Thread by @ChurchNewsroom

Truth 4: “The Lord Jesus Christ, whose Church this is, appoints prophets and Apostles to communicate His love and teach His laws.”

—President @NelsonRussellM #BYUDevo

@NelsonRussellM “Each of the Lord’s Apostles is in a position to observe and feel the love that Heavenly Father has for His children, particularly for those who are struggling.” —President @NelsonRussellM #BYUDevo

“It is precisely because we do care deeply about all of God’s children that we proclaim His truth.” —President @NelsonRussellM #BYUDevo

"We may not always tell people what they want to hear. Prophets are rarely popular. But we will always teach the truth!"

—President @NelsonRussellM #BYUDevo

@NelsonRussellM “Our commission as Apostles is to teach nothing but truth. That commission does not give us the authority to modify divine law.”

—President @NelsonRussellM #BYUDevo

@NelsonRussellM “For example, let’s consider the definition of marriage. In recent years, many countries . . . have legalized same-sex marriage. As members of the Church, we respect the laws of the land and abide by them, including civil marriage.”

—President @NelsonRussellM #BYUDevo

@NelsonRussellM “The truth is, however, that in the beginning, marriage was ordained by God! And to this day it is defined by Him as being between a man and a woman. God has not changed His definition of marriage.”

—President @NelsonRussellM #BYUDevo

@NelsonRussellM “Though we of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles cannot change the laws of God . . . we can adjust policy when the Lord directs us to do so . . . Because the Restoration is ongoing, policy changes will likely and surely continue.”

—President @NelsonRussellM

@NelsonRussellM “Consider the policy announced in November 2015 related to the advisability of baptism for the children of LGBT parents. Our concern then, and one we discussed at length . . . was to find a way to reduce friction between gay or lesbian parents and their children.” #BYUDevo

@NelsonRussellM “Because parents are the primary exemplars for their children, we did not want to put young children in the position of having to choose between beliefs and behavior that they learned at home and what they were taught at Church.”

—President @NelsonRussellM #BYUDevo

@NelsonRussellM “We knew that this policy created concern and confusion for some and heartache for others. That grieved us. Whenever the sons and daughters of God weep—for whatever reason—we weep.”

—President @NelsonRussellM #BYUDevo

@NelsonRussellM “As a result of our continued supplication, we recently felt directed to adjust the policy."

—President @NelsonRussellM #BYUDevo

@NelsonRussellM "The baptism of children of LGBT parents may be authorized by bishops without First Presidency approval, if the custodial parents requested the baptism and understand that a child will be taught about sacred covenants to be made at baptism.”

—President @NelsonRussellM #BYUDevo

@NelsonRussellM “Though it may not have looked this way to some, the 2015 and 2019 policy adjustments on this matter were both motivated by love—the love of our Heavenly Father for His children and the love of the Brethren for those whom we serve.”

—President @NelsonRussellM #BYUDevo

@NelsonRussellM “Because we feel the depth of God’s love for His children, we care deeply about every child of God, regardless of age, personal circumstances, gender, sexual orientation, or other unique challenges.”

—President @NelsonRussellM #BYUDevo