Ed Smart reveals he is gay on social media, divorcing wife, leaving Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Gephardt Daily
Ed Smart announces he is gay on social networks, separating other half, leaving Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Aug. 15, 2019 (Gephardt Daily)– Ed Smart, dad of previous kidnapping victim Elizabeth Smart, revealed Thursday that he is gay, in a story initially reported by the Deseret News.
Smart, 64, not just revealed he is gay, but also said he is separating his spouse, Lois, of 33 years, and leaving The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
In “among the hardest letters I have ever composed I have actually recently acknowledged to myself and my household that I am gay,” Smart stated.
“The choice to be truthful and truthful about my orientation includes its own set of challenges, however at the same time it is a huge relief. Coping with the pain and guilt I have for many years, not ready to accept the fact about orientation has at times brought me to the point where I questioned whether life was worth living,” he composed.
In an interview with KUTV, Smart confirmed he had actually issued the statement on Facebook. It was removed a short while later. He decreased to supply a copy to Channel 2.
Smart told KUTV his children, including Elizabeth, have been supportive of the news. He likewise applauded his wife, Lois, whom he married in 1986.
“Lois has actually been a faithful better half, and amazing mother, who has needed to sustain a difficult part of this journey. I deeply are sorry for the unbearable discomfort this has actually caused her. Harming her was never my intent. While our marriage will end, my love for Lois and everyone in my family is eternal.”
On Thursday night, Elizabeth Smart’s spokesperson launched the following declaration:
“My parents taught me as a child that they would enjoy me unconditionally no matter what happened,” Smart said.
“While I am deeply saddened by their separation, absolutely nothing could change my love and admiration for them both. Their decisions are really individual. I will not pass judgment and rather am focusing on caring and supporting them and the other members of my household.”
Ed Smart also resolved his decision to leave The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“My faith is strong, and steady,” Smart wrote, “nevertheless, after significant study, prayer and considering I have pertained to a change in my beliefs. It is since of this change, that I can finally acknowledge and accept my orientation. Had I not had a modification in my beliefs, I would have likely stayed closeted the rest of my life.
“As an openly gay male, the church is not a place where I find solace any longer. It is not my responsibility to tell the church, its members, or its management, what to believe about the rightness or wrongness of being LGBTQ.
“In the end, individuals are complimentary to state what they will, and think what they desire, but there is one voice more vital than any other, that of my Savior, who desires each people to love one another, to be honest and joyful and find a meaningful life.”
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