Written by Crystal Schwalger
For the first time ever, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints quietly made a contribution to the Salt Lake City-based Utah Pride Center. Along with providing support to the LGBTQ community in the Salt Lake area, the Center also helps homeless and low-income youth with food and other necessities. According to a press release from the Pride Center, the LDS Church’s donation will include access to the Bishop’s storehouse, which provides food and other necessities for those in need, and will specifically help homeless and low-income youth.
“We are grateful to be able to serve your efforts in this worthy project and appreciate the work that you and others are doing related to this initiative,” stated a grant letter penned by a representative of the Church.
This donation came as a surprise to many, especially in the aftermath of the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage, which is in direct opposition to the LDS Church’s doctrine of marriage.
“While showing respect for those who think differently, the Church will continue to teach and promote marriage between a man and a woman as a central part of our doctrine and practice,” stated the Church in response to the recent ruling.
However, a representative from the Church told The Independent that besides donating to the Pride Center, they also donate regularly to other charities, including Catholic charities that distribute bread and cheese to help those less fortunate. Since 1985, LDS Charities has provided assistance to millions of people in 185 countries.
Chief humanitarian programs involve providing clean water, vision treatment, wheelchair provision, neonatal resuscitation, and disaster relief. Other initiatives include providing immunizations, family enrichment programs, and family food production. Because of their preparedness program, when disasters happen all over the world, the LDS church is often one of the first organizations on the scene to offer assistance and relief.
Regarding the donation to the Utah Pride Center, Kent Frogley, the Center’s board chairman told the Salt Lake Tribune this was the first time a donation had been requested from the Church and he wasn’t surprised by the response.
“The Mormon church has always stepped in where people need help in terms of food and shelter,” Frogley said. “They take to heart the mission of helping people who are in need.”
With school out and so many youths in need, the Pride Center has actively requested help from the general public with food donations to help supplement its small food pantry which serves local youth in need. According to their website, the Utah Pride Center serves up to 80 youth per month on average, providing food, counseling, and support. They spend an average of $150 a month per youth on food alone, so any donation they receive will ease the burden of helping these youth.
Sen. Jim Dabakis (D), Utah’s only openly gay legislator, hailed the church for its donation in a press release at the Utah Pride Center.
“Although the LDS Church and the LGBTQ community do not agree on everything, this is yet another link in a continuing relationship of respect and civility,” Dabakis said.
Recently, the Church worked alongside members of the LGBTQ community to pass the anti-discrimination and religious freedom bill which was proposed by Dabakis earlier this year. Many hope this historic bill will go a long way in creating a relationship of trust and harmony between those in the LGBTQ community and the LDS Church.
