Perhaps social support could be encouraged rather than interracial marriage being discouraged. Gong had just been named an apostle. Work to make it different, but live in reality, too. And I suspect their international cred was perceived as a big plus, not a minus. Members of Elder Gerrit W. Gongs family and the army of street children they enlisted to help them paint the scene stood back and examined the work. [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. His family relationships clarified, my friend said, "I feel free, at peace. It depends. Members of Elder Gerrit W. Gongs family and the army of street children they enlisted to help them paint the scene stood back and examined the work. Elder Gerrit W. Gong and his wife, Susan, participate in a Christmas mural project in Vietnam. Cynthia you make a great couple. Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Sister Susan Gong. Da de descubrimiento familiar: lder y hermana Gong. I dont know how it came to us; it just did, said Sister Susan Gong. (Rick Egan | Tribune file photo) Two, he is interested in everything, which makes him a fascinating person to live with. His life isnt his anymore, and we are on opposite sides of a great divide.. Ours is a worldwide Church. (If they are, it will be a pleasant surprise.) Gong is married to Susan Lindsay, a daughter of Richard P. Lindsay. . Both men and women of Asian descent in the US face a media and social stereotype of being more submissive, passive, and infantilized. We need to learn to love so unconditionally that we do not see race anymore, nor genders, nor other marginalization great and small. ChurchofJesusChrist.org. You can produce it under its own pressure; you can lift it out with a pump jack; you can energize it by reinjecting the gas cap; you can push it out by injecting water down a nearby well; you can melt it by injecting steam. 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 . As a missionary in Taiwan. He seemed to remember a conversation with someone or something outside of himself that affirmed he was loved. He had a close almost familial relationship with de Jong and would refer to him as "Grandpa de Jong." This is a big deal. You were referring to citizenship and location of childhood ambient culture. Until he was 10, Matt Gong, the familys fourth of four sons, lived in the Washington, D.C., area, where his dad worked at a policy think tank. 2003 Apr 1;101(7):2850-7. LDS Church wants to light up a temple in a place that prides itself on dark skies, For husband-and-wife team, this new restaurant is the culmination of a decadeslong dream, Gong took his place for a lifetime appointment in the faiths Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, asked in 2018 if having a gay son had affected his views on LGBTQ. People. That being said, my thoughts are that we may be making more of Elder Gongs lineage than is really there. Gerrit W. Gong is a famous Mormon leader. 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. Learn more about guidelines and necessary forms. Gong then studied international relations at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar, receiving a master's degree in 1979 and a D.Phil. Its impossible to have any credibility as a global church if we have almost no cultural and ethnic diversity among the most senior leaders. Elder and Sister Gong's presentation will be broadcast on Saturday, March 4 . Once ordained they joined the growing circle of priesthood power.. Until he was 10, Matt Gong, the family's fourth of four sons, lived in the Washington, D.C., area, where his dad worked at a policy think tank. It makes all the difference to know who my family are." My friend muses, "A bent branch does not mean a bad tree. 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. This white British woman with Japanese husband and two children is with you all the way on this one. After Joseph's baptism, the Young brothers taught their family and friends in Canada and baptized over 150 individuals and established four branches of the church, including ones in Kingston and Sydenham. He has deep credentials (both in church service and big worldly accomplishments), and he is born and bred American. Why treat it like a zero-sum game? Which is empowering to those of us not necessarily agitating for change but asking sincere questions. Five Frameworks on Iraq. He was called to London on a Mandarin-speaking mission in 2011. 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. 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. His mother's family were ethnic Chinese in Hawaii, while his father's family had lived in California and other parts of the United States after his ancestors had emigrated from China in the late 19th century. [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. We were grateful others were excited for children to have creative opportunities.. Blood. :) Hope all is well. Patterns of Discipleship. We feel the need to be compassionate to all. Arab? I will update the post as I get further information. And it takes strength to keep sustaining when a shift comes before one is ready. A former bishop and stake president, Elder Gong has served as a General Authority since 2010 and in that capacity has seen the Church grow and develop across the world. He also has responsibility in the Quorum of the Twelve for the church's Asia and Asia North areas. I spent part of the weekend looking for synonyms for overwhelming because overwhelming doesnt seem to cover it, said Sister Gong. I am just grateful to know that this comes one day at a time and that when you are on the Lords errand, you receive the Lords help. We need more voices that reflect the churchs greatness in diversity. The couple hosts grandkids camp every summer, which includes crafts and adventures, and loves to travel with their sons. I confronted and broke down the lies I had been told about what it means to be queer. Gerrit W Gong; Education. Brazilians, in the USA, dont like getting lumped in with latinos. Although the family had provided the sketch, paint, and brushes, something had shifted. The restored gospel is for every nation, kindred, and tongue. Bensen, recounting your personal experience with a few interracial marriages in [your] own family and supposing you can generalize from those experiences with those few particular people to arrive at broad statements about how race functions in marriage is, at the very least, a trifle naive. Its also more than a trifle condescending, considering that youre trying to correct someone who has actual first-hand experience of the potential issues youre describing. 