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 . Elder and Sister Gong's presentation will be broadcast on Saturday . I spent part of the weekend looking for synonyms for overwhelming because overwhelming doesnt seem to cover it, said Sister Gong. Either way it helps us abide and grow. church instruction manuals for institute and youth. That isnt to say father and son agree on all things. . Of his new assignment, Elder Gong said it was overwhelming to have President Nelson tenderly take my hands in his and extend a call to the apostleship. Also, doesnt Sister Rosana Fernandes Soares identify as a woman of color? He witnessed how the Lord touched many different people in Vietnam. (See related story.) It depends. It is heartbreaking when we are asked questions about religion, but cannot respond. What Does the Parable of the Wheat and Tares Teach about the Apostasy? I hope my expression of joy in todays news does not in any way detract from any mixed feelings others may be having. [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. A few early apostles married Scandinavian immigrants, but thats really stretching the definition of interracial marriage. Daily news, articles, videos and podcasts sent straight to your inbox. If I were to see him on the street, I would definitely think, (sorry for the non-PC stereotype) white-guy. Oh, the challenge of English adjectives. Ask those who believed in the 1978 Official Declaration long before it came. Felix and Carolyn, First hand knowledge here. I was never so different [that] I couldnt be potentially included.. Our cultural biases are a factor, as well. July 10, 2022. [37] A few days later, the church announced that he and his wife had tested positive for COVID-19, with Gong being the first high-ranking LDS Church leader with a positive test. 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. Elder Gerrit W. Gong and his wife, Sister Susan Lindsay Gong. From one who knows nothing, I couldnt help but see Elder Gong being placed in position to help open up China. They will share some of their stories at Family Discovery Day during RootsTech 2023. Reading through all the comments has been interesting. He was born in Redwood City, California. . Yes, my heart feels especially full today in seeing what I believe is the first interracial couple in the Quorum of the Twelve [1], and in knowing that my son and daughter can see children in the family photo of an apostle that look like them, too! I never thought of myself as nonwhite but as ethnically ambiguous, Gong says in an interview. [17] Prior to joining the BYU administration, the Gongs had spent most of their married life in Maryland and Virginia. 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. Their marriage was performed by apostle David B. Haight, who had connections to their families from his time in California. The authors presentation assumes an intellectual supremacy that we all should come to the same interpretations.though I guess thats what opinions are. 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. Family history also encourages us to preserve our own experiences . His mother, an avid gardener, once explained the difference between flowers and weeds. Is Elder Gong of mixed race? In doing so, he gave himself the chance to extend grace to his past selves. Score: It takes strength to keep sustaining when one is ready for shifts and even sees wisdom in them, but they dont come. The in-person session will also include live interaction with Elder and Sister Gong, according to a RootsTech media release. But getting to this place of peace with his trifold identity, says Gong, an artificial intelligence engineer in Seattle, has required hard work. I know several members of Elder Gongs extended family, and they couldnt be a more dynamic, talented, kind family. Susan and Gerrit Gong (Church News photograph). Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Sister Susan Gong, will attend. Winter 2003 Contact Us Advertising News & Alumni. That was a message about God that he wanted to share and prompted him to serve a two-year mission for the church, he says in the interview. Recommended dish: Korean BBQ platter. They hadnt earned my forgiveness, but I had.. Join thousands already receiving our daily newsletter. Which is empowering to those of us not necessarily agitating for change but asking sincere questions. Both men and women of Asian descent in the US face a media and social stereotype of being more submissive, passive, and infantilized. You may know that the LDS Young Womans program was way cooler in the early 20th century than it has been during the lifetime of anyone alive today. He said they have had an opportunity to weep together and pray together. This has been a great day in my long life! Forgive me, Im not sure. Although it is 2018 and one would hope the simple fact of an apostle in a interracial marriage wouldnt be abig dealanymore, it is. Arab? Big smiles in the Hedgehog home. Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Sister Susan Gong are the keynote speakers for Family Discovery Day on the final day of RootsTech, the global family history gathering . Ill check on her. :). Leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, first leader of Asian descent, First Seven Presidents of the Seventy / First Council of the Seventy, Apostolic seniority is generally understood to include all ordained apostles (including the. Coming out, though, wasnt the happily-ever-after he had hoped it would be. Bright colors and vivid images filled the once-blank cinder block wall of the soup kitchen in Phnom Pehn, Cambodia. I dont expect that these men will be cultural or political reformers. Elder Gerrit W. Gong, the first Asian-American Apostle, is a faithful lifelong Church member. Acompaa al lder Gerrit W. Gong, del Curum de los Doce Apstoles, y a su esposa, la hermana Susan Lindsay Gong, en un viaje internacional de descubrimiento familiar. There is joy and warmth as my boyfriend pulls me close for a hug, and I marvel at the easy laughs and unqualified smiles that we share as we sit on the couch watching TV., There is celebration, he says, in my families of both queer and of birth., Though Gong still claims aspects of Mormonism in his spirituality, he has added theistic Taoism, Zen Buddhism and any parts of a religion that seem resonant civility, care, forgiveness, treating humans with dignity and compassion., He learned those principles from growing up Mormon, he says, but they are not unique to the church., The churchs patterns and behaviors of abuse, he says, dont have to be there; they are not inherent in the doctrine.. [5][1][2] As a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Gong is accepted by the church as a prophet, seer, and revelator. His fear was that people would politicize me and my dad. I have five other children that have married Caucasians as well. Yipp BG, Robbins SM, Resek ME, Baruch DI, Looareesuwan S, Ho M. Src-family Kinase Signaling Modulates the Adhesion of Plasmodium falciparum on Human Microvascular Endothelium Under Flow. they wondered. Im also the white half of an interracial marriage. I also know that its possible to find joy and peace in the church even when we find ourselves with a minority opinion. One, he is unfailingly kind, she said. #progress. 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. Currently, he is the fourteenth most senior apostle in the church.[6]. His family relationships clarified, my friend said, "I feel free, at peace. Our churchs very highly centralized authority creates a great challenge. Elder Gong said he and Sister Gong love being with the members in every place they have the privilege to go. I know several members of Elder Gong's extended family, and they couldn't be a more dynamic, talented, kind family. Citation Sane liberals in the church dont have any illusions about their influence.). 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. Saints See New Apostles as Symbol of Church Growth, Diversity, Meet Elder Soares: Committed to Serve and Testify Worldwide. Da de descubrimiento familiar: lder y hermana Gong. A lot of good viewpoints and thoughts. Gerrit W. Gong is a famous Mormon leader. I also suspect that some of these people are forgetting that the world is not lacking in socially conservative Hispanics or Asian Americans. 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). 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 . Meet Elder Gerrit W. Gong: "Unfailingly Kind" Family Man. The storyteller and artist came out in defiance of my depression, he says, with a desperate will to survive. Campus Research People Faith Family Past Issues. Then whatever is revealed is always so outside a lot of peoples realm of what, who, or how things should be that murmuring is inevitable. When the family moved to Utah, the young Gong found himself in a much more homogeneous community with a dominant culture, he says, where his peers and teachers werent exactly sure about his ethnicity. Also, I suspect President Nelsons very special interest in China may have played a role in the case of Elder Gong. Elder Gerrit W. Gong, newly sustained as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and his wife, Sister Susan Gong, in Salt Lake City. Elder Gerrit W. Gong, the first Asian-American Apostle, is a faithful lifelong Church member. Factor does not mean negative or positive it just is. But today, let us rejoice! Their children had a hard time in Korean schools because of the round eyes. Does that mean they never should have gotten married? Of course not. Next I would really love for Adam and Eve in the temple videos to be an interracial couple. [3] He is the LDS Church's first apostle of Asian descent. From at least 2002, Gong served as special assistant to the president of BYU for planning and assessment. BTW, given that oil often is found in strange places, experience and comfort with a wide range of cultures is a pretty big advantage. And I suspect their international cred was perceived as a big plus, not a minus. 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. 31 October 2021 by Gerrit W. Gong 16,100 sq ft (1,500 m 2) on a 7.7-acre (3.1 ha) site There was almost no better realistic possibility than these two picks. There is complexity in every relationship and we continue to work at it., If theres a single label that he claims for his identity, its Gong, he says. In the April 2022 General Conference, Elder Gerrit W. Gong said, " [W]e each have a story. Im sorry for that feeling in the pit of your stomachI know it all too well. Members of Elder Gerrit W. Gongs family stand in front of a mural project with the children who assisted them in Vietnam. And Fred, it is interesting to me your physiological response to their call. Download Photo. I love the more visible presence of minorities. Having people who know about petroleum extraction is always useful! Its most likely that any individual called into the Q12 is pretty socially conservative. It didnt matter if we agreed about everything; were still family. Those interested in participating in the conference can register online at https://rootstech.org. Susan is other-oriented and down-to-earth wherever she is, said Elder Gong. 