Mormon leaders unveiled a new website Thursday encouraging church members to be compassionate in discussions about homosexuality.

Church officials insist they haven't changed the Mormon teaching that marriage is only between a man and a woman and that same-sex relationships are sinful.

However, the website includes an appeal to gay and lesbian Mormons to stay in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

-SNIP-

"We must not judge anyone for the feelings they experience," church authorities wrote, saying homosexuality "should not be viewed as a disease or illness."

The website does not use the words "gay" or "lesbian," the terms preferred by the gay community.

-SNIP-

Many gay Mormons say they have been rejected by their families and have left the church.