Mormon Discussion Podcast

This Episode is Audio from outside the Mormon Discussion Podcasts.  This is a sermon from another faith on “Stages of Faith”. We revisit a series where we have taken audio where those of other faiths work to explain and teach the stages of faith.  Today is the Rock Creek Here is a sermon given in their Church on the Stages of Faith The post PREMIUM: Stages of Faith: Rock Creek appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

The Church has claimed to be the “Gold Standard” on handling of Sexual Abuse.  They have also said that “No religious organization has done more” than they have to prevent and respond to abuse.  The Church has also stated that “While clergy-abuse cases continue to grab headlines, the Church has had almost no child abuse problems with its clergy.”  Yet we know from data points like this list of known abuse cases within the LDS Church along with the following cases Recent Joseph Layton Bishop abuse scandal Lawsuit involving alleged cover up by LDS Church of abuse Utah Bishop convicted of sexual abuse Stories From over 500 victims List of several cases with links Groups says there is a cultural problem with Mormonism’s mechanisms So a Church member might ask what are the unhealthy mechanisms within our faith?  Here is a list to get that conversation going – Unhealthy views of normal sexual developments as sin – A lack of accountability to current sex abuse standards – One on One interviews and the unhealthy boundaries and unsafe space that creates – Deeply inadequate training – An unhealthy framing of worthiness – While there is a hotline for leaders to call there is no mechanism for members to call on their own. -no openness to hear or implement the constructive criticism of outside voices who are informed and enducated on sexual abuse to point out needed policy and procedural changes. A More comprehensive list is as follows: Prevention efforts Home/Church *Church dissuades members from discussing sensitive matters * Resources given not available for member download / dated / not best practice * No Background checks required for adults working with youth or leaders * No training required for youth workers or leaders * No reporting mechanism on training or non ecclesiastical complaint resolution * New two deep leadership “Should” not must for working with youth, *Bishop still exempted from no one-on- one *No guide for safe scouting for older boys or girls. * Overnight policy still not consistent with BSA * Policies are not public * No member or youth training on abuse / consent part of the curriculum Regarding the change to allow an second adult to attend an interview “if the person being interviewed desires” *Inadequate change as it is left up to the person being interviewed to ask for a second adult to be in the room. *Still allows one-on- one interviews *Doesn’t protect the bishop *Sexual explicit questions still allowed no guidance on content of questioning. *”Leaders to void all circumstances that could be misunderstood” Unclear use of language – Church must be example of ability to talk about abuse and sex with adults *Sexual shaming worthiness questions still allowed – Reporting Abuse “When abuse occurs, the first and immediate responsibility of church leaders is to help those who have been abused and to protect vulnerable persons from future abuse” * Bishops not qualified to help abuse victims or protect vulnerable * Reporting is required by church has poor track record * No training in mandated reporting * + Members should never be encouraged to remain in a home or situation that is abusive or unsafe GOOD MESSAGE *Call to hotline immediately is new directive but may still protect Church liability *Referral to mental health is good but resources need to be maintained of qualified therapists and resources given *NDS’s or Non-Disclosure Agreements keep membership/society from generally knowing the breadth and scope of abuse in the Church *Leaders unqualified to “help abuser repent or cease abuse — Should always be referring to professionals * Resources listed are only available to church leaders not members or public * Policies are not open to public If the Church wants to be seen as being serious about abuse, its prevention, and the support of victims it will need to lay its authority hold over members on the altar and take seriously the conclusion that it is not only inadequate on such an issue but that outside voices have valid criticisms of current policies and procedures as well as suggestions for a healthier paradigm. Resources for further learning about this issue and how we can be better: Protect LDS Children and Concerns about Child Interviews in LDS Church (See http://protectldschildren.org/ ) -Recommendations for parents/members to protect their children by advocating with bishops / Stake Presents (See https://invisiblescubit.wordpress.com/2018/02/04/great-suggestions-to-protect-our-children/ ) – Response to “How Mormons (the Church) Approaches Abuse” (Mormon Newsroom resource) I give 16 recommendations to improve the LDS Church’s child protection policies and practices Church Resource: (See https://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/how-mormons-approach-abuse ) Tim’s response: (See http://www.patheos.com/blogs/mormontherapist/2018/02/church-approaches-abuse-professionals-response.html ) – Preventing and Responding to Abuse (Church resource issued 3/26/2018 discussed in this podcast) https://www.mormonnewsroom.org/multimedia/file/Preventing-and-Responding-to-Abuse-attachment-final.pdf – Mormon Mental Health Podcast discussion of “Preventing and Responding to Abuse” Church Resource point by point discussion by two clinicians of the document (Natasha Helfer Parker and Timothy Birt) http://www.mormonmentalhealth.org/133-response-to-the-churchs-updated-guidelines-in-preventing-and-responding-to-abuse/ – Dialogue Article on Abuse: Day, Terence L. “Bones Heal Faster: Spousal Abuse in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” Dialogue. 46:01 https://www.dialoguejournal.com/wp-content/uploads/sbi/articles/Dialogue_V46N01_328b.pdf – Investigating A Claim of Child Abuse at Church – An Inside Perspective http://www.feministmormonhousewives.org/2016/02/investigating-a-claim-of-child-abuse-at-church-an-inside-perspective/ – Adverse Childhood Experiences Study (ACE) https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/acestudy/index.html https://www.samhsa.gov/capt/practicing-effective-prevention/prevention-behavioral-health/adverse-childhood-experiences https://acestoohigh.com/got-your-ace-score/ https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=adverse+childhood+experiences&hl=en&as_sdt=0&as_vis=1&oi=scholart&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiz6ZbKro_aAhVL4YMKHZksDuAQgQMINDAA – Trauma Focused – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy https://tfcbt.org/ https://tfcbt2.musc.edu/ – Children’s Advocacy Centers http://www.nationalchildrensalliance.org/ – Recommendations for Church Child Protection policies from other Churches: Community of Christ http://www.cofchrist.org/child-protection-training United Methodist Church (Safe Sanctuaries) https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/safe-sanctuaries-general-guidelines-starter-documents Episcopal Church https://www.cpg.org/linkservid/3F743B4C-06F1-5DFF-86FFB64C8B79DE07/showMeta/0/?label=Model%20Policies%3A%20Preventing%20Children%20and%20Youth%20from%20Abuse Presbyterian Church http://www.fpcgreensboro.org/child-and-youth-protection-policy United Church of Christ http://www.ucc.org/ministers_safe Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake https://www.dioslc.org/offices/office-of-safe-environment/documents-safe-environment/safe-environment-program-manual – Phone links: Trevor project LGBT support / suicide: 866-488- 7386 National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-656- 4673 National Children’s Alliance (CAC INFO): 202.548.0090 LDS HOTLINE: 800-453- 3860 ext. 2-1911 LDS GENERAL COUNSEL: 800-453- 3860 ext. 2-6301 – Tim Birt’s Info: – (See https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/counseling-and-therapy-services-auburn-al/210682 ) – (See http://www.mormonmentalhealthassoc.org/mmha-clinical-providers The post 298: Tim Birt – Mormonism’s Negligence on Sex Abuse appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

