Sam Young wants his faith to look different.
Mormon bishops like he was can do invasive interviews with children, in one-on-one settings, and he wants it to stop.
So Young, the creator of the Protect LDS Children initiative, has started a hunger strike in an effort to see this certain practice of “worthiness” interviews stop within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Fox 13 News reported.
Sam Young said he will not stop his hunger strike until the Mormon church requires another adult to be in the room when its bishops interview youth. Young was once a bishop. (Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle)
Bishops and “stake presidents,” men who are assigned over several Mormon congregations, hold the interviews to determine if children can be baptized or go into Mormon temples, by the church’s standard. These interviews have been known to involve questions specifically if minors masturbated or had an orgasm, and Young and his Protect LDS Children are saying that is wrong.
Such questions are “predatory” and leave children to be psychologically traumatized, Young has said, according to Fox 13 News.
If they ask inquiries of children regarding sexual matters at all, bishops should be required to have another adult present when it occurs, Young has said.
He started Protect LDS Children after learning from those involved with LDS Mormonism that they had been sexual abuse or trauma victims as a result of bishop’s interviews, where they were “interrogated” and “shamed,” Fox 13 News reported.
"Inside, I knew I wasn't as bad as they made me feel," post-Mormon Nicky Miles told Fox 13 News. "And when those lines of questioning came, it actually was damaging at the time, but it continued to damage."
Young claims he will eat again only after Mormon authorities do what he asks, according to Fox 13 News.
"I am calling my fellow members to step up and not just protect our children, but protect the good name of the Church," Young told Fox 13 News.
Bishops lack proper instruction to hold interviews where they are learning personal matters from minors. So, professional therapists should be involved, Fox 13 News reported.
The church made remarks following reports of Young’s fast.
"Children and youth are precious. We share a desire to protect them, to help them grow and develop faith in the Savior, Jesus Christ and to live good and moral lives. This includes building good relationships with ecclesiastical and youth leaders who can provide support in many settings including personal interviews,” the statement reads. “In recent months, the church has taken important steps to improve these interactions and to strengthen the relationships between young people and their parents and leaders, and will continue to do so.
“Church leaders at every level—from Sam’s local bishop and stake president to a recent conversation with a general authority—have met with him to express love, to listen and to counsel with him. They have received and reviewed his materials and understand clearly his viewpoint. Further meetings with him are not necessary to clarify his position on this matter,” the statement also reads. “The church will continue to look for ways to guide, inspire and nurture young people by strengthening homes, providing positive role models and offering activities and learning opportunities that build character and deepen faith in Jesus Christ."