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Latter-day Saint Women |
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Part 4: Dealing with Abuse
Q. "Are LDS wives required to be more or less patient and long-suffering
with their husbands when they are unfaithful, or when they sexually or physically
abuse them? How about psychological abuse?"
A. No Latter-day Saint woman is expected to tolerate abuse, in any form,
from her husband. The LDS
Church has always spoken out against abuse and will continue to do so in
the future. In an October 1998 general conference address, "What
Are People Asking about Us?", President Gordon B. Hinckley stated:
We condemn most strongly abusive behavior in any form. We denounce
the physical, sexual, verbal, or emotional abuse of one’s spouse or children.
… No man who abuses his wife or children is worthy to hold the priesthood of
God. No man who abuses his wife or children is worthy to be a member in good
standing in this Church. The abuse of one’s spouse and children is a most serious
offense before God, and any who indulge in it may expect to be disciplined by
the Church. (Ensign, Nov. 1998, 72).
Women who suffer abuse from their husbands are encouraged to seek counsel
from their local leaders. An excellent article entitled, "A
Conversation on Spouse Abuse", was published in the October 1999 issue
of the Ensign. It contains valuable information on how to identify abuse,
who to contact, and how to overcome the effects of abuse.
It should also be noted that, although every attempt should be made to resolve
an abusive relationship, a woman's first priority is to ensure that she and
her children are safe. Only then can efforts be made to repair the marriage.
Also see LDS
Church's Stand on Abuse.
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