It still gives the church leadership the social authority to tell a young person that he or she is unworthy. All interviews need to stop. There is absolutely no justification for "worthiness" interviews of any kind. They must stop.
This letter says absolutely nothing. The new guidelines will be in the Handbook. When that’s published and revealed, we will know if any changes have been made. Regardless, they have no business having private meetings with adolescents and teenagers. The parents that allow this willingly are not being responsible. They are lazy and scared to have those important discussions with their kids that are necessary. In most cases they are emotionally adolescents themselves.
Growing up Mormon is good training to become and intelligence officer. You learn to lie with the straight face. You learn how to stay cool during an interrogation. You learn to become a good actor pretending to believe things you really don't. No wonder so many Mormons work in our intelligence community.
I also have not been aware that these interviews are held 2 times a year, rather than just once a year.
What a pain, what an invasion of privacy, what an abuse! that these interviews are ever held for youth, and for adults also. It is an inquisition church that insists on ruling by fear, by intimidation, by cooked up reasons for snooping and cooked up reasons that the word of the church's rulers cannot and must not be questioned, only obeyed, and if you don't, well, they will fix that one way or the other......and it won't be pleasant or kind or empathetic.
"Typically, the bishop or one of his counselors will interview the young man or young woman at least twice a year for the reasons outlined in “Purposes of Interviews” below. A bishopric member may also meet with youth to answer questions, give support or extend assignments."
That giving support and extending assignments thing can get you interviewed even more. At least in my experience growing up, you had to be interviewed for limited use temple recommends, to volunteer at a temple open house, attend a temple dedications, get a dance card for church dances, graduate from seminary, advance in the priesthood, take a new calling in a quorum presidency or scouting, receive a patriarchal blessing, and sometimes just because the bishop felt like it.
That worked out to being interviewed far more than twice a year, and there's enough wiggle room here to suggest that won't stop.
...the Church is smart by using the phrase "guideline", Bishops engaged in suspect behavior can already avoid most legal consequences, due to the broad interpretation of the term "guideline."
Church attorney:
"Well, Your Honor, my client "tried" to adhere to the spirit of "guidelines", as presented within the Church Handbook, but apparently, the definitions and details for proper conduct were not spiritually interpreted correctly, or it lacked clarity."
"Regardless, we are truly sorry for little Johnny's uncomfortable interaction with Bishop Pedo, and wish them both well. We will continue to offer counseling and solace to the grief-stricken family. However, any other conditions or offers will be appealed, and/or challenged in court...….God Bless."