Is There a Place for Me?

[@karenwaples4380]

I remember a time, when I joined the church, knowing no one, and feeling alone! But I also remember, when I moved a year later to a new state, a new branch/ward, being greeted by a large Islander Man, who smiled, grabbed my hand and then hugged me! I finally found home! Be kind, you never know who is sitting near you and needs that greeting!

[@teti_99]

I'm glad you were welcomed. :) We islanders are by no means perfect. (Me being full Tongan) But we love to love. And we love to serve. Thank you for sharing this with us Karen!

[@Jotunhammer2011]

one of the absolute BEST things in our church is the welcoming embrace of friendship that is in almost every ward you come to, I been around the world a few times, Peru, USA, Germany etc but one thing remains the same, no matter if you know the language, the love and gentle invitation is always there in every congregation, it truly feels like your coming "home" and it is so difficult to leave and you make friends so easy. The church is truly blessed by GOD

[@janetjohnson7279]

Your post touched My heart and made me cry!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻💙💙🙏🏻🙏🏻 Thank You!!

[@alanbutler]

This message resonates deeply with me. 45 years of my life dealing with anxiety and depression. The knowledge that the savior is there for me no matter what is what has saved me and given me hope that all is not lost.

[@churchofjesuschrist]

Hi Alan, thanks for sharing your tender experience and testimony. For you and others struggling, we're sorry for the difficulty and heartache you experience. You are not alone, you are loved, and we encourage you to reach out to those around you and get help. mentalhealth.churchofjesuschrist.org

[@dellyvlogs1284]

Hi Alan, you are not alone. Our Heavenly father loves us and thank you for sharing your testimony. Have a nice day

[@amandagarcia6320]

Amen. None of us is ALONE in any of this. Hope in Jesus has pulled me up through many dark thoughts, depressive episodes and anxiety and I give all the Glory to God!

[@amypola5903]

Get off dairy, soy (its not in whole foods other than itself, but its in everything and the intense excess of soy is way too much estrogen, look into seed cycling to understand better times for estrogenic foods consumption for women, men have a cycle too I just don't know it yet.), get off all forms of caffeine, stimulants of anykind (anything that gives a high gives a low), foods that cause you any allergies, and then see how nightshades make you feel. Potatoes made me feel horrible the last two days. They're out. Sweet potatoes are in, they're a different species of plant. Diet. Seriously a massive component.

[@brentgarner3143]

Thank you for your comment 🙏

[@BreonaWilson]

I love this video on MANY levels, I came out as Bisexual and left so alone in the church, not wanted, or hesitant to think I was accepted. But someone in my ward put on a LGBTQ 🏳️‍🌈 class for everyone (me being the only one with same sex attraction in the class room) and I remember the teacher out this video on.. I can’t explain I quickly I lost it and just cried my heart out it was so hard to contain the love I felt😭😭💖💖 This video has had a amazing impact on me since then and whenever I need it I love watching it again and AGAIN✨💜

[@churchofjesuschrist]

Thank you for sharing!

[@ENFPSIS]

There is never a time in which Christ or Heavenly father will say, " I am not here. " They will always respond, they are ready to forgive, always ready with open arms. And I speak from my own experiences, and I know that this is true for everyone else, because there will never be an answer from god saying " You don't belong. " Remember, " If you ever have a bad thought about yourself, tell it to go to hell, because that's exactly where it came from. " --Brigham young May God give thy soul rest ❤💘

[@thundermw9048]

Thank you , I needed that

[@rubiotv]

"He loves me and he has hope for me." What a great way of looking at those moments when you feel alone. Thanks for this beautiful message.

[@debbieengebregtsen1057]

Love this praise the Lord .

[@dwyanejamesagoy7348]

Love this bibie words Danny ❤ 🙌 😍 ♥ 💖 👏

[@kaleponismith]

This is an absolute perfect definition of the real Christian attitude! Not sure how anyone who professes to be a real Christian could dislike what said in the video.

