Church Discipline

[Solon]

Originally Posted by Tex

D&C 42:81-82, 88-89

You don't have to bold the words with no commentary. Obviously, I read these verses since I cited them in my post.

And this scripture has to do specifically with adultery - if a man and/or woman is accused, the elders have a public trial (before the church). And the bishop is to be present. Again - this has nothing to do with confessing sins to the bishop in a private meeting.

You could argue that "before the church" refers to the elders - not the general membership (42.89). Fine. This has to do with disciplinary councils. Not with proactive "I need to see the bishop because I felt up my girlfriend" confession sessions.

There remains in my mind no scriptural basis for confessing to the bishop as an integral part of the repentance process.