Handbook 1

Stake Presidents and Bishops

2010

Published by
The Church ol Jesus Christ of Latter~ay Saints
Salt Lake Gty, Utah
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Introduction
The Lord dmonl hL'd, "let ~ man learn
hb duty, nd t,.,
ct in the offict' in which he i
appotntN. tn all diligt!n~e· (D&C 1U7:99).
Church I •aders ~k per-.onal revelation to
help them learn and ful!ill the duties of therr
callings
Studyt.ng 1M 5CnptUIC$ and the teachings of
l~th r-day proph~ wUJ ht-lp letlden. unders~nd
and fulfill t:ht>u du . Th~ Lord hus admonished
ltt.tders lo tre.l-.ure up ln thctr nund:. c:ontinwlly
the "'•ord of C,od 10th y wall be receptive to the
tn0ul'ncc uf lh~ l.)p•rlt (~ D&C 84:135).
l .1d ·rs abut • m lh ·ir dutt~ by studymg
th~ 1t1 truc:taon '"Church handbook . These
ln lructinn~ can facilitate rovelc1tlon if they are
u cd to provide an undt"rStanding of principles,
pulit~e'ol, nd proc~ures to apply while seeking
Lhe guidance of the Spttit.
Handbooks for Church Leaders
Tht Chu~h pto\'i two handbooks for lead-
er.-:
Hnndhoot I : St,l ~ Prt'Sitlmt rmJ BWwp: The
l'ir!\1 ~ o ~h4ph.'N> nt th1 handbook outhne the
gent!ral ~poruibiht t.tle pres denb and
bishops. ~other chapti'rs provide detailoo m·
torm;st an ::sbout pohc· and pmc~uret.. Thjs
dt"taaled Lnform.ttion s arrangt'd by topu.· to
provide c.tsy ace when stake presidents and
bi hopb h.1vc qu tions about therr specific rc-
pon>tbllita
1-lnudbook 2· J\dmlflt!tt«-rmg tltt C1turciJ Th
hAndbook l!J .1 guade for members of ward and
stake rou.nclls. 'fht' fir-.t two chapt rs present the
dodrln.1l found.1hon of tht> work uf tht" Churcl'\:
the h•atum of llldlvlc.lual". nd the seahng and
eult.,tton of famlllt:' .. through the power of the
pri thcxld . T'h~ olh ·r en pt<•r-. provtde mst:Tuc-
tton: for adminastt•ring prte thood quorums
and Du ah n Th 'f also pl"CS('nt pnnoples and
guidch that ilpply to mulhple org.l.lliatioru.
in the ward
The h admgs and ubheadings m these
handboo are num~ to make loptcs easy to
looate or ~feren~ RAth T than refer to a page
or group of p.tg • l adt~ m:ty re~r to a topic
by i~ nllD\ber. for example, insuuctJons about
templtt marriag~ ·~pro' idt'd an 3 r; I The num·
ber 3 ref 'r.. to the ch pter, the numberS refers
to a sect1 n of the chapter, and the number 1 re-
(eB to a ubs<>ct on
to be per
Temple Merrfage
Updates and Supplements to
Instructions
~"C:.,stonnlly U'l' lnform hon ll\ th hillld·
boo"'~ wtll be upd,,tt-d or upplemmtt"d through
letters, not11. • nJ ''lh~r rommurucabon from
th F'~Litr dcncy, Quorum of lhc Tweh t?, and
P adin Bs ..hopri • When thi" Ot"CUJ'S, lc<:~ders
ould note lN.- ch; nge.. in theu copu.~~ ot the
h.lndboo ~adcrs houJd keep lwldbooks and
h .. upplt'mcnt.lry matcnal togethcr.
Questions about Instructions
l..e-oldt't'i "ho ha\ e qu~tlcms nbout anfo~·
lion in the handboo or about I ~u that are not
add eel hould dU'Kt tht• questions to thCU'
tmmt'da3h.• p~tdlng authorit}.
Application In Branches, Districts,
and Missions
for ildmtnt5trahve purpo:.cs. the terms bJSitOJ'
<1nd bi.sl1oprrc m the h.1ndbook." ~fer also to
branch p~iJt!'nts and bran h pr~tdt-ncics. The
terms stnu pmidml and slakt prt:stdtttcy refer ai!>O
to du.trlct pr\~idtnt-. Qnd dl tnct p~ idcnetcs.
