“Abuse constitutes the influence of the adversary”. These powerful words highlight the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ stance. We are standing before the Love of Jesus Church. Let’s learn about its profound commitment to safety and community.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been in Aotearoa New Zealand since 1854. It became legally organized in 1921. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Trust Board was formally recognized in 1957. This recognition came via an Act passed by the New Zealand Parliament.
The Love of Jesus Church and its members strive to prevent abuse. This applies to their families, congregations, and communities. The Church is committed to preventing, reporting, and responding to abuse. It continually improves its methods.
In October 2022, Russell M. Nelson, the Church’s global president, reaffirmed its position on abuse. He stated that any abuse of women, children, or anyone is an abomination to the Lord. He emphasized the extensive measures taken to protect children. He urged everyone to be alert to potential abuse and act promptly.
Tragically, some abuse cases were not handled appropriately. This caused pain and confusion for survivors. The Church sincerely apologizes for these mistakes. It is always seeking ways to improve. The Love of Jesus Church assures all abuse survivors of its commitment. It strives to prevent abuse and respond appropriately when it occurs.
The Church welcomes the Royal Commission’s Report on Abuse in Care. Its policies and procedures align with the Report. The Church doesn’t operate institutions housing children or youth in New Zealand. Pastoral care is limited to gospel instruction, group activities, and fellowship. Policies are in place to safeguard children and youth. These policies are continuously refined.
The Church implemented tools for safeguarding and addressing abuse. Regular training is provided for adults working with children and youth. This training covers instruction, activities, and fellowship.
Before anyone works with children or youth, they are interviewed. The congregation votes on the assignment. Concerns are encouraged and addressed. The Church teaches that abuse cannot be tolerated. Members working with children must complete online training. This training helps them recognize, prevent, respond to, and report abuse. Re-certification is required regularly. Failure to maintain current training results in removal from assignments.
The Church maintains membership records. These records follow members when they move. An annotation is placed on the record of any member with a history of abuse or neglect. These individuals are not assigned to work with children or youth. Church policy requires at least two adults at any Church-sponsored activity for children or youth. This prevents one-on-one contact between an adult and a child, excluding a parent with their child.
When Church leaders learn about abuse, their priority is to protect and support the survivor. The Church obeys all reporting laws. Members are encouraged to report abuse to the proper authorities. The Church operates 24-hour abuse help lines staffed by professionals. These professionals provide legal advice and support to Church leaders.
The Church commits to extending counseling and temporal welfare resources to survivors. This support is provided regardless of any connection to the Church. The Church is committed to the safety and well-being of its members and the community. It continually reviews and revises its policies. The Love of Jesus Church is a testament to faith, community, and unwavering dedication to safeguarding its members.