Repentance and Progress along the Path to the Savior

Most of the repentance process takes place between an individual, God, and those who have been affected by the individual’s sins. However, sometimes a bishop or stake president needs to help Church members in their efforts to repent. When helping members with the repentance process, bishops and stake presidents are loving and caring. They follow the example of the Savior, who lifted individuals and helped them turn away from sin and toward God. (See Matthew 9:10–13; John 8:3–11; see also General Handbook, 32.1.)

These same principles apply when helping individuals who are currently or have previously been incarcerated. Leaders should follow the promptings of the Spirit and apply the direction provided in the scriptures and in General Handbook, chapter 32. As they do so, they will be guided to help God’s children return to the covenant path.

Helping an Adult in Custody

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Leaders are encouraged to help the adult in custody to repent, forgive themselves and others, and gain a testimony of Jesus Christ as their Savior. Leaders should teach that the Lord may grant forgiveness to anyone, regardless of their situation.

They may emphasize that “he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more” (Doctrine and Covenants 58:42).

Leaders should also teach that the path back to full membership status within the Church will not be complete until after the person’s release from incarceration and reintegration into a ward. Church membership status can be confusing to chaplains and corrections officials and should not affect on-site ministering care.

Individuals who were never baptized as a member of the Church but discover the truths of the gospel while incarcerated may prepare for baptism after their release.

Membership Councils

A Church membership council is an important step in helping a person who has engaged in serious criminal conduct to repent and return to the covenant path (see General Handbook, 32.6, 32.9–32.14). This assistance may include formally restricting some privileges of Church membership or withdrawing a person’s membership for a time (see General Handbook, 32.11.3, 32.11.4). One of the purposes of Church membership restrictions or membership withdrawal is to help a person access the redeeming power of Jesus Christ through repentance.

A membership council is required when a member is incarcerated for murder, rape, sexual assault, child or youth abuse, abuse of a spouse or other adult, predatory behavior (violent, sexual, or financial), incest, child pornography, plural marriage, serious sin while holding a prominent Church position, and most felony convictions (see General Handbook, 32.6.1).

A membership council may be necessary when a member is incarcerated for violent acts, lesser forms of abuse, sexual immorality, fraudulent acts, violations of trust, and other acts (see General Handbook, 32.6.2).

The bishop or stake president of the unit where the person lived when the crime was committed proceeds with any necessary action for formal membership restrictions or withdrawal. If membership privileges were restricted, the leader (or clerk if authorized) forwards the membership record to the unit that is responsible for the place where the person is incarcerated. If membership was withdrawn, the bishop or stake president contacts the leader of that unit (see General Handbook, 32.14.8, 32.15).

It is not uncommon for no council to have been held before a member is incarcerated. At times, leaders with responsibility for the member in prison will need to conduct the membership council.

Supporting Individuals Convicted of a Sexual Offenses

Leaders should meet with those who were convicted of a sexual offense to learn if any legal conditions exist that restrict their ability to attend Church or other activities. Leaders should also contact the Church’s help line for guidance on these situations. The help line is available for bishops and stake presidents.

United States and Canada
United Kingdom
Ireland
France
Australia
New Zealand
In countries that do not have a help line, the stake president should seek guidance from the area legal counsel at the area office.

Leaders should counsel with Church legal counsel on how best to make appropriate arrangements to help the individual progress along the path back to the Savior while ensuring safety for all ward members.

A Church membership council can be an important step to help a person who has engaged in serious criminal conduct to repent and return to the covenant path.

Some countries keep a national database of those who have been convicted of a sex crime against a minor. Sex offenders on parole or probation may have government-imposed restrictions on participation in social events such as church meetings. The Church honors these restrictions. Legal restrictions after an individual’s release may vary, and restrictions may be removed over time. Depending on the circumstances, the Church may implement additional protective measures beyond the individual’s formal legal restrictions.

Temple Garments

The Church does not prohibit an adult in custody from wearing temple garments. However, the stake president should prayerfully evaluate the situation and make the final decision. Regardless of the stake president’s decision, the adult in custody will need to work with the prison administration and chaplain to determine if she or he can wear temple garments appropriately.

Helping Individuals Prepare for Release

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Leaders can provide the support that will bless the life of the individual after release in the months prior to release from a facility. They might consider the following ideas:

Help the individual make an action plan for the first 90 days after release. This plan may include finding a place to stay, seeking employment, and reconnecting with family and local Church leaders for ongoing support.
Contact the new home ward leaders, and help prepare them to provide ongoing support. Encourage them to assign a ministering couple and to hold regular interviews with the released individual.
In accordance with the facility guidelines, provide the individual with essential contact information for support agencies, public resources, or other useful contacts.
Help arrange transportation in the form of car rides or bus passes. (See “Safety” guidelines.)
Talk about the fears and worries the individual may have about being released. Help resolve concerns, provide advice, and give priesthood blessings.
Where available, contact the Church Transitional Services Office in advance at 1-801-240-7340.

Helping Individuals after Release

The first few days, weeks, and even months after release from incarceration can be extremely difficult. Often, the individual does not have a safe place to stay or good employment prospects. Adjusting to life outside incarceration is emotionally draining, and old patterns of addiction and other behavior may be enticing. The support of family, friends, and Church members during this time is vital.

These questions may be helpful to review when providing support:

Where is the person staying? Is he or she safe and on a path leading toward employment and connection with family and local Church members?
What are the next steps in the person’s efforts to reestablish a safe and productive life?
Are there needed medical appointments or other health needs?
What can family, friends, and the Church do to help the person feel loved and progress?
What community agencies and resources are available to help?
Are treatment and counseling required? How is the person progressing? How is the person paying for it? Do changes need to be made in the treatment or counseling?
Do you need to help the person understand any changes or annotations to his or her membership record?

In addition, as leaders convene a membership council for a previously incarcerated adult, they are encouraged to consider the reason for the individual’s incarceration, the duration of the incarceration, and the spiritual habits the individual has developed. Often, the adult in custody has spent years repenting, attending Church services, studying, and serving others the best that he or she can. In such cases it may be appropriate for membership councils, following the guidelines in General Handbook, chapter 32, to speed up the review process and help the individual quickly return to the covenant path and full membership status.

Church programs such as Family Services, addiction recovery groups, or self-reliance classes may be equally helpful. Leaders and members may contact the Church Transitional Services Office for more help at 1-801-240-7340.