This article is one in a series of articles about explaining our Mormon beliefs to our friends. See other articles in this series.

Some members of the Church are not prepared to answer questions when asked about the Church’s position regarding same-sex marriage and in general about same-sex attraction (also called same-gender attraction, homosexuality, gay, or LGBT).

These are very important topics in the Church today, yet I’m amazed that most members don’t understand the issues and have a shallow understanding of the doctrines behind the issues. If you think that homosexuality is about sex, you don’t understand it. It’s all about emotions and relationships.

Below are some resources with information to help you understand this complex issue:

• Read the pamphlet published by the Church titled God Loveth His Children. This represents the official position of the Church about same-sex attraction. (Download a PDF with graphic layout.)
• Read the topic “Same-Gender Attraction” on LDS.org. You can find it in the menu on LDS.org by clicking  Teachings > Gospel Topics > ”Same-Gender Attraction.” You may also want to read the topic “Marriage.”
• Read the article “Same-Gender Attraction” from the Church’s Newsroom. Notice several additional links on the right side of that page.
• Read the article “What is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ attitude regarding homosexuality and same sex marriage?” on Mormon.org
• Visit the website or talk with someone at Evergreen International (read resources online, watch an overview video, or learn about training events). Evergreen is a nonprofit organization that provides support to Latter-day Saints who experience same-sex attraction and want to live in harmony with gospel standards. It is also a resource to family and friends, professional counselors, and religious leaders.
• Visit the North Star website to learn about a community of Latter-day Saints dealing with issues surrounding homosexual attraction who desire to live in harmony with the teachings of Jesus Christ and the doctrines and values of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Read about the Voices of Hope Project to film video testimonies and create an expansive collection of written  essays to document the voices of thousands of Latter-day Saints who are faithfully dealing with same-sex attraction.
• For more general information about same-sex attraction, see SameSexAttraction.org.
• Watch the video “For Gay Mormons” below from the YouTube channel “Understanding Mormonism.”

I hope you find these resources helpful.

What other ideas do you have that you can share with others? Post them in the comments below.