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. Term ended by removal of apostleship; was later excommunicated. Its very, very hard to do that with a small, centralized leadership group. Ill investigate Rosana. I agree. Mental Health Minute: Who is Driving the Bus. I felt like the church that I have always thought was lead by God had caved in to the relentless pressure from those in the Mormon blogoshphere who are obsessed with promoting political correctness and diversity. Arent we missing that All are alike unto God? On my mission, I learned that the first things to grow on the battlefields of France after World War I, were poppies, blood-red poppies, Gong tells the Affirmation virtual audience. Here goes: When the names of the two new apostles were read I felt sick in the pit of my stomach. Im thrilled by the picks, but I seriously doubt they had anything g to do with me or others like me. Im sorry youve had to deal with this racism, you are a beautiful couple!! -Gerrit W. Gong. Their address will be delivered at 1:30 p.m. MST. To read the full article on LDS.org, click here. People. By Mike Rabus Posted 7/5/2022. Elder Gong, whose ancestors left southern China in the late 19th century for work in the United States, was born into the Church. gerrit gong family picture . As I said at the last time new apostles were chosenI would have preferred to have seen three Caucasian apostles from outside North America than three apostles of color who were born and raised in Utah. He looks part white to me. His first name is "Gerrit" and his last name is . Lasting Discipleship. Why does ethnicity have to be politicized in Zion the way it is in Babylon? 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. The choices you make will determine what happens in the "plot" of your life, and education can have a big impact. Though Gongs relationship with his parents got off to a rocky start after he came out not for lack of love or rejection but for miscommunication they are now as close as ever and talk almost every week. Today blessed us a beautiful moment. 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. The current government is becoming more repressive about such matters. 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. I believe inspiration comes to those who seek, as does revelation-like who to call to be apostles. Discover Gerrit W. Gong's Wiki Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. 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. Thank you for sharing! Im sorry to hear this, but grateful that I was raised in the 50s to 70s by open minded, faithful Mormon parents, for which I am grateful for every day. As we discover our story, we connect, we belong, we become." 1. 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. There was some debate about Elder Soares that I think settled on he is from Latin America but not Latino nor a person of color by race. Shes everything one would hope for someone in that role. sltrib.com 1996-2023 The Salt Lake Tribune. Although the character of the racism people of Asian descent experience in the US is very different from what Latinx and black people face, and the significance of that should not be minimized, it is still racism. Prior to becoming a general authority, Gong served in the church as a stake Sunday School president, high councilor, seminary teacher, bishop, stake president, and area seventy. [3] Effective January 4, 2016, Gong transitioned from his role as president of the Asia Area and into the Presidency of the Seventy, with responsibility for the church's North America Northeast Area. They are the parents of four sons and have three grandchildren. 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. Similarly, we were happy and hopeful to learn of President Nelsons ties to this wonderful land. All quotes by Gerrit W. Gong and in blue (unless otherwise noted). Cynthia, thanks for sharing. Thank you, Cynthia, for your poignant thoughts. Elder Gong loves learning and spending time with family. No accent here! Big smiles from this multiethnic family too. Fairbanks. Some of the activities include a throw-back photo challenge, family history Twister, family selfie station and a giant family tree. The following is from FamilySearch: SALT LAKE CITY, UTAHElder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his wife, Susan Gong, will be the featured keynote speakers for Family Discovery Day at RootsTech 2023. Its just good to have people from outside of the Western US. )[16] Gong and his wife are the parents of four sons. He and Ulisses Soares filled the vacancies created from the deaths of Thomas S. Monson and Robert D. :). . Donate to the newsroom now. No registration is required. Even at school, Gong, who easily passed as straight, grew increasingly silent, afraid of hugs and falling in love. Once ordained they joined the growing circle of priesthood power.. His father joined the Church after attending Stanford University, where his parents met and dated. Elder Gong was on my list of best case scenarios. Im grateful for that for me, but Im terribly sorry for anyone who has had to endure those remarks. [20][21] Among other activities while Gong was president of the Asia Area, he created the second and third stakes in Thailand. Additional instruction will be provided by Area Presidencies. With all the comments here I echo the joy in seeing a diverse Quorum. President (now Elder) Uchtdorf is a wonderful man on his own merits, but I truly feel like a lot of his perspective comes from his background and upbringing. I confronted and broke down the lies I had been told about what it means to be queer. 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. We need to learn to love so unconditionally that we do not see race anymore, nor genders, nor other marginalization great and small. 