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