A fathers rights

[_Black Moclips]

My son's baptismal interview was a couple months ago, and when the bishop asked to see him to come into his office for an interview, I went with him and said "I'd like to sit in as well". I think it took him a little off-guard, but it went fine. I just don't undersand why a bishop would want to have a closed door interview with a child anyway. It is just asking for problems. I mean, they make me sit in a sunday school class to observe because the teacher is male and they can't be alone in class with children. Yet the bishop will have interviews alone with the door shut. I don't get it.

[_truth dancer]

Hey Moclips.,

EXACTLY!

Few guys are going to sexually molest or be sexually inappropriate with a classroom full of ten year olds on a busy Sunday where a leader could walk in at any moment.

OTOH, having a man meet alone with a vulnerable child, young boys and girls, and teenagers, while discussing sexual matters is REALLY opening the door for trouble.

I seriously do NOT get why this practice is continued.

I just can't imagine a parent allowing this sort of thing.

~dancer~

[_Trinity]

As a father, can I legally forbid a bishop from asking sexual questions to my underage children?

Can they withhold giving my son the priesthood if I don't allow them to ask those questions?

Yes and yes. Although I think if you went in with your concern about safety for your child, I doubt they would withhold the priesthood. Have mom go in with your son.

[_Jason Bourne]

So are y'all saying that in order for a boy to get (or advance in), the priesthood, parents have to agree to allow their son to be asked inappropriate questions about his sexuality from the Bishop?

If the parents and the child do not agree to this he will be denied the priesthood?

WEIRD.

This whole interview thing is just soooooooooo wrong. It seriously needs to change. Unfortunately, in my opinion, it will require many more law suits and some public humiliation before a revelation comes.

Actually, I really find it difficult to believe that this policy has not already changed. I would think parents would be aware enough of the inappropriateness of it all that they would decline to allow their children to participate.

~dancer~

The problem is it varies. Wise bishops are careful about an interview. It may be weird sure. Not all the interview is about the law of chastity. And while your points are valid do you really think a church does not have a right to require certain behavior before it grants its priesthood?

[_harmony]

If the parents and the child do not agree to this he will be denied the priesthood?

Well, the son is on the same level as his mother then.

[_Dr. Shades]

I would think parents would be aware enough of the inappropriateness of it all that they would decline to allow their children to participate.

What makes you think that? These are active TBMs we're talking about here.

[_truth dancer]

I would think parents would be aware enough of the inappropriateness of it all that they would decline to allow their children to participate.

What makes you think that? These are active TBMs we're talking about here.

Many schools these days are discussing abuse; teaching children what is or is not appropriate. One can hardly pick up a magazine or newspaper without reading an article about how to protect your children and how to keep them safe from abuse.

It just seems that parents would get a clue... but your point is a good one.

Don't question, follow along, be obedient, don't make a wave.

Still, when it comes to one's children I would think parents would notice the red flags.

:-(

~dancer~

[_truth dancer]

The problem is it varies. Wise bishops are careful about an interview. It may be weird sure. Not all the interview is about the law of chastity. And while your points are valid do you really think a church does not have a right to require certain behavior before it grants its priesthood?

It is WAY weird.

This is not the dark ages. It is just NOT right for a man in my opinion, to meet alone with children and teenagers while discussing sexual issues. It is just not right!

ESPECIALLY a man meeting with girls and teenagers discussing sexual issues. I mean seriously this is just WRONG!

Now, I do not think it is appropriate for a married woman to discuss her sex life alone with a man other than her husband ... the sex life of a couple should not be shared with others in my opinion (with the exception of a trained professional required for therapy). In addition I do not think a single woman should be discussing her sex life with a married man alone in his office.

The whole thing is just SICK!

I wonder how much more abuse will have to happen before this whole interview thing gets thrashed?

~dancer~

[_Tori]

The problem is it varies. Wise bishops are careful about an interview. It may be weird sure. Not all the interview is about the law of chastity. And while your points are valid do you really think a church does not have a right to require certain behavior before it grants its priesthood?

It is WAY weird.

This is not the dark ages. It is just NOT right for a man in my opinion, to meet alone with children and teenagers while discussing sexual issues. It is just not right!

ESPECIALLY a man meeting with girls and teenagers discussing sexual issues. I mean seriously this is just WRONG!

Now, I do not think it is appropriate for a married woman to discuss her sex life alone with a man other than her husband ... the sex life of a couple should not be shared with others in my opinion (with the exception of a trained professional required for therapy). In addition I do not think a single woman should be discussing her sex life with a married man alone in his office.

The whole thing is just SICK!

I wonder how much more abuse will have to happen before this whole interview thing gets thrashed?

~dancer~

I couldn't agree with you more! It is completely inappropriate! This is one of the practices of the LDS Church that I am absolutely amazed that so many members tolerate. How can they go along with it? How can anyone think that it is within their right to be so invasive?

My son is 13 and has NOT had his Priesthood interview to be ordained a Deacon. I wouldn't allow it. It would humiliate him to be asked those questions so I made the decision long ago that it just wouldn't happen. He's been OK with that, and still participates with the activities of the YM.

For Jason: I think there are ways to talk to the Youth about chastity without asking these questions. Of course morality should be encouraged and stressed but for the interview to be so detailed, invasive and sexual is flat out wrong. I've had Bishops in my life that were very good and handled it appropriately. I've also had some that shocked me. The interview should be drastically changed.

[_Dr. Shades]

Many schools these days are discussing abuse; teaching children what is or is not appropriate. One can hardly pick up a magazine or newspaper without reading an article about how to protect your children and how to keep them safe from abuse.

It just seems that parents would get a clue... but your point is a good one.

Don't question, follow along, be obedient, don't make a wave.

Still, when it comes to one's children I would think parents would notice the red flags.

This is Mormonism we're talking about here, Truth Dancer. In the minds of the members, there are no red flags. If the church does something, then ipso facto that thing is automatically right.

Just spend 5 minutes at MA&D if you don't believe me. The church as an institution, quite literally, can do no wrong.