I lowever, th~ of • of bi hop and brnnch pn.""it·
dent are noll'<)Ui\·ah.•nt tn authorit} and re.pon-
51blhty. Nor a~ the oh of tAke pmtdcnt and
dt:,trict pr~tdt>nt . The bt..hop 1 an office in thl'
prt~thood, and ordtN It n authori.ud unly by
thr Fi~t p,, ldenc) . t:~~c p tdent are called
b • Gcnl'ral Au thnrlli and A~ Se\ lo'nti~ .
Reft.-r~: net to ward nd ~e. U$Ually apply
Abo to branth . dt trichoJ and IllUSions.
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Contacting Church Headquarters or
the Assigned Administrative Office
Some ~haptt>r ln thJ handbook tndude
instru..:llons to contact Church headquarte:rs or
the n. "'8nl'<f .1dmrni tr.lhvto office. The m. truc-
Uon to contact Church headquarters applies
to prt thood INders .u1d cler~ In the Urub?d
~ t.t •md CanAdos The mstntchon to contact the
a." jgn(>(J dmtna.strah\ e ' ffu.: • applie:-. to priest-
hood lc:tdcrs and d :or ... out~td ·the lJmtt'd tes
~ndCAnad •
Distribution
Hllttdroo.. 1 Stat! PrtStJmts mhf Bisllops should
lx! distributed as follows:
• GeJWr,ll Authonties, Area Scvenl•e'O, members
of general auxiliary pn.>SidcJ"\Ctes, Church de--
p.utmmt heads, director, or temporal affa~
(1 cop • each)
• imtplc p 1drncy (4 ,~,pi~)
\'I
• Mt ton prestdt!l\C)" (3 cop1 )
• t:, e or d~tnct prendt!nC) (3 copt )
• '- ke or dl tn<1 clerk (1 file cap •)
• 8 pnc (3 copies)
• Branch p~ident (1 cop))
• \.\ardor branch clerl.; (J fil~ copy)
Tht handbook has been prcp.1red lt'ly for
u b) Kt!n~r.al and Local Churd of6~r.; to ad-
mlnist r the affairs of the Onm:h. It should not
be duphc.1h.-d or glH"'l to 4Ul) oth.>t pcr5()n.'- The
,.hslribut•on 1 t includes A flk copy to be lu!pl in
11 l'C\Irc plt~cc by «.>ach stake and ward clcdc He
ma)· ref~r to it for lnformahon on nn. n C"' ;md
r~; ut\1 .tlhJ fnr information ,,n uppNhng lh~
fltil}..~: pre-sident or blShop
Wlum Chun:.h of(ic~r'B v. ho h<1w " l.'opy uf
thl:, h<mdbook are rete~. lhl!y gl\'t' lhl.' copy
promptly to th~lf uc sor or to ttwir pn.•t-id-
lng authority
1. Duties of the Stake President
11 Presiding High Priest • • • • • . • • • • • • • • • . • • . . . • • 2 1.2 Common Judge ••••••• , , • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 4
1.1.1 l4\td .rt.hlp • . •.•.•••••••••.••••••.•.. · · · 2 1.3 We Itare ............... . .................. .,•
1.1.2 Th~ Wpnc oi l\'auon •••••.•••••••••••••. 2
t.1.3 ~rt~thood • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • . • . • • 3 14 Reeonb, Flnaneu, end Properties • . • • • • • • • • • 4
1.1.-4 Stakt" Patriart'h ........ . • • • • . • • • • • . . • . . . 3
1.1.5 Counab. Commitk'cS. •nd Met!hllgS • • . • • . • 3
1.1.6 Callingund ~Jeucs ..................... 3
1.1.7 Auxili•ries and Programs • • • • • • • • . • . • • • • • • -l
1.1.8 Publit Af~trs .••.••••••••••••••.....••••• 4
1. Duties of the Stake President
The stakes of the Church are established "£or
a defense, and for a refuge" for the Saints in the
latter days (D&C 115:6). The term stnu comes
from the prophecies of Isaiah. who described lat-
ter-day Zion~ a tent or a tabernacle that would
be secured by st.lles (see Isaiah 33:20; 54:2).
The :.take pres1dent holds the priesthood keys
to direct the work of the Church within the stake.
He and h111 rou~lors form a stake presidency.
They nunlstcr to take members with love and
concern, helping them become true followers of
Jesus Christ.
The stake president h..u four pdncipal respon-
sibilities in presiding over a stake:
I . He is the presiding high pnest.
2. He is a common judge.
3. He oversees welfare matters.
4. He oversees records, finances, and proper-
ties.
Because the stake president hold~> priest-
hood keys, he has some respon~>1bilities that are
his lllonl'. To enable him to concentrate on these
duties, he dcleg.:~tes many other ass1gnments to
his counselors, high counolor.o, the ~>take clerk,
the stake executJve secretary, and assistant stake
clerks
ll the stake president is absent, ill, or other-
wise unable to perform his duties, a counselor
may act in his place temporarily eJccept as noted
in this handbook. The counselor is to consult with
a member of the Presidency of the Seventy or the
Area President if he has questions about acting
for the stake president.
The stake clerk and stake executive seer~·
work closely with tht" stake presidency, but they
are not members o f the presidency and do not
need to be released when the prestdency is re-
organlu-d . ResponqibUit1cs o( the stake clerk and
ex~utive secretary olrt' outlined In 13.3.2 and
13.3.4.
1.1 Presiding High Priest
lltis section outlines the stake president's re-
!>pon.sibiHties as the presiding high prie:.t in the
stake.
2
1.1.1 Leadership
Church members look to their stake president
as the primary spiritual leader in the stake. He
sets the 5piritual tone for the stake by domg the
Lord'!> work " with hohne of heartH(Mosiah
18:12). He teaches and uplifts membe~ after the
example of the S.w1or.
A stalo.e president ls a faithful dlsdple and
w1tne'lS of je<~us Christ. He is true to his cov-
enants. He IS loyal to his wife and considera te
of her. He sets ,,n exan1ple of righteousnesb for
his children, the stake, and the community. His
counselors are men of lhe same character.
The s take president provides guidance and
counsel to bishops and other leaders rn the take.
He meets with new bishoprics as soon as reason-
able 11fier their calllngs to instruct them. Tilere-
aiter, he inslruets ami encourages b1'!hopo; in
regular pnesthood Interviews, in meetings with
b~hopriOJ, and m o ther s >ttings.
The stake presidl!nl helps members tn~
their spiritual strength. lie tCllchcs them to pray,
study the scnptures, and receive the saving or-
dinances.
In add.ibon to strengthening mdJViduals, the
stake president strengthens families. He teaches
that the fami.ly IS the mO<;t important organiza-
tion in time and eterruty. He encourages families
to hold family home evening, pray and read the
scriptures together, and be considerate o( one
another. He ensures th.:~t Church callings do not
unduly mfringe on family responsibilities. He
all>O en!lures th<1t Church activities support par-
ents' efforts to t•li'>e rlghti!Ous children.
The s take president emphasizes the impor·
t..'lnce of members having the scriptures and the
Church magazines in their homes.
1.1.2 The Work of Salvation
The stake presldent presides over the work ot
salvation in the stake. This work includes metrlher
missionary work, convert retention, activation,
temple and family history work, and te<~ ching
the gospel. Responsibilities for this work are out-
lined in Ha11dbook 2. chapter 5. Some of the stake
president'& unique responsibilitie& for temple
and missionary wor.._ .ue also ouilineJ m chap-
ter:f 3 and 4 of th1., handbook
1 1.3 Priesthood
Melchi.zedWt Priesthood
Membt:D of tht! stale presu:lc:ocy pn!Side over
the Mclchizedcl..l'rie.thood m tlw !>talr..e. They may
lbsign nwmbt.-n. af th&! t.'IM prieothood executi\e
romrnltl~ to a--.sc.t them ( HQndliOOk 1, 18.3.6).
l ht: stalr.lo president Is the sta.._e high priests
quorum pres;ldent He and his couns4'lor com~
prise the preSJdcncy of th~· ..t.lle h•gh priests
quorum The:! !>tal-e prt.'!>idt>nt:y .also ave~ el-
ders quorum.s (See Hiltulbwk l , 7 2 1.)
