As for "helping out the parties," that is not really the point of the helpline, which is intended to provide legal guidance, not pastoral.
...Actually, I think the Church would be derelict in its responsibilities in not providing bishops legal assistance via the helpline.
I have never understood this line of reasoning.5 hours ago, Teancum said:
"It seems more a legal program designed to protect the church."
How is a helpline designed to assist bishops in navigating choppy legal waters regarding abuse claims a bad thing?
Would bishops be better off just guessing about legalities when trying to figure out how they should proceed?
...As for characterizing the helpline has "protect{ing} the church," such "protection" amounts to complying with the law. Why is such protection a bad thing?
...Do you fault a doctor who seeks out legal advice on the complexities of privileged communications?
I suspect hospitals and clinics have attorneys on hand to provide legal guidance comparable to what is meted out via the Church's helpline. Do you therefore characterize these hospitals and clinics as only being out to "protect" themselves (as opposed to, say, complying with often complex legal technicalities in high-stakes situations)?
...Compliance with the law is an important, but not the sole, component of how a bishop addresses allegations of abuse. A natural and foreseeable result of such compliance is that the Church is "protect{ed}," but in my view the Church ought not be faulted for seeking protection of the law by complying with it.
... I did not check my humanity at the door to the bishop's office, but I recognized that allegations of abuse need to be carefully addressed. I was then able to proceed in providing pastoral guidance to the abuser and/or pastoral care to the victim.
https://www.mormondialogue.org/topic/75 ... 1210167982
Smac says a lot more than he realizes with his vigorous defense of the LDS lawyers. The LDS church is not in the business of providing 'pastoral care.' Why? Because the LDS corporation is a business (like hospitals protected by attorneys, HIS example). and protecting itself legally is the priority.I think this might be arising more as a matter of unrealistic or misplaced expectations. The helpline is intended to provide bishops with guidance on legal matters, not pastoral care, so it doesn't seem right to fault the Church for having a helpline that isn't providing services it was not intended to provide.2 hours ago, Calm said:
Also, I find the church abuse hotline really not at all helpful for the bishop calling the line when it comes to helping out the parties in this situation. It seems more a legal program designed to protect the church. At least that was my experience as a bishop and also what I have read at least anecdotally from others.
I have heard at least a half dozen current and former bishops state they found the opposite. It may depend on where you live perhaps or maybe just the lawyer at the other end.
Thanks,
-Smac
His insistence that he could provide adequate pastoral care as an untrained volunteer, after talking to a helpline that does NOT concern itself with pastoral care, was nothing more than the misguided belief that a Hail Mary pass into the stands would win the game. Embarrassing.
Smac supports his argument impeccably. Kirton McConkie might be calling, asking for less help.