The Guardian (Nigeria)

‘ Marriage Is Between Man And Woman’

• We Might Not Be Noisy, But We’re Doing The Lord’s Work — Kearon

- By Chris Irekamba

TChurch of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints, Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos, last week, played host to two prominent leaders of the church, Elders David Bednar and Patrick Kearon of The Quorum of The twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints, who were in Nigeria for a special apostolic visit. The visitors came with their spouses and some members of the church.

At a held at the church premises, the two Apostles responded to questions from journalist­s based on their doctrine on same- sex marriage; their mission to Nigeria; role of the church to the world; why the church is reserved on a number of issues like holding crusades; its relationsh­ip with other religious bodies; programmes for members and nonmembers; and whether the church falls under the Pentecosta­ls or orthodox churches.

On same- sex marriage, Bednar said marriage is between a man and a woman, adding that the church still loves those who express same- sex attraction as brothers and sisters. He stressed that the church

would not discrimina­te against them, but has continued tocounsel members who have biases against same- sex marriage couplesto love all without discrimina­tion. He said: “We believe marriage is between a man and a woman and those who have same- sex attraction, we love them as brothers and sisters. We do not discrimina­te against them, but for those who have prejudices and biases we counsel, teach and encourage our members to be loving to all, but we firmly declare that marriage is between a man and a woman.”

Kearonreve­aled that they are in the country to declare the love of God, the Father, and Jesus Christ, and their desire to make every Nigerian find joy in life. Describing Nigeria as a wonderful nation of believers, Kearon stressed that despite the hard experience­s and other challenges confrontin­g every one, they still find peace and joy in the Creator. Kearon, who noted that they had travelled round the world with the message of God’s love to the people, said it had been a blessing doing that all these years.

 ?? ?? President, Africa West Area of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints, Elder Stanley Nielsen ( left); Carlos Godoy; Elder David Bednar; Elder Patrick Kearon; Elder Jorgklebin­gat and Alfred Kyunguduri­ng their visit last week to Nigeria
President, Africa West Area of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints, Elder Stanley Nielsen ( left); Carlos Godoy; Elder David Bednar; Elder Patrick Kearon; Elder Jorgklebin­gat and Alfred Kyunguduri­ng their visit last week to Nigeria

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