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FAIR is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing well-documented answers to criticisms of the doctrine, practice, and history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
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− | =={{Question label}} | + | {{Resource Title|What is the Church's stance toward sexual abuse, sexual assault, rape, or incest?}} |
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#What is the Church's stance toward sexual abuse, sexual assault, rape, or incest? | #What is the Church's stance toward sexual abuse, sexual assault, rape, or incest? | ||
#What is the Church's attitude toward those who are victims of these crimes? | #What is the Church's attitude toward those who are victims of these crimes? | ||
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{{CriticalSources}} | {{CriticalSources}} | ||
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1. Sexual crimes virtually always require excommunication from the Church, and members guilty of these serious crimes have annotations placed upon their membership record that remain even if they return to full membership. Members guilty of such crimes have a lifetime ban on service with youth, missionary service, and temple service. | 1. Sexual crimes virtually always require excommunication from the Church, and members guilty of these serious crimes have annotations placed upon their membership record that remain even if they return to full membership. Members guilty of such crimes have a lifetime ban on service with youth, missionary service, and temple service. | ||
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{{SeeAlso|Mormonism_and_gender_issues/Women/Sexual_abuse_and_assault/Fight_to_the_death|l1=Victims of sexual crimes are expected to "fight to the death"?}} | {{SeeAlso|Mormonism_and_gender_issues/Women/Sexual_abuse_and_assault/Fight_to_the_death|l1=Victims of sexual crimes are expected to "fight to the death"?}} | ||
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{{Response label}} | {{Response label}} | ||
To see citations to the critical sources for these claims, [[../CriticalSources|click here]]
1. Sexual crimes virtually always require excommunication from the Church, and members guilty of these serious crimes have annotations placed upon their membership record that remain even if they return to full membership. Members guilty of such crimes have a lifetime ban on service with youth, missionary service, and temple service.
2. Members who are victims of these sins are innocent of any wrongdoing. The Church encourages them to seek help, and to receive the healing available to all through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ.
The Church's handbooks emphasize that one purpose of Church discipline is to protect the innocent, especially against such crimes as predatory sexual behavior:
Likewise, victims of such crimes are innocent of sin:
Church disciplinary action is required for a small set of sins, such as murder. Sexual abuse and incest are included in this group:
Incest virtually always requires excommunication from the Church:
The First Presidency must approve any restoration of Church membership for those guilty of particularly serious sins, including:
Those guilty of abuse of a child and other serious sins which place others at risk have their Church records annotated, and this annotation remains on the record permanently (even in the event of reinstatement in the Church). Only the First Presidency can authorize the removal of such an annotation:
Even if they repent and return to full time activity in the Church, those who commit some crimes are ineligible for some types of Church service. These include:
Those who have been the victims of the unrighteous acts of others are not guilty of any sin. Latter-day Saints believe that the atonement of Christ can heal all suffering, injustices, and traumas through Christ's grace. Many articles and resources are available, and members with such concerns are encouraged to consult with their local leaders.
One guide for bishops begins:
Resources include:
== Notes ==
FAIR is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing well-documented answers to criticisms of the doctrine, practice, and history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
We are a volunteer organization. We invite you to give back.
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