Background Checks would help the Mormon church stop abuse #mormon #lds #abuse

Why the LDS Church Needs Background Checks to Prevent Abuse

The belief in the church's discernment abilities became brutally ironic when a felon, listed on the national registry, suddenly transitioned to a respected elders quorum president. Such stories are becoming too common, raising pressing questions about unchecked power and oversight failures within the Mormon Church. With an impressive pool of financial resources reportedly in the hundreds of billions, the LDS Church possesses the capability, echoed by critics in platforms like the Mormon Stories Podcast, to enact a simple, yet potentially life-saving measure: background checks for its leaders. These checks could unearth serious red flags before an individual holds sway over congregations and youth.

Historical Context: LDS Church Leadership and Discernment

The LDS Church historically emphasizes the principle of discernment, relying on divine guidance to identify righteous and capable leaders. This practice assumes that church leaders can intuitively recognize individuals who should not be in positions of authority. However, this faith-based approach, rooted in tradition, has faced scrutiny as cases of abuse and misconduct emerge.

In the broader context, the church's doctrine has always emphasized meticulous record-keeping and accountability. Yet, when it comes to safeguarding church members, particularly children and vulnerable adults, the mechanisms appear lacking. It seems incongruous that a religious organization with vast resources would leave a critical safety net like background checks unused.

The Case for Background Checks in the LDS Church