High tea with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir

The second meeting of the London chapter of Affirmation was held on 20 January 2008. It was kindly hosted by Pedro who welcomed us with a delicious high tea, in line with the best of British tradition.

In the background, the music of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing the greatest hits of all-time musicals, provided the ideal scene for Gay Mormons to discuss current Mormon issues, being gay and LDS and the quite accepting attitude towards Gay Saints from the London members. In the spiritual part, we talked about the Word of Wisdom and its personal meaning to each individual.

We invite you to the next meeting on 10 Feb 2008 which will consist of a visit to a local ward's sacrament meeting (meet at Clapham South Station at 11.20am) and later lunch in the Clapham area.

At Affirmation London, we are aware of people's different stages in their coming-out. Therefore, we do not provide your details to anyone. For those wishing to join us after Sacrament Meeting, please meet us at Clapham Common Tube at 1.30pm.

We are honoured to have Larry Mann visiting from Washington D.C. Larry has been long involved with Affirmation and it will be a pleasure hearing what he has to say to us, Q-Saints from the other side of the Atlantic. We will meet for dinner with Larry on Friday 7 March 2008 at Ketners (menu between GBP 10 and 15) in Soho.

For further information, contact Angelo

First meeting report - now pencil down 20 Jan 2008!

The London chapter of Affirmation held its first meeting on Sunday 16 December 2007 . The meeting combined a social gathering as well as a Christmas message. On this occasion, everyone had the opportunity to freely talk about their experiences and perspectives on their relationship with the church, the teachings, their Mormon identity and related topics. There was a warm and welcoming atmosphere and people felt at ease about pouring their hearts out, as well as joking and having a laugh about us as being part of the "peculiar people" of Mormondom.

The meeting was hosted by Angelo, who opened the meeting talking about his experience in Affirmation along his life. He referred also to the opportunity of attending the International Affirmation Conference in Washington D.C. last October and the great spirit there. Angelo also shared a short Christmas message which consisted in the spiritual element of the meeting.

Pedro volunteered to host the next Affirmation meeting on 20 January 2008 at his home in Surbiton, South London. For further information and how to get to Pedro's place contact Angelo on 075 1547 6045.

God be with you till we meet again!

Affirmation - London Chapter

Come oh ye, Q-Saints...

Hi,

I am Angelo, a former missionary in Argentina. I am 33 and work and live in London.

I had the immense privilege of attending the Annual Affirmation Conference in Washington D.C. this past October.

I was amazed at the great spirit amongst us, GLBT Saints... meeting these men and women has been wonderful to me... as a former missionary, after I left the Church, that was pretty much the end of my spiritual activity... I have now come to terms with who I am and I am fine with it... I can now say that I am proud of my unique Mormon background and I embrace it.


I am extending an invitation to all queer-Saints who live in the London area and to visitors to London to a Christmas Devotional on Sunday 16 December from 3 to 4 pm. in Balham, South London (Northern Line).

This is an event for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersexual and GLBTI-friendly straight former and current LDS (be they Church-goers or not) who share the cultural and spiritual Mormon background.

This is an inclusive and non-judgemental meeting.

More information...

ring me on +44 (0)75 1547 6045
or email me angeloberbotto@aol.com

cheers,
Angelo