Podcast appearances and mentions of tom christofferson

With Mother's Day coming up, we're so honored to bring you this conversation with McArthur Krishna about her new book, Mother in Heaven: A Gospel Topics Essay Study Guide.The doctrine of Heavenly Mother is one of the most beautiful and distinctive Latter-Day Saint teachings—but for many, it's still unfamiliar territory. McArthur and her co-authors created this study guide as an invitation to engage with this doctrine more deeply. Drawing on the church's Gospel Topics essay, the book explores each point through art, rich personal reflections, and theological insights with contributions from many people whose names you may recognize- Patrick and Melissa Mason, Tom Christofferson, and Bethany Brady Spalding to name a few. What emerges is a beautiful tapestry of reverence, curiosity, and lived faith.In this conversation, we explore how the simple truth that we are “beloved spirit children of Heavenly Parents” carries profound implications for how we understand the nature of God. It suggests that divinity isn't solitary or hierarchical—it's relational, that we're not subjects of a distant king but members of a divine family. And that shift transforms the way we see God, one another, and ourselves.McArthur highlights how essential it is for women to have a divine role model and that becoming like Her means learning to use our agency with wisdom and courage. It means aligning with God, trusting the revelation we receive, and standing by it—even when it's hard. As McArthur puts it, “sovereignty is how we begin to practice godhood.”We hope that as you celebrate Mother's Day this year, this conversation invites you to remember and honor our Heavenly Mother and embrace the truth that we are Her daughters and sons too, born with the divine potential to become like Her.We're so grateful to McArthur for her courage, vision, and voice. And with that, here's our conversation with McArthur Krishna.https://bookshop.org/a/108982/9781734228724https://amzn.to/3RG0USG 

IN the Scriptures: In this episode, Clare Dalton chats with Tom Christofferson about finding faith, hope, and love through the stories in Ether 12 and Moroni 7 from the Book of Mormon. They dive into the ups and downs of faith, what it means to trust God, and how to see yourself the way Christ does. Along the way, Clare and Tom share personal stories about navigating life's challenges, embracing who they are, and finding connection through charity and understanding.

A few weeks ago, Faith Matters released a video we called “Why Church?” It features several of our favorite people, who gave really thoughtful answers to that question that is present for so many. This week, we're sharing Tom Christofferson's Restore talk, which addresses the next question: “How Church?” Tom describes in poignant and sometimes hilarious detail his experiences joining a new ward where so many people are so unlike him, and, in the end, found that that was kind of the point. For us, this was one of the very most memorable sessions at this year's Restore. We love Tom deeply and know he has so much to teach us. When he talks, we always stop to listen.For those of you who don't know, we've decided to release all of this year's Restore sessions on YouTube totally free of charge. If you'd like to watch them, just head to YouTube and search “Faith Matters”  — you'll see our channel pop up and you can subscribe there.

Trigger warning. Discussions of whether Joseph Smith might have been a pedophile or a sexual predator are contained, and further discussions on the differences between the two classifications.    Despite this trigger warning, this episode is filled with a vast amount of information, discussions of overlapping missions, and loads of laughter with two guests who are intelligent, fun, and filled with data. Refrain from letting their bright dispositions distract you from enjoying their sharp wit and delightful rapport with each other, as well as Sarah and Mason. Here comes Julia and America, and they are bringing the heat.    https://www.analyzingmormonism.com/   https://www.edinapublishers.com/   @analyzingmormonism   Mormon Stories #1586, The Mormon Plan of Salvation.  Real Love in Marriage: The Truth About Finding Genuine Happiness Now and Forever by Greg Baer. https://www.amazon.com/Real-Love-in-Marriage-audiobook/dp/B01D27M1BS/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=real+love+in+marriage+greg+baer&qid=1691954330&sprefix=real+love%2Caps%2C122&sr=8-1 Tabernacles of Clay by Taylor Petrey. https://www.amazon.com/Tabernacles-Clay-Sexuality-Gender-Mormonism/dp/1469656221/ref=sr_1_1?crid=36GQ291H0ZEBX&keywords=tabernacles+of+clay&qid=1691961122&s=audible&sprefix=tabernacles+of+clay%2Caudible%2C110&sr=1-1-catcorr That they May be one by Tom Christofferson. https://www.amazon.com/That-We-My-One-Perspective/dp/1629723916/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=tom+christofferson+that+we+may+be+one&qid=1691956487&s=audible&sprefix=tom+christo%2Caudible%2C114&sr=1-1-catcorr Recovering Agency by Luna Lindsey Corbden. https://www.amazon.com/Recovering-Agency-Luna-Lindsey-audiobook/dp/B01M9JSIRU/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3TF4WZFLCD00I&keywords=recovering+agency&qid=1685207345&sprefix=recovering+acency%2Caps%2C103&sr=8-1  

