At 02:58 PM 5/22/02, Chad Cooper wrote: >I can speak from personal experience
During what time period? >that the Mormon Church, As with the other churches, the problem has been recognized and is being dealt with. President Hinckley addressed the problem from the pulpit during last month's General Conference. >while may have Bishops and the like committing such crimes, what is far >more prevalent is church officials knowing that abuse is occurring, and >cover it up. It may not necessarily be an official, but more likely from a >member that commits the crime. > >I have heard multiple account of cover-ups to protect members, where the >victim and perpetrator work out a "spiritual" arrangement. What usually happened is that someone confessed such activity to his bishop, promised he would stop it, and would make some outward show of repentance, but would then offend again, perhaps after moving to another area where he was not known. >This all being arbitrated by a church official. Note that these officials >are volunteers, and are not paid or supported by the church. But also note >that the Mormon church is a non-profit corporation. >I find it hard to believe that the Mormons are the only Protestant church >guilty of Child abuse cover-ups. > >The Moral Question of the Day > >Because it is based upon religion, but recognized as a corporation by the >government, should a church (or volunteer officials) be exempt from >confidentiality laws protecting worshippers who confess crimes? Are they >actually protected? I do not know what the law is on this matter. Church policy now is that information regarding such crimes is to be reported. -- Ronn! :) God bless America, Land that I love! Stand beside her, and guide her Thru the night with a light from above. From the mountains, to the prairies, To the oceans, white with foam� God bless America! My home, sweet home. -- Irving Berlin (1888-1989)
