Today, we’re sharing a really special session from last year’s Faith Matters gathering, Restore.
It begins with a short, beautiful film where you’ll hear John Gustav-Wrathall share his journey as a gay Latter-day Saint—a journey shaped by deep spiritual seeking, a loving and enduring partnership with his husband Goran, and an eventual return to his ward family. John speaks with honesty and courage about learning to trust the quiet, steady voice of the Spirit in the midst of complexity. His story holds both deep pain and profound peace.
After John’s story, Allison Dayton joins him on stage for a powerful conversation. As a mother of a gay son, she brings deep empathy to this space. She is the founder of Lift+Love and helped create Gather—a Christ-centered conference for LGBTQ individuals and those who love them. You can find more details here, along with John’s full story.
This session was a beautiful reminder of what it can look like to wrestle with faith and walk the path of love. We’d love to invite you to join us for more conversations like this in person at Restore this year, September 25–27 at UVU in Orem, Utah. It’s going to be an unforgettable weekend with incredible speakers including Sharon McMahon and Arthur Brooks, along with outstanding music, art, and community, all centered on restoring faith, belonging, and wholeness. Early-bird pricing ends June 30, so now’s a great time to register. Bring a friend and get the early-bird group discount for the absolute best deal.
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One of our discussion questions this week is, In the past, who have you noticed struggling to participate in the body of Christ? What did you learn that helped you attend better to others’ needs in the future?
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STUDY “COME FOLLOW ME” WITH FAITH MATTERS
How can I deal with imperfections in myself, in others, or in the Church?
How much can I rely on the pronouncements and teachings of the prophets today, when I know that in the past they have made significant mistakes? How do I find meaning in a family-centered Church when my family situation is far from the ideal? What is the importance of friendship in the gospel of Jesus Christ? How can I use the scriptures to have a conversation with God?
How should we respond to people who leave the Church or criticize our beliefs?
How can I defend truth with love? Why do people leave the church and how should we engage with friends or family members who leave? How can I improve my relationship with my Bishop and my ward? What does it look like to preach the gospel in the modern world? How can I give my best effort to the Lord?
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Join Lisa Olsen Tait and Terryl Givens this week for a live discussion at The Compass:
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