February 27, 2019

From coffee to gay issues to doctrine, Jana Riess’ ‘momentous’ book shows how LDS millennials view the faith and why more are leaving

By Peggy Fletcher Stack | Salt Lake Tribune

Right after World War II, American Christianity, including Mormonism, flourished. Religion was the rising tide that lifted everyone’s boat.

Now, with devotion to denominations declining, researcher and writer Jana Riess set out … Read the rest here

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9 hours ago

At the inaugural prayer service at Washington National Cathedral, attended by a sitting president, congressional leaders, global figures, and professors, Right Rev. Mariann Budde, Episcopal bishop of Washington, demonstrated leadership and moral strength.

Just a day after President Trump’s inauguration speech declaring there were "only two genders in America" and signing executive orders targeting immigrants, Bishop Budde used the pulpit to make a heartfelt plea for compassion and unity.

“Mr. President, millions have put their trust in you,” she said directly to Trump. “And as you told the nation yesterday, you have felt the providential hand of a loving God. In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now.”

Budde spoke of marginalized communities, particularly LGBTQ+ individuals, saying, “There are gay, lesbian, and transgender children in Democratic, Republican, and independent families, some who fear for their lives.”

Her sermon called for unity—not as political agreement, but as a deeper commitment to fostering community across diversity and division. “Unity is not partisan,” she emphasized.

Trump appeared visibly displeased during her remarks, later dismissing them as “not too exciting” when questioned by reporters.

Bishop Budde’s courageous words reflect the essence of speaking truth to power and the moral imperative to advocate for compassion and justice, even in the face of resistance.

By their fruits ye shall know them. ... See MoreSee Less

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22 hours ago

Hi, I’m Hayden.

At 15, I was nearly outed by a high school bully who pressured a peer to ask if I was in love with my best friend—a girl. At the time, I still identified as female and was exploring my identity. In ninth grade, I began dressing as a boy to show solidarity with my older sibling, who had come out as transgender, nonbinary, agender, and aro-ace.

Without much support aside from our mom helping with testosterone shots, I wanted to stand by him. My gesture was misunderstood as a phase, both for myself and my brother, but it was my way of navigating identity and allyship.

When the outing attempt happened, I spiraled into despair. I wasn’t ready to label my feelings, especially while grappling with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and ADHD. Later that year, I told a close friend I thought I was bisexual, and her support gave me strength. However, rumors about my sexuality, likely started by the same bully, reached me before I even confided in my parents. I finally told my mom, who advised caution around my dad due to his homophobic views.

When I eventually came out to my dad, it was during a contentious moment at General Conference. As Elder Oaks spoke, I expressed my discomfort and revealed I was bisexual. My dad’s reaction was muted, though he later gave advice on navigating conversations with extended family. Around this time, I also came out to my cousin Ruth, who supported me, and began experimenting with names like Monty and Hayden.

Navigating high school, family struggles, and a toxic relationship, I realized I wasn’t just bisexual—I was also nonbinary and gender-fluid. During the pandemic, I officially came out via a video, embracing my identity as Hayden, a name my mom welcomed with love. My dad, however, struggled with pronouns. When I legally changed my name in 2022, it marked a turning point. I began embracing me.

Despite setbacks, including bullying, a temporary family separation, and hospitalizations, I found strength in my identity. Today, I’m in a loving relationship with my trans girlfriend. As I look toward the future, I hope to propose to my girlfriend and continue building a life that reflects my truest self. ... See MoreSee Less

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2 days ago

Today, we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. —a man who taught us the power of dreaming big and standing together.

His dream of equality, justice, and unity still inspires us to keep striving for a better world.

It’s more than a dream.

1929-1968 ... See MoreSee Less

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From coffee to gay issues to doctrine, Jana Riess’ ‘momentous’ book shows how LDS millennials view the faith and why more are leaving

Latter Gay Stories

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