I am so thankful that people are finally speaking out about this problem. And it is a problem, a big one.
I became inactive in the church during my early teens, but due to a VERY inappropriate interview conducted by the bishop behind closed doors, I was driven to never return. Even after telling the bishop (repeatedly) that I felt extremely uncomfortable with his line of questioning, he still persisted to ask me questions of sexual nature. I left in tears, feeling shamed and violated.
To make matters worse, like many Mormon children, I never felt like could confide in my parents about certain things—especially sex. But, I pushed past these feelings, and decided to be honest with my mother about the interview. As I expected, she didn’t understand. She refused to believe that the bishop had any ill intentions. I remember her response like it was yesterday: “Well, maybe you wouldn’t have left the interview feeling so badly if you were refraining from the behaviors that he was questioning you about.”
No, Mom. It wasn’t that at all. Really.
Regardless of whether the “temple interview” is religiously justified by the church, the protocol isn’t appropriate. It’s wrong, and needs to change. A child should NEVER be interviewed alone behind closed doors with an older man… or by anyone. I am completely saddened by the abundance of stories coming to light, but for the first time in my life, feel like I’m not alone on this.
Thank you for all of your efforts to protect future generations of LDS children.