The Idol alum says he has "taken a leap away" from the church.

David Archuleta, an American Idol alum, is talking about his relationship with the Mormon Church since coming out last year.

The 31-year-old singer spoke out about his decision to leave the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints earlier in the year. He also revealed what caused him to have a "faith crisis."

Archuleta, who was born in Utah and raised Mormon, came out in June 2021 as a member the LGBTQIA+ community. He posted an Instagram message stating that he was "maybe on the spectrum of bisexual." According to the Season 7 contestant of American Idol, Archuleta revealed that he was gay in 2014 and had come out to his family previously.

Steve Osunsami of ABC News asked the "Crush" singer if he had "left the church." He replied that he "had taken a step away" and noted that he made the decision at "beginning this year."

Archuleta said, "I've experienced a faith crisis this past year." "So now, I have to deconstruct all."

After meeting with a leader of the Mormon Church, he said that he had realized it was time for him to leave. He didn't seem to be able accept his sexuality.

He said it three times during that conversation: "Well, maybe we just have to find you a good woman." Archuleta said to Osunsami, "Maybe you can find good girls." "And I'm like 'That's just not the solution.

"I said, "Can you see why? Because this has meant so many things to me, I'm doing everything I can to make sure I still belong here.

Archuleta stated that while the church leaders, who are called "apostles," seem to have rejected his sexuality but that many members of the church have accepted him. He said, "I would say it's more the church structure than the people." "Because they have been incredible."

Osunsami said that he had a relationship with a woman since he was out in public. He is now dating again and he says he "sees himself marrying another man someday."

Archuleta, however, revealed that he was almost married to three women in the years prior to his coming out. His struggles with sexuality and the church nearly led him to suicide.

"You are trying to decide which is worse?" Osunsami was the first to hear it. "Is it worse to have the desire for men to explode in my face and I feel like Satan is trying to control me?" Or would it be better to end my own life so that I can avoid that temptation?

"It reached a point when I realized, You know? He recalled that something within him was telling him that there was value in his life, even though he was gay. It was hard for me to believe that my church was not outright hostile towards gay people but they do have a passive-aggressive and stern attitude about it.

"A rejection?" Osunsami asked Archuleta, and Archuleta answered, "Yeah."

The Osunsami claim that "the apostles say they want continue meeting with him", noting that Archuleta met them on Thursday. "But he said he doesn't want to try to be something he isn't, and sometimes walking away is the best thing to do."

The "Faith in Me” singer stated that he wanted everyone to be able to accept their differences while speaking with an ABC News journalist.

Archuleta stated, "Don't assume that because someone is different than you, they are rebelling against the things you value in your life." "You might have more in common than you think with what matters to your family, including the ability to love, care, and contribute positively to this world, as well as to love your family and respect each other." People who identify as LGBT may approach this differently.

He said, "It just appears slightly different." "On the outside."

Get help if you or someone you care about is suffering from depression, or has thoughts of taking their own lives or harming themselves. For those in distress, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1 800 273-8255) offers confidential, 24/7 support.

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Title: David Archuleta Details His 'Faith Crisis' In Mormon Church After Coming Out as Queer
Sourced From: toofab.com/2022/11/18/david-archuleta-faith-crisis-coming-out-mormon-church/
Published Date: Fri, 18 Nov 2022 23:21:44 +0000

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