The &take preslcknt ove~ the conferral or
the Melclu.zedek Priesthood and ordinations to
the orfices of elder and high pnest (~ee 16.7.1).
Aaronic PrleS'ttlood
M~mbcr5 ot the si<IM> prc"~idency instruct bish-
oprf{"'. in therr respcmslhillti~ for AMonlc Prlest-
h(l(ld lmldcMI and yaung women.
Thc ~tlake pn.,.qd~nla-.'ilgns one ofhl£counsel-
to pl'blde ewer the stakl" Al'l ron1c Priesthood-
ill"ll
Young Women commilll~ (set• Hnr!dbodl 1, 18.3.9).
Tlu"' counselor Also oyer;~ the IAlt> Young Men
and Young Women orga.n..tziltions
114 Stake Patriarc h
The 11take president prcs•de:.. over th~! stake
piltriolrth and should develop a c:ID!M! rebnon-
rup With hun For informallon iJbout calling and
upeiVIStng Uw 'ltakl' p4triarch '1ft chapter 15.
1.1.5 Councils, Committees, and MeeUnga
Councils and Comml11GOS
The lake ptesldcnl rres•d 0\ l'f the st.lke
pn~lhood r ecuth·c C(lmm•tteto and the stake
council. I fe nsslgn:. hl5 coUJ\lU.!lors tn preside O\'er
the st.1ke Aaronic l'riesthood Young Women
committ<'c, the stake young llingle adult commit-
lee, 11J1d the stale single adult committee (where
organized).
l!!'dl slake president is a member of a coordi·
nnllng counciL Ml'mbef"' of thl" council meet to
(I) mordino1tt" tht- work of stales and missions
and (2) courc.llnate mult.Ls~lc mattl!l"S. Coun·
clJ mcctinss are htld under the directlon of the
f11'ClSIUMlC)' of 1Jw ~vt!nly UT tht Area Prestdencv
Norm.llly they destgrule an ~a Seventy to
serve as ch.iarman of the rounnl ubJt>ct!i for dis-
cu.. JOn tn rounetl mt'\!hng... rould include nus--
ilonary work, wcllart-, Church educntlon, family
history. temple work. pubhc ilff,m!i, actwilld, the
Perpetual Education Fund (where approved),
•nd oth.eT matters as needed.
Meehnga
~ Llle pl"t'SidenC) plaru. the stake meet-
tngs listl'd
tn H411d/IO(IS; 2. ch.1ptcr lR. The stake
prestdent pn:-.lde:. ill stnke meetin~ unl an
Area Seventy or General Authority aUPnd'i. The
smke pres~dent's counseloa; may conduct tht....e
met!tings and may prestde if the sale pl'l'Sadent
as absent
UB Callings and Releases
The tolkt" pn...,ident'!l n=spnrll>iblliti~ for call-
mgs and n>lt'~ are oullined tn Hnnd'boo Z.. chap-
ter 19. He mo1y i\Ssign hts coun~lo~ and tugh
counolof"' to CJCtend (':llhng; and ret~~ A.S out-
~~ in the Chilrt of Callings m that chapter The
stake president, or 4 person With htght•r author·
ity, personillly "xtcnds the followmg clllling'l:
1. Counselors in the stl\kt> pr\'!ndmry. 'Th£' t~takt!
pr<! idcnt ~comn1encb brcthNn to oo called
or released as h.i.s counselors. l.nstructlons nre
on lhe Recommendation for New Counselor
to Stnkc President form. The '>tllke pretm.lent
may mtervlew, call, and set apart a counselor,
or release <11 counselor, <tfter recr1ving wnttcn
ilpprov~tl from the Fin.t Presidency.
2 Slilke p<atriateh The Qunrum llf tht- Twelve
dircrt,. the lling of stak p.ltnnrch!. (~ D&C
107:JQ) Tht> :.tal..e pres1dent may recommend
whom to call lnstruchon<~ ''"" <m th.r Nt>W
Patri..ln:'h R..:cotnme.ndatJun form Th~ <;take
prei>tde.nt may Interview, Cilll, .md ord.un .a
patriardl A!ter rt'<'eivlng writtm appnwal
fmm the Quorum of the Twelve (Moe ch.lpU!r
15).
3. B~ps.. The stake pre51detlC)- recommends
brethren to be c:a1led or released as biShops.
