The answer for Rebecca J.

Rebecca J. asks:

I am curious, however, if there is anything the Church can do–or do less of–institutionally that would (better) communicate the message that God intends to meet us where we’re at, and that the church is a safe place for us to find our way to where He wants us to be.

The answer is:

Matthew 7:13-14
Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Just to emphasize, here it is in another translation:

Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.

The church is about as open as it needs to be. We really don't want to go the liberal protestant route (like the UCC), and tell people they are fine just as they are. There is no good reason to broaden our gates any larger, unless we wish to become the way to destruction.

Of course, Zion is commanded to "strengthen thy stakes and enlarge thy borders forever" (Moroni 10:31). Hrm......

Okay, never mind. Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law.