About the Initiative

Just Once Will Hurt
July 7, 2014

http://mormonbishopsstopasking.wordpress.com/2014/07/07/about-the-initiative/comment-page-1/#comment-5

This blog is dedicated to the cause of ending sexual abuse and shaming in the Mormon church. Currently, it is common practice for Mormon bishops to ask questions of a sexual nature to Mormon individuals from the age of 12. There is an emphasis on questions regarding the issue of masturbation, or self-abuse as the church has labelled it. The practice of conducting these interviews alone with an individual behind a closed door is prevalent in the Mormon church and needs to be stopped immediately for the protection of individuals, as well as Mormon bishops.

The intended purpose of this blog is not to shame the Mormon church. It is to bring attention to the severity of the issue and the need to address it immediately. Countless people have already been emotionally and mentally hurt by this practice and this blog is here to give a voice to those who need it.

It is not enough to allow members to opt-out or have a parent or guardian present during these interviews. Mormon bishops should never be allowed to ask sexually invasive question to a member of any age. Help us stop this practice by sharing your story and/or support for the initiative here. This blog is a work-in-progress. We are now in the beginning stages of something that could help initiate drastic changes in the ecclesiastical processes practiced by lay leaders and reduce the risk of sexual-abuse in the Mormon church.

If you would like to share your story or support here you can email me at: sarahgwyneth001@gmail.com *Stories will not be edited or censored (unless permission is given by the author), however, they may not be posted if the content is too explicit, hostile, or you are presumed to be a troll.*

A petition has been started for another issue that directly goes hand-in-hand with this one–requiring background checks for church leaders and volunteers. To sign the petition click on the link below: