When I was 11, my uncle (who was then in the bishopric) propositioned me for sex (I refused and got away, but didn’t tell anyone because he threatened my family) and then when I was 12, he molested me. After this incident, my mom could tell there was something wrong and I told her, but I was scared because of him threatening me so I told her I wouldn’t say anything to the police.
Years went by and I was dealing (badly), but dealing. He actually was my Sunday school teacher and would make me sit next to him at the front. After a while, I just couldn’t take it anymore. I told my mom I wanted to go to the police, so we did. They took statements from my mom and I, and he was arrested. He got out on bail, but then we had to do the deposition, which was awful. All that stuff went down, and then the trial was getting set up. Our bishop (who had heard directly from both us what had happened) was going to testify against me. At this point, I was seriously depressed to the point of suicidal. All of the trial business was just making it worse and I almost didn’t care what had happened with the case anymore. I wish I had been stronger, but I’m just not. So we set up a plea (can’t remember the correct terminology at this point). Two counts of felony battery.
Fast forward to now, 8 years later and the church is going to let him go through the process to become a full member again. Unfortunately, the church thinks he’s “changed” and that he’s a better person. His kids have no love for him at all after finding out what he did and they say he’s not any different (wow what a shocker!). According to my other aunt, he raped my cousin when she was 5 and his niece (related by blood!) when she was 14. Bishop called my mom in to tell her they were working on the restoring his membership and wanted to “take her concerns into account”. They didn’t. Didn’t listen to a word she said. Parents of my cousin have contacted the bishop, but idk if it’ll do any good. They’re determined to think he’s a better man or something.
I don’t know what to do. I don’t want him around any kids. That’s definitely the worst part of this. That they would be willing to let kids around him is just awful. Not only that, but my mom still goes to church and she can’t go if he’s there. I don’t go anymore, but I don’t feel like it’s right she should have to switch wards.
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