from an internet mailing list:
The author of the original message writes:
"Interestingly, this seems much shorter than the version
that was read at the local LDS church near me -- the leader
mentioned a pro-initiative group being formed, called the
'Defense of Marriage Association (DoMA)' and anti-initiative
groups already vowing to spend millions of dollars to defeat
the group and the initiative. I wonder how much leeway
the [local] leaders are supposed to have in embellishing the official
letter?"
May 11, 1999
To: Area Authority Seventies, Stake Presidents, Mission Presidents,
Bishops, Branch Presidents, and all Church members in California (to
be
read in the priesthood and Relief Society meetings of each ward and
branch
by a member of the stake presidency or high council on May 23 or May
30,
1999)
Dear Brethren and Sisters:
Preserving Traditional Marriage
On March 7, 2000, Californians will vote to affirm that the union of one
man and one woman is the only form of marriage that will be legally
recognized in California.
This traditional marriage initiative provides a clear and significant
moral choice. The Church's position on this issue is unequivocal. On
February 1, 1994, the First Presidency wrote to all priesthood leaders:
"The principles of the gospel and the sacred responsibilities given us
require that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints oppose any
efforts to give legal authorization to marriages between persons of the
same gender."
Therefore, we ask you to do all you can by donating your means and
time to
assure a successful vote. Marriage between a man and a woman is
ordained
of God, and is essential to His eternal plan. It is imperative for us to
give our best effort to preserve what our Father in Heaven has put in
place.
A broad-based coalition is being formed to work for passage of the traditional marriage initiative. As details about the coalition become available, we will provide you with information on how you might become involved. We thank you for your attention to this vital matter and pray the Lord's richest blessings to be with you.
Sincerely yours,
NORTH AMERICAN WEST AREA PRESIDENCY
John B. Dickson
John M. Madsen
Cecil O. Samuelson
It is amazing to me that a church feels this responsibility to not only make others feel guilty and ashamed for love but to also make it illegal--especially in light of Mormonism's history which includes a significant period of non-traditional marriage.
I've got my friends in the world,
I had my friends
When we were boys and girls
And the secrets came unfurled.
City of brotherly love
Place I call home
Don't turn your back on me
I don't want to be alone
Love lasts forever.
Someone is talking to me,
Calling my name
Tell me I'm not to blame
I won't be ashamed of love.
Philadelphia,
City of brotherly love.
Brotherly love.
Sometimes I think that I know
What love's all about
And when I see the light
I know I'll be all right.
Philadelphia.
-- Neil Young