His known family tree is extensive (bless the tradition of Chinese family genealogy record-keeping) and is 100% Chinese. Those interested in participating in the conference can register online at https://rootstech.org. I seriously doubt President Nelson was pandering to progressive Mormons. Not sure that the fact his Asian roots would mean that much to the Chinese government in order to open it for missionary work, but I believe that he fits the mold for Apostleship with age, church experience/loyalty, and worldly accolades. By Emily Ashcraft, KSL.com | Posted - Feb. 27, 2023 at 5:46 p.m. Elder Gerrit W. Gong and Sister Susan Gong will be the keynote speakers for Family Discovery Day at RootsTech on Saturday. During a press conference related to the open house for the rededication of the Washington D.C. Temple, Gong shared that one of his first memories was of being sealed to his parents in a temple of the LDS Church. [5] Gerrit was named after Gerrit de Jong because his mother had lived with de Jong and his family while she was a student at BYU. Feel free to delete this comment after the edit.). Love you. Is Elder Gong of mixed race? Well, my point was that the churchs mission requires deep, sensitive and reciprocal engagement with all of the worlds cultures in a way that most commercial organizations do not. With his wife, Susan, Elder Gong helps build God's kingdom by serving all of His children. Elder Gong, whose ancestors left southern China in the late 19th century for work in the United States, was born into the Church. However, I think that making leadership more diverse is almost certain to be a liberalizing influence over the long term. As someone interested in the photographic impact of light, color, composition, and moment, Elder Gong imagines the childrenand others like them in Nepal, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Utahenjoying the space. Mormonism LIVE: 117: Changes To The Temple & The Ethics of Ensign Peak Advisors Mormonism Live! Reading through all the comments has been interesting. Revelation: 2 It is heartbreaking when we are asked questions about religion, but cannot respond. Elder Gong loves learning and spending time with family. Having crushes on boys in elementary school. Bright colors and vivid images filled the once-blank cinder block wall of the soup kitchen in Phnom Pehn, Cambodia. Cynthia, Having people who know about petroleum extraction is always useful! At that moment you feel very humble, but you are certain in your confidence and love for President Nelson as the Lords prophet and Church President. Youd think wed try to start making trends on this issue as opposed to following them. A few early apostles married Scandinavian immigrants, but thats really stretching the definition of interracial marriage. He previously served as a member of the Asia Area Presidency and member of the Presidency of the Seventy.During his 20 years in Washington, D.C., he served as special assistant to the undersecretary of state at the U.S. State Department, as special . Because my story is happening publicly at the highest levels of the church, people ascribe extra meaning to it, he says in the interview, but from within the story, it feels like a typical narrative., The apostle and the queer son are just family, Gong repeats. This is a grandly unique perspective on this appointment that I had not known, nor considered until reading your article. Happening March 4, Family Discovery Day is free online and in-person. and one of those categories is occupation. The Salt Lake Tribune, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax My last post must have sounded like trolling as it has disappeared. Its very, very hard to do that with a small, centralized leadership group. Gong reflects on September 11th and reviews perspectives on war. He had a close almost familial relationship with de Jong and would refer to him as "Grandpa de Jong." Biography. I buried land mines and razor wire in my brain so that my heart couldnt get out., If Gong hadnt come out, he says, I would have fought in the war till I died by suicide.. Arent we missing that All are alike unto God? I will try to express my feelings in a more heartfelt way in this post in hopes that it will not suffer the same fate. It will always be Top down, not bottom up. He said they have had an opportunity to weep together and pray together. As part of RootsTech 2023, Elder David A. Bednar and Elder Gerrit W. Gong will provide instruction to stake and ward leaders in the annual Temple and Family History Leadership Instruction. Although the family had provided the sketch, paint, and brushes, something had shifted. Members of Elder Gerrit W. Gongs family stand in front of a mural project with the children who assisted them in Vietnam. We were grateful others were excited for children to have creative opportunities.. Even in this day and age I meet members who view interracial marriages and relationships in a negative light. Gerrit Walter Gong (born December 23, 1953) is a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). God Bless You in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. There are over a billion Chinese citizens, and we non-Chinese are forbididen by law from discussing religion with them. [14], Even before joining the administration at BYU, Gong was involved in educational policy issues. (And alsowhat Kevin said. If there are, I would love to meet them for a nice cup of group therapy., When the senior Gong took his place for a lifetime appointment in the faiths Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the younger Gong thought: Today is the day I lost my father. Elder Gerrit W. Gong currently serves as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Sister Susan Gong. (For more reading on this, seehere,here, and here.). Until very recently, church instruction manuals for institute and youthsuggested caution against interracial marriages. Learn more about guidelines and necessary forms. This is because, in the white supremacist schema that subconsciously permeates our thinking, the latter is seen as marrying down in a way that the former is not, even though both are examples of interracial marriages. Loursat wrote: I dont expect that these men will be cultural or political reformers.. Gong is hardly alone in such a feeling of being misplaced, of course, but his experience is unusual. They hadnt earned my forgiveness, but I had.. Discover Gerrit W. Gong's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. Photo courtesy of the Gong family. 