Hello. My cousin belongs to this church. I've visited before and I really like it. To tell you the truth, I'd like to become a member, but I've committed some terrible sins. To be specific, I've had sex outside of marriage and even had an abortion. I'm not proud of it, and every day I ask God to forgive me. I've started to realize that I need to get closer to God. At the time I didn't realize just how terrible those things are. I wanted to know if this is going to get in the way of my joining the church. I want to be a good member of the church. I'd love it if you could answer my question. Thanks.

Anonymous, 8/16/2010

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El Santo Gringo from La Jolla, California:




Hi friend. I'm happy you came here to find an answer to your question. Before I answer, let me say how much I love being a member of this Church. I've grown closer to my Savior Jesus Christ by worshiping Him in His restored Church. It's been a great blessing in my life.

Mormon Missionaries
Mormon missionaries in Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil.
You are right in thinking that elective abortion is a very, very serious sin. Fortunately, it seems that you already understand the seriousness of that sin. When I was a missionary, one of the women I taught had had an abortion. Prior to baptism, there is a baptismal interview to verify that an investigator is really ready for baptism. Because my friend had had an abortion, the missionaries who conducted that interview had to call a member of the mission presidency. That leader came and visited with my friend to make sure she understood the seriousness of her sin and to make sure she felt remorse. After seeing that she was truly repentant, he authorized her baptism. She and her husband were able to join the church several days later.

As you are also sincerely repentant, I'm quite certain that you'll also be able to accept Jesus Christ through baptism as well. I sincerely hope you find all the many blessings that come through the restored gospel of Jesus Christ! This gospel can transform your life. I know because it is transforming mine.
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