This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
More than 90 percent of the 809 Mormons who responded to an online survey at bycommonconsent.com said they wouldn't consult with their LDS bishop before having a tubal ligation or vasectomy, even though the church's Handbook of Instructions says they should.
The LDS Church "strongly discourages" any "surgical sterilization," the book says, and couples considering these procedures "should consult with their bishop."
Even more startling is the survey's responses on abortion, cited here.
The majority – 69.09 percent – wouldn't talk to their bishop about having an abortion in the case of rape, incest or health of the mother, the conditions under which the Utab-based faith says it would be OK.
Even in these situations, the Handbook is clear: "Abortion is a most serious matter and should be considered only after the persons responsible have consult with their bishop and received divine confirmation through prayer."
So why the discrepancy between LDS Church recommendations and Mormon responders?
Most bycommonconsent bloggers and commenters are practicing Mormons, who try to live the church's standards. Many are, however, left-leaning politically and strongly independent-minded.
"The notion of having to talk to one's bishop regarding birth control flies against everything that has been taught over the pulpit and in Ensign articles in the last three decades," writes one woman, who goes by Naismith. "I had not yet served in a position where I had access to a handbook when we sought sterilization (in our late 30s, after 5 kids), but my husband had. So I asked him why we had not consulted the bishop, and he said that since we were sure, and had prayed and were not doing this on a whim or prematurely, there was no need to consult the bishop."
Indeed, Naismith wrote, "the confirmation that it was the correct step to take was one of the sweetest spiritual experiences of my life, so I resent having that memory soiled by the implication that I was rebellious in not seeking counsel."
Another commenter summed up what up what most of the others were saying.
People should consult with their bishop if they want to. They should never do so out of a sense of obligation," MRP wrote. "The bishop is not an intermediary with God. He should be in a position to help people to make their own decisions in consultation with God."