A new member of the highest governing body of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints says all faiths, including his own, need to do more to protect victims of sexual abuse and encourage the healing process. Ta.
Last month, Patrick Chiaron, 62, was elected as the first new member since 2018 to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the body that oversees the business interests and global development of the faith widely known as the Mormon Church.
Kieron, who grew up in Britain and converted to the faith as an adult, spoke to The Associated Press on Tuesday about his global and compassionate approach to a range of sensitive issues, from the border crisis to the LGBTQ community. Outlined what to do. He particularly emphasized how victims of sexual abuse are cared for by the Church.
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“There is no question in my mind that child abuse or intentional abuse of anyone is the most heinous crime and must not be tolerated in any way,” he said. “Regardless of religious affiliation or denomination, all of us must do a better job of caring for the victims of these crimes and moving toward healing, not just surviving their ordeal.”
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' sexual abuse reporting hotline has been misused by leaders to divert abuse accusations from law enforcement, instead keeping the issue under wraps and discouraging victims, according to an Associated Press investigation. It turns out they could be directed to church lawyers who could put them at risk. The Utah-based faith continues to hold on to the system despite criticism and increased scrutiny from lawyers and prosecutors who say it does not do enough to quickly stop abuse and protect victims. ing.
Kiaron did not speak specifically about the hotline, but said the church has procedures for reporting these crimes, which must be followed.
Elder Patrick Kearon, a new member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, which presides over The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, arrives at the dedication of the Orem Utah Temple on January 21, 2024, in Orem, Utah. (Kristin Murphy/Deseret News, via AP)
“We must deploy everything we can to support the healing of those who have been abused in the most horrific ways,” he said. “We've made a lot of progress in this regard, but we still need to do more.”
Mr Kieron said there was little room for error as sexual abuse cases had a devastating and lifelong impact on victims.
“Even if one person slips through your fingers trying to help heal, that's a disaster,” he said.
Kearon, described by many as a rising star in the church, fills the vacancy in the church's highest governing body created by the death of Russell Ballard in November. Members serve life appointments under the church president and his two chief counselors.
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Kiaron was born in the UK and has lived in Saudi Arabia and the US and worked in a variety of industries including healthcare, food, transportation and communications. After he joined the church, Kiaron held several leadership roles of increasing importance.
Raised in the Church of England, he converted on Christmas Eve 1987 after a “two-year learning journey” filled with doubt, cynicism and even mistrust. His parents prayed at home, but his family only went to church at Christmas and Easter or for special occasions.
Kiaron believes that his education has helped him understand fully that it is a strong faith that makes Latter-day Saints joyful and positive, which has enabled him to welcome faith as a driving force in his life later in life. He said he is grateful for the “calm foundation” he has been given.
He believes his global background is important because the church is growing faster globally than in the United States. Last year, the church announced it would reach 17 million members worldwide by the end of 2022. This reflects a 26% increase in the number of converted baptists compared to the rest of the world. Previous year.
“This trend will continue,” he said, adding that having worked and lived in many different parts of the world, his experience with issues that only seem to affect one region or one country He added that it helps him think on a global scale.
Kiaron also extends the global church's perspective to issues such as immigration, which are hotly debated in the United States as the presidential election approaches. He is best known for his 2016 speech calling for compassion for refugees fleeing war-torn regions of the Middle East and Africa.
As a faith leader, Kiaron said he understands the role of borders, but believes in kindness, inclusiveness and the idea of welcoming strangers.
“Our Father in heaven knows no borders,” he said. “Wherever his children are, we should love them.”
He conveys the same message of empathy when it comes to the LGBTQ community. The faith believes that having same-sex attraction is not a sin, but acting on it is.
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“It is important to try to understand others because we are all children of God,” he said. “It takes work and it's not easy. But when we look at these issues through the clear and simple lens of our beliefs, it really helps.”
Kiaron also stressed that there should be no room for radicalization or nationalism in the faith.
“Radicalization of any kind, as most commonly expressed, causes problems,” he said. “No matter where we are in the world, we need to be a healing force in our communities and follow Jesus Christ’s invitation to love our neighbors.”
