She says misunderstanding and secrecy in the church have exacerbated relations, especially in Latter-day Saints families that have gay members. Pearson, now 71, believes in her religion, but also believes in full acceptance of gays. The ongoing legal battle over Proposition 8, the ban on same-sex marriage, is forcing the wedge deeper and magnifying the gay-rights controversies in the church. The relationship between the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its homosexual members is fractured, complex and rarely discussed. Pearson and her husband divorced, and even though the couple remained good friends until his death in 1984, their family was torn apart. Four children and 12 years later, she admitted defeat. She knew during her engagement that her fiance was attracted to men, but she thought he would change. Gut-wrenching sadness was not what she imagined. Raised in the Mormon church, Pearson thought her marriage would bring children, happiness and love.
Walnut Creek’s Carol Lynn Pearson had high hopes when she married.
