I have broken the law of chastity, foolishly giving away my virtue to my boyfriend. Also, I have given in to peer pressure and smoked weed and did shoplifting. I’m really ashamed of what I did, and now I made up my mind that I’m gonna talk to my bishop. The only thing I’m worried is that he might tell my parents. I’m 19 and I’m under the impression that the parents are only called in when the person involved is in Youth. Or is the gravity of the sins I’ve committed gonna be the reason as to my parents being called? Can someone help me please? THANK YOU SO MUCH.
3 Responses to “I have broken the law of chastity, foolishly giving away my …”
Francisco Paz
2011-07-11 03:00:49
Hi friend. I'm happy that you have a sincere desire to repent and improve your life. Taking the first step on the path of repentance takes a lot of courage, and deciding to confess your sins is an important first step.
It's true that there are some extreme circumstances where a bishop needs to share a child's sins with his parents. For example, if the child is a danger to self or others, reporting may be necessary. However, in most cases, confidentiality is essential. This is especially true when the confessor is an adult, as you are. It would be appropriate for you to discuss confidentiality with your bishop prior to confession. That's a reasonable expectation in your case.
Christopher Little
2011-07-10 14:51:23
Well, I had the same situation. I had broken the law of chastity and I went and talked to my bishop. He asked me if I wanted my parents to know. I told him yes. But, I do think that if you don't want your parents to know then it will be harder to repent. You see, usually when you are repenting like that you don't get to take the sacrament for a while. I think that your parents will notice if you don't take it for a while so it might be better to just tell your parents and the bishop together.
Pamela Dean Bonta
2011-07-10 22:34:57
Your bishop should not talk to your parents. You are not a Young Woman anymore, but a sister in Relief Society, an adult.
It's true that there are some extreme circumstances where a bishop needs to share a child's sins with his parents. For example, if the child is a danger to self or others, reporting may be necessary. However, in most cases, confidentiality is essential. This is especially true when the confessor is an adult, as you are. It would be appropriate for you to discuss confidentiality with your bishop prior to confession. That's a reasonable expectation in your case.