[@MeganRodecker]

I had my patriarchal blessing, but I feel the spirit pulling me back. I know it is my purpose.

[@churchofjesuschrist]

Hi @MeganRodecker, thank you for tuning in and sharing your comment. We hope you know you are loved and needed, and always welcome at church. Visit comeuntochrist.org?cid=42001274 to find a Church unit or meetinghouse near you, or to request a visit from missionaries.

[@africankaleab360]

Jesus is the Path to Victory. God bless.

[@E3303]

I am so thankful for God and his inspired prophet and apostles. Gods doctrine delivered through them is so profound and wonderful. I’m so thankful for the knowledge we have today of the true church of Jesus Christ

[@williamjueschke9960]

Thank you Elder Christofferson.

[@kmartin2988]

I love this man. After so many 'don't be so sensitive and easily offended' talks, it acknowledges that sometimes we do not reflect Christ as we ought.

[@carloscantero3763]

that's was what I need

[@michaeldrose3779]

Thanks Elder Christofferson

[@gongoozleriam9783]

It amazes me how much ground he can cover in explaining something in just 4 minutes. I love Elder Christofferson. He truly helps me want to be smarter and pull myself out of depressing moments and make an effort towards love. Thanks for sharing.

[@nancynewman1465]

This is so true

[@tonneleighanna4186]

He saved me when I was lost. I am forever indebted.

[@elizat3892]

Aren't we all❤

[@dwyanejamesagoy7348]

Thank you lord for all your blessings that I have given to my family and friends to you and your Lolo and lola amen 🙏 💖 ❤ 💕 🙌 ✨

[@Ether-pb5gb]

If we don't feel love in our homes or wards or branches, it can be depressing. At the same time, that is our OPPORTUNITY to do something about it. Ghandi invited US TO BE THE CHANGE THAT WE WANT TO SEE !!!! If we want to see more love, we have to give more love. If we want to feel more welcomed, we have to be more welcoming. Charity never faileth. If we feel like things around us aren't going the way we like, we need to step outside of ourselves and be charitable. And sustained change does not take place with one event or one day, but it is a day by day thing.

[@MegWasHere2011]

We love you, Elder Christofferson

[@Snarfy1987]

I adore the openness, the honesty and the humanity ti this video. I am in England, I have a friend that is LDS and sent me the book and the journal edition. I struggle with trust issues and rejection. I am a gay guy and the past hasnt always been kind to me. But the future and the now feek much better. I read and do my journal edition daily. I adore the honesty and love of LDS and being here. I associate my self with LDS, I dont have any contact here in England but my friend in US, has always been here. I feek such need dor direction. The world is very scary currently and i feel comfort and safety in ny learning and csre with LDS. X thank you and love from Dorset England. X❤

[@churchofjesuschrist]

Thanks for your comment, @Snarfy1987. At the link below, you can request a visit from missionaries or find a meetinghouse near you to meet other like-minded individuals and worship with us. www.comeuntochrist.org/contact-us?cid=42001274

[@Snarfy1987]

@@churchofjesuschrist Thank you x

[@brentgarner3143]

Thank you Jesus, and thank you who made this video possible, Thank you so much 💓

[@DerGlaetze]

If I were a movie producer and needed a person from central casting to be the part of an angel, Brother Christopherson would be the one I would immediately choose. He is an angel in the flesh.

[@SergioGomez-ot4im]

I really needed to be reassure, I've Been so lost and ashamed of my being. Great words, Thank you for filming this.

[@kiray1835]

i love You God and Jesus! Amen

[@henryfrimpong8502]

KiraY u don't use u to God but thy or

[@wickedwonka9155]

16 people need praying for. No matter what the denomination, this is one of the most humane and compassionate messages I've ever heard from any religious leader. I love and sustain you, Elder Christofferson. You are a true apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. I testify to all who watch this that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is Christ's church restored to the Earth. Please go to www.lds.org to learn more, and may God richly bless you.