"If we (society) could be a little more willing to allow other people to learn in the ways that are most effective for them--even as they're reaching conclusions we whole-heartedly disagree with--if we can suspend the need to force them or change them into what we want to see, I think we have an opportunity to be a vibrant diverse society." T. Christofferson. I welcome Brother Tom Christofferson to the podcast to discuss his experience as a gay man and a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Tom shares his journey of self-discovery and faith, leaving the church, and returning years later. He openly and candidly shares the challenges of reconciling his sexuality with his beliefs. He emphasizes the importance of normalizing discussions about faith and creating safe spaces. Tom Christofferson is the author of “That We May Be One: A Gay Mormon's Perspective on Faith and Family”, and “A Better Heart: The Impact of Christ's Pure Love”, both published by Deseret Book.  His career in institutional investment management and asset servicing has allowed him to be based in the US and Europe and to travel extensively, working with leaders in governments and industries.  Tom has served on corporate and non-profit boards, with a special interest in assisting unhoused families with transitional homes; providing long-term unemployed individuals with preparation, coaching and support in job placement; and making resources available to LGBTQ+ youth and their families.  He serves as a gospel doctrine teacher in his Phoenix ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Read more about Bro. Christofferson here: Books: ⁠That We May Be One⁠ and ⁠A Better Heart⁠ KSL program (Interview of him & brothers) ⁠https://youtu.be/Je7n4EjpDvQ⁠ LDS Living article mentioned in the podcast about the Righteous Father with Two Sons  ⁠https://www.ldsliving.com/what-we-can-learn-from-the-father-of-the-prodigal-son-about-love/s/93775⁠ The LDS Living article when his first book came out ⁠https://www.ldsliving.com/gay-latter-day-saint-shares-heartfelt-message-all-members-need-to-read-it-gets-better/s/89207⁠ Short video, The Scripture that Helped me Love Christ Most ⁠https://youtu.be/Urv5CcRXH7I⁠ ________________________________ The ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Beyond the Shadow of Doubt™⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ podcast is a proud member of the Dialogue Podcast Network found at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DialogueJournal.com/podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Part of the Dialogue Journal, the Dialogue Podcast Network was founded by Eugene England, a Mormon writer, teacher and scholar. “My faith encourages my curiosity and awe,” Gene wrote in the very first issue of the journal. “It thrusts me out into relationship with all creation” and “encourages me to enter into dialogue.” My hope is that this podcast is an extension of his vision. Hopeful Spaces is a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dallas Hope Charities⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ component of Hopeful Discussions, which is sponsored by Mercedes-Benz Financial Services USA. Hopeful Spaces is a monthly parent support group facilitated by Meagan Skidmore Coaching. To join Hopeful Spaces is free; send an email to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠chc@dallashopecharities.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.  If you are ready to get the care and attention you deserve through 1:1 coaching I invite you to reach out. Send an email to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hello@meaganskidmorecoaching.com⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with me at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠meaganskidmorecoaching.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ where you can subscribe to get my free Pronouns 101 guide and download my free 20+ page LGBTQ+ Resource Guide for families.  Please help the podcast grow by following, leaving a 5 star review on Spotify or Apple podcasts and sharing with friends.  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to enter the PODCAST GIVEAWAY by July 31, 2023. Share it with a friend; if your friend's name is drawn you BOTH WIN.

"If we (society) could be a little more willing to allow other people to learn in the ways that are most effective for them--even as they're reaching conclusions we whole-heartedly disagree with--if we can suspend the need to force them or change them into what we want to see, I think we have an opportunity to be a vibrant diverse society." T. Christofferson. I welcome Brother Tom Christofferson to the podcast to discuss his experience as a gay man and a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Tom shares his journey of self-discovery and faith, leaving the church, and returning years later. He openly and candidly shares the challenges of reconciling his sexuality with his beliefs. He emphasizes the importance of normalizing discussions about faith and creating safe spaces. Tom Christofferson is the author of “That We May Be One: A Gay Mormon's Perspective on Faith and Family”, and “A Better Heart: The Impact of Christ's Pure Love”, both published by Deseret Book.  His career in institutional investment management and asset servicing has allowed him to be based in the US and Europe and to travel extensively, working with leaders in governments and industries.  Tom has served on corporate and non-profit boards, with a special interest in assisting unhoused families with transitional homes; providing long-term unemployed individuals with preparation, coaching and support in job placement; and making resources available to LGBTQ+ youth and their families.  He serves as a gospel doctrine teacher in his Phoenix ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Learn more about Bro. Christofferson here: Books: That We May Be One and A Better Heart KSL program (Interview of him & brothers) https://youtu.be/Je7n4EjpDvQ LDS Living article mentioned in the podcast about the Righteous Father with Two Sons  https://www.ldsliving.com/what-we-can-learn-from-the-father-of-the-prodigal-son-about-love/s/93775 The LDS Living article when his first book came out https://www.ldsliving.com/gay-latter-day-saint-shares-heartfelt-message-all-members-need-to-read-it-gets-better/s/89207 Short video, The Scripture that Helped me Love Christ Most https://youtu.be/Urv5CcRXH7I ________________________________ The ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Beyond the Shadow of Doubt™⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ podcast is a proud member of the Dialogue Podcast Network found at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DialogueJournal.com/podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Part of the Dialogue Journal, the Dialogue Podcast Network was founded by Eugene England, a Mormon writer, teacher and scholar. “My faith encourages my curiosity and awe,” Gene wrote in the very first issue of the journal. “It thrusts me out into relationship with all creation” and “encourages me to enter into dialogue.” My hope is that this podcast is an extension of his vision. Hopeful Spaces is a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dallas Hope Charities⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ component of Hopeful Discussions, which is sponsored by Mercedes-Benz Financial Services USA. Hopeful Spaces is a monthly parent support group facilitated by Meagan Skidmore Coaching. To join Hopeful Spaces is free; send an email to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠chc@dallashopecharities.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.  If you are ready to get the care and attention you deserve through 1:1 coaching I invite you to reach out. Send an email to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hello@meaganskidmorecoaching.com⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠ Connect with me at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠meaganskidmorecoaching.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ where you can subscribe to get my free Pronouns 101 guide and download my free 20+ page LGBTQ+ Resource Guide for families.  Please help the podcast grow by following, leaving a 5 star review on Spotify or Apple podcasts and sharing with friends.  ⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to enter the PODCAST GIVEAWAY by July 31, 2023. Share it with a friend; if your friend's name is drawn you BOTH WIN.

