The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-day Saints Announces Major Policy Shift
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) has announced a significant policy shift regarding its stance on LGBTQ+ members and their families. The decision, revealed on April 5, 2026, marks a pivotal moment for the faith community and has sparked widespread discussion across the United States.
The new policy allows LGBTQ+ individuals to be baptized and hold church callings without renouncing their sexual orientation or gender identity. This change reverses a controversial 2015 policy that labeled same-sex relationships as apostasy and barred their children from baptism until they reached adulthood and disavowed their parents' lifestyles.
Church leaders cited a desire to foster greater inclusivity and unity among members as the driving force behind the decision. "We believe this change reflects the Savior's teachings of love and compassion," said Elder David A. Bednar, a senior apostle in the church. "Our goal is to welcome all who seek to follow Christ."
The announcement has elicited mixed reactions. Many LGBTQ+ advocates and allies within the church have praised the move as a long-overdue step toward acceptance. "This feels like a moment of healing," said Emily Jensen, a Utah-based member with a gay son. "It gives me hope that my family can fully participate in our faith community."
However, some conservative members have expressed concerns, fearing the shift undermines traditional church teachings on marriage and family. "This feels like a compromise of our core values," said Mark Thompson, a lifelong LDS Church member from Idaho. "I worry about where this will lead."
The policy change comes amid broader societal shifts toward LGBTQ+ acceptance and follows years of internal and external pressure on the church to reconsider its stance. The LDS Church, headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, is one of the largest religious organizations in the U.S., with over 6.7 million members nationwide.
This development is trending today as it represents a significant moment in the ongoing dialogue between faith and LGBTQ+ rights in America. The decision is expected to have a profound impact on the church's future and its relationship with both members and the broader public.
