Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints responded to a former LDS bishop who launched a hunger strike over the weekend. Sam Young began the hunger strike Friday night to protest Church policies regarding interviews with children and youth.
The Church released the following statement on Sunday afternoon:
"Children and youth are precious. We share a desire to protect them, to help them grow and develop faith in the Savior, Jesus Christ and to live good and moral lives. This includes building good relationships with ecclesiastical and youth leaders who can provide support in many settings including personal interviews.
"In recent months, the church has takenimportant steps to improve these interactions and to strengthen the relationships between young people and their parents and leaders, and will continue to do so.
"Church leaders at every level — from Sam’s local bishop and stake president to a recent conversation with a general authority — have met with him to express love, to listen and to counsel with him. They have received and reviewed his materials and understand clearly his viewpoint. Further meetings with him are not necessary to clarify his position on this matter.
"The church will continue to look for ways to guide, inspire and nurture young people by strengthening homes, providing positive role models and offering activities and learning opportunities that build character and deepen faith in Jesus Christ."
Read more about Sam Young and the Church's recent efforts to improve youth interviews with bishops here.
Lead image from Mormon Newsroom