007 - Trent as a Branch PresidentJeff & Joseph speak with Trent, who was Joseph's Branch President in Vermont. He gives insights into how church leaders can be more understanding of different circumstances in a branch or ward. Trent talks about how he spent a lot of time and effort trying to better understand Joseph when he first heard that a member of his branch experiences same-sex attraction. They all discuss the internal conflicts that come from being a member of the church while simultaneously knowing how to support and love anyone making choices that don't align with church values. Many commonalities exist between all members of the church as we strive to have a better relationship with Jesus Christ, which they expound on as they talk about the roles that Grace and Mercy play in ward leadership. They talk through the importance of providing safe spaces in all areas of the church where people can feel safe to have conversations seeking understanding. Trent also looks back on his own experiences as a Branch President to share advice with other church leaders, which includes the importance of putting trust into those around us regardless of what their personal challenges may be.Trent on FacebookShow Notes:That We May Be One by Tom Christofferson

Six years ago this month, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints instituted a policy labeling same-sex married couples “apostates” and barring their kids from baptism. The policy later was abandoned, but the pain persisted. Since then, there have been highs and lows with the Utah-based faith and its LGBTQ members: an Honor Code about-face at Brigham Young University, the Y lit up in rainbow colors, BYU's mascot coming out as gay, and apostle Jeffrey R. Holland calling out a college's valedictorian for announcing his sexual orientation at graduation. On this week's show Tom Christofferson, a prominent LGBTQ member and author of “That We My Be One: A Gay Mormon's Perspective on Faith and Family,” discusses the November 2015 policy — how it shook the church, why it was implemented and later scrapped, where the faith sits now on LGBTQ issues and his hopes for the future on the topic.

We're going back to our roots with this week's episode! We're talking about human lighthouses: people we believe are shining beacons of hope and fantastic examples for single adult members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This week we're talking about Sharon Eubank, Tom Christofferson, Rosemary Card, David Archuleta, and Carol Lynn Pearson!

Today's episode was a tough one, to be honest. In the aftermath of a speech that Elder Jeffrey R. Holland gave recently to faculty and administration at BYU, we try to explore and understand why the message created such a firestorm. Among other things, the speech raised anew the Church's longstanding challenge in speaking to LGBTQ issues. If you aren't familiar with the speech that we're talking about, don't worry — we give a little more context once the discussion starts. The full transcript and video of the speech are available on the Church Newsroom website.Most of the work we do in this podcast and at Faith Matters, generally, is to provide a forum where difficult issues can be explored in expansive ways through real dialogue and understanding, in a spirit of generosity. Doing that can be tricky on topics which feel particularly polarizing and raw. Faith Matters is really trying to “broaden the circles” of our culture and community to help them become as expansive and inclusive as they can be—both for those who already feel super comfortable at Church, and for those that are trying to find a place to fit in. We definitely don't always do this perfectly, and we're sure we didn't in this episode — so we really appreciate the grace we hope you'll extend as we navigate this tricky territory.As conversation partners, we brought on Patrick Mason and Tom Christofferson, both of whom have been close friends and advisors to Faith Matters for a long time. We felt like their perspectives would really help to round out both the theological and personal aspects of this issue, and we weren't disappointed. We found their insights both realistic and reassuring, and as always, they modeled a Gospel and a Church that we're proud to be a part of.

#005 - In this episode, Tom Christofferson and I have a discussion about families and their LGBTQ children. Tom is a gay latter-day saint who has been through many experiences in his life, including leaving the faith, and then returning years later. His experience and insight into what LGBTQ members and their families experience in the church is invaluable. He has also authored two books and you will find the links to purchase these books below. Some of the topics we cover:What to do when your child comes outHow to not just love your child, but be lovingWhat to do when church isn't the best place to beDealing with offensive commentsHow this experience is to help you become more like Jesus ChristTom Christofferson has spent his career in investment management and asset servicing, living in the United States and Europe. He has served as a director on corporate and nonprofit boards and as a volunteer with agencies combatting homelessness and long-term unemployment. Tom is an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and lives in Phoenix, Arizona. He is the author of That We May Be One: A Gay Mormon's Perspective on Faith and Family, published by Deseret Book.  That We May Be One, a Gay Mormon's Perspective on Faith and FamilyA Better Heart, The Impact of Christ's Pure Love

In this episode of Hope Helps, Tom Christofferson and Arteh Odjidja reflect on how we can affirm ourselves in Christ. As members of the LGBTQ+ community, they share their common life experiences on being members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and how we can reach out and love those around us.Tom is the author of inspirational books, That We May Be One: A Gay Mormon's Perspective on Faith & Family and A Better Heart: The Impact of Christ's Pure Love. Arteh is an award-winning professional photographer, best known for ‘The Stranger Series,' a project that has been displayed in prominent galleries worldwide, as well as before the Queen. Join Charly Burridge-Jones as she talks with Tom and Arteh about how they seek to come closer to Christ and lift others on the way.

