Kiss-ins are the new sit-ins for civil rights activists, it seems.

Last week, gay rights advocates gathered in Salt Lake City to smooch in support of Matthew Aune and Derek Jones, a gay couple cited for trespassing when they showed affection on church-owned property.  This week, supporters in San Diego are following suit, hoping to open dialogue with the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The event, entitled “Love Unites Kiss-In,” will take place tomorrow at 5 pm PST, organized by the Empowering Spirits Foundation (ESF).

The ESF is a national organization that uses service-oriented activities to advance equal rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender communities. They are asking that people attending the rally “paint red hearts on their cheeks, foreheads, or wear paper hearts on [their] clothing.”

ESF has invited San Diego Mormon officials to engage in dialogue. See the letter after the jump.

Thomas S. Monson, President
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
50 East North Temple
Salt Lake City , UT 84150
RE: Love Unites Rally - Wednesday, January 22, 2009

President Monson:

Rarely do I spend my time writing letters to individuals with disparate viewpoints. However, the recent arrest of Derek Jones and Matthew Aune by LDS security guards compelled me to speak out. And though I know there is some debate as to the true motivation behind their detainment, I think it is safe to assume both men would not have been detained if it had been a man and a woman showing affection. I must confess that I am a Methodist and not a Mormon, and though I have studied some of the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I do not fully comprehend all of its teachings.

I, however, do admire the steadfast faith of the Mormons, which brings me to the superior issue. There is great conflict within our society by various classes as they struggle with their uniqueness and goals. What these groups do not realize is that by attempting to marginalize each other, we degrade the very beliefs this country was founded upon, and in fact the LDS Church itself was founded upon.

This struggle is not about a single class in society, but society altogether - the unity of America. Diversity and individuality are qualities that enrich this country. Surely we can both agree any individual, group, or community that alienates individuals because of a differing perspective, does not reflect tolerant values as defined by God or by this country’s founding fathers. The history of the LDS Church and its followers is filled with fervent intolerance. Almost since Joseph Smith had the First Vision, it seems Mormons have been the victims of wanton violence, rape, murder, arson, discrimination…the list of cruelties goes on and on. In the spirit of unity and understanding, I submit to you, President Monson, that gay and lesbian Americans have endured the same attacks, with equal fervor, and though our causes may be different, our struggles are shared, and our blood runs as red as the blood of all oppressed, misunderstood peoples.

Surely by now, the Church understands the value of teaching tolerance. Additionally, our children should be taught the principles of equal protection and freedom of expression as defined by our faith, and as is laid out in our U.S. Constitution. For those less tolerant, children today will give rise to generations of greater intolerance.

Differing sides may not always agree, but we must not focus on pious trivialities as this corrupts our society. Only through social dialogue and shared sacrifices will humanity progress, and only then can we overcome any obstacle.

Our organization will hold a rally in our home town of San Diego, CA, and outside of your San Diego, CA temple Wednesday, July 22nd. In the spirit of unity I hope that officials of your San Diego temple will be able to meet with me in our attempt to engage in respectful dialogue as we continue to learn more about our similarities, rather than differences.

Sincerely,
A. Latham Staples
Executive Director
Empowering Spirits Foundation