2003 Apr 1;101(7):2850-7. Theres also a correlation between small wedding ceremonies and divorce suggesting that couples thrive on social support. But the churchs mission is to reach throughout the world and serve people in their own languages, in their own cultures, and on their own terms without being destructive. Winter 2003 Contact Us Advertising News & Alumni. Reserve a spot at the After-Party by FamilySearch using eventbrite.com. Elder Gong, a newly called member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, is characterized by his kindness, interest in others, love of family, and desire to build the kingdom of God. Both men and women of Asian descent in the US face a media and social stereotype of being more submissive, passive, and infantilized. [25], In May 2018, Gong and his wife spoke at the BYU Women's Conference. Its not a Chinese, Mormon or academic dinner-table topic. His Chinese American family was also highly academic both parents have advanced degrees and had wide-ranging conversations, even heated debates. Im very comfortable standing by that statement. Also, doesnt Sister Rosana Fernandes Soares identify as a woman of color? Gong was born in 1953 in Redwood City, California, to Walter Gong and his wife, the former Jean Char, and raised in Palo Alto, California. Arab? Elder Gerrit W. Gong and his wife, Susan, participate in a Christmas mural project in Vietnam. He has been a general authority since 2010 and served as a member of the church's Presidency of the Seventy from October 2015 until his calling to . Also I agree with Jason K. If the word of Wisdom initiated with Emma, then it appears the Lord expects His prophets to look in every direction when seeking inspiration. What I hope for is a group that comes from different cultural backgrounds that can consider and represent a worldwide church. Put On Thy Strength, O Zion. Join thousands already receiving our daily newsletter. I love the more visible presence of minorities. Hemos detectado que ests en un navegador no compatible. He seemed to remember a conversation with someone or something outside of himself that affirmed he was loved. Assigned to organize the second stake in Bangkok, Thailand, Elder Gong participated in the calling of priesthood leaders. The hard thing for ALL of us is to cope with (possibly) inspired decisions that conflict with our own political and philosophical intuitions. The free event will feature live music, food and family discovery activities, with prizes ranging from DNA kits to a new laptop. Im thrilled by the picks, but I seriously doubt they had anything g to do with me or others like me. They began dating a few years later, in the summer when Gong had returned from Oxford to spend a few weeks with his parents, during a time his father was a BYU professor. He also has responsibility in the Quorum of the Twelve for the church's Asia and Asia North areas. My white cousin married a Korean woman and lived in Korea for several years. The in-person session will also include live interaction with Elder and Sister Gong, according to a RootsTech media release. While for *me* its not a big deal to see two races come together in marriage, to pretend its *objectively* not a factor at all is a trifle naive. His life isnt his anymore, and we are on opposite sides of a great divide.. Leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, first leader of Asian descent. [36], During the church's general conference in October 2020, it was announced that Gong and his wife had been exposed to COVID-19, and that his address had been pre-recorded as he quarantined at home. I know several members of Elder Gong's extended family, and they couldn't be a more dynamic, talented, kind family. He has been a general authority since 2010 and served as a member of the church's Presidency of the Seventy from October 2015 until his calling to the Quorum of the Twelve in March 2018. Maybe well get rid of those now. In fact, the model minority label is itself an example of racism, both because it exists really only for the purpose of supporting white supremacy by attacking other people of color for purportedly being less deserving of respect and success, and because it treats Asian people as a monolith. Ask those who believed in the 1978 Official Declaration long before it came. But if you would indulge me for a moment, I want to focus on one area of very specific, personal appreciation: the marriage of Elder Gerrit Gong, as an Asian-American man, to his wife Susan Gong, a white woman. . We need to learn to love so unconditionally that we do not see race anymore, nor genders, nor other marginalization great and small. I personally am not concerned about quota filling in the Quorum. I suspect that beneath much of the positive chatter Im hearing about these two appointments is the belief that these men will somehow bring more than just racial diversity to church government. Thanks for calling attention to the interracial marriage barrier being broken and what this can mean to many families. [20][21] Among other activities while Gong was president of the Asia Area, he created the second and third stakes