In his new book, That We May Be One: A Gay Mormon's Perspective on Faith and Family (Published by Deseret Book), Tom Christofferson shares his story of coming to terms with being gay, leaving Mormonism for several decades, and then deciding to reunite with his beloved faith community. Along the way, it tells of his remarkable family and their reactions to his coming out and fully embracing as part of their family his longtime partner, a ward and stake in New Canaan, Connecticut, that welcomed him and his partner with open arms even though there was no sense, given their relationship, that they'd join the church, and a wrenching decision that followed when Tom felt called to seek baptism again and enter into full fellowship with the Saints. The book, and this interview, shares intimate peeks at Tom's spiritual life, his hopes for what might open up within Mormonism as he shares his story so publicly. Mormon Matters host Dan Wotherspoon also queries Tom about difficult doctrines in Mormonism that can and seem to present obstacles to the church's fully embracing LGBTQIA members, as well as worries from people who know Tom's basic story but fear it will be used by certain LDS parents as the new standard for their own gay children: "If Tom can return to stay Mormon and be celibate, so can you."
Please listen and enjoy getting to know this wonderful, spiritual, open-hearted man.