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in March 2018. Tom Christofferson is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who experiences same sex attraction. He is also the brother of Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Tom grew up in the Church as a member, served a mission and married in the temple. His short marriage ended and he came out as gay and lived that lifestyle for many years. He started coming back to church with Bruce Larson as a bishop and David Checketts as his stake president. His story is told in his book, That We May Be One: A Gay Mormon's Perspective on Faith and Family, and he has more recently published A Better Heart: The Impact of Christ's Pure Love. Tom has spent his career in investment management and asset servicing, living in the United States and Europe. He was a founding board member of Encircle, a group providing resources to support LGBTQ individuals and their families in Provo, Utah. Tom is an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and serves as a Gospel Doctrine teacher in his Salt Lake City Ward. As leaders we can learn a lot from his experience of coming back to church and being rebaptized. President David Checketts (far left) and the Christofferson brothers Episode Highlights 6:30 Tom's story from the beginning 9:30 His story of excommunication 10:50 How his family wanted their love to be perfect as they accepted him 13:20 Bishop Bruce Larson's side of the story 16:00 Stake President David Checkett's side of the story 18:00 Bishop Larson and President Checketts did not know at first that he was related to Elder Christofferson 20:30 Sharing with the ward council how to make feel Tom welcome 22:30 Response of the ward council 24:00 Tom was welcomed and loved unconditionally 29:00 Tom attended the ward for 5 years before wanting to come back to live the commandments 31:45 During the 5 years how Tom felt welcome in the ward 33:20 Everyone focused on the the relationship with Tom and not his progress 34:30 Study sessions with Tom and President Checketts 38:00 Meeting with Tom's partner 42:00 President Checketts meets with Elder Christofferson about Tom 45:00 Tom Christofferson's rebaptism 48:00 How this experience has helped Bishop Larson to be a better disciple of Jesus Christ 50:00 How this experience has helped President Checketts to be a better disciple of Jesus Christ Links That We May Be One: A Gay Mormon's Perspective on Faith and Family A Better Heart: The Impact of Christ's Pure Love Read the TRANSCRIPT for this episode

This is a rebroadcast. The episode originally ran in March 2018. Tom Christofferson is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who experiences same sex attraction. He is also the brother of Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Tom grew up in the Church as a member, served a mission and married in the temple. His short marriage ended and he came out as gay and lived that lifestyle for many years. He started coming back to church with Bruce Larson as a bishop and David Checketts as his stake president. His story is told in his book, That We May Be One: A Gay Mormon’s Perspective on Faith and Family, and he has more recently published A Better Heart: The Impact of Christ’s Pure Love. Tom has spent his career in investment management and asset servicing, living in the United States and Europe. He was a founding board member of Encircle, a group providing resources to support LGBTQ individuals and their families in Provo, Utah. Tom is an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and serves as a Gospel Doctrine teacher in his Salt Lake City Ward. As leaders we can learn a lot from his experience of coming back to church and being rebaptized. President David Checketts (far left) and the Christofferson brothers Episode Highlights 6:30 Tom's story from the beginning 9:30 His story of excommunication 10:50 How his family wanted their love to be perfect as they accepted him 13:20 Bishop Bruce Larson's side of the story 16:00 Stake President David Checkett's side of the story 18:00 Bishop Larson and President Checketts did not know at first that he was related to Elder Christofferson 20:30 Sharing with the ward council how to make feel Tom welcome 22:30 Response of the ward council 24:00 Tom was welcomed and loved unconditionally 29:00 Tom attended the ward for 5 years before wanting to come back to live the commandments 31:45 During the 5 years how Tom felt welcome in the ward 33:20 Everyone focused on the the relationship with Tom and not his progress 34:30 Study sessions with Tom and President Checketts 38:00 Meeting with Tom's partner 42:00 President Checketts meets with Elder Christofferson about Tom 45:00 Tom Christofferson's rebaptism 48:00 How this experience has helped Bishop Larson to be a better disciple of Jesus Christ 50:00 How this experience has helped President Checketts to be a better disciple of Jesus Christ Links That We May Be One: A Gay Mormon’s Perspective on Faith and Family A Better Heart: The Impact of Christ’s Pure Love Read the TRANSCRIPT for this episode

Those fortunate to have come into the orbit of Tom Christofferson have found a wise, genuine and compassionate friend. His first book That We May Be One: A Gay Mormon’s Perspective on Faith and Family was instrumental in healing many hearts and building many bridges. In his new book A Better Heart,  Tom dives deeper into his journey toward the kind of Christ-like love to which we aspire as disciples. Tom sat down with Aubrey and Tim Chaves this week to talk about the spiritual  journey that led to his latest book.

