President Packer in the news

President Boyd K. Packer addressed the general membership of The Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter-day Saints on the issue of homosexuality on Oct. 3 during the 180^th Semiannual General Conference.

In his address, President Packer said that homosexuality can be overcome and emphasized the Church’s stance on marriage as a bond between a man and a woman.

According to the Associated Press “National gay rights activists have called for Packer to recant statements that homosexuality is unnatural and can be overcome, calling the comments factually inaccurate and dangerous.”

Before Packer’s talk was added to the lds.org archives, he made several changes to it in order to soften the tone.

In regards to the changes, Scott Trotter, a spokesman for the Church, issued the following statement:

“The Monday following every General Conference, each speaker has the opportunity to make any edits necessary to clarify differences between what was written and what was delivered or to clarify the speaker’s intent. President Packer has simply clarified his intent.

As we have said repeatedly, the Church’s position on marriage and family is clear and consistent.  It is based on respect and love for all of God’s children.”

In his address, he said: “Some suppose that they were born pre-set and cannot overcome what they feel are inborn tendencies toward the impure and unnatural. Not so! Why would our Heavenly Father do that to anyone? Remember he is our father.”

The website, which now reads  “temptations,” has replaced “tendencies” and the question about God’s motives has been removed entirely.

“Some suppose that they were preset and cannot overcome what they feel are inborn temptations toward the impure and unnatural. Not so! Remember, God is our Heavenly Father.”

In response, several members of the Church have launched a Facebook campaign to support President Packer. One group, whose membership boasts over 4,000 is named “I support Boyd K. Packer.” The page states its intent in the information section, “This page was created with the intent for supporters of Packer to be able to express this support. We understand that you may have been offended or hurt by Packer’s statement. However, this is not the proper venue to voice such feelings.”

Along with the Facebook group, a Facebook event was created called “WE LOVE YOU- President Boyd K. Packer.” The purpose of the event was to send President Packer 100,000 letter of support before Oct. 15. Over 8,000 Facebook members are attending the “event.”