In the last few years, the Mormon church has had an active media campaign on the internet and on billboards in cities across the country.
Now they're reaching out to the LGBT community with a new web site that encourages members to show love towards gays and lesbians.
It's no secret that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has been outspoken in its opposition to same-sex marriage, so it may come as a surprise this week when the Salt Lake City-based faith launched a new web site aimed at those in the LGBT community called "Love One Another: A discussion on same-sex attraction."
"It sort of sounds good as sort of like, oh they're finally coming toward and showing what they should have been showing all this time of non judgement of love for all in their community," said One in Ten's Michael Weakley.
One in Ten is a local LGBT support group for teens. Weakley says as a gesture of fellowship, it's better than nothing while he questions the motives of the Mormon leadership.
"I think the message you're sending to young people is it's okay, but they're still going to go to hell, but be nice to them," he said.
The web page states that this does not represent a departure from church doctrine that marriage is defined as only between a man and a woman.
There are testimonials from gay and lesbian Latter-Day Saints and their families who share experiences and challenges.
By acknowledging members of their church who are gay, does that build any kind of bridge?
Weakley says, "If they're trying to be loving and genuinely accepting and teaching the people in their community to be genuinely loving and accepting, then great."
So they're calling it baby steps, if not a change in doctrine or theology -- obviously the Mormon church sticking by its opposition to gay marriage, but some say it could be a step towards love and fellowship in a community that has not felt that from the Mormon church previously.
Thursday, June 20 2013 6:10 AM EDT2013-06-20 10:10:08 GMT
The driver of the vehicle that left several people injured and a trail of destruction in the area of 2nd Avenue and East 4th Street in the East Village has been arrested.
The driver of the vehicle that left several people injured and a trail of destruction in the area of 2nd Avenue and East 4th Street in the East Village has been arrested.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 10:55 PM EDT2013-06-20 02:55:03 GMT
The actor James Gandolfini, best known for his award-winning portrayal of New Jersey mobster Tony Soprano in the HBO series "The Sopranos," has died in Italy. He was 51.
The actor James Gandolfini, best known for his award-winning portrayal of New Jersey mobster Tony Soprano in the HBO series "The Sopranos," has died in Italy. He was 51.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 10:53 PM EDT2013-06-20 02:53:25 GMT
Joe Torre's daughter caught a 1-year-old boy who fell from a fire escape outside a second-floor apartment in the Bay Ridge section of Brooklyn Wednesday morning.
Joe Torre's daughter caught a 1-year-old boy who fell from a fire escape outside a second-floor apartment in the Bay Ridge section of Brooklyn Wednesday morning.
New York state and Eastman Kodak Co. have reached a deal that will keep some of the troubled company's operations in Rochester and provide $49 million for environmental cleanup at the once bustling Eastman...
New York state and Eastman Kodak Co. have reached a deal that will keep some of the troubled company's operations in Rochester and provide $49 million for environmental cleanup at the once bustling Eastman Business Park.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:51 PM EDT2013-06-19 22:51:22 GMT
Franklin Reyes, 17, was in court Wednesday. He is charged with the death of 4-year-old Ariel Russo.
Franklin Reyes, 17, was in court Wednesday. He is charged with the death of 4-year-old Ariel Russo. He is accused of driving without a license, then fleeing police, jumping a curb, and hitting Ariel and her grandmother as they were walking to school.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:13 PM EDT2013-06-19 22:13:15 GMT
More than 70 percent of New Jersey residents have seen or heard the state's "Stronger than the Storm" advertising campaign, according to a new Rutgers-Eagleton poll.
More than 70 percent of New Jersey residents have seen or heard the state's "Stronger than the Storm" advertising campaign, according to a new Rutgers-Eagleton poll.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 4:30 PM EDT2013-06-19 20:30:42 GMT
The FBI has found possible human remains in a dig at the New York City house once occupied by a famous gangster. An FBI spokesman confirmed Wednesday that agents found material that they want to test as part of an investigation.
The FBI has found possible human remains in a dig at the New York City house once occupied by a famous gangster. An FBI spokesman confirmed Wednesday that agents found material that they want to test as part of an investigation.