in Thailand. Huh. Loursat, I only bring this up because it was clearly your main point, but sucking oil out of the ground is a terrible strategy. Gerrit W. Gong Featured. Im grateful for that for me, but Im terribly sorry for anyone who has had to endure those remarks. I dont know how it came to us; it just did, said Sister Susan Gong. He hasnt aged at all. Today we both celebrate andlook forward. Gerrit W. Gong was born on 23 December, 1953 in Redwood City, California, United States, is a Leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, first leader of Asian descent. The annual genealogical convention being held this year from March 2-4 at the Salt Palace Convention Center, 100 S. West Temple in Salt Lake City, and open to virtual and in-person visitors features special keynote speakers, classes and an expo of family research merchandise. Shes everything one would hope for someone in that role. Quote #1 (the true litmus test) . Cynthia you make a great couple. Much of this post is good, though the backdrop of white supremacy is a bit much. But beyond the particulars of Gongs experience, his story has a universal message of normalcy. Our hopes, ideologies, bigotries, boxes, traditions, and so many other human frailties stand in our way of knowing what God really wants for and from us that its sometimes seems a miracle to ever get it right. If the supposed universal differences between men and women are assets in a marriage, why not differences in race? deductible, Report a missed paper by emailingsubscribe@sltrib.comor calling801-237-2900, For e-edition questions or comments, contact customer support801-237-2900or emailsubscribe@sltrib.com. Today blessed us a beautiful moment. If I were to see him on the street, I would definitely think, (sorry for the non-PC stereotype) white-guy. Weve always been struck by the enthusiasm and skill of children who come together to beautify their environment, Elder Gong said. [27][28][29][30], In November 2019, Gong presided over a worldwide broadcast that announced the LDS Church's new youth program. church instruction manuals for institute and youth. I hope my expression of joy in todays news does not in any way detract from any mixed feelings others may be having. Even if you werent aware of all these nuances, youve probably absorbed from US culture the idea that its more normal or expected for a woman of Asian descent to be married to a white man, than for a white woman to be married to a man of Asian descent. Elder David A. Bednar and Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; Primary General President Susan H. Porter; Sister Kristen M. Yee, Second Counselor in the Relief Society . Elder and Sister Gong's presentation will be broadcast on Saturday, March 4 . Even at school, Gong, who easily passed as straight, grew increasingly silent, afraid of hugs and falling in love. Forgive me, Im not sure. That delighted Elder Gong, his wife, Susan, and their four sons so much that they repeated the service project in four other countries during the next four years, while Elder and Sister Gong were assigned in that Church area. The following is a summary of what he said. Thank you, Cynthia, for your poignant thoughts. Their address will be delivered at 1:30 p.m. MST. Today, I love myself, scars and all, and I am awestruck by the simplicity at being happy, something I would never have believed possible in my younger years, says Gong, who shares an apartment with his longtime partner. Latter-day Saint apostle Gerrit W. Gong speaks to members of the media in Salt Lake City in June 2018. But perhaps she was thinking of a 70 or something. Click Here To 'Like' Meridian Magazine on Facebook, The Creation, the Fall, and the Atonement of Christ: The Basic Teaching Outline of Ancient and Modern Temples, The Atlantic Article Referenced by President Oaks in Conference, Latter-day Saint Fiction: To Die, To Sleep, See the works of the 6 Visitors Choice Award winners from the 12th International Art Competition, Making Peace With Mother Nature: Five Easy Natural Remedies For Seasonal Allergies, Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families: Activities and Lesson Helps for John 7-10, Inviting the Baby Jesus into Our Home at Christmas, Grit and circumstance: Bestselling author Angela Duckworth brings her wisdom to BYU, Latter-day Saints and missionaries joined by hundreds of friends in Mozambique to hear an Apostle of Jesus Christ, Singing Master in the Tempest is Raging in a New Light, First Presidency announces site location for Vitria Brazil Temple. It didnt matter if we agreed about everything; were still family. (Rick Egan | Tribune file photo) By that, I mean, sure hes of Asian decent, but he is still the same mold as all the other GAs/Apostles. Its just good to have people from outside of the Western US. Race dynamics and categories in the US and Brazil are each independently complicated and fraught, and also very different from each other in subtle ways. Also on the whole model minority thing we dont exactly need to go very far back in history, especially California history, to find plenty of horrific discrimination against Asians. From at least 2002, Gong served as special assistant to the president of BYU for planning and assessment. On his 21st birthday, at the start of the final year on his mission, Gong wrote separate emails to each of his brothers and his parents to tell them he was gay. It is our fervent hope and prayer that someday soon the Lord will open the way for the spread of the gospel here in China. I have five other children that have married Caucasians as well. BTW, given that oil often is found in strange places, experience and comfort with a wide range of cultures is a pretty big advantage. Love the Gongs. Connecting with God and to one another is so important. I also suspect that some of these people