“I have had problems in the past but have worked, with the help and encouragement of my former bishop, to overcome them. When I go for my temple recommend interview with my new bishop, must I discuss with him these past problems?”

Answer/Bishop Victor L. Brown

A bishop has been entrusted by the Lord with the weighty responsibility of being a common judge. “And also to be a judge in Israel, to do the business of the church, to sit in judgment upon transgressors upon testimony as it shall be laid before him according to the laws, by the assistance of his counselors, whom he has chosen or will choose among the elders of the church.

“This is the duty of a bishop …

“Thus shall he be a judge, even a common judge among the inhabitants of Zion.” (D&C 107:72–74.)

As a common judge the bishop conducts judgment interviews, including those for temple recommends. He is to ask specific questions necessary to determine worthiness. “Generally it is unwise and quite unnecessary to confess the same sin over and over again.” (Spencer W. Kimball, The Miracle of Forgiveness, Bookcraft, 1970, p. 187.)

In principle the bishop’s questions will follow this pattern: “Has the member been involved in any transgression that has not been confessed to the proper priesthood authority and resolved?” This type of questioning is in keeping with the instructions recorded in the Doctrine and Covenants 58:42, “Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more.”

Resolving a major transgression and receiving clearance by the proper priesthood authority includes confession, forsaking the transgression, wherever possible making restitution, accepting Church discipline if necessary, and living God’s commandments.

If for some reason further questioning is necessary, one can use the following instructions from President Spencer W. Kimball as guidance in giving an answer:

“If a major transgression has been fully confessed to and cleared by the proper authority, the person may usually clear himself in any future interview by explaining that this is so and giving the authority’s name. Providing there has been no repetition of the offense, nor a commission of any other serious transgression, usually the matter may be considered settled.” (The Miracle of Forgiveness, p. 187.)

A bishop will use good judgment when interviewing so that he does not place a member in the position of confessing a transgression again; and members of the Church are under strict obligation to be honest when interviewed by their bishop.

“Those who lie to Church leaders forget or ignore an important rule and truth the Lord has set down: that when he has called men to high places in his kingdom and has placed on them the mantle of authority, a lie to them is tantamount to a lie to the Lord.” (The Miracle of Forgiveness, p. 183.)

Thus when a member who has previously confessed and resolved a problem goes for a temple recommend interview with a new bishop, there is a dual responsibility. The member should be honest with the bishop, and the bishop will not reopen matters that have been appropriately closed.

• Presiding Bishop