LDS Church backs marriage measure on California ballot

deseretnews.com - LDS Church officials are urging California Mormons to "do all you can" to support a state constitutional amendment to recognize only marriages between a man and a woman.

The call to action came from the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in a letter that is scheduled to be read to local California congregations, church spokesman Scott Trotter said.

"The church's teachings and position on this moral issue are unequivocal," the letter reads. "Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God, and the formation of families is central to the creator's plan for his children.

"Children are entitled to be born within this bond of marriage."

Last month, the California Supreme Court overturned a voter-approved law outlawing gay marriage. After that ruling, Affirmation, a support group for gay and lesbian Mormons, had urged the LDS Church to stay out of the political debate over the proposed constitutional amendment, which would overrule California's high court.

"We believe in respect for all families," said David Melson, senior assistant executive director of Affirmation.

"We are extremely disappointed in their action," Melson said of the church. "This is a matter of civil marriage. It doesn't affect religious marriage."