In the Book of Mormon, Alma teaches people who are eager to learn more about the gospel.  Of specific interest was what our Heavenly Parents expect from their children as part of the Kingdom of God.  Alma explains the type of commitment Children of God must make to each other, “…and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light. Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things…”  Mormons refer to these verses in the Book of Mormon as the baptismal covenant.  It is singled out in our doctrine as the most significant thing we can do as followers of Christ.  We are to stand as witnesses of God, and we are to do that by caring for and loving each other.

This is the motivation I see behind the Rainbow Mormon Initiative.  This movement has been organized because we have siblings in our fold who are suffering.  We have the opportunity—the responsibility—to reach out to these people and let them know that their pain is our pain.  They stand in need of comfort, and we have covenanted to provide it.  We must “let them know [we] can provide a safe, non-judgmental space and that [we] support them unconditionally.”

The Rainbow Mormon Initiative Launches Sunday, June 5th.  You can participate by wearing a rainbow ribbon, wherever you are.  Learn more and RSVP HERE.

Leah Marie earned a BA in Political Science, and a Masters in Public Administration. She is currently working towards her PhD in Public Policy. She is wife to an English professor, and mother to 3 beautiful boys.

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