The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Reviews

• SB

  Shenera Boodie

  5 days ago
  1.0
  I want to clarify and add context to my experience with the LDS ward and community I encountered in Central Pennsylvania, specifically connected to the Mechanicsburg ward. During one of the lesson visits, I was told to “wipe the mud off your face,” and this statement was framed as if it were scripture. That language does not exist anywhere in the Bible. In context, it felt shaming rather than supportive, especially given my circumstances at the time. This comment was made by the sisters who were coming to provide lessons. Additionally, when these sisters met me at the clubhouse of my apartment complex, I observed visible discomfort and side-glancing toward residents in the community. My apartment complex was a high-end luxury rental community, one that required significant financial means to live in. Despite this, I was told they needed to be in a place that was “safe.” That statement was confusing and concerning. There was no objective reason for my residence to be considered unsafe. The only apparent difference was that the community was racially and culturally diverse, including Black men and families. The implication that diversity equated to danger was troubling. I am sharing this as my lived experience, not to generalize or attack individuals, but to name how bias, lack of cultural humility, and religious authority can intersect in ways that feel dehumanizing rather than caring. I also want to be clear: this does not reflect Adonai, the God of justice, dignity, mercy, and truth. No community or religious structure speaks for God when it diminishes another person’s humanity or misuses spiritual language to shame or control. This experience, combined with broader dynamics I encountered in Central Pennsylvania, left me feeling unseen and unsafe. I share it so others can make informed decisions and so accountability can exist where it is often avoided. With care, Shenera
• SB

  Shenera Boodie

  6 days ago
  1.0
  I am sharing this review as a survivor of domestic violence and as someone who approached this LDS ward seeking community, spiritual support, and safety during an extremely vulnerable time. My experience was the opposite. I was new to the LDS Church and was initially connected to the Lewisberry ward after being encouraged by a member in another state to share my testimony and seek fellowship after she heard my story. Following an unexpected move due to safety concerns after my abusive husband learned my address, as well as racially based harassment by the property manager, I began attending the Mechanicsburg ward. Based on my understanding of the Relief Society and its stated emphasis on community care, I believed this would be a supportive and safe environment, particularly for women. I developed contact with the Relief Society president at the Lewisberry ward and met with the sisters from Utah who were positioned at the Mechanicsburg ward, who visited my home weekly for lessons. During this time, I was navigating active domestic abuse, housing instability, and legal proceedings. I explicitly asked in October 2025 for basic emotional and spiritual support, including whether someone could accompany me to a court hearing or pray with me during that time. I made it clear that I did not want to be alone. My request was refused. When I asked whether another woman from the Relief Society could attend or offer support in any way, I was told no. The conversation ended abruptly when the Relief Society president hung up on me and subsequently blocked all further communication. This experience was deeply harmful. For a survivor of domestic violence, being cut off without explanation by a Relief Society leader added another layer of trauma and abandonment. It contradicted the values of compassion, community, and care that were presented to me when I was encouraged to attend. Additionally, I experienced repeated deflection when I expressed interest in sharing my testimony. Leadership at the Mechanicsburg ward did not engage with me directly, and I was never welcomed or introduced in a way that acknowledged my presence or circumstances. When I attempted to build connection by inviting members of the Relief Society to my home for herbal tea and scripture study, they consistently reported being unavailable “out of town” or my calls went unanswered. I want to be clear: I am not writing this out of anger, but out of responsibility. Spiritual communities have a profound impact on vulnerable individuals. When support is promised implicitly through structure and language but not practiced in action, it can cause real harm. As an Associate Therapist and survivor of DV, I encourage anyone, especially women and survivors of abuse, to carefully assess whether this environment aligns with the care and support they may need. Faith communities should be places of refuge, not additional injury.

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