SALT LAKE CITY — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Thursday repealed rules that banned baptisms for children of gay parents and that labeled same-sex couples as sinners eligible for expulsion — marking a reversal of policies condemned as jarring detours from a push by the faith to be more compassionate about LGBTQ issues.

LGBTQ church members and groups that support them expressed relief about what they called an important step forward for the faith. However, they also said they were angry about the harm the 2015 policies had caused and the lack of an apology by church leaders.

In a statement posted online, church leaders described the changes as “very positive policies” that should help “affected families.” The faith’s highest leadership group, known as the First Presidency, made the decision after “fervent, united prayer to understand the will of the Lord on these matters,” the statement said.

The faith widely known as the Mormon church said it is not changing its doctrinal opposition to gay marriage and still considers same-sex relationships to be a “serious transgression.”

“We want to reduce the hate and contention so common today,” the statement said.

The rules approved by global church leaders in 2015 had prohibited baptisms for children living with gay parents until the children turned 18 and disavowed same-sex relationships.

With the change, children of gay parents can now be baptized as long as their parents approve the baptisms and acknowledge that the children will be taught church doctrine.

People in same-sex relationships will no longer be considered “apostates,” a term the religion uses for people who teach inaccurate doctrine or publicly defy guidance from church leaders. Apostates can be kicked out of the religion.

That label was widely condemned by LGBTQ members and allies as being demeaning and hurtful to people who already struggle to find acceptance in the faith.

“It was a stigma. It was like wearing a Scarlet letter,” said Nathan Kitchen, a gay Mormon father of five children from Gilbert, Ariz. “You are cut off; you are a pariah.”

Kitchen said he cried when he heard the news about the new policies. Kitchen, also the president of an organization called Affirmation that supports LGBTQ church members, said the old policies had fueled painful custody battles as straight parents tried to ensure their children could be full members of the faith.

Wendy Montgomery, an Arizona mother of a gay son, said she’s pleased the rules have been changed but believes the harm caused by the previous policies can’t be undone. The lifelong church member left the religion after the 2015 policy was instituted.

The announcement came two days before Saturday’s twice-yearly church conference in Salt Lake City. It was unclear if church leaders will speak more about the changes during speeches at the conference.