Children of same-sex parents are in a devil of a situation. As long as they remain with one or both of the parents, there is the influence from the parent(s) that same sex relations are okay. The child cannot escape that influence.
If the child lives with that influence, outside pressure suggesting the practice is wrong is going to cause stress -- probably major stress. There is room for the thought, that by stepping clear of giving the child counter influence, you are honoring the parent, honoring his or her wishes for the child.
If you are a church that believes same-sex marriage is wrong, though, you should not be expected to hold your tongue on that doctrine. It should be understood that, in the youth classes, there will be the teaching that same-sex marriage is wrong.
Most same-sex parents would not want their children to be taught that way. Some might even be upset if their children came home saying they had been taught against same-sex relationships. I see wisdom in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' decision to not baptize children of same-sex parents. Placing the child in the situation of going to church and hearing it is wrong, and coming home and being told it is not wrong, can be very stressful. The child belongs to the parent, and the church is not wrong to excuse itself from confrontation and yield the child to the parent.
When the child turns 18, if he or she is no longer living with the parents, then, should the child want, it is time for having him or her involved in the church.
No comments:
Post a Comment