"There is blood of your members on your hands."From: NewNowNext
In a powerful video posted on his Facebook page, out singer and ex-Mormon Tyler Glenn slammed leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for contributing to the recent suicides of LGBT Mormon youth.
At the start of the video, Glenn points the camera at the images of two boys. “This is Stockton,” he begins, “and this is Wyatt. These two teenage boys have something in common. They’re both gay, they’re both Mormon and in the last week, they both committed suicide. I want you to say their names and remember their photos.”
In addition to Stockton and Wyatt, Glenn claims that three other LGBT Mormon youth took their lives in the past week alone. These, he adds to the nearly 40 suicides that have occurred since leaders of the LDS church announced a new anti-gay policy in November declaring same-sex individuals apostates, barring both them and their children from being baptized. At the time of the announcement, Church President Russell Nelson (pictured below right) called it a “revelation” from God.
“I make this live video to help you put a face to this policy that bans same-sex couples and their kids, to see that it’s actually happening, that it’s real and it’s right now.”
“Dear Russell Nelson, you spearheaded this policy in November, and you and your colleagues claim to speak directly to and for God,” he continued. “As his mouthpieces on this Earth today, you have yet to respond to the confusion, chaos and disruption that you have caused so many current and former members of your church, both queer and straight alike.”
“There is either no God, or God isn’t speaking to you,” Glenn said through tears. “Maybe it’s both, but you have a responsibility to speak to us.”
Glenn goes on to share his personal story about coming to terms with his sexuality while also attempting to come to terms with his spirituality. Eventually, he found that the Mormon church was not interested in creating a space for LGBT individuals like himself, so he parted from the fold.
At the close of the video, Glenn makes a gut-wrenching plea to Nelson and the other leaders of the LDS church.
“There is blood of your members on your hands…Please make a space for your gay members. Please tell them they are OK and they’re made in the image of God and they’re not flawed. Please stop telling them that they are abnormal. Please, please, please, how many more? How many more?”
The Church responded with a short statement:
Suicide is tragic, no matter the explanation or circumstance. Our hearts ache for those who face such tragedy among those they love. The Church is actively pursuing ways to help, including online resources and local leader training, and we encourage communities to continue to partner on prevention and intervention. Every soul is precious.
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