Monday, April 07, 2008

A Kinder, Gentler Church...


I really enjoyed conference this past weekend. I was interested, as most all listeners were, in observing the tone and nuances of a mantle of a prophet changing to a new leader.


I have always felt a closeness to President Monson, but I felt it more in this past conference. He seemed more open, more friendly, more personable than usual - and this is saying a lot for a general authority who has always been open, friendly and personable. I felt a tenderness, and kindness. He was not only prophetic, but also very human (when he wiggled his ears in the Priesthood Session, I rolled in laughter and felt such an affinity for him - that was just priceless!). I liked that. I liked that he was reachable, approachable, and I felt his kindness and love for me individually.


When I woke up this morning and heard on the radio that plans were being made for President Monson to personally meet with representatives of Affirmation. As Utah Cog says, its "another step", but it is a step, and a good step at that, and I can't help but feel that goodness, and sweetness, kindness and understanding will come from this gathering and will become the "legacy" of our new Prophet.


Happy Monday and hopefully a happier, kinder and gentler Church to come...

5 comments:

Kengo Biddles said...

Of course, at the same time as you're saying that, I know there are people out there convincing themselves that this is proof that at last the Church is going to change it's position on homosexuality.

The Church may be "kinder, gentler" but I highly doubt it'll go further than that.

Abelard Enigma said...

plans were being made for President Monson to personally meet with representatives of Affirmation.

According to ksl.com they are not going to meet with President Monson personally, they were invited to meet with Fred M. Riley, commissioner of Family Services and Harold C. Brown, the agency's past commissioner who were asked by President Monson to meet with Affirmation on his behalf.

But, I agree that it is historic. In the past, church headquarters didn't even acknowledge the existing of Affirmation. Although, I agree with kengo, I don't expect any drastic changes to come out of this meeting.

I do find it odd that the meeting isn't scheduled until August. I'm sure bro Riley is a busy man; but, this is a significant event that is going to get a lot of media attention - couldn't he shuffle his schedule a bit to accommodate them sooner? To me, that is an indication of just how important this meeting is to the church - meaning 'not that important'.

Beck said...

My comments weren't so much about "expecting any drastic changes" as it was to respond to a sweet and kind-hearted spirit that I felt at conference about a very personable prophet.

Beck said...

P.S. I may have misinterpreted the report (as I've now stand corrected by your link), but I thought I heard that the meeting was in preparation for a meeting with the prophet... maybe that was just wishful thinking on my part.

Oh, well. I still feel good about the conference weekend!

Anonymous said...

Beck-

It is exciting that the Church is opening the lines of communication. I can see the wisdom in assigning the meeting to those who perhaps have a better background in the area.

Hope all is well with you Beck! In regards to your post about staying too busy to deal with the whole gay thing...

LOL, I tried that too and it works well until something sneaks up and hits you over the head.

And...you can only stay so busy for so long. Still, if it's helping keep doing it.