Beacon Group Agreement
We take seriously the protection and safety of our group members. These commitments and terms are intended to help our group to remain a safe, encouraging, and faith-inspiring environment for anyone who is involved. For the physical and spiritual safety and protection of all Beacon participants, we require all of our group members to agree to the following commitments and terms when participating in any of our meetings or activities.
Commitments and terms of the Agreement:
AFFIRM THE DOCTRINES AND TEACHINGS OF THE CHURCH
Beacon fully supports the doctrines and teachings of the Church relating to the appropriate bounds of romantic and sexual expression; specifically, that only “marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God,” and that “God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife” (The Family: A Proclamation to the World). We also uphold the doctrine that gender is a male-female binary, and that one’s eternal gender identity corresponds with one’s “biological sex at birth” (Church Handbook; 38.6.23). Promoting content or arguments that undermine Church doctrines, teachings, and leaders—particularly those concerning the sacred and eternal nature of sexuality, gender, marriage, and the family—, or dissuade members from keeping covenants is strictly prohibited.
MAINTAIN CONFIDENTIALITY
We will keep all content, names, and personal information strictly confidential. We will obtain permission before forwarding, discussing, or summarising messages here with anyone who is not a member of a specific group or event, including spouses or other family members.
DEMONSTRATE APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE
We commit to appropriate behavior in both public and private. This is not a “gay dating” resource, and we will not use this group to find potential same-sex partners. Although we warmly welcome any members who may currently be struggling with chastity issues outside the group; dating or committing sexual acts with other group members will be grounds for removal from the group.
Sexually explicit materials are not allowed, such as graphic descriptions of sexual experiences, nude or erotic images. Any private, sexual acting out between people who have met through this group or at any event advertised through this group will be grounds for removal. You must notify community leaders immediately if approached by any current or former group member for any inappropriate behavior, including any sexually-based behavior. Please be prepared to forward proof of the conversation to leadership, word-for-word if possible.
Threatening, violent, coarse, or profane language or behavior is also prohibited. Failure to disclose knowledge of such conversations or activities may be grounds for exclusion from this group. These commitments apply to comments made openly in the group or in private.
BE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN WELL-BEING AND RESPECTFUL OF OTHERS
We commit to take responsibility for our own well-being and be considerate of the group. This group is not a substitute for personal therapy or counselling. If you are in a place of trauma in your life or marriage, please seek out professional help.
BE SENSITIVE TO OTHERS’ FEELINGS AND OPEN TO DIVERSE EXPERIENCES
For this group to remain a safe place for everyone, especially those who are new to this group, we need to be kind to one another. We expect that all who express messages or voice opinions will do so with an attitude of love and friendship. Heartfelt discussion is encouraged. Disagreement and debate are welcome, so long as they remain respectful and friendly. Avoid contention, insults, and unkind criticism. Outside of a few clear, gospel-centered values, many viewpoints and opinions are represented here. You cannot expect or insist that everyone will automatically share yours. Some members of this community may struggle with their testimonies or with same-sex sexual behavior. Please be willing to offer support to strengthen their resolve to live the gospel. Approach differences with an open mind, kindness, and humility and allow each individual the privilege of a safe environment to seek support to live the principles of the gospel.
COMMIT TO SUPPORT BEACON’S MISSION
We commit to support Beacon’s mission. The mission of Beacon is to seek to empower individuals experiencing same-sex attraction to authentically and joyfully live the gospel of Jesus Christ and keep sacred covenants.