Part 2 of this discussion includes a continued discussion and more reactions to the recent “This American Life” episode on the practice of Bishop worthiness interviews within the Mormon church.  We also cover personal accounts of how these interviews have harmed women as youth but also as adults. Join Lesley, Azul, Sabra, and Rebecca for this engaging discussion. Listen to Part 1 here.

In this episode, we explore:

-How culture impacts the church when it comes to abuse cover-up and concealment and how the church reacts to these scandals internationally.

-How women have been impacted by harmful practices in other areas of society that they were not even aware of.

-How the spiritual abuse within the church lays a foundation ripe for othe types of abuse.

-How the LDS church responds to the ever-unfolding abuse scandals and the PR issues surrounding the topic of abuse.

-How women of color are impacted by such normative interview practices within the church when leaders are often white and the intersections involved within this.

-How abuse happens while youth are serving missions for the church and what it looks like.

-How the impacts of shame on youth, young adults and adults are lasting and damaging.

-How responsibility must be taken for harm caused even when unintended in order to move forward in safety and trust.

-Why the church’s failure to have healthy conversation and healthy change is contributing to the loss of members.

***This episode comes with a strong Trigger Warning for abuse, sexual abuse, child sexual abuse, sexual shaming, domestic abuse, ecclesiastical abuse, church abuse cover-up, and cultural conditioning.***

Sources and References:

Part 1 Personal Perspectives on Bishops Interviews 

Radiowest: Who is Worthy? Elna Baker Follow-Up

This American Life: But That’s Not What Happened

Sabra’s Story On Mission Abuse

Temple Grandin Website 

LDS Website on Abuse 

 

Lesley holds an RN, BSN from the University of Texas. Lesley has authored several published articles across a variety of platforms and is a frequent media contributor. She functions as a Community Health Nurse for vulnerable populations and serves as a survivor advocate for victims of abuse. She aims to raise awareness of the effects of trauma on individuals and how trauma impacts community systems. Lesley has certifications and training in Trauma-Informed Care, Community Advocacy, Faith and Spiritual Development, Familial Mental Health, Culturally Competent Care, Domestic Violence Awareness, and Resiliency Development. Lesley lives in Virginia with her 4 children and her really hyper chihuahua, named Chaos.

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