The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued the following statement today in response to a press conference organized by Affirmation:
“It has always been the intent of the Church to engage in an open and honest discussion with Affirmation leaders to listen to their concerns. When the Church was originally approached by Affirmation, Church officials offered a much earlier meeting date. The meeting was put on hold until August at Affirmation’s request. The Church asks for the same courtesy as it hires a new director of Family Services, a position crucial to this conversation.
"The issues surrounding same-gender attraction deserve careful attention, not public posturing. It appears from Affirmation’s actions today that it has opted for a public rather than a private exchange.”