Oh, I think prop 8 didn't set same sex marriage back so much as it put the foot on the gas because it made people so angry, it created a whole new generation of activists. So thanks for the equality, Mormons!
I am thankful that their homophobia was shown to the world. Prior to Proposition 8, I had a hard time even convincing my family that the church was homophobic.
Of course not, but that is exactly how the church has been pitched to me by missionaries, my wife, and other members who have taken it upon themselves attempt my conversion.
"We have a living prophet who guides the church through continuing revelation! No other church can claim that!"
Was Frances your friend? I used to see her at the ZCMI store in the Cottonwood Mall, in the early 90's, since I left there in 1994.
I worked in the shoe department and she came in to buy the "Naturalizer Royal", our absolute best seller for a very long time. It was a true Old Lady shoe, comfortable and about $40. All women in her age range had at least 2-3 pair.
She wasn't there that often, and we all waited on her and she was always friendly, not fussy or demanding like so many customers in that store could be. She loved to shop and spent some money in there.
Once or twice, she was with her daughter and once, the daughter and Tommy were with her. The two of them went and sat down while she was there and she looked like she wasn't having nearly as good time as she normally did.
I think Monson performed the sealing ceremony in the temple. He was the officiator for my cousin. My cousin had to get special permission, and his father was a close friend of Monson. Monson didn't marry just anyone, you know.
His greatest achievement was to give new emphasis and meaning to the word "even" and creating memorable lines such as:
"our Lord, and Savior, even Jesus Christ, taught ...."
"We are led by a prophet of God, even President Gordon B. Hinckley."
"Today we have heard God’s prophet speak—even President Spencer W. Kimball."
Monson should also be remembered for his emphasis on referring to every leader as "Elder" and using the person's middle initial. whenever referring to members of Morg. Remember Elder C. Scott Grow?
May be we should focus on Monson's failures to act. In particular, Monson should be remembered for his failure to take a moral stand against Donald Trump and speak out about Trump's bigotry, pathological lying, belittling of other people, warmongering, selfishness, greed, narcissism, and his admitted sexual assaults and predatory behavior.