Trusting Priesthood Leadership

[LionHeart]

If you don't mind my asking, who is this person, or what position does this person hold that your stake presidency etc. turns a blind eye to his wickedness?

[LionHeart]

I have to put my two cents in here: not everywhere is like that! When we moved into our ward, the Bishop welcomed us and then almost immediately pulled me and my husband aside and informed us that a certain man who came to Church every Sunday was a known child molester. He had been excommunicated years ago, but chose to come every week just the same, and of course, was welcome to do so. But, everyone who walked in the door or came on Wednesday nights or even walked through the parking lot was made aware of the situation so that we could be careful. The man had a shaddow on him wherever he went in the building - the Elders Quorum took turns keeping tabs on him. The man died two years ago, and we all feel releived. But our Bishops (we had a change of Bishopric during that time) protected everyone within their realm of influence while still extending the hand of mercy toward the man in question.
[/b]

Yes, perhaps it is not like that everywhere, for which I am thankful, but I think the question is, how does a person who will turn a blind eye to wickedness get into a leadership position?

[krowe]

If you don't mind my asking, who is this person, or what position does this person hold that your stake presidency etc. turns a blind eye to his wickedness?
[/b]

Just a well known member in our area of a well known family who happened to have money and who had held some responsible priesthood positions such that many, many people would have been aware of it had there been any negative repercussions to his actions. It was much easier to blame the quiet spouse who moved away to away from the gossip and pressure to be quiet about what happened.

[LionHeart]

I don't think that your expectations of the leaders are too high. Here are some passages from the D&C concerning those who hold the authority of the Melchizidek priesthood:
84: 43. And now I give unto you a commandment to beware concerning yourselves , to give diligent heed to the words of eternal life.
44. For you shall live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God.

121: 36. That the rights of the priesthood are inseperably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.
37. That they may be conferred upon us it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambitions or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man.

So in other words, if this man held the priesthood, that authority was revoked as soon as he started to behave unrighteously. There is no need to hold a Church council or trial for it; if he transgressed, the Lord ceased to recognize his priesthood authority. If he is allowed to continue, every person who is ordained to the priesthood under his hands will not truly hold the priesthood. This causes me to wonder how many true priesthood holders are actually in the Church.

[prisonchaplain]

Back in the day...

Women would go to church leaders (whether LDS bishops or Christian clergy) and pour out their hearts about how abusive their spouse, a family member, or a church member, was. After the tears had flowed, all too often, the words came like bullets or daggers thrown: Obey your husband/respect your _____ more faithfully, submit to him, and things will turn around.

If ever there was a case to "Come out and be separate" this is it. Get the woman and child out of danger, and, if evidence is ready, call the police.

Overall churches have gotten better, but for those effected, the progress can seem painfully slow. God protect all such victims, and guide leadership to continue offering support, comfort, and strong, yes "manly" leadership, in such times. Amen.

[shanstress70]

Yes, perhaps it is not like that everywhere, for which I am thankful, but I think the question is, how does a person who will turn a blind eye to wickedness get into a leadership position?
[/b]

I almost answered this, but I will refrain.

And about this statement by LH, "If he is allowed to continue, every person who is ordained to the priesthood under his hands will not truly hold the priesthood. This causes me to wonder how many true priesthood holders are actually in the Church."

The reason this explanation does no good is because these 'priesthood holders that don't really hold the priesthood' still hold positions of leadership where they continue to make decisions that can compromise the lives of women and children.

Too much power...

I'll continue to make my own decisions (with the help of God, of course), thanks!

[krowe]

Back in the day...

Women would go to church leaders (whether LDS bishops or Christian clergy) and pour out their hearts about how abusive their spouse, a family member, or a church member, was. After the tears had flowed, all too often, the words came like bullets or daggers thrown: Obey your husband/respect your _____ more faithfully, submit to him, and things will turn around.

If ever there was a case to "Come out and be separate" this is it. Get the woman and child out of danger, and, if evidence is ready, call the police.

Overall churches have gotten better, but for those effected, the progress can seem painfully slow. God protect all such victims, and guide leadership to continue offering support, comfort, and strong, yes "manly" leadership, in such times. Amen.
[/b]

I like that. But I think you quoated the bishop exactly with the go home and obey your husband quote. And your right Heavenly Father does protect.

[shanstress70]

And your right Heavenly Father does protect.
[/b]

What do you guys mean by this? God/HF protects in the afterlife if someone is abused in this life? Because God doesn't always protect here. Tell that to the children involved in all the sick, senseless crimes I read about in the news each day.

Mind you, I'm a Christian, but God does not always protect. Apparently, if he would, everyone would not have their 'free agency'. This is something I've always struggled with. Hopefully one day I'll understand it.

But I would like for you to explain what you meant by this statement, please.

[Palerider]

I should not get involved in this but here goes....this is just my 2 cents....as a Leader in the church these callings are demanding and not easy...you are at everyones beck and call and judged by everyone....everyone gets a to have an opinion but we...the Leaders...we are always the reason why people stop coming to church ....why marriages sometimes fail....we are held to confidentality and can never tell our side....having church courts are hard and stressfull and time consuming.......and in between all of this we have to deal with our family life....we are not perfect and we are always second guessed and get told that often. We are told by many we are wrong and we get yelled at and cussed out from time to time...we do allof this in the name of the Christ....thats the reason we take this and do these callings to the best of our ability...some do these better than others....I will not read the response to this post after I make it cause I am a bit over sensitive about this stuff. I have been fulfilling my calling to the best of my ability for the second time in my life. I did not ask to be called the first time nor at the present time. I wish they would have called someone else so they get an understanding as to what this is like. I don't know why Church leaders do things the way they are done and I don't think anyone here knows why either. Like I said I am not perfect....but I a make a mistake...I will try to correct it and apologize.....recently I had a member call me for a Temple Recomend Interview...he wanted me to drop what I am doing and come up to church right now to do this for him....I told him I wasn;t able to do it then....well he got upset with me and them tried to throw a guilt trip on me......I still did not go...like I said earlier....everyone knows better than me ......I have said enough on this......sorry for the rant and if I offended someone....

[Palerider]

I am going to tell a true story......a good friend of mine who was called as the Bishop of our ward after I was released.....a man came to him who before this was in prison for child molestation.....he came to the Bishop and said I need to talk with you....the Bishop told him if you tell me what I think you are gonna tell me...I will go right to the police.....the man told him " he did it again".....this Bishop went to the police with this information....what happened.....the Bishops family and himself were harrassed and threatened by this mans family....I will kill you threats ......This good friend and Bishop felt unsafe and they moved from the area.....The Bishop and Stake Pres are always wrong......I know the Church is true and I know this is Christs church and this keeps me going..... I love my calling but sometimes it gets to me......