Helping youth learn to repent of serious sin

The following was sent to bishops on Feb 8, 2016 as part of training used in a Bishopric Training meeting:

CONFESSION
Isaiah 29:13-15 – Applies to both secret combinations and individuals - Youth are swayed mightily today by the precepts of men
- Hiding deep “works in the dark”
D&C 58:42-43 – Lord’s requirements for repentance (see also Bible Dictionary)
How do we help youth to be forthright and know what needs to be confessed?

THE LINES
VIDEO: “Crossing the Line”
The lines for missionary recommendation and sometimes temple worthiness
As “gatekeepers,” we are to use the following guidelines for youth to be recommended for missionary service and temple worthiness:

• Less-Serious Sin, 6 months from last incident: Habitual pornography and masturbation, light petting (above clothes, above waist)
  
• Serious Sin, 1 year from last incident: Fornication, including oral sex; simulated sex with clothes on; sexting (transmitting pornographic pictures of self); heavy petting (under clothes, below waist), any same-gender sexual relationship
  
• Mitigating factors: Time, number, frequency, aggressor, understanding FORGIVENESS: Responsibility and procedures (not the doctrine)
  As a Judge in Israel...
  1. We may forgive on behalf of the Church
  2. Rarely, if ever, do we forgive on behalf of the Lord
  3. We are to help youth learn to walk the path and know when they are forgiven
  Our goal is save this generation!
  

• See Handbook 1, Chapter 4, especially 4.5.2 and Chapter 7, especially 7.2.4
  
• D&C 64:10 – Who is to forgive whom?
  
• Mosiah 26:29 – Who does the forgiving?
  
• Moroni 6:7-8 – What is our responsibility as a Judge in Israel in a church where
  members make covenants?
  
• D&C 82:7-8 – What is the consequence when sin is repented and then repeated?
  
• D&C 58:17-20 – Why should members follow the counsel of their bishop?
  
• D&C 42:88 – 92 – Why are most sins addressed privately?
  
• Mosiah 4:30 – At what point did immorality begin?