SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (ABC4) — A new policy introduced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints requires background checks for any leaders who serve with children, youth, or vulnerable adults.
This comes after years of pushing for change from church members in the U.K. According to a website for the “21st Century Saints,” (a podcast for members interested and affiliated with the church) the podcast hosts have been contacted by many members who have been affected by physical, emotional, and sexual abuse within the context of the church.
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According to their website, they have launched a campaign to help support the church in improving and implementing practices to keep children and vulnerable adults safe from abuse.
It seems that the campaign has had some success in the U.K., as the church is introducing a new policy aimed to solve those problems.
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According to a letter from Europe North Area Presidency, the updated policy introduces a “mandatory DBS” (Disclosure and Barring Service) for anyone serving with younger and vulnerable members. They stated the policy also “[ensures] that individuals with a history of violent or abusive behavior are not allowed to work with vulnerable people.”
Douglas Stilgoe, “Nemo the Mormon” podcast host and an outspoken advocate for this new policy said he hopes this will lead to change in other countries.
“We have these close-knit communities where people trust one another. They treat it like an extended family, but you don’t really know these people. And so, you know, this idea of discernment within Mormonism has clearly let us down up to this point,” Stilgoe said. “It’s time now to step in and actually do some proper checking for the safety of those children.”