Trusting Priesthood Leadership

[DefinateMaybe07]

I am well aware of the fact that the church has no official policy condoning abuse. In fact it has officially come out strongly against it. Even with that official position in print and in word, I have yet to hear of even one church court held for the men I know to have been abusive, despite physical and legal evidence, including my ex. In fact no action was taken whatsoever, in any of the cases I am acquainted with.

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My dad has always had a problem with being "overly-aggressive". This past week, on sunday, he got angry with me for getting sauce on the counter, then pushed, more like through, me into the kitchen table. I sprained my wrist and had really bad bruises covering the whole left side of my face. My dad doesnt live with us, he was just visiting from Oklahoma. My friends went to the counselors of our school after I told them what happened. Our bishop was also informed of the incident. Immediately after my friends went to get help i was called down to our school office and talked to the counselor. The police were called and social services also became involved. My YW leaders were called. I am fine after everything, i just have one problem with the whole situation. ALL the administrators were very concerned and extremely nice and caring and listened to everything I had to say. Unfortunately none of my leaders called me, my bishop just told me to talk over things with my mom.
A year ago this same thing happened, and my dad had to leave our house. And, the same as before, my church leaders never seemed too concerned. Why is it that school Admin. were more concerned and helpful than my church leaders. I too have lost some trust and faith in my leaders when they did so little in a life-threatening situation.

(FYI I am 17 and have younger siblings that were not abused like I had been. I am fine, and will be ok, thanks to the kinds of friends I am fortunate enough to have)

[mom_of_jcchlsm]

It may be that your Church leaders were aware that the school councelors had already stepped in and felt the situation was already being monitored closely enough. They may even be in communication with each other without letting you into the loop.

[DefinateMaybe07]

It may be that your Church leaders were aware that the school councelors had already stepped in and felt the situation was already being monitored closely enough. They may even be in communication with each other without letting you into the loop.
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Too bad they havent ever expressed their "concern" to either my mom or me. Sorry but I dont think there is any excuse to not step in and say something...anything. They are my church leaders, shouldnt they be even more worried than my school admin???? Good thing eveything is working out, or there might have been some serious consequences.

[krowe]

<div class='quotemain'>
It may be that your Church leaders were aware that the school councelors had already stepped in and felt the situation was already being monitored closely enough. They may even be in communication with each other without letting you into the loop.
[/b]

Too bad they havent ever expressed their "concern" to either my mom or me. Sorry but I dont think there is any excuse to not step in and say something...anything. They are my church leaders, shouldnt they be even more worried than my school admin???? Good thing eveything is working out, or there might have been some serious consequences.
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I assure you they are not in contact with any school, governent or social workers over this issue. I am so very, very sorry this has happened to you. My kids have had to deal with similiar issues. You never deserve to be treated that way by anyone least of all your own father. I wish I had some comforting words about your church leaders. Unfortunately I wrote this because I could not find any comforting words for myself. If you are comfortable, feel free to tell them of your hurt at the lack of support you have felt, for some it may open their eyes, for others it may be a more negative response. Their lack of positive responses to you is not because you are not important or that what your dad did is not morally and spiritually wrong, but a reflection of their fear and ignorance as human beings. The Savior spent his time on earth with the MOST down trodden, outcast, and disreputable. I can promise that you are extremely important to Him and that He knows your pain.

"All it takes for evil to flourish is for good men to do nothing." Burke

[DefinateMaybe07]

I assure you they are not in contact with any school, governent or social workers over this issue. I am so very, very sorry this has happened to you. My kids have had to deal with similiar issues. You never deserve to be treated that way by anyone least of all your own father. I wish I had some comforting words about your church leaders. Unfortunately I wrote this because I could not find any comforting words for myself. If you are comfortable, feel free to tell them of your hurt at the lack of support you have felt, for some it may open their eyes, for others it may be a more negative response. Their lack of positive responses to you is not because you are not important or that what your dad did is not morally and spiritually wrong, but a reflection of their fear and ignorance as human beings. The Savior spent his time on earth with the MOST down trodden, outcast, and disreputable. I can promise that you are extremely important to Him and that He knows your pain.

"All it takes for evil to flourish is for good men to do nothing." Burke
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Krowe--

Thank you so much...That really means a lot to me. Its really great to know that at least one adult feels the same way I do and my feelings arent just some stupid teenage thing.

[prisonchaplain]

Thank you so much...That really means a lot to me. Its really great to know that at least one adult feels the same way I do and my feelings arent just some stupid teenage thing. [/b]

I've been pretty quiet here, because, in some ways this is an "in-house" discussion. Yet, the principles cross religious groupings. When one joins a faith community, s/he expects a certain level of "spiritual covering" or protection. Then the attack comes, and the community's representatives don't protect. There's a feeling of vulnerability and spiritual turmoil. Belief in God is still strong, but who is going to stand with me? Am I alone?

Here's my prayer for your and those here that have suffered in similar ways: Father God, protect your children, even when the leaders you've appointed fail. Comfort your hurting ones, even when the brothers and sisters bring accusation, as Job experienced. May those who fall prey and become victims, and experience a less than godly response from your people, find the vindication that Job found--vindication for their suffering, rebuke to their accusers, and a double restoration for all that they have lost. In Jesus' name, amen.

[angelbaby]

If you have had a problem, and you don't think you leaders have done what they should or could do - go to your mission president or who ever is next in line. Don't give in, don't leave the church, don't feel like Heavenly Father isn't listening. If you have to write to the prophet himself and tell him that bad things are happening and no one seems to care, then do it. You shouldn't have to feel alone. Heavenly Father does know us. He knows our wants & needs. Some times the people who are entrusted to care for us do fall short, but that isn't your fault & it isn't Heavenly Father's. Keep praying, have faith, be believing, and keeping asking for help. You will get it.