Page 27 of His Elder

Maria looked between us, then nodded slowly. "Alright. But I want you both to think about what you're really teaching. What you're really asking people to believe about God's love."

She gathered her bag and stood. "Thank you for your time, Elders."

We watched her leave, the bell above the door chiming as she stepped into the cold afternoon.

I didn't move. Couldn't move. The words I'd spoken sat heavy in my chest, each one a weight pressing down.

Those attractions will be corrected in the next life.

They just can't act on those feelings.

Can't want what they're supposed to want.

"We should go," Vance said.

I stood mechanically, followed him out onto the street. We walked in silence toward the metro, maintaining the proper distance. Two missionaries in white shirts and ties, indistinguishable from thousands of others.

The apartment felt too small when we returned. I went straight to my desk, opened my scriptures, stared at the pages without seeing them.

"That was rough," Vance said behind me.

I didn't respond.

"Price."

"We taught the doctrine," I said flatly. "We did what we were supposed to do."

"You gave her the party line."

"It's not a party line. It's doctrine."

"It's cruel." His voice had an edge now. "You heard yourself. 'Those attractions will be corrected in the next life.' Like being gay is a disease."

"I didn't say disease."

"You might as well have."

I spun to face him. "What did you want me to say? We're missionaries. We teach Church doctrine."

"You could have shown some compassion."

"I did! I said they're children of God. I said they have worth."

"Right up until you told her they're broken and need to be fixed."

The words hit like a fist to the chest. "That's not what I said."

"It's exactly what you said." Vance crossed his arms. "You told her gay people have to be alone their entire lives, that their feelings are a trial from God, and if they're good enough, maybe they'll be corrected after they die. How is that not calling them broken?"

"Because it's doctrine!" My voice rose. "It's what the prophet teaches. What the scriptures say."

"The scriptures also condone slavery and polygamy."

"That's different."

"How?"

"Because—" I stopped. My hands were shaking again. "Because the living prophet receives continuing revelation. The doctrine on marriage between a man and woman is clear."