Instructions are on the Rccommendllbon for
1\ew B1shop form !'he sll!L.e pres1dent may
call, ordaJ.n, ond set .1pnrt a bl£hop, or release
·' bishop, afl"'r receiving written approval
from the Flf'tl Presidency.
4 l:ilder.t <(uorum presidents. ·n,~ stakr pn.~Jdent
cnlli and sell. apart ttWerf> quorum pres11.lents
because he Is the person who is authorizA.~ to
be--low the priesthood key• 4'--.QCt.tted with
tht!lt calling:~.
5. Stal-e dm Beco1~ of the •mpurUnce of the
st.aU clerk's responsiliihties and the need for
him lobe a l'f\3n of unquestionable mtegnl)',
th~ Iilk~ pn;... ident personally calls hun and
sets him .1part
In unlb lh.lt ~e Church record-leeping
sohw01rc fom15 for recommending counselors
3
I. D11l1ts of tht St l.r Pmiltnt
in ~ sla~e pre:s.idency, pMrt.u~hs, ontl bishop!>
arc availoblr clectromCi1ll). ln other .1~35, these
tormt. .1re avaalable ftom th..- .,.;; agned ildminis-
traltve office.
1.1,7 Auxiliaries and Progr1m1
'!"he st.1ke ptcsid~nt owrsees the stake Re-
Uef Sodety. He assigns he. counselors to oversee
other stake auxiliary o.rgilJUZ;l tions and programs.
(Sec Hnndbook 2, 15.1 2.)
1.1.8 Publlc Affairs
The st<Lkt! presidency dlr~b publae atfain.
fforts in the stake. Mem])crs of the take presi-
dency also hAlve pnm~ry T\' pon ibihty for the
Church & good t.t.tndmg in the rommuntty and
for relationships with ovic .and commwuty lead-
en.. rhc: Ntuke ptl'Sidcont ~t: . the primary
Oturch bpokesmon to lht.> nt'WS med1a on mat·
tcr·s th4ll pertain to the stake.
The stake president or an Jgrted counselor
""'Y organize and oversee il st&ke public aHa.irs
council The stake pres1dent may also be d.cs-
tgn.ated by a member of the P~idency uf the
Sevmty or the Area P'residcncy to be chamnan
of a multi!>1uke or n.Jhcnul public tlf~irs c:oun·
dl. Some tnkes wUJ parhop t m mulb<ttake
cou~il rllthcr than hnvc a SCJMr l~ !>lO\ke publJc
nff;un council.
The stOlke presidency may c:nll and set apart
a take public afrniN diJ"C<tor, a u;tont directors,
ond spec:Wh.st:. cu. nt!t!d~d (~ 1/tmd/>otllt 2, 15.5).
1.2 Common Judge
The stne president h~ the folio\\ ing respon-
sdnlitics as the common JUdgt" in the stake:
1. Conduct worthlne ·s interview~ as outlined
m 7 1.3. He may also t1uthoriJ:C hi't coun l·
or.. toc:onduclinterviL-w '> outlint'd in 7.1.4.
For guidclincs on worthiness int~rvlcws, ~
7.1 I.
2 Cou~l swk · members who seek spintua.l
guido1nce. who M\'e weighty pcr.!iOnill prob-
lems or "ho h.tve commit too
~ou-,. trans-
gressions, .Ts n •ded or requested bv the
bishop. For gu:idelm~ on c()un~hng. see 7.2..
4
3. Admimsrer Chun:.h dlsciplinc whl-n Church
memoors have committed sen<>U;t t.r.ln5grc:::r
1om For principles ilnd instnlctions rebling
to Church discipline. see chilptl'T 6.
1.3 Welfare
The stake president has lhe foUowin.g respon·
sibslitin for wcll<trt' in the siake·
1. ProvH.il' WclJate leadership by teaching tne
doct1in nnd principles relating to wellare,
u\s.tructing bt hop .:md other le.1dm in thclr
~ clfaro responsibillttes, dlrecltng th~e welf~
work of the! stake council. and serving as the
a~~~ tt k~ president (orChurt>h wclra~ op-
~tions when assigned.
