a letter read before all congregations which stated homosexual thoughts and feelings can and should be overcome by sincere repentance, persistent effort, the help of others, and counsel from a bishop. The letter made a distinction between thoughts and behavior, and called for love and understanding for those struggling to overcome homosexual thoughts. 1992 – The church published a guide for local leaders which stated that homosexual feelings can be overcome, and sometimes heterosexual feelings emerge leading to happy, eternal marriage relationships. The pamphlet did not frame homosexuality as a disease corresponding to the recent change by the World Health Organization removing homosexuality as a mental disorder. 1994 – The First Presidency issued a statement encouraging members to contact their legislators in an effort to reject same-sex marriage. 1995 – First presidency member James Faust wrote an article denying any biological components in the causes of homosexuality, and stated that gay relationships would help unravel society. 1995 – Church president Gordon B. Hinckley released "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" which stated that marriage between a man and a woman is essential and ordained of God, and that gender is an essential part of one's eternal identity and purpose. The document was submitted by the church in several amicus briefs as evidence against legalizing same-sex marriages. 1995 – Hinckley condemned same-sex marriage, but invited members of the church reach out and sympathize with homosexual individuals. 1995 – An article by Dallin H. Oaks denounced gay bashing and gave a nuanced view on potential biological components of the etiology of homosexuality. It also advised against using the sexual identifiers gay or lesbian. 1995 – The church's Family Services published a manual for practitioners stating that dysfunctional family relationships and abuse were at the root of homosexuality. The guide gave suggestions on how to prevent and treat homosexuality. 1997 – Hinckley gave an interview in which he called gay members of the church good people and said they're not reprimanded for their attractions unless they participated in sexual acts. He affirmed that gay Mormons must live a celibate life. 1998 – The Church Handbook was updated to ban members from full-time missionary service who had participated in "homosexual acts" from age 15 (unless it had been at least one year since the occurrence and there was strong evidence of reformation). The update also included the first handbook policy sections on homosexuality