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. Ours is a worldwide Church. Bright colors and vivid images filled the once-blank cinder block wall of the soup kitchen in Phnom Pehn, Cambodia. Beyond the symbolic impact (which is important) no one should expect there will be much short or medium term impacts, but in 20 years when they become senior apostles there might be some hope of more open minds outside of the US conservative/Utah experience. Come find your voice, your song, your harmony in Him. Shout out to Jusok. The restored gospel is for every nation, kindred, and tongue. Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Joseph W. Sitati. I dont think there are many people who are openly queer and whose dad is now in one of the highest positions of authority in the LDS Church, he quips in an online post that went viral. [23] Among his assignments while in the Presidency of the Seventy, Gong served on the Church Board of Education and Boards of Trustees, where he also served as a member of its executive committee. 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. Oh Lord, hasten the healing of our unbelief. SALT LAKE CITY In his first public appearance since completing a COVID-19 quarantine, Elder Gerrit W. Gong, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of . After the meeting we entered a large room, where on chairs on three sides of the room priesthood leaders were ordained one by one, recalled Sister Gong. He is the son of Gerrit W. Gong, . 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. Elder and Sister Gong said they have also felt the outpouring of support from members throughout the world. Ask Peter. But its something a couple should acknowledge and prepare for. Reserve a spot at the After-Party by FamilySearch using eventbrite.com. Representation matters! Otherwise it would be hard for that person to win the confidence of the senior leadership. I was worried that it would be deletedinstead I have been encouraged to look at it in new ways that I hadnt considered. Work to make it different, but live in reality, too. To appreciate why this feels especially significant to me that we have not only an interracial couple, but specifically a Chinese-American man and a white woman, we have to have a frank talk about how racism in the United States manifests against Asians and Asian-Americans, specifically in regards to gender and sex. 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. Sexuality, however, was never discussed. They understand that diversity is out there, but they havent lived it, and there is no substitute for living it. Its disingenuous to portray the Churchs historic concern with inter-racial marriages as a simple matter of possible incompatibility. Gong had the same dreams as other young Latter-day Saints, serving in callings with a wife and children, and spending eternity in heaven with his family. I genuinely feel this way and am not in any way trying to be disruptive or to be a troll. If my voice is silenced (deleted) I will take the hint that Im not welcome here and will quietly go away. A Rhodes Scholar who worked for the U.S. State Department and for the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C., Elder Gongs travels have taken him to all seven continents, including living in Asia for more than a decade. Cheers. And that, I believe, is a blessing for all concerned. Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Sister Susan Gong will be the keynote speakers for Family Discovery Day on the final day of RootsTech, the global family history gathering taking place virtually and in person March 2-4, 2023. Submitted on July 23, 2013. I also rejoice in the callings of Elder Gong and Elder Soares. He had a close almost familial relationship with de Jong and would refer to him as "Grandpa de Jong." In the background, another newly called apostle, Ulisses Soares, hugs his wife, Rosana Soares. Calling these two men to the Quorum of the Twelve is a landmark moment, but in terms of what the church really needs, its just a halting first step. (And alsowhat Kevin said. Huh. STE 1058, Provo, UT 84601, Elder Gerrit W. Gong, wife to keynote RootsTech Family Discovery Day. Virtual registration is free, while in-person access is $98 for all three days though, the public wont be charged for entry to the expo hall, featuring more than 200 exhibitors, product demonstrations and research specialists. I dont know why some would feel the way you did and some the way I did, but thank you for sharing and also maintaining respect for those who felt differently. "Ours is a worldwide Church. And I pray that we will live lives of goodness to honor their memories and to show thanks for the gift of life they have given to us, said Susan Gong. Biography. In movies, gays were victims, targets for bullies, or the sassy friend.. Revelation: 2 When I refer to my Merriam Webster Dictionary and the Encyclopedia Britannica online, Elder Soares happily fits those definitions of Latino. We were grateful others were excited for children to have creative opportunities. 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. Again, its complicated and fluid. We need more voices that reflect the churchs greatness in diversity. Editors note If you or people you know are at risk of self-harm, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24-hour support at 1-800-273-8255. The OPs own experience of external challenges is evidence enough that race is a factor to consider! [35] The church later announced that Gong, whose wife has ties to Taylorsville, Utah, would preside at the October 2020 groundbreaking for the temple in that city. (Sometimes the emphasis is on achieving a picture-perfect family which involves inflated egos, exclusiveness, feelings of superiority or inferiority, and other unChrist-like behaviors both inside and outside the family.