I just returned a call from one of the Reverends at St John Missionary Baptist church. Four years ago, my local LDS leaders asked to me start going there, become friends and look for ways to serve. Today, they are great friends with me, with others in my ward and with the Mormon Church in general. We have offered service to them in many, many ways over the years. It has been a beautiful assignment.

Over the past couple of years, I have shared with this particular Reverend some of my questions and doubts. On today’s phone call, he asked how my faith journey was going. Here are parts of my response:

1) Most of my questions and doubts have been answered. My faith is now settled…firmly in the teachings and example of Jesus Christ.

2) I’m still a member of the Mormon church. However, I now recognize that it has some huge problems.

3) I’ve chosen to not remain silent about these problems. Rather, to openly speak out about them. Some have said that I’ll be excommunicated as a result.

4) Then this interchange:

SAM: Suppose you had a 12 year old daughter. You take her to church. Then, without your permission, the pastor does something with your child, unbeknownst to you. He takes her into a room. He closes the door.. Your young daughter ALL ALONE with this older man. He then asks, “Do you masturbate?”

REVEREND: Immediately he blurted out, NO!! That’s wrong. The pastor should never be along with a child. He should never ask a quesiont like that. NO! It’s none of his business.

SAM: This is a common practice in my church and I’ve been very outspoken against it.

REVEREND: I‘m right there with you. That is wrong.

Our Mormon church has an idiotic, dangerous, and harmful custom imbedded in our “youth” interviews. It’s inexcusable that this is still happening. It’s inexcusable that any parent is allowing this to go on. Our interview practice is disgusting. I now think that it’s even more offensive that parents in the Mormon church allow this to go on.

Come on, Mormon parents, TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. They are your children. You are supposed to protect them.

Otherwise, delete the “protection” part of the Family Proclamation and add this:

“We Proclaim to the world that, starting at age 12, children are to be grilled about masturbation, behind closed doors, alone with an older untrained man.”

I’m a Mormon parent and grandparent and proud to own my opposition to this apalling practice.

Are you a parent/grandparent who supports the church’s masturbation interviews with your innocent kids? If you remain silent…you own it, my friend. Otherwise, stand up, speak out and stop this crap that continues to defile our church and especially our kids.

P.S.

Do you disapprove of private, closed door, masturbation interviews with your children? If so, feel free to express disapproval on the Common Consent Register found HERE .