I first want to thank everyone for their efforts to protect our most precious blessings. I have had concerns for the almost 30 years I have been a member and am thankful to be a part of this effort.
When my husband served as bishop, I had his ear and many times expressed my concern that children should be accompanied in interviews and all questions should be made available ahead of time. I had no idea that my children at the age of 7 had been asked if they obeyed the law of chastity! We have 3 children and I never had any idea.
My own story is nothing in comparison, but I only share it because the shame I felt pales in comparison, so I can’t even imagine what children and youth have experienced.
One of my children shared a concern they had about the law of chastity and on their own accord approached the bishop to discuss the matter. While they reported the meeting went well, as a mother, I was pulled aside by this bishop and counseled to figure out what I was doing wrong as a parent for my child to make a bad decision so that my other children wouldn’t do the same thing. Needless to say, I felt much guilt.
Another experience, as a married mother of 3, when asked by another bishop if I obeyed the law of chastity, I answered yes. He continued to probe for more details. I told my husband I would never be interviewed by him again. I was an adult so I can’t even imagine how a child or youth would feel!!!