Today I want to talk about Wisdom.  Wisdom seems to come from exposing ourselves in a vulnerable way to others especially those who are diverse and unique from us.  It is when we look for truth outside of our bubbles that we begin to open ourselves up to real wisdom.  That when we live in small groups or live isolated lives that we are defensive of differences rather than looking for truth.  We talk today about how much wisdom there is in Mormonism and if there is little where else do we look for it. Bill Reel’s Suggestions of Wise Audio Episodes https://robbell.podbean.com/e/episode-86-richard-rohr-and-the-alternative-orthodoxy/  – Rob Bell and Richard Rohr Together https://onbeing.org/programs/david-hartman-hope-in-a-hopeless-god/ – Krista Tippet interview Rabbi David Hartman (click unedited) https://onbeing.org/programs/martin-sheen-spirituality-of-imagination/  –  Krista Tippett interview Martin Sheen (click unedited) http://www.radiolab.org/story/91569-memory-and-forgetting/  –  Radio Lab Episode on Memory https://www.outsideonline.com/2162176/everest-effect – A historical example used to show the nuance of the value of life http://revisionisthistory.com/episodes/09-generous-orthodoxy – One is never to old to change https://youarenotsosmart.com/2011/06/10/the-backfire-effect/ – How our brain deals with contradictory evidence   The post 297: Wisdom Through Exposure appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

With the recent MormonLeaks audio regarding MTC president self admitting he sexual abused others, it became necessary to speak out about sex abuse and the unhealthiness here inside the Church.  I start by telling some stories from my growing up and tie into how good Mormonism was for 17 year old me.  I then explain how slowly over time I came to barely hanging on in hopes the Church would choose to be good.  We then take a long look at this recent leak and the understanding that comes out from it and finish sharing why this and other events have helped our family make peace with the sabbatical we have taken from Church activity. Resources: Audio and Transcript from Mormon Leaks (I recommend the Audio) Church Official Response Church’s Former Official Response to Sex Abuse Generally Church Updated Version of their Official Response to Sex Abuse Generally   The post Special Episode: 296: Sex Abuse, Victim Shaming, and Sabbaticals appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