My friend Tom Christofferson joins us to talk about his new book which invites readers to learn more deeply about the Lord’s supernal gift of charity and shows how understanding that gift can change our very discipleship. We also talk more generally about Tom’s experiences with his former partner, his family, the local church leaders who have influenced him, and his hopes for our young LGBTQ members and their parents. If you want to better follow Christ’s example and better live His teachings, I encourage you to read and share Tom’s excellent book which is available at: Deseret Book (https://deseretbook.com/p/a-better-heart) or Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Better-Heart-Impact-Christs-Pure-ebook/dp/B08MJ3HPZ6) Thank you Tom for being on the podcast and your life ministry to bring us together as the same human family. Richard 'Papa' Ostler https://listenlearnandlove.org/lds-authors https://listenlearnandlove.org/gay-lesbian-same-sex-podcasts

What if there is power in a Christlike attribute we have heard about our entire lives but have barely scratched the surface of understanding? In his new book, “A Better Heart,” Tom Christofferson writes, “The gift of charity is enormous in conception, its effect and meaning eternal. And yet, it is also small and intimate and personal.” On this week’s episode, we explore charity and how it has the power to give us all better hearts. “It’s that opportunity to be able now to simply be an instrument in His hands—to transmit as purely as we possibly can His affection, His knowledge, His intimate awareness of every individual, and then to strengthen them in their faith and then help them have hope.” Show Notes 2:34- London with the Checketts and Missionaries 5:47- “Let It Be You” 9:31- Seeking to Understand 13:10- A Righteous Mother 17:06- The Powerful Gift of Seeing Someone 18:37- More Used Would I Be 23:24- The Connection Between Blessings and Commandments 28:53- Luxuriate in the Feeling of Christ’s Love 32:02- Rooting Out Discouragement and Despair 34:46- "Communal Salvation” 39:50- Personal Power to Endure 43:59- What Does It Mean To Be All In the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Find the full episode transcript at ldsliving.com/allin. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October 18: Tom Christofferson on 3 Nephi 20-26 Tom Christofferson is the author of “That We May Be One: A Gay Mormon's Persoective on Faith and Family”, and the forthcoming “A Better Heart: The Power of… The post Dialogue Book of Mormon Gospel Study with Tom Christofferson on 3 Nephi 20 – 26 appeared first on Dialogue Journal.

October 18: Tom Christofferson on 3 Nephi 20-26 Tom Christofferson is the author of “That We May Be One: A Gay Mormon’s Persoective on Faith and Family”, and the forthcoming “A Better Heart: The Power of Christ’s Pure Love”, both publishes by Deseret Book. Tom’s career in global investment management and asset servicing, based in Europe Continue Reading »

LDS author Tom Christofferson joins us to discuss changes in Church policy. We cover the November 2015 policy that affected LGBTQ+ individuals and their families, as well as its reversal in 2019. We have a conversation about dealing with challenging teachings or topics in a church setting, and how we maintain faith when policies change. 

Special guest, Tom Christofferson, author of, “That We May Be One - A Gay Mormon’s Perspective on Faith & Family". It wasn’t until 12 years into his relationship with his gay partner that our guest felt a desire to return to the church. With the unconditional love of his family (including his brother, Elder D. Todd Christofferson) and ward community, Tom made the long journey back to full activity, while being faced with one of the hardest decisions of his life. Host: Mary Alice Hatch

This episode covers the announcement from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in April 2019, which essentially reversed its prior policy of labeling those in same-sex marriages as apostates and banning their children from Church ordinances such as baptism and baby blessings.  In this episode we explore the details and implications of the April 2019 announcement. Featuring special guest scholars Cristina Rosetti and Paul Reeve, as well as a conversation with Tom Christofferson, Bill Turnbull, and Patrick Mason from the FaithMatters.org podcast.  Don't forget to subscribe to the show. LatterdayLandscape.com

Tom Christofferson is an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he’s gay and the author of “That They May Be One,” a book detailing his life is a member of the Church and how he navigates his sexuality.  In this episode Tom shares his experiences and offers advice to church leaders and to the LGBTQ community from the 2019 Affirmation International Conference.   

My friend Kurt Francom, married father of 2, former Bishop and Stake Presidency member, joins me to share insights into effective local leadership. In 2010 Kurt founded Leading Saints (https://leadingsaints.org/) a non-profit to provide additional tools for local leaders including podcasts and virtual summits. This list of guests is impressive (Anthony Sweet, Tom Christofferson, Patrick Mason, Bruce and Marie Hafen and my brother Dave Ostler). The tag line of Leading Saints is ‘Be a Leader, Not a Calling’. Kurt has great insights into ministering to those who have a more difficult road to stay active Latter-day Saints. I learned so much from Kurt’s insights. Thank you Kurt for your wonderful ministry to help people come unto Christ through our Restored Church

Noticias: 1. La iglesia se opone al Acta de Igualdad del Congreso estadounidense - https://tinyurl.com/y6x4f4ok   2. Mujer que demanda a la iglesia es atacada en su hogar - https://tinyurl.com/y2z2flrk  3. Iglesia demanda a mujer que grita en la conferencia - https://tinyurl.com/yy6hvhp8  4. Nelson visita a presidenta de Nueva Zelanda - Visita a Nueva Zelanda: https://tinyurl.com/yyhmprcy  - Iglesia dona $100,000 a musulmanes neozelandeses: https://tinyurl.com/yxm7pk3s    Mensajes de oyentes: 1. Mormones famosos, maldiciones de mormones y más   Ramas del Mormonismo: 1. Potter Christ: https://tinyurl.com/y6bne9dt    Temas del día: 1. ¿Los líderes mormones pueden ver a Dios y a Jesús? - 5 relatos maravillosos de profetas o apóstoles que han visto a Cristo en la Tierra: https://tinyurl.com/yyn94fps - Discurso de junio, 2015, "Hablar de nuestras experiencias con Dios es tirar perlas a los cerdos": https://tinyurl.com/y36do85e  - Discurso enero, 2016, "Los apóstoles no tuvieron la experiencia de Alma el joven" (No vieron a Dios): https://youtu.be/bOse9xDPwso    2. Ervil LeBaron, el Charles Manson mormón   Reseña: That We May Be One (Para que seamos uno), libro de Tom Christofferson, hermano gay de apóstol mormón: https://tinyurl.com/y4pts9gq 