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. Mental Health Minute: Who is Driving the Bus. Enter your email address to follow BCC and receive new posts by email. It is heartbreaking when we are asked questions about religion, but cannot respond. Review of "We Each Have a Story" by Apostle Gerrit W. Gong. Ask those who believed in the 1978 Official Declaration long before it came. 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. There is a misconception that Asians and Asian-Americans do not experience racism in the US, because their model minority status casts them as the ideal scholars and citizens. I held my ground and I silenced their rage with my story as I spoke with my own voice. But sucking it out by reducing the surface pressure below 14.7 psi wont accomplish much. I hope that we will all gain greater appreciation for the struggles, courage, faith and sacrifice of those who have gone before. By that, I mean, sure hes of Asian decent, but he is still the same mold as all the other GAs/Apostles. I believe the Lord uses those who have specific skills to move His church forward.and Sister Gong is fluent in Mandarin. 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. My last post must have sounded like trolling as it has disappeared. But its a relief to know that the oil companies dont have to suck so hard. Elder Gerrit W. Gong, the first Asian-American Apostle, is a faithful lifelong Church member. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News. Some places wanted to send only the best and most artistic children to participate. It will be another important step when we have the first woman of color wife of an apostle, the first black man, more examples of lives lived on more continents and in bodies with different abilities, anddare we hopethe first woman. Of course not. FredI strongly suspect that you would not have similar qualms about announcements that aligned with your own political priors. 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. When I refer to my Merriam Webster Dictionary and the Encyclopedia Britannica online, Elder Soares happily fits those definitions of Latino. Oh Lord, hasten the healing of our unbelief. There are over a billion Chinese citizens, and we non-Chinese are forbididen by law from discussing religion with them. But beyond the particulars of Gongs experience, his story has a universal message of normalcy. A few early apostles married Scandinavian immigrants, but thats really stretching the definition of interracial marriage. I experienced confusion, sexual assault and rejection as I stumbled through my new life, Gong says. The LDS Brazilians I know are adamant that they are of European descent and that they are not Latino. Cautioning against interracial marriage on the grounds of it being challenging seems to contradict every Relief Society lesson Ive sat through about overcoming differences in a marriage. Big smiles from this multiethnic family too. His Chinese American family was also highly academic both parents have advanced degrees and had wide-ranging conversations, even heated debates. What I hope for is a group that comes from different cultural backgrounds that can consider and represent a worldwide church. 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. They will share some of their stories at Family Discovery Day during RootsTech 2023. But the Gongs explained their project was an opportunity for all the children. And hopefully those last few references to the evils of miscegenation can soon be purged. The 2023 Temple and Family History Leadership Instruction of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints premieres online on Thursday, March 2, 2023. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. 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. Submitted on July 23, 2013. Additional instruction will be provided by Area Presidencies. Lasting Discipleship. 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. Leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, first leader of Asian descent. Im sorry youve had to deal with this racism, you are a beautiful couple!! But theres also a higher divorce rate for couples with an age difference (proportionate to each year of difference, not just big gaps). 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. We need to love till we do not marginalize any of our Fathers children. In movies, gays were victims, targets for bullies, or the sassy friend.. I agree that people should go into an interracial marriage being mindful of the challenges. sltrib.com 1996-2023 The Salt Lake Tribune. But getting to this place of peace with his trifold identity, says Gong, an artificial intelligence engineer in Seattle, has required hard work. With his wife, Susan, Elder Gong helps build God's kingdom by serving all of His children. . If I were to see him on the street, I would definitely think, (sorry for the non-PC stereotype) white-guy. Its disingenuous to portray the Churchs historic concern with inter-racial marriages as a simple matter of possible incompatibility. [7], Gong graduated from Cubberley High School in Palo Alto, California, in 1971. Cynthia, thanks for sharing. [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. 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. 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. The Salt Lake Tribune, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax Mormonism LIVE: 117: Changes To The Temple & The Ethics of Ensign Peak Advisors Mormonism Live! In October 2015, Gong was appointed to the Presidency of the Seventy, filling a vacancy created by Ronald A. Rasband's call to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. I dont know where his wife was born but with Susan as a first name I would assume she is American as well. He was born on December 23, 1953 and his birthplace is California, Redwood City California. 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. Its pretty easy to support and sustain what were used to; harder when there is a significant shift. 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. 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. 