In the wake of calls to end sexually explicit interviews with children and before a planned march in Salt Lake City on Friday, the governing First Presidency of the LDS Church issued new guidelines Monday for one-on-one meetings between church members and local lay leaders.
“If the person being interviewed desires,” it states, “another adult may be invited to participate in the interview.”
The updated document and an accompanying letter was sent out Monday to church general authorities, stake presidents, mission presidents, district presidents, ward bishops and branch presidents.
“To help ensure the safety and protection of children, youth and adults, we ask that all priesthood and auxiliary leaders become familiar with existing church policies and guidelines on preventing and responding to abuse,” read a letter signed by the faith’s First Presidency.