My friend Erik Kokkonen shares his journey growing up in Hawaii, knowing he was gay in his teens, coming out to parents and his Bishop, serving a mission in New York, Med School in Hawaii, Residency in Springfield Illinois (with a wonderful Stake President) and then starting his dermatology practice in Salem Oregon. Erik has never stepped away from the Church (it has been very difficult at times) and has never (until recently) talked openly about being gay. However, that all changed in his Oregon Ward as Erik listened to Brother Eric Huntsman’s BYU Devotional (Aug 2018 https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/eric-d-huntsman_hard-sayings-and-safe-spaces-making-room-for-both-struggle-and-faith/) and heard kind things said about LGBTQ people and read Tom Christofferson’s book https://deseretbook.com/p/cd-that-we-may-be-one?gclid=&variant_id=155907-paperback. Erik sent the talk to his Bishop who ended up using it as an EQ lesson. Erik then came out to his whole EQ during the lesson and felt love, understanding and support. Erik later come out to his whole ward during a sacrament meeting talk and has recently been called into the Elder Quorum Presidency. Thank you Erik for sharing your story. You are a great man, doing wonderful things and are changing hearts. Honored to have you on the podcast.

In this conversation, Bill Turnbull from Faith Matters sits down with Tom Christofferson and Patrick Mason to discuss the Church’s reversal of its controversial November 2015 policy regarding LGBTQ couples and their children. They discuss what we know about the origins of the policy and its reversal, as well as the implications of those actions for both gay and straight Latter-day Saints, and for our understanding of how revelation occurs on important Church matters.Tom Christofferson is a devout, gay Latter-day Saint, and brother of Elder D. Todd Christofferson. Tom is author of “That We May Be One: A Gay Mormon’s Perspective on Faith and Family” published by Deseret Book.Patrick Mason is the Howard W. Hunter Chair in Mormon Studies and Dean of the School of Arts and Humanities at Claremont Graduate University. He was recently named Leonard Arrington Chair of the Mormon Studies program at Utah State University. He’s also the author of “Planted: Belief and Belonging in an Age of Doubt,” co-published by BYU’s Maxwell Institute and Deseret Book.

Eric Jensen of BYU on Afghanistan peace, Venezuela turmoil and transgender ban in US military. Timothy Threlfall of BYU and Frank Wildhorn of Wonderland on Welcome to Wonderland. Paul Venturelli of Ball State University on symbiotic farming with aquaponics. Jack Nichols on ironing as an extreme sport. Gabriel Neal of Texas A&M University on apple cider vinegar. Tom Christofferson on a gay Mormon's perspective.

Tom Christofferson shares “That We May Be One," his memoir as a gay Mormon. Sasha Radwan, founder of Special Kids Company, explains clothing for disabled kids. Amy Pace, Univ. of Washington, on language acquisition in early learning. Rod Gustafson of Parent Previews reviews "Jurassic World." Benjamin Park of Sam Houston State Univ. talks American nationalism. Laura Henry of Bowdoin Univ. discusses garbage protests in Russia.

Interview Transcript Available Below Tom Christofferson is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who experiences same sex attraction. He is also the brother of Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Tom grew up in the church as a member, served a mission and married in the temple. His short marriage ended and he came out as gay and lived that lifestyle for many years. He started coming back to church with Bruce Larson as a bishop and David Checketts as his stake president. Tom's story is told in his book, That We May Be One: A Gay Mormon’s Perspective on Faith and Family. As leaders we can learn a lot from his experience of coming back to church and being rebaptized. Episode Highlights 6:30 Tom's story from the beginning 9:30 His story of excommunication 10:50 How his family wanted their love to be perfect as they accepted him 13:20 Bishop Bruce Larson's side of the story 16:00 Stake President David Checkett's side of the story 18:00 Bishop Larson and President Checketts did not know at first that he was related to Elder Christofferson 20:30 Sharing with the ward coucnil how to make feel Tom welcome 22:30 Response of the ward council 24:00 Tom was welcomed and loved unconditionally 29:00 Tom attended the ward for 5 years before wanting to come back to live the commandments 31:45 During the 5 years how Tom felt welcome in the ward 33:20 Everyone focused on the the relationship with Tom and not his progress 34:30 Study sessions with Tom and President Checketts 38:00 Meeting with Tom's partner 42:00 President Checketts meets with Elder Christofferson about Tom 45:00 Tom Christofferson's rebaptism 48:00 How this experience has helped Bishop Larson to be a better disciple of Jesus Christ 50:00 How this experience has helped President Checketts to be a better disciple of Jesus Christ Links That We May Be One: A Gay Mormon’s Perspective on Faith and Family Register for the North Star Leadership Session President David Checketts (far left) and the Christofferson brothers Interview Transcript LS: [00:02:30] Welcome back to the leading LDS podcast. My name is Kurt Francom and today I have the opportunity to be in beautiful downtown Salt Lake City with and really, I'm across the world and we'll explain that in just a minute. But, let's start with you, Tom. I'm in the home of Tom Christofferson. How are you? Tom: Very well, thank you. Thanks for joining us. LS: Yeah, well, I'm excited to have this opportunity. And, mainly this interview came to be as you release your book, "That We May Be One, a Gay Mormons Perspective on Faith and Family" and you've been on the interview circuit for that. Tom: It's been an interesting journey. LS: I bet it's been very fulfilling to share your faith through, through this method. Tom: It has been a unique opportunity to be able to talk about my feelings about the Savior and the journey that I feel I have been led along. LS: Yep, obviously we'll get the, the obvious things out of the way. So, your last name is Christofferson and you are Elder Christofferson's brother. Tom: And he is my brother. LS: Oh, that's right. You are becoming more and more famous through this, these interviews. Tom: So, we are a family of five sons. He is the oldest and I'm the youngest. LS: Nice. I'm the youngest too, so I can, I can empathize with that. That's right. That's right. And now, and we'll get into your story in the book a little bit, but also interviewed the other member or introduce the other members that are part of the interview. So, we're going as far as Australia to talk with President David Checketts. How are you a President Checketts? Checketts: I'm doing well. LS: Good. And now you don't live in Australia? I think many people recognize your name here in Utah, but you generally live in Connecticut. Is that right? Checketts: Yes.