[@NatnaelBelay-jx6op]

Amen

[@SuperSpoonification]

Amen Jesus loves us all 💖

[@derrismoore1362]

We are all needed and we need the fellowship of others to help us in our lives. Kindness and love is a critical part of the plan.

[@manbeardeezul2757]

Awesome

[@beauty8076]

I love this message it can it be applied to not only the church but in other areas of our lives. I know it was no coincidence for me to watch this video when I was down in the dumps. I just started a new job. And ever since day 1 ive felt like i wasnt needed in the team i was on. Everyone was making such great success and i was still acting like a newbie. I even felt like everyone agreed with me. But then hearing this message im wrong and their wrong for thinking that way. For it truly isnt the christian and Christlike way. For all of us has infinite worth thats beyond our own imagination. Love your whole self all your ugly qualities and beautiful ones. For they make you the beautiful spiritual that you are❤❤

[@clairelivefreeordie2551]

Hang in there Sila!

[@rodriguez2515]

❤️

[@felicityhardt2856]

It really hit me when he mentioned someone ignoring you. Because I have been struggling a lot lately, it feels like my life was great for 16 years and now suddenly ive got years worth of trials dumped on me. And started trying to lean on my YWs class more. But theres girl who I used to be good friends with who is just completely ignoring me, like shes so uninterested in me, like she just doesn't care at all. And shes very popular and so whether she meant it or not most of the other girls have followed her example and I suddenly feel like I have no friends, and no one to turn to anymore. And it does feel so hurtful and thoughtless.

[@churchofjesuschrist]

Felicity, we're sorry you feel that way. You belong, and you are definitely needed. Your Heavenly Father loves you and is always there. Here's a blog article written by someone who felt similar to you that might help: www.churchofjesuschrist.org/inspiration/why-dont-i-feel-like-i-fit-in-at-church?lang=eng We hope you'll join us next week for the Christmas Devotional!

[@a.i.chemist2261]

Jesus does love you unconditionally. Look to him and your "place" is secure in Eternal Life. You feel shame because the church has conditions and becomes offended easily. Don't let the church take your place by telling you you're not worthy to keep your family, and to just try harder.... oh, and we call ourselves his name, but he knows us not.

[@tess5922]

Is your ward taking out of towners?

[@phumzamacanda3236]

I love Elder Christofferson. I don't know if we're supposed to have favorites but he's definitely on top of my list. Heavenly Father really is no respector of persons but as humans we are. I knew from the first discussion with missionaries that the church was true and I've learned that the better we understand our divine nature the more we feel we belong. It makes me sad that other people struggle with feelings of exclusion in church. Thank you Elder Christofferson 😁😁

[@m4oni]

Still looking for a place. Still looking for kindness and acceptance. It doesn't come often, but when it does, it is like an oasis. It reminds me to be kind to all, especially at Church, where it is sometimes hard to find.

[@jeanlittle405]

beautiful....thank you very much.

[@mibaribasiba]

This is so needed and timely, yet the feeling of isolation is an age-old problem. Thank you so much, Elder Christofferson.

[@arthurcurry4618]

Thank you

[@Ember3221]

I’ve been a member my whole life, but last Sunday, I was let down by my bishop and ladies claiming to be a friend. I went to him for help because my soul was in pain due to rejection from the other women members. When I told him my fears and why I was hurting, he only said to me,”I don’t think I can help.” I’ve never experienced a bishop not offering even a blessing. My heart is broken and I’ll not go to another ward house to worship. Jesus said I can worship anywhere.

[@churchofjesuschrist]

Hi Michele, thanks for your comment. We are so sorry for the experience you had. No one is perfect, we all fall short. Heavenly Father loves you and is aware of you. It can be very hard to forgive people who have hurt us, but God promises that when we forgive others, He will forgive us of our wrongdoings and bring us peace. In addition, when we forgive others, we avoid further pain, heal our spirits and follow the example of Jesus Christ. To learn more, visit www.comeuntochrist.org/articles/forgiveness?cid=email_63785&mid=500169&jid=1197258#ForgiveOthers?cid=42001274.

