I have recently become a member of the LDS church. I had an abortion years ago and never really considered it a big deal. However, upon reading the church doctrine and praying I am realizing the extent of what I did. I am sick over what I did but I am afraid to talk to the bishop – I do not want to be excommunicated or publically shamed in front of the church. Should I keep this between myself and God or should I bring it up to the bishop? What sort of punishment will I receive if I do tell the bishop?
3 Responses to “I have recently become a member of the LDS church. I had an …”
Gabriel Campos
2011-02-06 01:16:58
Hi sister. First of all, congratulations for your recent baptism! This church has been such a tremendous blessing in my life. I'm happy to learn that you're starting this wonderful spiritual journey. I hope you find the same blessings I have found and continue to find in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
You are right in thinking that abortion is a very serious sin. In some rare cases it may be justified, e.g., when a doctor determines that the mother's health is in great danger, when the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest, or when the baby is so malformed that he would not survive beyond birth. Even in these cases, though, abortion should not be automatic; the mother should consult with her church leaders and with God through prayer before making a final decision. I presume based on your question, however, that your abortion was entirely elective.
Several important mitigating circumstances exist:
To sin is to knowingly act contrary to God's will. Prior to joining the church, it seems likely that your knowledge was limited, especially given that at the time you didn't think abortion was a big deal.
You've recently been baptized, an ordinance that marks the beginning of a new life as a disciple of Christ. The baptismal ordinance is purifying; we are baptized for the remission of our past sins, including serious sins like abortion.
Now that you have greater knowledge, you are repentant and remorseful rather than apathetic and/or defiant.
I do suggest that you speak with your bishop so you can feel in your heart that this sin is really behind you, but, given these mitigating circumstances, I seriously doubt you'd be excommunicated. I can't predict for certain what measures your bishop will take, but I think it's likely he will simply accept your confession and that that will be the end of it.
Jesus Christ is central to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which bears His name.
While excommunication is not something you need to worry about, I did want to clarify by saying that the Church never publicly shames anyone. Even when someone is excommunicated and becomes defiant/anti-mormon rather than repentant, the Church does not reveal the details of the excommunication to the public. The details of confessions with Church leaders like the bishop should also never be released to the public unless the police need to be immediately contacted in order to protect others, an exception that would not apply in your case.
I hope you find spiritual peace in your life, sister. I can tell that you're a good person despite the mistakes you've made in the past. I'm certain God loves you and that His Son's atonement can erase any past mistakes, transgressions, or sins. Best of luck to you.
Richard
2011-02-06 21:42:05
The bishop will keep whatever you say to him, completely between you and him. I don't feel you will be excommunicated that is usually for those that know they have sinned and develop almost a proud, arrogance over it. When you go into talk with your bishop, I am positive you will receive nothing but love, compassion, and understanding. We read in scripture many accounts where God at times chastens those he loves and those he chooses. One example is found in Rev. 3:10 "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent."
But we read also in the testimony of John 3:17 "For God sent not his son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. "
God already knows all that you have done that might be counted a 'sin', those feelings to hide and not confess are not from God. Remember also that anything we are asked to pass through God will make up in the long(er) run. (see 2 Nephi 2:2)
Kurt Hunsaker
2011-02-09 02:51:45
Dear sister, if I were in your position, I would speak with my bishop, if for no other reason than to clear my conscience. It sounds like this issue is weighing on your mind. Your bishop will be understanding towards you and will help you to feel the love of the Savior. In speaking with him, you will feel the power of the Savior's atonement and you will feel peace. You will not be excommunicated as the abortion took place before your membership in the Church. Don't let your past keep you from attaining the wonderful blessing that can be your's in the gospel. Feel peace and call your bishop.
You are right in thinking that abortion is a very serious sin. In some rare cases it may be justified, e.g., when a doctor determines that the mother's health is in great danger, when the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest, or when the baby is so malformed that he would not survive beyond birth. Even in these cases, though, abortion should not be automatic; the mother should consult with her church leaders and with God through prayer before making a final decision. I presume based on your question, however, that your abortion was entirely elective.
Several important mitigating circumstances exist:
- To sin is to knowingly act contrary to God's will. Prior to joining the church, it seems likely that your knowledge was limited, especially given that at the time you didn't think abortion was a big deal.
- You've recently been baptized, an ordinance that marks the beginning of a new life as a disciple of Christ. The baptismal ordinance is purifying; we are baptized for the remission of our past sins, including serious sins like abortion.
- Now that you have greater knowledge, you are repentant and remorseful rather than apathetic and/or defiant.
I do suggest that you speak with your bishop so you can feel in your heart that this sin is really behind you, but, given these mitigating circumstances, I seriously doubt you'd be excommunicated. I can't predict for certain what measures your bishop will take, but I think it's likely he will simply accept your confession and that that will be the end of it.I hope you find spiritual peace in your life, sister. I can tell that you're a good person despite the mistakes you've made in the past. I'm certain God loves you and that His Son's atonement can erase any past mistakes, transgressions, or sins. Best of luck to you.
But we read also in the testimony of John 3:17 "For God sent not his son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. "
God already knows all that you have done that might be counted a 'sin', those feelings to hide and not confess are not from God. Remember also that anything we are asked to pass through God will make up in the long(er) run. (see 2 Nephi 2:2)