Our special Christmas Morning release on Mormon Stories Podcast includes an interview with Tom Christofferson about his book “That We May Be One.” Tom shares the story of voluntary excommunication from the LDS Church in order to live his life as a gay man—a life that included a fulfilling relationship with a partner and acceptance from his family including brother D. Todd Christofferson—Apostle in the LDS Church.  Sensing a void in his spiritual life, Tom began attending a local meetinghouse of the Church with the support of its leadership. Over time his relationship with his partner ended and his relationship with the Church began again. We ask Tom about his experience outlined in his book and delve deeper into the impacts his returning to the church had on his relationship with his partner, and on his spiritual self.  We also ask Tom tougher questions about whether his brother’s apostleship affords him greater privilege as a member of the Mormon LGBTQ community, his thoughts on the November 2015 policy on children of same-sex parents denied baptism, and his being held up as a role model (intended or not) for Mormon LGBTQ youth to choose a life of celibacy in the LDS Church. We thank Tom for this fascinating interview and hope it furthers the conversation on reconciling sexuality with faith!

Donate Our special Christmas Morning release on Mormon Stories Podcast includes an interview with Tom Christofferson about his book “That We May Be One.” Tom shares the story of voluntary excommunication from the LDS Church in order to live his life as a gay man—a life that included a fulfilling relationship with a partner and acceptance from his family including brother D. Todd Christofferson—Apostle in the LDS Church.  Sensing a void in his spiritual life, Tom began attending a local meetinghouse of the Church with the support of its leadership. Over time his relationship with his partner ended and his relationship with the Church began again. We ask Tom about his experience outlined in his book and delve deeper into the impacts his returning to the church had on his relationship with his partner, and on his spiritual self.  We also ask Tom tougher questions about whether his brother’s apostleship affords him greater privilege as a member of the Mormon LGBTQ community, his thoughts on the November 2015 policy on children of same-sex parents denied baptism, and his being held up as a role model (intended or not) for Mormon LGBTQ youth to choose a life of celibacy in the LDS Church. We thank Tom for this fascinating interview and hope it furthers the conversation on reconciling sexuality with faith! Become a Patron!

Our special Christmas Morning release on Mormon Stories Podcast includes an interview with Tom Christofferson about his book “That We May Be One.” Tom shares the story of voluntary excommunication from the LDS Church in order to live his life as a gay man—a life that included a fulfilling relationship with a partner and acceptance from his family including brother D. Todd Christofferson—Apostle in the LDS Church.  Sensing a void in his spiritual life, Tom began attending a local meetinghouse of the Church with the support of its leadership. Over time his relationship with his partner ended and his relationship with the Church began again. We ask Tom about his experience outlined in his book and delve deeper into the impacts his returning to the church had on his relationship with his partner, and on his spiritual self.  We also ask Tom tougher questions about whether his brother’s apostleship affords him greater privilege as a member of the Mormon LGBTQ community, his thoughts on the November 2015 policy on children of same-sex parents denied baptism, and his being held up as a role model (intended or not) for Mormon LGBTQ youth to choose a life of celibacy in the LDS Church. We thank Tom for this fascinating interview and hope it furthers the conversation on reconciling sexuality with faith!

Tom Christofferson’s journey through life has been anything but ordinary. On the surface, itbegan as a typical Mormon story. He grew up in a close gospel-centered LDS family and wenton to serve a faithful mission. But during these years, he was also trying to deal with aninconvenient truth: He was gay.Although his life and family had been firmly rooted in the church (his older brother Todd waseventually called as an LDS apostle), Tom came to a point at which he could no longer envisiona place for himself in the church, and he left. He went on to become an accomplishedbusinessman on the east coast and created a good life with his partner of nearly twenty years.Later in life, however, Tom felt strongly called to return to his LDS faith and community. His new book “That We May Be One: A Gay Mormon’s Perspective on Faith & Family” (Deseret Book) includes his story of making a spiritual home in a faith that often may not feel like home to its gay members.Tom Christofferson sat down with Terryl Givens in the studios of Faith Matters Foundation(faithmatters.org) for this extraordinary, personal conversation.Links:That We May Be One: A Gay Mormon’s Perspective on Faith and Family

Tom Christofferson's spiritual journey as a gay man took him from Mormonism, out, and back again.  Rima Tamaiparea-Puke's spiritual journey as a gay man took him from Catholicism to Mormonism and back to Catholicism.  Both stories attest to stories of deep faith and religious devotion.  Both stories speak to the need in all of us to be reconciled in one way or another to the faith of our families.    

