So even though I probably shouldn't have watched it, (afterall, it was 2 am, and I didn't need anything else to wind me up and keep me up) I watched it. And it did keep me up.
The documentary claims that the Mormon Church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) secretly funded and was primarily responsible for passing prop 8. They did this big thing about how the church lied about how much they actually contributed to try and "cover up" their involvement.
Because afterall, nothing wins over a film festival than a juicy conspiracy theory. (even I love the grassy knoll conspiracy theory).
Now, I expect documentaries to be emotionally-charged rather than factually-based, but what I was really shocked by was how much of it was flat-out made up, or complete lies.
In fact, the church came out with a press release revealing the truth about their financial involvement:
http://beta-newsroom.lds.org/article/church-clarifies-proposition-8-filing-corrects-erroneous-news-reports
The article explains that the documentary was essentially viewing one of many pages of their financial reports, and tried to pass off a mere $2,000 as the church's whole contribution, claiming that the church had submit it as a lie to cover up for their other funding. However, this $2,000 was only one page of many papers submitted.
Here's what I have to say:
God loves all of his children, and so I've been taught in the church to love everyone as well. Just because the church supports that marriage is between a man and a woman does not mean that we believe that anyone is of lesser value or less worthy of love from all of us, or God.
Many members of the church struggle with their sexuality. Many people seem to believe that we would kick someone out of our church because they are gay - this is not true. To these members we offer the same encouragement and support that is offered to any member of the church, with the hopes that they will still continue to come to church.
*for an awesome blog to check out go here: http://gaymormonguy.blogspot.com/ - it's all about one Mormon's struggle with his sexuality and how he's been able to remain a strong member of the church.Unfortunately, not everyone is perfect. There continues to be growing hate from imperfect people on both sides. But let me be clear, the official position of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the same of Jesus' ministry, one of love, but also one of righteousness, which is why we defend the sanctity of marriage.
The only people who have something to hide are those who distort the truth. However, there is no conspiracy here. Unless you count the conspiracy of how such an awful documentary was able to get so much national recognition...
Amber, You need to dig a little more for your facts. The LDS church was actually found guilty by the California Political Fair Practices Commission for late reporting. This is unprecedented! http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2010/06/mormon-church-to-be-fined-by-state-political-commission-over-proposition-8.html
ReplyDeleteAs of the time this film was made the only reporting of funds was the one portrayed.
I was a devout member of the church before prop 8. My brothers live in CA and were recruited to work on and donate heavily (thousands of dollars), which they did.
I understand your wanting to defend the church, however in this instance, it is indefensible. There was tragic human cost for their involvement here, families torn apart. I am surprised you could not see that. I hope you take another look.
The LDS church is a master at spinning the facts.
Linda,
ReplyDeleteThe link you provided seemed to only go to an article about a citizen filing a complaint against the LDS church.
I have no doubt that the events of prop 8 hurt yourself and your family. I'm sorry for any pain that you've endured. I'm sure it hasn't been easy.
However, I still stand that the documentary was poorly written, had little to-no facts, and was only emotionally-based.
I wish you the best.
-Amber
The whole situation reminds me of high school. One loner kid who stands against the crowd has rumors started about them, called names, shunned, etc. It makes me laugh a little. The only thing that helps me not get mad is to remember that the truth cannot be changed. People can believe whatever they want, but they can't make it true. :D
ReplyDeletePS You know how the Provo tabernacle burned down a while ago. I saw that someone posted a video of it on youtube. The comments on the video were either, "I'm really going to miss that building." or "Mormons are haters/bigots/insert insult here who hate gay people." Yeah, I have yet to see the reverse situation though. Hmmmm... and yet that makes sense to people. "I'm going to go find random things associated with mormons and call them names and generally say rude things to them because they are haters and I'm not." Logical?... I think not.