As a young woman I was frequently pulled into the Bishops office at random for “worthiness interviews”, even without my parents knowing these interviews were happening. I was a good girl and at that age didn’t have things to repent of but I often felt shame for even being pulled in like he was insinuating…
Growing up, sexually explicit questions became the norm from an early age. I remember vividly at the age of 11, during my initial Aaronic priesthood interview, being asked about masturbation and pornography. I didn’t really know what the bishop was talking about, but he proceeded to vividly describe both to me. He said that my…
Growing up I had issues with masturbation after witnessing sexual abuse in my home. When I felt so guilty and told my mom, she told me to talk to the bishop. I went to the bishop often and had to tell him all the details of what I did, where I did it, etc. After…
1976 was when I turned 12 years old. That year my bishop had a priesthood interview with me so I could become a deacon. My bishop was a kind man, but asked me if I had troubles with masturbation? I did not understand the word, but figured I needed to say yes. I was that…
I remember as a youth being constantly reminded of the dangers of pornography and sexual promiscuity. These concepts were always taught to me in vague and even degrading ways. I came to be afraid of myself, and horrified by my own sexuality. I often went to the bishop’s office because I had seen girls in…
How does one obtain perfection? I clung to the pamphlet “For the Strength of Youth”. I lived and died to follow the rules laid out before me. But I was weak. I gave in to the temptations of the flesh. It started when I was 12 and I would find myself in and out of…
My first memory of my father abusing me was when I was 3 years old. He molested me in the bathtub. I knew it wasn’t the first time it happened, and it didn’t feel good. He said things to me I’m not quite sure I understood but it was in a rhythmic tone, like a…
* 1960’s-1970’s- (3 to 18 yrs. Old) I was trafficked as a child – sexually abused and tortured by members of Polygamist groups, as well as other perpetrators and pedophiles within the communities of Bluffdale, Riverton, and throughout the Salt Lake Valley. This child trafficking occurred in homes, church buildings, basements, school buildings and other…
My wife and I were very TBM several years ago when the bishop, a marriage and family therapist of 20+ years asked him before his baptism interview, with both of us in the room about masturbation and touching himself. A 7 year old! We were both in shock but did not know what to say…
I grew up in a small farming community in Oregon. Fifteen years ago there were (and still are) many LDS members in my home town. I remember being 11 years old and getting ready to leave primary (finally!) I don’t know if this was a stake wide thing or just our ward…but my Bishop held…