In order to ensure the protection of our children, a number of clauses were included in the Family’s Charter explicitly for the purpose of safeguarding children. Clear lines are drawn as to what is appropriate behavior with children and what is clearly not accepted, for which offenders face excommunication (expulsion from our fellowship) (67,78,234-35). Education is provided to children and teenagers regarding abusive behavior, and they are admonished to report any problematic incidents to their parents and caretakers.
Our members are obligated to report if they suspect or observe any action that could be harmful to a child. The Family’s Love Charter also clearly states that parents are “responsible to protect their children from all forms of abuse’”sexual, physical, spiritual, mental, emotional, or psychological” (67). As such, parents are responsible to provide their children with a suitable environment to grow up in, as well as taking appropriate action if the rights of their children are infringed upon in any way.