[@EllenCarter-iy7mq]

Please don't leave us! I started in a new ward as a 20 year old single mom with long bleached blond hair in 1972. I was raped and had to be admitted to a psych ward. I was terrified l was no longer clean. When l was released, l went into relief society and sat down. Two women got up and moved away and said l shouldn't be the kind of girl that would be raped. I went home, took off my garments and did not go back for 12 years. As time went by, the anger wore off and l was left with a hole in my heart where the gospel used to be. It was incredibly hard to go back . I would go home and sob every week. Now it has been 30 years. Somehow, l realized my expectations get me in trouble. I expect everyone else to be Christlike and forget they are just like me. Some days l am aware and kind to others, other days l am confused and overwhelmed with my own life. It is true you can love the gospel without going to church. But think of the good you can do to help others to hang on to church when they get hurt too. I, for one do not want to get in the 'judgement line' behind people who gave up their friends, family reputations, homes and lives and tell our sweet Lord l gave up on church because somebody hurt my feelings. Please come back and help the members hang on when they, too, are hurt. With most love and hope for you, Ellen

[@chloeprit]

Hope you're doing well my friend

[@janetjohnson7279]

Ember, how are you doing today? It's now October 2024. Hopefully you are doing better. It would be so good to hear from you!! Can't wait! 😀🤗😊

[@nygraphs1]

"Others who are thoughtless or careless or worse can't prohibit that, can't drive them away can't take it away FROM THEM!" Love that statement.

[@maryplummer6149]

Amen.

[@JF14Official]

Great talk!!! God Is Good Always!!!🙏❤️👆🏾Amen.

[@luistoro6539]

TRUE LOVE...

[@codextraordinary]

I so agree with the message that Christ welcomes all of us - but it hurts coming from the people that told me the exact opposite of that.

[@kenton6804]

I hope it's not too much to ask, what is it that happened, to make you feel unwelcome?

[@thewenny29]

I needed that thank you!

[@leelee196]

Wonderful message and reminder. Thank you.

[@rinekedebruijn9079]

Yes, all of us need to feel accepted; thank you for taking time to mention it.

[@stewferigno296]

God sends us messages when we need them

[@ingvildkvakestad]

For years I believed that god had to make mistakes because I could not believe that god would make me on Purpose I am still having The worry but it is getting better

[@alongtheway3840]

i really really appreciate this message, thank you ❤️

[@alizadavis9217]

Wowwwww. This is EXACTLY what I needed to hear, thank you. ♡

[@fignewtonben7723]

Love ❤️ this message ☺️☺️

[@stevehoag232]

Nice

[@ambu6478]

I find no other christian group who is as welcoming as the Latter Day Saint Church here on line. I'm not a member, but I sure enjoy the wonderful videos and teaching you share with us. I don't pretend to know the mind of God, but I don't know how anyone could say that the LDS Church is not doing God's work and will.... perhaps more than many mainstream churches today. In

[@1233214d]

Thank you to sharing the message like that, you can't realize how this reinforces us to stand on the Christ will. Thanks, and love

[@carlosnunez8730]

I've been struggling to get back into church for more than a decade. I've sabotaged myself countless times. Shall I ever be able to return? Shall I be ever accepted again into the flock? Shall I ever again partake of the sacrament, enter a temple, have the gift of the holy ghost again in my life? Only he knows how have I really tried. How much I long for his closeness. I wish, by the time it will happen, to hold into it so tightly I never loose it again.

[@churchofjesuschrist]

Hi Carlos, thanks for sharing your feelings. We hope you know you are welcome and needed in the Church. There is a place for you! We encourage you to reach out to missionaries or contact Church leaders near you for support. They want to help you, and with the help of our Heavenly Parents and Savior, you can return. Visit comeuntochrist.org to find your local leaders or contact missionaries. Take care!

[@mountianclmb]

Hi Carlos, the answer is yes. The future is as bright as your faith. If you take the first step, the Lord will help you and restore to you what you have lost. I have seen this happen. Best wishes!