2. Ove:~ \~o~fare assi:ltance (n) whm" bishop
or 11\embers of his immediate famlly nt!l'd as-
!'l~tanc:e ;md (b) in speci~J circumstances lh.1t
go beyond what the bishop l'l .1uthoriz ·d to
provide (see 5.1.2).
3.. Direct the s-take'!> efforts to prop.u·<e tor and
t'\.-5p0nd to emergencies (sec 5.1.3).
ror tnf( nn~tton about welfare re:.'P<'n."'lbtli·
h\: .md pnnciples, Sl"C! 5 1 sn this handbook and
ch11rter 6 1n H11ndbt."'A: 2.
1.4 Records, Finances, and Properties
Tile 'ita~ president oven.ees records, ~ports,
Onnnces, ;tnd properties in the stake. He rnav as--
~ign much of the work With rerords, reports, and
f1nnnee. to hls counselor.. and clerk!.. l ie assign
a high councilor to be the stab ph}'blc.tl fi\ctliti-=s
rep~nlative and to help ove~ properties.
For information about rocon.b .tnd ~ports,
M.'e cnnpter 13. raT infoTmllllon llboUt flnnn~,
1:? chapter 14. For informatton 4lbout phyMc;.11
fndhtics, SC(' chapter 8.
2. Duties of the Bishop

2.1 Presiding High Priest . • . • • • • . • • • . • • • . • • • • • . . 6 2.2 President of the Aaronlc Priesthood . . . • • . • • • • 7

2.1.1 Leadership ............. . .... . .... . . . . . . . 6 2.3 Common J•·d·ge
.. . .•• . .•• • .. . •••••• • .....••• T
2.1.2 The Work ol Salvation •. , .. . ... ...... ., • . . . 6
2.1.3 Priesthood . • . • . . . . . • • . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . • . . . 6 2.4 Welfa:re . . . • . • . • . • . . . • . . . . . • • • . . • . . . . . • • • • 7
2.1.4 Ordinances and Blessings • . . . . • . . . . . . .. . . . 7
2.1.5 Coundls, Commi t-tees, and M eettngs . ...... . 7 2.5 Records, Finances, and the Meetinghouse • • • • 8
2.1.6 Callings and Releases .. .. .. . .. . . . . • .. . • . .. 7
2..1.7 Auxiliaries and Programs .. , . . • . . . . . . . . . . . 7

5
2. Duties of the Bishop
Words are the basic congregations of the
Church. In wards, Church members worship to-
gether, partake of tbe sacramt>nt, learn the gos-
pel, and SCI'Ve and strengthen eaeh other.
nw bishop holds the priesthood keys to di-
rect th~work of the Church withtn the wartL
He ., nd his coun..<;clors Conn a bishopric. wh.rch
works under th(! direction of the stake-presidency.
·n\ey minister to ward members with love and
concern, helping them become true followers of
Jesus ChrisL
The bishop haf> five prtncipa1 responsibilities
in preuic:Hng over a waTd:
1. lie is the presiding high priest.
2. HE.> ls president of the Aaronlc Priesthood.
3. He is a common fudge.
4. He <wersees welfare matters.
5. Hl• ovcrs(.'{'s records, fin;mces, and the u.se
and security of u,e meebnghottse.
Because the bishop holds prieSthood keys,
he has some respottSibillties that are his alone.
To enable him to concentri\te on these duties, he
delegntes milny other al>-"ignments to his counsel·
ors, the ward derk, the ward executive secretary,
assistant ward clerks, and quorum and auxiliary
l!1.1d~rs.
H the bishop is <~bscnl, LIJ, o.r otherwise un·
<1ble to perform his duti\.>s, a CtJUn$elor may act
ln hi~> place temporarily ~cept as noted in this
handbook. The col.lnselor •s to consult with the
stnke president if h~ has any question,. about
acting for the bishop.
The ward cl~l. and warc.l extJCIJtive 5et'll!tllly
'"ork closely Wlth the bishopric, but they are not
members of the bishopric ond do not need to
be released when the bi.Shoprk is reorganized.
Responsib1LRies of the ward clerk and executive
secretary ar0 outlined b1 L3.4.2 md 13..._4.
2.1 Presiding High Priest 2.1.3
ThiS section outlines the bi>hop',.-responslbil·
Ities illS the pre!!idmg high priest In the ward.
