Hello again, everyone! I wanted to post now with some breaking news from the Church. In response to a request for comment about an ongoing police investigation of charges that a former MTC president may have abused one of the missionaries under his stewardship, the First Presidency has released this statement.
What impressed me as I read it was how balanced it was, making it clear that abuse of any kind by anyone is cause for immediate disciplinary action if the allegations are subsequently verified, but also making it clear that since the recollection of the two people involved (the accuser and the accused) differ so much, and since the police continue to investigate, there is not much Church leadership can do unless and until this is settled one way or the other.
And I for one appreciate the balance. While this may not be true in other nations, in the US, someone is believed innocent until proven guilty. So for that reason, until the allegations are verified as true or false, the situation needs to be in the hands of the law enforcement members involved in the investigation, and if and when the claims are verified as factual, the Church would, of course, take the necessary action on their part.
This measured response from the First Presidency shows clearly how much they intend to keep the balance between the love of the Lord and the law of the Lord, as they mentioned in the press conference on January 16. In my opinion, this is the best approach they could have taken to responding about this issue.
If and when more details are determined about the case, subsequent releases will follow, I am sure. In the meantime, for any of my readers who may have been or are currently being subjected to abuse of any kind, I wanted to post some links to official Church resources on that subject.
You can find resources on that subject, among others, from the Church's page on that subject from the gospel topics section, from Mormon Newsroom's additional resource page covering the subject, and these General Conference talks as well.
Perhaps my all-time favorite among those is the most recent one, given in April 2008 by Elder Richard G. Scott, who, as some of you might recall, committed his talks to memory so he could focus on making sure he was always looking right into whatever camera was covering him. And since the Church has released this statement today, perhaps another talk or two from this next General Conference may be added to that list.
That does it for this post. Any and all comments are, as always, welcome and appreciated. Thank you for the privilege of your time. Until my next post, I wish each one of you all the best and pray that the Lord will bless you all in everything you do.
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
BREAKING NEWS: Church Releases Official Statement on Alleged Abuse Accusations Against a Former Mission President
I have had a lifelong love for Church history, which has extended to ongoing reports of the ministry of our apostles and prophets, General Conference, and all temple developments. This blog enables me to share that love with all who read my thoughts on these developments, which are sometimes reported multiple times per day as needed.
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After additional information was disclosed to Church leaders by police investigating the matter, the Church published an addendum to the statement cited above, reiterating the Church's "no tolerance" policy in matters of abuse and confirming that they will take the next necessary steps on this issue. Just wanted to note this update. Thanks
ReplyDeleteUnfortunate that a priesthood leader in this position was that weak. Bad stuff can happen everywhere, but it is worse when a church official messes up to this degree.
ReplyDeleteEd Pinegar was my MTC President in 1989. His influence on us was infectious and positive. He would come on the intercom about once per day, and his bubbly happy attitude and words inpired and lifted us constantly. I can't imagine him or any other such figure being like this guy in 1984. Glad those that worked with him are probably gone or dead, but then again a few general authorities now living may have known him then.
I hope the victim does bot sue the Church for this guy's gross stupidity.
Funny you should mention Ed Pinegar, Eduardo. At one point (if memory serves and if he is the same man), he was one of many sealers at the Mount Timpanogos Temple with whom I worked during my six years there. If he is the same Ed Pinegar, then I too can attest to his goodness.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I share your disgust about the conduct of this former MTC President, and your concern for those who were victimized and likewise hope the Church won't face trouble over this. Of the two incidents in question, my local news noted that the statute of limitations had expired on the first, so legally only the second could be prosecuted. But I am comforted to know there are no such limitations in Church disciplinary practices. It is tragic when we hear of cases such as this when trusted leaders use their positions of authority in a way that constitutes unrighteous dominion. The Lord and our leaders have clearly stated how they feel about such issues, and even if this man escapes justice in this life, he cannot do so hereafter.
That is why I so appreciated the measured, impartial response the Church first provided, followed by stronger wording once more was known. That was the best way to handle this, in my opinion. Thanks for your comment, Eduardo.