tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1663941132319374651.post162825706104704709..comments2023-06-04T03:58:02.763-04:00Comments on He Said/She Said: He Said: ExcommunicationBored in Vernalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16930954374449121797noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1663941132319374651.post-54818508954252906492013-10-26T05:32:54.641-04:002013-10-26T05:32:54.641-04:00As someone who is reeling from the struggles assoc...As someone who is reeling from the struggles associated with addiction, and who always hated themself for the mere thoughts -- someone who ultimately made some mistakes that resulted in ex-communication, I can tell you that the love, dignity, and compassion of which you speak varies by area.<br /><br />I lived in one area where priesthood leaders were compassionate and loving, as you appear to be. I was able to be re-baptized within a couple years. It was wonderful, as I knew that these men understood the gospel and did their best to do Heavenly Father's will.<br /><br />Then I had to move. I'm on my second bishop, and still 7 years after that, and I'm increasingly convinced that as long as I live in this ward, in this stake, in this area, I'm completely wasting my time, energy, and tears. I don't think I would ever have been re-baptized if I lived here, and I am not sure I'll ever even be able to get my letter to the First Presidency asking for my restoration of blessings.<br /><br />The pain of rejection and lack of compassion and understanding is unbearable. And my dignity is most certainly not preserved. I'm teetering on the edge of just throwing my hands in the air and walking away from the church completely. I know this sounds angry, but truthfully, it's just painful. I can't bear the rejection anymore. I'm astonished that these people appear to have such little grasp of the gospel and what it entails.<br /><br />"Dignity" is not a word I would use to describe the process in this ward. My stake president has been better, but frankly, if the bishop doesn't "get it," it's going nowhere.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com