Are Modern Prophets the same as Ancient Prophets and Ancient Apostles?  Today we dissect three audio quotes of Elder Oaks where he seems to acknowledge and validate that they are not.  That while Ancient Apostles and prophets were witnesses of a manifestation of some sort in regards to their witness of Christ while Modern Prophets have essentially zero direct contact with the Savior.  Are Modern leaders just like Moses, Noah, and Abraham?  Apparently not.  What are we to make of this?  And what does it mean to you for them to be special witnesses of Christ? The post 295: Revelation and The Role of Prophets & Apostles, Modern and Ancient appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

Elder Oaks is on record testifying that we not not accept the teachings and statements of a given leader.  These quotes show up at other times as well from other leaders.  Strangely it is Elder Oaks who seems most accustomed to stating things which no other leader cares to tackle and certainly not all 15 of them.  On today’s episode we tackle the peculiar teachings of Elder Oaks and the very room he gives for members to disavow his own peculiar teachings.  We also talk about the bigotry contained in some of his teachings as well as those that seem incompatible with Christ’s own example. The post Mormon Discussion: 333: The Bigotry and Questionable Doctrine of Elder Oaks and the Room He Leaves to Disavow Himself appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

Today we sit down with Sam Young and discuss his effort to protect Latter-day Saint children.  Sam shares the why of his involvement in this issue, what he is doing to accomplish this, what would need to change, and how the Church is reacting.  We talk about transparency, forthrightness, and the shielding of this institution from vulnerability by its leaders.  Sam Young is courageous and is standing on the high ground defending LDS Children from distorted boundaries and deep unhealthiness.  Support Sam by visiting protectldschildren.org Sam also offers this suggestion as a possible format for sharing with LDS leaders that you are establishing a healthier boundary for your children and their relationship with local leaders. Dear Bishop, Our family has decided to set the following boundaries with regards to our children. Our children are not to participate in any one-on-one interviews with anyone in the stake, including the bishop. We are to be notified in advance of any interviews with our children. One of us must to be present in all interviews with our children. No sexual matters are to be discussed during any meetings involving our children. These limits have been discussed with our kids.  We and they fully expect that these boundaries will be respected. Please let us know if you have any questions. This decision does not diminish our esteem for you as our bishop.  We appreciate and thank you for your dedicated service. Sincerely, The post 295: Sam Young – Protect The Children appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

Today we hang out with Loni Lamm and discuss her faith journey and the journey of her family.  She has an interesting story to tell.  Some of her story including her time as an up and coming singer and her diverse experience in place like California will take on new ground.  But more importantly the majority of her story is our story.  She puts into words a telling of a faith journey that is your faith journey and mine.  So many part of this interview were interesting to me and felt like things I constantly have on my mind being told in a new refreshing way.  Join us today on Mormon Discussion as we continue with Part 2 of our interview with Loni Lamm Part 2 tackles her husband’s faith journey, the trauma of a faith shift, an awareness of the changing dynamics of in-group/out-group dynamics and a growing development with herself, her husband and their marriage. Loni Lamm music album The post 294: Loni Lamm – A Spiritual Awakening- Part 2 appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

Today we hang out with Loni Lamm and discuss her faith journey and the journey of her family.  She has an interesting story to tell.  Some of her story including her time as an up and coming singer and her diverse experience in place like California will take on new ground.  But more importantly the majority of her story is our story.  She puts into words a telling of a faith journey that is your faith journey and mine.  So many part of this interview were interesting to me and felt like things I constantly have on my mind being told in a new refreshing way.  Join us today on Mormon Discussion as we share part 1 of our interview with Loni Lamm Part 1 tackles her childhood, her parents relationship with the gospel, her time as a musical performer, her schooling, and meeting her future husband.  The episode ends with an awareness that something has shifted and that more shifting must occur. Loni Lamm music album The post 293: Loni Lamm – A Spiritual Awakening- Part 1 appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

Today I sit down with Jaxon Washburn.  Who is Jaxon?  Only one of the stronger voices coming out of younger generation of Mormons.  We tackle the idea of Prophets, Scripture, the LGBT issue and others in an effort to see how the younger generation is beginning to re-frame Mormonism.  What does the future look like?  If we base that ideal off voices like Jaxon, it is certainly kinder, more empathetic, more inclusive, and more desirous of a healthier faith. The post 292: Jaxon Washburn – Paradigm of a Rising Generation appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.