I disagree with President Trump. I have seen a lot of ranting on social media for the past few days, sharing talks by President Dallin H. Oaks about his stance on diversity. People are taking his words out of context. This is a poor and unfair representation of what he said. He said, “Be one, and if ye are not one, ye are not mine.” This was given in the context of diversity, but then he also said that “bringing diverse voices to the table is hard; it required expanded empathy and patience.” He also said, “Of course, black lives matter; that is an eternal truth all reasonable people should support.”
After reading many quotes by President Dallin H. Oaks, including many on loving God’s children, I am convinced his discussion on diversity versus one is that we should be unified in our church—as one. Not that we can’t be diverse. Diversity is not just race, gender, and sexuality. There are people from different communities—like rural—or people from different cultures and backgrounds. There are people with medical diagnoses or financial struggles or learning disabilities or physical limitations. These things are all diverse and not things we can control.
I will reiterate that if I am asked a question because I am from rural Utah, I would answer completely differently from someone from California, a metropolitan area, or even someone along the Wasatch Front.
We need to celebrate diversity. Donald Trump and his MAGA conservatives don’t seem to get it. We, as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, don’t get it either if we are going to use President Oaks’ words against him or to justify our prejudices. He did not promote prejudiced behavior. He did not tell us that we all need to be white. He did not tell us to exclude people who are different from us. He told us to love everyone. He told us that we are all children of the same God. So, we need to stop this discussion of diversity. We must stop justifying our biases against diversity and learn to love people, no matter who they are. Being one means we include everyone, and nobody feels like an outsider or that they are not welcome.
After all, the signs on all of our meeting houses say: “Visitors welcome.”
Understanding Unity in Diversity: A Closer Look at President Oaks’ Message
In recent days, social media has been abuzz with discussions about diversity, particularly in relation to statements made by President Dallin H. Oaks of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Unfortunately, many of these discussions have taken his words out of context, leading to misunderstandings and unfair representations of his message. This article aims to provide a more comprehensive analysis of President Oaks’ stance on diversity and unity within the Church.
The Context of “Be One”
President Oaks’ statement, “Be one, and if ye are not one, ye are not mine,” has been a focal point of recent debates. However, it’s crucial to understand this quote in its proper context. This statement was made in reference to unity within the Church, not as a call for homogeneity or a rejection of diversity.
Embracing Diversity
Contrary to some interpretations, President Oaks has explicitly acknowledged the importance and challenges of diversity. He stated, “Bringing diverse voices to the table is hard; it required expanded empathy and patience.” This recognition underscores the Church’s commitment to inclusivity and the value placed on diverse perspectives.
Furthermore, President Oaks unequivocally affirmed, “Of course, black lives matter; that is an eternal truth all reasonable people should support.” This statement clearly demonstrates his recognition of the importance of addressing racial equality and justice.
The Multifaceted Nature of Diversity
It’s essential to recognize that diversity extends far beyond race, gender, and sexuality. As members of the Church, we come from various backgrounds:
- Geographic diversity (rural, urban, international)
- Cultural differences
- Socioeconomic backgrounds
- Medical conditions and disabilities
- Educational experiences
Each of these factors contributes to the rich tapestry of our faith community.
Unity in Diversity
President Oaks’ message emphasizes unity in diversity, not uniformity. The call to “be one” is a call for unity in purpose and faith, not a demand for everyone to be identical. This unity allows for and celebrates the unique perspectives and experiences that each member brings to the Church.
Misinterpretation and Political Discourse
It’s unfortunate that some have attempted to use President Oaks’ words to justify prejudices or to align with political ideologies that may not fully embrace diversity. Such interpretations not only misrepresent President Oaks’ message but also go against the fundamental teachings of the Church regarding love and acceptance.
The Church’s Stance on Inclusion
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has consistently emphasized the importance of loving and accepting all of God’s children. President Oaks himself has repeatedly taught about the need to love everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.
The “Visitors Welcome” signs on our meetinghouses are not mere words but a reflection of the Church’s commitment to inclusivity. Being “one” in the Church means creating an environment where everyone feels welcome, valued, and an integral part of the community.
Conclusion
As members of the Church, it’s our responsibility to understand and correctly interpret the messages of our leaders. President Oaks’ teachings on diversity and unity call us to a higher standard of love, acceptance, and inclusion. We must move beyond superficial interpretations and political alignments to truly embrace the diversity within our faith community while maintaining unity in our core beliefs and purpose.
Let us celebrate our differences, learn from each other’s unique perspectives, and work together to create a Church community where everyone feels at home. This is the true essence of being “one” in Christ.