[@akdude81]

In asking the question "Is There a Place for Me?" one may hope the answer to be enveloped by the love of a local Ward/Branch. However, the solution isn't "finding a place" and "how" to find said places, but rather, how through the atonement we can find peace. Often in life we think happiness comes from getting what we think we want, as noble as it may be. However, by trust Christ and having the spirit fill our lives, we can find that all other things fall into places. We may not find the fellowship we desire, but we can find peace.

[@clairelivefreeordie2551]

Exactly how do we find peace? Seriously

[@tylerburns1364]

@@clairelivefreeordie2551 To quote Joe "trust Christ" If you don't know Him then try to get to know. I hope you find the peace you crave!

[@vigilantecaregiver6106]

I've been a member all my life and this is a nice speech, just wish it did happen. I've lost my entire side of the family: Dad, Mom, Brother, Sister, Aunts & Uncles, Grandparents, Cousins to apostasy. Not just having problems or inactivity; they knew exactly what they were doing. I'm the only one still in church out of tens of thousands who left. And it's not really a bad thing as they were all very abusive and harmful to me: mom and dad couldn't raise me properly and lied to doctors about my behavior so I could be heavily medicated. It was torture - couldn't function. My wife came down with multiple disabilities from a severe TBI (she was in a car accident at a very young age; she's now succumbing to it): epilepsy, early dementia, early onset glaucoma with partial traumatic blindness, diabetes mellitus type 2, balance and mobility issues, hypertension, chronic depression, etc. We have kids with depression as they are watching their mom fall apart. I've got PTSD and chronic depression as well (from both the early abuse and dealing with the wife's problems). Financially, we're ruined. I actually can't work outside the home because DCFS and the wife's specialists determined she cannot be left alone. I am her only caregiver. Refuse to let kids do it as I want them to grow up normal and successful (have friends, do school work, go to church activities, etc.). Her family helps a bit; especially her mom, but many of them just don't want to alter their lives to even give her a 5 minute call once a month! My family always does more harm than good. The Bishopric and Ward knows a bit about what's going on, but not the whole story - most don't want to know. Really that's what they said. Community doesn't care in the slightest as they're having their civil war. And government welfare is really castrating and a pain to deal with. I wish what the brethren said could happen. Many folks don't want even want to know as they'll feel obligated to assist.

[@andrewblack38]

wow, I really take my hat off to you, for all you have endured and perhaps the things you will yet endure, that you have kept on going. I have suffered some really difficult things, and at church often feel like noone is able to relate to me and show genuine empathy and compassion. I understand what you are saying about people not wanting to know - that's a hard one. Because it comes across as so deliberate and brutally unkind. I don't really know what to say to any of that, except that I know you are not alone. I know that none of us are truly ever alone. Your life has demanded so much of you and it must be so physically, emotionally and spiritually exhausting. But I promise you, that you will one day be able to rest in the love and peace of the Lord. And everything will be ok. You are immensely stronger than you think you are, and whilst it would be so lovely to have the physical and emotional support of those around you in the flesh, you are being carried and supported by a whole army of your ancestors who have gone before you. Your prayers are heard, your struggles are not going unnoticed. You will get through, and you will receive a marvellous reward for your continued faith and effort. One step in front of the other, in the direction of God, and very definitely all will be well. Promise xxx

[@TraceyBlack_]

I just posted a reply, but it came through on my husbands account. I hope you got it, I can't see it here!

[@sherrieleinweber6238]

I Am so sorry for you I want to cry. I hope and pray one day you will feel love and support from others.I Know it is a very hard world. We ate to be more like our Heavenly Father and buoy up each other. They say we are not given more than we can handle. In a world that is testing us a lot right now. I am so sorry for all the responsibility on your shoulders. I feel alone in the world, but after reading your reply. You have a very heavy burden. You are in my thoughts and prayers now. When you really love some one and are true to them you will be blessed. You sound like you are a very good follower of our Father in Heaven. Please take care of you. There will be a very special place for you in the next life. Take care. Be strong. God bless.