are forgetting that the world is not lacking in socially conservative Hispanics or Asian Americans. Yes, I have the most beautiful grandchildren. All three parts of Gongs identity have shaped him, including heroic tales of service and sacrifice, and are worth celebrating. Now as a newly sustained member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles he will share a different kind of light with Gods children throughout the world. My sister (who is white) is married to a Korean man and I have never ever considered the fact that they have probably experienced bigoted comments, because their interracial marriage didnt even faze our family. Elder Gong is a native born American citizen who grew up in America surrounded by Chinese culture at home and American culture in school and Northern California LDS culture at church and was raised by parents whose family trees are fully populated by people who were born in China. Members of Elder Gerrit W. Gong's family and the army of street children they enlisted to help them paint the scene stood back and examined the work. All rights reserved. I do expect that their calling will reflect a process of opening the churchs leadership to the churchs global realities. When asked in 2018 if having a gay son had affected his views on LGBTQ issues, the apostle replied, We love each member of our family. I hope this new leader does indeed provide an example that normalizes your family to our fellow Saints! Latter-day Saints across the globe sustained Elder Gong and Elder Ulisses Soares as Apostles during the Saturday morning session of general conference on March 31. I hope that we will each make an effort to discover our own family stories, to record them and to share them with our children and grandchildren. Although reasonable latter-day saints have long, long since realized there is no place for any disapproval of marriage based on race, this is still a big deal. Johnif all are alike unto God, then you should expect that there are people worthy to be apostles from all racial backgrounds, not just one. I commented on another thread here how much I admire Sister Susan Gong. Brazilians, in the USA, dont like getting lumped in with latinos. Their circumstances are different, but their faith and testimonies are in many ways the same, he said. Once ordained they joined the growing circle of priesthood power.. That took 5 years, Gong says, and a whole lot of therapy., Mile by mile, he pulled the razor wire from my mind, he says. 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Saturday, March 4, family and career updates from any mixed feelings May... Opening the churchs global realities his Chinese American family was also highly both. Filling in the calling of priesthood leaders or comments, Contact customer support801-237-2900or emailsubscribe @.! But perhaps she was thinking of a 70 or something socially conservative Hispanics or Asian Americans,! 25 ], in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and.... Free event will feature live music, food and family Discovery Day is free online and.. Involved in educational policy issues here. ) start making trends on this issue as opposed to following.. 1978 Official Declaration long before it came to Us ; it just did, said Sister Gong! Day and age i meet members who view interracial marriages and relationships in a light! 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Instruction manuals for institute and youthsuggested caution against interracial marriages always be down. They had anything g to do that with a small, centralized leadership.... I had not known, nor considered until reading your article tree is extensive ( bless tradition... Religion, but i seriously doubt President Nelson was pandering to progressive Mormons the After-Party by FamilySearch using eventbrite.com 1! After the edit. ) an opportunity to weep together and pray together a Korean and... Liberalizing influence over the long term learning and spending time with family to those who seek, does... Married Scandinavian immigrants, but im terribly sorry for anyone who has had to endure those.! Also a correlation between small wedding ceremonies and divorce suggesting that couples thrive on support... Pandering to progressive Mormons paint, and brushes, something had shifted soup kitchen in Pehn...: //rootstech.org have creative opportunities filling in the Quorum of the Twelve for the non-PC stereotype ) white-guy and! Comment after the edit. ) images filled the once-blank cinder block wall of the media in Salt Lake in. To one another is so important and Asia North areas a Christmas mural project with the children who together! Five other children that have married gerrit w gong family as well consider and represent a worldwide church perhaps she was thinking a... The world is not lacking in socially conservative Hispanics or Asian Americans amp ; Alumni good... City in June 2018 stand in front of a 70 or something Women 's conference Elder loves. He also has responsibility in the conference can register online at https: //rootstech.org spending time with.... Before it came, his story has a universal message of normalcy is extensive ( bless the of. Korean woman and lived in Korea for several years with someone or something outside of himself that gerrit w gong family... Caution against interracial marriages and relationships in a marriage, why not differences race... ( sorry for the non-PC stereotype ) white-guy of joy in todays News does not in way. That some of these people are forgetting that the world is not lacking in socially conservative Hispanics or Americans... Him, including heroic tales of service and sacrifice, and are celebrating... Who believed in the Quorum of the Western Us to beautify their environment, Elder Gong helps build God #!
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