COUNCIL OF ELDERS REPORT TO THE FIRST PRESIDENCY: ITEM #5 HOME FOR THE SPIRITUALLY HOMELESS

April 12, 2021

There are more homes than one in the world, and while recognizing that some are “spiritually homeless” we simultaneously acknowledge that most people already have a home or are not looking for one. Part of what we seek to be is to create the possibility of mutual acceptance with those who do not find with us a “home.” We must therefore receive clarity on whether the directive to be a “home for the spiritually homeless” is merely to be something to keep in mind to temper all primary directives, or if this is to become a primary goal of the Fellowship itself. See Appendix D.

APPENDIX D

The Fellowship’s goal of not turning people away, and creating a “safespace” for people to live different lifestyles and experiment upon different beliefs, interpretations and potential revelations is generally accepted and respected by many people. Not everyone, however, is drawn to direct outreach primarily to those cast out of other organizations or who do not feel a belonging with other organizations, nor to emphasize such members over others. Hence, many do not resonate with the affirmative statement on the Fellowship website that says the CJCCF welcomes those of the LGBTQI Community. This statement front and center will interrupt proselytizing efforts to those who do not resonate with this as a focus. This in turn will be a stumbling block and make members reluctant to be associated with the Fellowship, hindering growth.

First Presidency Response

May 4, 2021

This question and the appendix are why the School of the Prophets is so important. Unfortunately, many working with us now, including some on the Council, appear to be unaware of the role of the Fellowship of Christ. We advise those that wish to remain in the ministry of the Church of Jesus Christ in Christian Fellowship sign up for the Priesthood 101 class.

A note on Appendix D: The First Presidency sees no reason to cater to those that stand at odds with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. To better serve the spiritually homeless, it is important that we let them know we accept them. LGBTQ inclusion, therefore, must remain a central feature of the Fellowship of Christ. At no time did Jesus cater to those that oppress others, rather he stood with the oppressed. If we are to be the Fellowship of Christ, we must represent Jesus Christ. As we work to unify the Saints, we must offer them this same option: to follow or to reject Jesus Christ.

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