2.1.1 leadership
Ward member~ look to their bishop as the
primary spiritual leader in the ward. ~e sets the
6
spiritual tone for the ward by doing the Lord's
work "with hollness of heart'' (Mosiah 18:12). He
teaches and uplifts members ilfler the example
of the Savior.
A bishop is il faithful di!iCjple and witness of
Jesus Christ. He is true to his coveoantl;. Hl' is
loyal to his wife c~.nd considerate of her. He sets
an example of righteousness for his children, the
ward, and tht? commlLnity. His counselors are
mM of the sa1ne chamcter.
Tite bishop provides guidance and c:ounscl
to other leaders in the ward. He lnstructs them
in thcir duties and encourngt>S them.
The bishop helps members incrc.•ase their spir-
itual strength. He teaches them to pray, study the
scripture$, and recelve the saving ordirulnces.
1n addition to s trcngthenlng individuals, the
bishop strengthens families. He teaclles that the
family is the most Jmportant organization in time
and ~:-temily. He I.!DCOw"get.. famili~ to hold fam-
ily home evening, pray and read the scriptures
together, and be consider<~tc of one another. He
en:.ures thnt Church callings do not ltnduly in·
fringe on family re~ponsibllihes. He also ensures
that Church activities support p.11-ents efforts to
raise righteous children.
The bishop emphasizes the Importance of
membt!rs having the ~ptwes and the ChUTch
magazines In lhetr homes.
2.1.2 The Work of Salvation
The bishtlp directs the work of salvation in
the ward. This work ll1clude. member mission-
ary work, convert retention, activation, temple
a nd fumjly hislury work, and leaching the gos-
pel. Responsibilities for this work are outlined
in Hqndb01.1k 2, chapter 5. Some of the bishop's
unique tesponsibl liti<!& for temple iUld mission·
ary work are alsc uuHincd in ehopter:. 3 and 4 of
U'l.is handbook.
Priesthood
The bishop a.l'd his counselors di.rttt U1e work
of the elden quorum pref>ident and high priesb>
group leader in watching over quorum and group
member:> and their famllfes. building strength in
the quorum .md group, and ensuring that the
work o( the priesthood is accompliShed. The

btshop also directs the clden quorum president
and high pnest,., group leade-r U\ O\' ~g home
tea hing,
The biJ hop's Aaronlc Prl thood mponslbiJ·
lti~ are oulllnedm 2.2.
2.14 Ordinances and Blessings
The bishop directs the admin.istration of the
fl,llowlng urdinances and ble:;slng in lhe ward:
the :tc.ra.ment, n~ and bJ.....qng of childn.m,
baptl!•m and confi:nnation of 8--y~:ar-i)ld children
nf record, Md conf~.U of the Aaronk t>riest·
ho~ and on:lination to the offi( of deacon,
l(.'Jch r, and prie.'lt.
ro, infonnahon about ordintlnct!!- and bless--
Ings, set" chitptl?T 16m thu handbook and dwpter
20 fn 1-f,mdbook 2.
2.1.5 Councils, Committees, and Mee1fngs
CounCils end Committees
Th~ bi hop presides over the ,,.llJ'd priesthood
t!Xeaill ve oommittee, ward coundl, and b· hopric
)'Oulh committee~ [fa ward young single adult
commattet> 1$ orgaruud, the bl:ihop 3~>Signs a
counc,elcor to preside over 1L
~ bt!Ohop uses thl" ward council as a resource
(or c:oun:.ehng together .md for dcleptmg impor-
t. nt cl ~mcnt uf the.• Lord'~ work tu priesthood
nnd auxiliMy leaden~ (~ I bmdi.Jook 2. chapter 4).
Moetmgs
The bishopric pllln.'i cram •nt m~ling:, and
other ward mt>ett.ng~ li!;t~ in Hnndl 2, chapter
18. The bishop presides ~t ward m ·tmg.. unl~
a member of the stilkc pre:s•d~ncy. an An.-a Sev-
ft'ty, or a General Authority tlUend.s. The! bishop's
~oun>elors may conduct these meehng-. ~nd may
pr tde ii the bishop L" absent.
2..1.6 Callings and Releases
Thr bi-.hop' r~ponsibillties for caUings and
relea. ~s .ue outlined in Htrrrdbook 2, ch.1pter 19.
