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This was a fun interview! I had the chance to chat with Kalee and Neal Mortensen, both Arizona natives, who have been living in São Paulo, Brazil for the last 2 years. They have had a unique experience as newly weds in a foreign country while also attending a familiar church. Neal, who served his mission in Brazil, has served as ward clerk and is currently in the bishopric. Kalee is the Young Women president and has learned Portuguese since she has been there. As we learn about their leadership experience we also learn about the status of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Brazil and how their culture influences the day-to-day life of a Latter-day Saint in Brazil. We talk about some of the ramifications sensitive policy changes has had in Brazil, what apps are helpful for Brazilian leadership, and what it’s like speaking in stake conference in a 2nd language. Listen in.
Links
“Things As They Really Are,” Elder David A. Bednar Same-Sex Marriage in Brazil Why Youth Leaders Need to Use Snapchat WhatsApp Slack
Nice to hear their story. Very similar to what we could experience in Mexico, or maybe even Canada.
Although I do think some of the Utah issues need not be dismissed so lightly, it would be better to actually receive a revelation on this issue which really hasn’t been properly addressed. The policy introduced was a completely unnecessary one. What we had in place covered more than enough.
I guess the problem starts when personal revelation seems to not align with the official revelation, but then again, I understand that this was also an issue up until 1978 with blacks and the priesthood.
I think God is trying to speak to us through other channels such as science and other research. It would be nice to accept and embrace the LGBT issue as a choice for the individuals involved, and openly emphasize that we need not condemn their lifestyles… even though as members of the CJCLDS we will always uphold and honor marriage to be between a man and a woman.