: Mormon bridge builders are building a bridge to nowhere...Clive Durhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13429000026909551119noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1320046297313453232.post-26823018282070206212012-12-18T18:24:35.985-07:002012-12-18T18:24:35.985-07:00The mission of Circling the Wagons is to "[in...The mission of Circling the Wagons is to "[invite] LGBTQ/SSA Mormons and their families and allies to step beyond historic divisions to establish a shared space where all who have ever self-identified as Mormon can speak truthfully and respectfully." <br /><br />In other words, our purpose is to gather individuals from all quarters of the LGBT community and invite them to sit together and talk. It doesn't mean that we must all agree or that it's necessary for us to reach consensus. It does mean that we have opportunity to enhance understanding and mutual respect. <br /><br />Personally, I have tremendous respect for individuals with whom I have significant disagreement on principle. Our discussions, while often failing to change minds, are always enlightening and at the least educational. In the end, I understand them better and with that understanding am more likely to view them as a friend rather than the enemy.<br /><br />With regard to CTW's invitation to Steve Frei and Josh Weed, while I may not agree with some of their positions, I no longer view them as the boogeymen I thought they were before the conference. That is what we are trying to accomplish.<br /><br />Hope that helps.Clive Durhamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13429000026909551119noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1320046297313453232.post-49269368777341526472012-12-17T12:45:33.793-07:002012-12-17T12:45:33.793-07:00Aren't you involved in the circling the waggon...Aren't you involved in the circling the waggons thing? I'm trying to decide how your comments here reconcile with your inviting North Star SSAers to participate so prominently on the program at your last evernt. I can't get a read on you C.D. Care to clarify?Elliot B.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1320046297313453232.post-45429918092622886442012-12-17T02:48:52.781-07:002012-12-17T02:48:52.781-07:00I definitely understand and sympathize with your t...I definitely understand and sympathize with your thoughts. There are many who are not interested (in the least) at understanding about gays. Acceptance is more vocal than action. But, I have to admit that there have been a lot more talk about things in the last few years. <br /><br />10 years ago, most Mormons believed that even "being gay" was a sin, completely a choice, and one of the worst sins. 20 years ago, most parents would boot their kids or send them to shock therapy (supported by many in the Church). The Church line was for people to get married to get rid of their gayness. <br /><br />I don't know how much further things will go ... or if they'll move backwards at some time. But, I do know that things are looking brighter. I know dozens of LDS people here in Washington who voted FOR gay marriage. I know some brave parents who are able to have a conversation about same sex attractions with their kids. BYU students openly created a "It Get's better" video. The list goes on and on ...<br /><br />What I think is most interesting and probably most damning are the people who are telling us how easy it is to just get married and have a family and stay active and happy. It has caused a lot of people I know think that it is the solution for everyone. It isn't. <br /><br />Thanks for the post. P.S. I love dadsprimalscream's analogy, too. ... A lot.Mr. B.https://www.blogger.com/profile/05547812034332043808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1320046297313453232.post-79585735782573457142012-12-15T18:58:56.797-07:002012-12-15T18:58:56.797-07:00I saw someone call the new website "icing on ...I saw someone call the new website "icing on a dirt cake", and the bridges are kind of the same thing. Appear nice, but don't actually BE nice.jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14191688082941672114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1320046297313453232.post-62611592183728309082012-12-15T13:29:54.873-07:002012-12-15T13:29:54.873-07:00Well stated. Well stated. TGDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01787370282987477869noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1320046297313453232.post-18395736815059290822012-12-14T23:02:04.911-07:002012-12-14T23:02:04.911-07:00I love your analogy! Thanks!I love your analogy! Thanks!Clive Durhamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13429000026909551119noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1320046297313453232.post-79164155746561919862012-12-14T16:54:09.474-07:002012-12-14T16:54:09.474-07:00"Like.""Like."Justinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12374785769065640253noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1320046297313453232.post-15774208033311372012012-12-14T14:28:04.329-07:002012-12-14T14:28:04.329-07:00I couldn't agree more. I haven't been able...I couldn't agree more. I haven't been able to quite articulate why the "bridge" idea doesn't resonate with me either but I think you've done a good job here.<br /><br />How many LDS members would tolerate or feel loved and accepted if they were told by some other Christian, "We love you and want to increase understanding between us, but we can't pretend that we accept your chosen lifestyle. God has clearly determined that it is against His will for you. We will accept you as you struggle with this Mormon challenge and have hope that you'll see the light in the next life. Oh, and please just don't act Mormon."<br /><br />Then, create a website that pretends to showcase "Every" viewpoint except leave out the one's who are happy, active Mormons.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1320046297313453232.post-79371146685965045822012-12-14T08:55:07.665-07:002012-12-14T08:55:07.665-07:00Amen brother, amen! I don't have to settle fo...Amen brother, amen! I don't have to settle for second (or less) class.Davidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02362091622374247620noreply@blogger.com