[@puyi4809]

thank you for the words of inspiration! sometimes i feel that i don’t really belong to some place... but i know the LORD has one for everyone. 🙏❤️

[@ayishanazir4292]

This is something I really need, thank you so much❤ Such a beautiful and very helpful message, I love it😊

[@GirliqueMe]

I never felt like I belonged, or was wanted or needed. My first 12 months in this church were incredibly lonely and I felt less important and worthy than everyone else. I had no friends, no calling, no VT or Home teachers, no new member lessons, no support. I ended up going inactive and feeling very depressed about the way the church treated me.

[@dianefreeby5539]

Girlique This saddens my heart. I am sorry this happened to you. My prayer is that you will find the strength to return and that those around you will reach out and love you. God bless you on your journey in seeking Christ.

[@MeganRodecker]

It’s been 25 years

[@ikutoismyhusbando6857]

I always feel less of a mormon. Or feel I don;t belong. I love the church and I love going. But I get the feeling of am I needed? They say it is. But what is my purpose in this church? What can I do to contribute? It's a constant fight between my morals and the real world. I wanna believe that I can do something. But there are tons of awesome people. Am I really needed?

[@maleamarasso8877]

You are needed. You never know how your presence can help someone else.

[@smartdog3003]

I ALWAYS FEEL LONELY!! I want a friend, I need a friend, but sadly I DON'T FEEL LIKED R LOVED BY ANYONE! I think and hope this video helps people to understand that they NEED to be a FRIEND, to everyone and not just to a chosen few, age doesn't matter and it shouldn't, and being handicapped and being special shouldn't matter; in fact I think being special what makes you more friendly, just like a little child is, little kids loves unconditionally no matter what, adults needs to be more like a child. A lot of times I think that people doesn't want to be my friend because I am older then them, or I am handicapped; but I don't know why, because I am sweet and caring and lovable, so what that I act more like a kid, I might not be married or have kids, I might live with my Mom, or I think different, I might not understand everything that you are saying, but I'm trying, so give me a break and give me a a chance and be my friend, be a friend to me, you just might be surprise how a good friend I can be! P.S I also need to protect myself from harm too.

[@al3xa899]

I have thought the same as well, but lately I've been having a hard time being inclusive, you bring up a great point. Thank you for sharing, thank you, your words have impacted me, and remind me that it is I that has to be the friend, that's my job. I love you and thank you :(

[@guffawyourself]

I was a member for over 11 years, baptized when I was 16, served a mission, and I've been shunned by the church. These are nice words, but there isn't a place for me.

[@churchofjesuschrist]

Hi, we're sorry to hear about your experience. As Elder Cook shared in April 2020 general conference, "We need you! The Church needs you! The Lord needs you! Our heartfelt prayer is that you will join with us in worshiping the Savior of the world. We know that some of you may have received offense, unkindness, or other conduct that is not Christlike. We also know that some have had challenges to their faith that may not be fully appreciated, understood, or resolved. ... regardless of your situation, please know that the Church and its members will welcome you back!" Please know you are always welcome. www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/04/52cook?lang=eng

[@tess5922]

Today I was kicked out of girl's camp because I refused to change out of my tank top. It's hard when a Church Leader decides to prioritize your shirt over you. This video really helped.

[@aubrey3238]

😭💔

[@pennyparker-smith8315]

How can I use this in my class? It is you tube, which is restricted from streaming at our meetinghiuse

[@jackashley3923]

Penny Smith you can also find it on LDS.org, just go to the media library and search for the title of any video that you want to use and either stream it or download it.

[@yesi_nerdypants]

Penny Smith Another option is to download it from the LDS scriptures app... This way it'll work even if there r problems with the Wi-Fi...

[@lenawilburn3796]

Is there any way I can get a soundtrack for the songs used in the backgrpund of these videos?

[@ttvhero1890]

Ye

[@javiersanabria7513]

I don't belong so I left. I never felt included , wanted, or needed. I gave up on trying to fit in and I left.