Tom Christofferson is a gay Mormon. To many, this is a conflict that cannot be reconciled. But for Tom, it’s not that simple. His personal journey brought him away from being an active Mormon years ago. But most recently, his journey brought him back to being a full-time member of the church. In this episode, … Continue reading "A Gay Mormon’s Perspective on Faith & Family- with Tom Christofferson"

Tom Christofferson is gay and he's Mormon.  His recently published book 'That We May Be One' is a touching memoir of love, loss, and faith.  We discuss the story within his story that our life's journey be underscored by a demonstrative, kind and gentle love, particularly for our LGBTQ brothers, sisters and children.

Tom Christofferson describes his life as a gay man, his complicated relationship with the LDS Church and the unwavering love of his parents and brothers in his new book, "That We May Be One: A Gay Mormon's Perspective on Faith and Family." Each week, Mormon Land explores the contours and complexities of LDS News. Award-winning Salt Lake Tribune religion writer Peggy Fletcher Stack, managing editor David Noyce and editor Jennifer Napier-Pearce host.

As part of our series on meetings with Mormon General Authorities, we interview Meg and Jake Abhau as they relay the story of their September 2013 meeting with Mormon Apostle Elder D. Todd Christofferson.     Meg and Jake appeared on episodes 508-510 of Mormon Stories discussing their experiences in early 2013 when their 13 year old son, Jon, came out to them as gay while they were living as committed, orthodox Mormons.  During this period Meg and Jake met Tom Christofferson, brother of Mormon Apostle D. Todd Christofferson.  At the time Meg and Jake met Tom he was an excommunicated gay Mormon man living in a committed relationship for over 18 years.  After hearing the Abhau’s story, Tom graciously offered to arrange a meeting between them and his brother, Elder D. Todd Christofferson.   In this episode Meg and Jake recount in detail their 1+ hour with apostle D. Todd Christofferson, which included:   Elder D. Todd Christofferson acknowledging that the LDS Church may not be a safe place for our LGBT youth, Elder Christofferson acknowledging to Meg and Jake that personal revelation trumps revelation from Mormon leadership  (but that he would never be able to admit this publicly to church members), and Meg informing Elder Christofferson that he and other LDS leadership had/have “blood on their hands” for the way that they have mishandled LGBT issues, contributing to a modern wave of LGBT youth suicides. Meg and Jake also express their disappointment with Elder Christofferson’s role in speaking as the representative for the LDS church during the November 2015 policy decision denouncing same-sex couples as apostates, and disallowing their children from being baptised into the Mormon church.  They also discuss their respective decisions to leave the Mormon church after decades of orthodox membership.

At the 2016 Affirmation Leadership Retreat in Independence, Missouri, podcast regular Tom Christofferson sat down for a conversation with Darius Gray and Rod Olson. Recorded live in front of the retreat audience, Tom engaged Darius and Rod in a conversation about how to constructively participate in their Mormon congregations. They also share how they approach and endure the inevitable conflicts that come with being a minority in the LDS community. Darius is a founding member of The Genesis Group which represents black members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Rod is an openly gay member of the ...

In this discussion we talk about the issues related to LGBTQ Mormon Youth suicide and how we can build more loving, inclusive and compassionate communities for all regardless of sexual orientation.

Often in the LDS community the common narrative we hear about LGBT Mormons is that of extreme hardship, suffering, and pain where the person struggles to find ways to survive. While that story is all too familiar to many, if not most LGBT Mormons at one time of their life or another, there is also the possibility of finding ways to thrive as an LGBT Mormon. In part 1 of a 2-part series, podcast regular Roni Jo Draper is joined by Laura Dulin and Tom Christofferson to begin to understand what it looks like for each of them to thrive in both of their unique life ...

For many of us, the discovery and confirmation in early November 2015 of a new Church policy regarding LGBT couples and their children have led to tremendous despair--pain refreshed again just two weeks ago, on January 10, 2016, as President Russell M. Nelson while speaking to a church-wide audience of Young Single Adults assured all listening that the policy had come about through revelatory processes that convinced him and every member of the Twelve that this is what God has directed to be done. Prior to his address, as well as in the weeks since, many rumors have swirled about how the policy came to be, few of them matching well President Nelson’s description of the processes. In this episode of the Mormon Matters podcast, panelists Maxine Hanks and Tom Christofferson, along with podcast host Dan Wotherspoon, approach the events of these past two-and-a-half months in a different way than what has become typical in most areas of the LDS Bloggernacle. Rather than worry about the "behind the scenes" reports of all the events and persons who were the driving forces behind the new policy and wondering what all that meant for the current state of leadership within the Church’s leading councils, they have chosen to simply start with the Church’s own narratives--its statements related to the policy (the Handbook wording, Elder Todd Christofferson’s interview, the First Presidency clarification letter, and President Nelson’s talk)--as the best clues we have to the leaders’ wrestlings over LGBT issues, and to use these as lenses for starting conversations that face squarely exactly where the Church--leaders as well as all of us in the Mormon community--is right now on these matters. The panel has chosen to approach it from a stance of: "Here is the reality. Let’s look at all of this, at ourselves, at those around us, and figure out for ourselves our responsibility. What is it that God and our life experiences and own revelation is calling us to do? Might we come to see the announcements about this firm stance as a starting point for the real work of discipleship and Zion building?"