These are personal accounts of the negative consequences that inappropriate interviews have had on people.
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…
My sister became pregnant when she was 16 (this was in 1983 in Rock Springs, WY). Her bishop, after finding out, came to our home and asked her to speak with him in his car. He was the bishop, she was 16, pregnant, and felt she had no choice but to comply. While in his…
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…
When I was 13, I started liking a young man in my ward about the same age. Around 15 we had started coupling off, but not boyfriend and girlfriend (cause that wasn’t allowed). My mom told my bishop of our relationship and he decided to have an interview with me. It started very casual. I…
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…
When I was 17, 2009, a few weeks from Graduation & a couple months shy of turning 18, I made the choice to be sexual with my high school boyfriend. We were both very active members, came from large families, participated in school clubs and multiple sports teams, didn’t ever get into trouble, both very…
When I was 16 I went to a mission prep fireside where they stressed the importance of clearing all sins with your bishop so Satan wouldn’t have them to use against you as a missionary. I remember feeling so guilty for the handful of times I had masturbated and I was terrified at the thought…
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…