[@churchofjesuschrist]

Javier, we're sorry you felt that way. You belong, and you are definitely needed. Your Heavenly Father loves you and is always there. Here's a blog article written by someone who felt similar to you that might help: www.lds.org/blog/why-dont-i-feel-like-i-fit-in-at-church?lang=eng We hope you'll join us this Sunday for Easter!

[@churchofjesuschrist]

Hi @Jojo Laster, thanks for tuning in to the video and for sharing your feelings. We're sorry to hear you have been struggling- it is so difficult to feel like we don't fit in. At times when we feel alone or excluded it can help to know that Jesus Christ knows perfectly our sadness and hurt. He was despised, rejected, misunderstood and betrayed by those who should be His friends. He will never leave you and He is always there! We encourage you to pray to our Heavenly Father to feel His love and to talk with your parents or a trusted adult about your feelings. The following talk from Sister Sharon Eubank of the Relief Society General Presidency may also give you some additional encouragement and comfort: www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2019/04/42eubank?lang=eng Take care! You are loved and needed in the Church.

[@mountianclmb]

I'm sorry to hear that Javier. No one should ever feel that way as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ. I hope you come back and are welcomed. In the Savior's Church you are both wanted and needed. Best wishes!

[@Cameron4077]

Right now in the Church if you are transgendered you can't attend RS or EQ class but sacrament and sunday school. How are these brothers and sisters going to feel included if they can't attend a class? Why is it our responsibility to judge everyone coming through the door if they are transgendered or not?

[@Cameron4077]

I wish I knew!!! I am at a loss for answers

[@AtrayuSweet]

The two portions of Sunday Worship available for those individuals are the most vital to personal and individual salvation; why focus on what isn't, and rather focus on what is? The Church is the forum we need as disciples and believers to worship and grow in faith, to strengthen the bond between us and Father-In-Heaven and become truly converted in the name of our Savior. The concern you have is no different than any in a trial of life, such as the loss of family or friends, or illness to ourselves or others, the question pleaded is always a confounded, "Why?", as long as we follow him that is our Redeemer and listen to the words of revelation and guidance from our modern Church leaders, such as the present Prophet, and the Apostles, we will find our answers, and find our grip tightened on the iron rod, and our feet firm on the path to eternal life and our own salvation; through all the necessary ordinances and laws of the Gospel, we may all find our fit, and our way.

[@Cameron4077]

Well, if they don't have to go then why should I? The bigger question is why do they have that to deal with, what does God expect? how would he make those expectations known to his transgendered children?

[@codextraordinary]

Your effort to include is already astonishing and fantastic. You might use more gender-neutral terms, especially around those you think may be gender non-comforming. You might also tone down the very binary 'man vs. woman' lds culture has created. Most of all, simply extending the invitation to attend meetings (of the persons choice - RS or EQ) would be lovely. I could imagine how affirming it would be to be invited to a meeting intended for that persons' true gender. Also, ensure them that they may dress/present themselves how they feel comfortable at church. You're doing great work Kwin, keep it up.

[@strawberrylemonade8]

Is there an official Church policy about transgender people attending RS or elders quorum? I've found differing situations mentioned online, and the only Church-wide policies I know exist focus on trans-sexual operations. Assuming that the bishop didn't have a policy against it, I would personally be comfortable just having the person participate with whatever group they felt more comfortable with and being called whatever they want.

[@dirksmith2568]

Short answer...No

[@deborahbarker9173]

I am anxious for the culture that exists in some Stakes to disappear. That is the culture that nuclear families deserve 99.9% of the time, attention and funds of Stakes. If they are doing the bare minimum for Singles, only to gain approval of their Regional/Area Leadership, that is proof enough they don’t care.

[@bgardunia]

The lds church doesn’t have a place for anyone that doesn’t believe exactly the same things.

[@MichaelLitchfield-l3h]

Thank you Elder Christofferson

[@NatnaelBelay-jx6op]

Thank you.