I’m looking for forgiveness, but I’m reluctant to speak with my bishop. I have a heavy conscience. Let me tell you what happened. In 1995 I was baptized. In the beginning, I worked hard to be a dedicated member. Unfortunately, I ended up becoming less active because of the influence of bad friends. My daughter was born shortly thereafter, and I decided to come back to the church. Thanks to some elders who visited me, I came to understand the importance of faith. After many years I came back to the church in 2011. Unfortunately, I was again influenced by a bad friend, who introduced me to her cousin. We fell in love and everything seemed fine. I got pregnant. When I told him about my pregnancy, he was furious. He suggested that I get an abortion. It was then that I realized he didn’t really love me and that he was just playing with my feelings. I cried and thought a lot about his suggestion, but in the end I decided to keep the baby.
Recently, I met some elders in the street who asked if they could visit me. I accepted the invitation, and they started giving me the discussions. They didn’t know that I was already a member and that I had already been baptized. I wasn’t honest with them in the beginning, but as soon as they started talking about baptism, I told them I was already a member. They asked for my name and ended up telling me that my records had not been properly filed. They said I should be baptized a second time. I want to be obedient to our Heavenly Father and to go to the temple with my daughters. I’m trying to prepare myself. Did I do the right thing?
2 Responses to “I’m reluctant to speak with my bishop”
Leonardo Miranda
2013-12-01 16:35:13
Through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we can overcome sin and death. (Reflections of Christ)
Hi sister. First of all, let me congratulate you for your decision to come back to the church and to not abort your baby, even though your boyfriend pressured you. You've clearly made some mistakes, but you've done a lot of good things too.
You will need to repent of your sins, of course, so you can enjoy the peace that comes through Christ's forgiveness. I'm a little bit confused, though, because of your unique situation. Members of the church repent of serious sins by forsaking them and confessing to the bishop. Those who are not members of the church (but want to join) repent by forsaking their sins and being baptized. If your baptism was not properly recorded, you may not technically be a member of the church yet. On the other hand, if it was recorded the best option is to speak with your bishop.
Why don't you ask your missionary friends how to proceed? On the other hand, you might just want to ask your bishop directly. I know no one likes to talk about past mistakes, but the bishop really will be happy to help you recover your spirituality. Many people who confess afterwards describe the experience as liberating.
I hope this answer helps you. Congratulations again for your decision to come back to the church! I know this church can be a great blessing in your life and in the life of your daughters.
Pamela Bonta
2014-03-31 06:37:11
Dear sister, your Heavenly Father loves you. The members love you, even if we don't know you personally. You are our sister! You know where your heart lies. We all make mistakes. That's why we are here - to make mistakes and to grow through the challenges that result. I encourage you to talk to your Bishop. He can tell you what needs to be done to bring you back to full fellowship. He can also determine if you do need to be re-baptized or if the paperwork is indeed in order or not. I pray that you will come back home. God bless.
You will need to repent of your sins, of course, so you can enjoy the peace that comes through Christ's forgiveness. I'm a little bit confused, though, because of your unique situation. Members of the church repent of serious sins by forsaking them and confessing to the bishop. Those who are not members of the church (but want to join) repent by forsaking their sins and being baptized. If your baptism was not properly recorded, you may not technically be a member of the church yet. On the other hand, if it was recorded the best option is to speak with your bishop.
Why don't you ask your missionary friends how to proceed? On the other hand, you might just want to ask your bishop directly. I know no one likes to talk about past mistakes, but the bishop really will be happy to help you recover your spirituality. Many people who confess afterwards describe the experience as liberating.
I hope this answer helps you. Congratulations again for your decision to come back to the church! I know this church can be a great blessing in your life and in the life of your daughters.