The Mormon Church pledges to reverse its anti-LGBT policy

The Mormon Church is committed to canceling a series of anti-LGBT policies introduced four years ago.

In an unexpected move, the Utah-based religious group said it would no longer prevent the children of homosexual parents from being baptized.

Same-sex marriage will no longer be considered a crime worthy of deportation.

About 1,500 people reportedly left the church in protest when it deployed its anti-LGBT policy in 2015.

Church members worship Jesus Christ, but their beliefs differ considerably from those of Christian, Protestant and Orthodox Christian denominations.

Known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it boasts 16 million members worldwide. Mitt Romney, candidate for the 2012 US Republican presidency, is among his supporters.

The news "Positive Politics" was announced Thursday by church chief Dallin Oaks at a conference in Salt Lake City.

The group said it would allow children of LGBT parents to be baptized as long as they get parental approval.

As part of these changes, same-sex marriage would also be considered a "serious transgression" but not an "act of apostasy".

"Instead, immoral behavior in heterosexual or homosexual relationships will be treated the same," the group added.

Mr. Oaks said the changes were aimed at "reducing the hatred and quarrels so common today," but he insisted that they did not represent a change of doctrine in marriage, chastity and the morality of the church.

These latest policy reversals are the biggest moves ever made by church president Russell Nelson, who took office last year.

For church followers, the president is a prophet who receives divine revelations.

Under his leadership, he broke his long-standing ties with the Boy Scouts of America and campaigned for the eradication of nicknames such as "Mormon" to characterize the faith.

In his latest statement, the church said that "some policy changes inspired by revelation only last for a short time".