I appreciate your responses and they backed up the impression I had. I didn’t remember the direct statements in the literature.
What outright selfishness and greed the governing body displays.
My reason for asking was that I had been inquiring about volunteering at a local chapter of an international charity.
When I did some research online I found that a couple from the last congregation I attended are sponsors and one of them is on the board of directors.
Great that they aren’t following the “rules.” 🙂 I thought it was unusual that they are involved especially to that extent. I would probably cross paths with them although I don’t know how often. Here’s why this matters to me and maybe why I felt the need to express it here.
I wasn’t able to leave the organization with a shred of dignity, when I disassociated there were several very unpleasant situations surrounding it because of some of the elders who were way out of line. Including one who tried to force himself into my home, which was terrifying in itself.
Even the neighbors heard the whole situation, so that was embarrassing as well. They were very supportive and said they’d help if anything further occurred.
One of the elders who was directly involved is a close relative to this couple and no doubt they were aware of the situation.
I doubt they approve of what happened and are possibly embarrassed.
Seeing their pictures in the media brings that extremely difficult time period back to me as if it were yesterday, it’s keeping me awake and causing bad dreams.
I know this is my fault to let it upset me so much but it does. Yet, I don’t see any reason to force myself into the unpleasant situation of volunteering where there will be a constant reminder of the religion just to prove to myself that I can.
Covid restrictions have made volunteering opportunities limited, but I’ll keep looking. I know I’m far from alone in being triggered by the organization even years later and it does somehow help just to express my feelings here. Thank you for your input and support. 🌷✨🧡😎