The Church of Latter Day Saints (LDS, Mormons) has set forth a bold and unique position in our society’s ongoing and inflamed contest between LGBT protections and religious freedom. In a press conference on January 27, LDS leaders made five key points:

* Living together. As citizens together in a single nation, even though various groups differ deeply on very consequential matters, we must work to create a system of laws and ways of relating in which everyone is treated with respect. We must craft fair arrangements that “affirm the rights for some without taking away from the rights of others.

* Sticking to convictions. In working for respect for all, the LDS Church need not and has not changed its conviction that “sexual relations other than between a man and a woman who are married are contrary to the laws of God.”

* Securing LGBT protections. The laws of the land must ensure that LGBT people are protected from discrimination and are treated fairly in employment, housing, and public accommodations.

* Securing religious freedom. The laws of the land must at the same time protect the religious freedom of people and organizations that maintain conservative moral values.

* Extending an olive branch. Working out laws and arrangements that are respectful all around and that can be regarded as acceptable to the contending parties requires a prior commitment to mutual respect and thus the willingness to reach out toward those who may seem unalterable opponents.

The LDS leaders spoke out for respectful treatment of LGBT people not because the LDS Church has changed its views about marriage and sexual relations. Their reason instead is that citizens owe each other safety and basic rights even when we disagree deeply about important matters and even remain convinced that others are going in the wrong direction. It is a plea not for ignoring serious differences but for working out how to live together despite-with-those differences, even as we continue to seek to persuade those on the other side that our position is the better one.

What mutual respect entails is no simple matter, as the LDS leaders stressed. They note the LGBT movement is the outcome of “centuries of ridicule, persecution and even violence against homosexuals,” and they affirm the legitimacy of the demand that “such basic human rights as securing a job or a place to live should not depend on a person’s sexual orientation.” Yet these rights should not be secured at the expense of religious freedom. “When religious people are publicly intimidated, retaliated against, forced from employment, or made to suffer personal loss because they have raised their voice in the public square, donated to a cause or participated in an election, our democracy is the loser. Such tactics are every bit as wrong as denying access to employment, housing or public services because of race or gender.”

What’s needed? LGBT people need stronger protections: local, state, and federal governments should act to “protect[] the rights of our LGBT citizens in such areas as housing, employment and public accommodation in hotels, restaurants and transportation-protections which are not available in many parts of the country.” When such changes are made, religious groups also require protection: the ability of churches and other religious organizations to follow their convictions, the ability of individuals of faith to live and work in accordance with their convictions-e.g., for an LDS doctor not to perform abortions and not to assist with artificial insemination for a lesbian couple.

To move ahead instead of remaining stuck in conflict and suspicion requires “understanding and goodwill, including some give and take.” “We must find ways to show respect for others whose beliefs, values and behaviors differ from ours while never being forced to deny or abandon our own beliefs, values and behaviors in the process.”

A tall order. Yet it is the challenge before us. There is every reason for skepticism and worry on both sides. Yet a zero-sum conflict is harmful for all. Steps toward mutual respect are vital. Thanks to the LDS Church for taking a major step on the path forward.

See also:

Jonathan Rauch, “Gays should welcome this move by Mormons,” NY Daily News, Jan. 30, 2015.