Elder Marlin K. Jensen
We all want tomorrow to be better than today. We all put in a lot of effort to make that happen. We all like to think that we do really well with every effort and intent, and we all know what they say about the best of intentions. I want to stay hopeful.
Preceding the recent Oakland Stake Conference, Elder Marlin K. Jensen of the Seventy met in a small testimony meeting with area members to address the ongoing effects of Proposition 8. Among Elder Jensen’s remarks: “to the full extent of my capacity I say that I am sorry.”* Reports vary on whether he was apologizing for how the the Church handled Proposition 8 or for its advice and treatment of LGBT Church members, but they all indicate that he followed it with support for the General Authorities and the current policies concerning LGBT members.
I applaud Elder Jensen’s intent, and the sincerity of his apology. It’s a small thing, but a good thing. Words are important, words are powerful, but “Ye shall know them by their fruits.” The actions of the Church—as demonstrated through policy and disciplinary action (or lack thereof)—are the real fruit, but these words are good seeds.
What fruits will our own efforts bear? We will know in two weeks, when our conference, Stand Up, concludes. I’ll see you there. Let me know how we’ve done, and if you think that because of us, tomorrow will be better.
I was really happy to hear of Jensen’s apology, and I can’t wait for the rest of the liberal Mormon community to follow his lead and let their views be heard publicly.