Richard Ostler: Embracing LGBTQ individuals while serving as a LDS bishop and creating more understanding, inclusion and love

Richard shares how when serving as a LDS bishop in a YSA (young single adult) congregation with LGBTQ members he had a strong spiritual experience leading him to set aside past assumptions and do better. He committed to listening, learning from, and loving these individuals and others with unique roads. Richard discusses creating safe spaces in our homes and church communities, mitigating shame, being open and curious, and ministering as Jesus would. 

 

Richard speaks in church settings about how to fully embrace LGBTQ individuals, see their gifts and contributions, and better understand their unique road. He is the host of the Listen, Learn & Love podcast which provides a platform for Latter-day Saints to share stories on many topics. Richard is the author of two books - Listen Learn & Love: Embracing LGBTQ Latter-day Saints, and Listen Learn & Love: Improving Latter-day Saint Culture - both available at Deseret Book and Amazon. He is also the author of two Ensign Articles. 

 

In addition to serving as a LDS bishop, he has served as a stake young men’s president, high counselor, ward mission leader, and currently serves as a temple worker. Richard has a BS from the University of Utah and an MBA from Brigham Young University, and is a small business owner. He and his wife Sheila live in Salt Lake City, Utah, and have six children and three grandchildren.

 

Visit Richard online at listenlearnandlove.org & papaostler.com
Find him on Instagram @papa_ostler & Facebook: Richard Ostler
Podcast: Listen Learn & Love Podcast with Richard Ostler