Mormons leader warns of ‘rampant immorality’ at conference

By BRADY McCOMBS
April 6, 2019

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A high-ranking leader with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints urged members Saturday during a church conference to root their families in the teachings of Christ to prepare their children for a world with “rampant immorality and addictive pornography.”

Ulisses Soares, a member of a top governing panel called the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, cited church President Russell M. Nelson’s recent remarks about immorality in a speech saying members should welcome back family members and friends who have strayed from the right path and never reject them.

“If that happens with your dear ones, fill your hearts with compassion, run to them, fall on their neck, and kiss them, like the father of the prodigal son did,” said Soares, a Brazilian who is one of the newest members of the governing panel. “Keep living a worthy life, be a good example to them of what you believe, and draw close to our savior Jesus Christ.”

Church members are bracing for more changes during the weekend conference because Nelson has been busy during his first year at the helm reshaping a faith that counts 16 million members worldwide. On Thursday, Nelson announced the surprising repeal of policies that banned baptisms for children of gay parents and labeled people in same-sex marriages as sinners eligible for expulsion. He is expected to speak during the conference.

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