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. Ours is a worldwide Church, said Elder Gong. Fred: and that is the value of diversity, across every possible category. Sister Gong said there are three characteristics that are quintessential Gerrit Gong. http://www.pbs.org/wnet/black-in-latin-america/featured/black-in-latin-america-full-episode-brazil-a-racial-paradise/224/. And he never brought it up. Both Elder and Sister Gong served as full-time missionaries in Taiwan; the couple married in January 1980 in the Salt Lake Temple. The church desperately needed someone who represented Latin and South American saints symbolically and with experience in the 12. Maybe well get rid of those now. Theres also a correlation between small wedding ceremonies and divorce suggesting that couples thrive on social support. Blessed be the name of the Lord. July 10, 2022. 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. The storyteller and artist came out in defiance of my depression, he says, with a desperate will to survive. 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. Quote #1 (the true litmus test) . Come discover yours. Photo courtesy of the Gong family. Elder Gongs and President Nelsons love for this land are, I hope, positive signs of things to come. 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.. Either way it helps us abide and grow. Photo courtesy of the Gong family. My wife is Japanese and Im Puerto Rican, whoop dee doo. He later served as a special assistant in the United States State Department, as well as special assistant to the ambassador at the United States Embassy in Beijing, China. Elder Gong said, "On my mother's side . Looking back, Gong sees plenty of clues to his sexuality that he failed to recognize at the time: Staring at a male underwear mannequin when he was a child. His mother's family are ethnic Chinese in Hawaii . The choices you make will determine what happens in the "plot" of your life, and education can have a big impact. [22] While in the presidency of the Asia Area, Gong resided in Hong Kong but supervised the work of the LDS Church in all of continental East Asia except Korea, Taiwan, and all of Southeast Asia, except the Philippines and south Asia. I forgive you, he says. Representation matters! Recommended dish: Korean BBQ platter. Currently, he is the fourteenth most senior apostle in the church.[6]. Having people who know about petroleum extraction is always useful! Come find your voice, your song, your harmony in Him. 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. That is something the Gongs also learned from the children involved in their mural projects, undertaken during the Christmas season. I know several members of Elder Gong's extended family, and they couldn't be a more dynamic, talented, kind family. The authors presentation assumes an intellectual supremacy that we all should come to the same interpretations.though I guess thats what opinions are. Born in Redwood City, California, to Walter A. and Jean C. Gong, Elder Gong comes to the apostleship with a background rich in education and experience. Three, he loves the Lord. They will . Gerrit W. Gong Featured. I dont know of anything further back in the family tree than that. Elder Soares, a Brazillian, brings long-overdue representation from the southern hemisphere. Elder and Sister Gong's presentation will be broadcast on Saturday . Elder and Sister Gong said they have also felt the outpouring of support from members throughout the world. [4] Prior to becoming a general authority, he served as Assistant to the President of Brigham Young University (BYU) for Planning and Assessment. Gong is hardly alone in such a feeling of being misplaced, of course, but his experience is unusual. 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. However Im not excited about the call because of his increasing the racial diversity in the Quorum of the Twelve (which he doesnt) but rather because he brings a -cultural- diversity that is very welcomed. Yes, I have the most beautiful grandchildren. 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. Gerrit W. Gong and his wife, Susan Gong, leave the stand after the Saturday morning session of the 188th Annual General Conference in Salt Lake City, Friday, March 30, 2018. Although it is 2018 and one would hope the simple fact of an apostle in a interracial marriage wouldnt be abig dealanymore, it is. Its just good to have people from outside of the Western US. Still, they often have warred within the psyche of this 29-year-old, leaving wounds that have taken years to heal. Four of my children have married half mixed spouses, two half Japanese and two half Hispanic in Utah. #progress. He also on occasion continued to travel to Asia, such as being present for the official recognition of the LDS Church in Vietnam. Brazilian members of the Church make up over 8% of the total church membership (as of just over a year ago). . Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his wife, Susan, have rich family histories from Hawaii and Ireland. 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. Elder Gerrit W. Gong was born on December 23, 1953, in California. His mother met the missionaries as a teenager in Honolulu, Hawaii. Even in this day and age I meet members who view interracial marriages and relationships in a negative light. He said they have had an opportunity to weep together and pray together. Elder Gong loves learning and spending time with family. Too many glories to express. and one of those categories is occupation. (I should be really friendly to this guy, or I just want to spend a lot of time with that boy.), He didnt want to accept himself as gay, because the only queerness I had ever seen was bad the AIDS crisis, promiscuity, death. 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. That our interactions would be nitpicked to brand us as avatars of ideologies, Gong writes on a Facebook post. It was my biggest hope for the conference. I thought the image was beautiful and so when I came out, I clung to the idea that I was somehow like the poppies.. church instruction manuals for institute and youth. Hi MB, Im really not the expert to speak on that. Put On Thy Strength, O Zion. [26], In May 2019, Gong and his wife accompanied Russell M. Nelson and his wife on a ministry tour to the Pacific region. Biography. My heart ached also for Elder Gong and Elder Soares as I realized that they too probably wonder if their call came from God or if they are token minorities in a corporation that has to factor in the opinions and philosophies of the world in its decision making. 31 October 2021 by Gerrit W. Gong 16,100 sq ft (1,500 m 2) on a 7.7-acre (3.1 ha) site We were grateful others were excited for children to have creative opportunities. There are any number of reasons I couldnt be happier about the newly-called Elder Gong and Elder Soares. 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