H~ n'·'Y "''1ST' his coun_..elor~> to exhmd callings
and relea · ~ outlined In ttw Utart of Calling5
in ~t cl\apter.
21 7 Auxiliari es and Programs
The b1Shop ov~ lht! ward Rclid' Society.
He B!»ig:ns ~ COl.lmelono to o\'Cr&I.'C! other ward
auxiliary organizations and progrnm., ( Hand-
boot Z 8.3.1, 9.2.1, 10.3.1, 11.2.1, and 12..1.1 .)
2 Otrllno[lflrB~
2.2
President of the Aaronlc Priesthood
The ba~hopnc il> the presicJd\C · o( (th-:
Aatoruc) pnesthood, and holds the keys or 4U~
thority of the same" (D&C 107 15) Th~ bt hop
h.u the following responsibilities irlS th~ presj-
dent of the Aaronic Priesthood in the ward . His
counselors ASS15l him.
1 Ml'mbert; of the bishopric w.1tch over and
nurtun• ·nung men and young \~ omen in
th ward fhey help young mm serve faith·
full\', ildvance in the priesthood, and :.ccom·
pfi h the pu~ of the A.ll'OIU( Pri thood
(see Hnmtbook 2, 8.1.3). The)' h lp }oung
~YOm(>O live the Young Woml.on valu (see
Hlrnd/10()1.. 2, 10.1 -l). Tht")' hdp 11 youth Uve
the standardb in For tlrt Stm1,~111 o[Yo11ll1
2. The biflhopnc oversees Aarontc f'rlblhood
quorums and Young Women classes. The
bishop Is president of tht" pnest~ quon.~m (!lee
O&C 107:87-88).
J . The blshop as'Signs one of h~ coun eloN to
lWCTM.OC the ward Young Men organi.l.ation.
I re • t"o a igns a counselor lo oversee the
w.ud Young Women organiz.ttion The SOUJ'le
cuun~·lnr could ov~ both org.m1t.attOI'b
2.
3 Common Judge
1h~ bib-hop hc1~ the foUowlng responslbillti~
as the "common judge" in lhC' war'\.! (M't' O&C
107~n-74)
1. Conduct worthiness intervit-wr. "" outlined
in 7.15 He may also aut:betrlc.e htS c:oun."-f'l-
or to conc.iud interviews as outlined i.rl 7.1.6.
For gwd~.>lin on \'\'Orthin~-. mtervi v..,
7. 1.1.
2. Counsel ward memlxon who ~k ptritual
guuf<tnet\ who have weighty per.:.c:mal prolr
lt-m , or who have commHt d rious trans·
gresslons. }tor guidelines on eourucling, ~
7.2
3. Administer Church disctpUn whrn Chun;h
mcmben. have comnuttt!d serious uan gres·
!&ions. For pnndples and lnst:ructioN relAting
to Church clisdpl.me, ~ (t\ ptcr b.
2A Welfare
Th purpn~ of welfare are to help mt>mbt!~
become self-reliant, c.a.m for the poor and needy,
7
 and gi\·e '>l'n:i~. The bbhop has the folloWing
ll.'SponslbiUilcs for wdfilre ln the ward
I Pro\ tde \vel fare J.:ader hap b} lllaching the
doc:trines and principles reLlting to welfare,
1ruttructmg l~der<> in their welfare responsi-
bilities, and dlrecling the welfare work of the
ward council
2 Seck out the poor .md provade assistance to
those in need.
3. Direct the w.t.rd's efforts to prepare For and
~nd to emergmo~
For information about welfare responslbili-
het and pnndplt'$, ~ 5 2 tn this lund book and
chapter 6 in ll.at4lloook 2.
8
2.5 Recorda, Finances, and the
Meetinghouse
The bbhop oversees records, reports, finances,
and the meetinghouse. He may aSSign much of
the worl.. with records, report:., and finances to
htS counc,elors ilnd dcrb, He m.'r as jgn one of
1\1$ counselors to serve as the Wolrd buildmg rep-
resentative, or he may c-all o~nothpr member to
do <.0
For Wotnl.ttion ilbout n't'ord:. •nd repo11!.,
~ chilptt-r 13 For mformahon about fmances,
~chapter 1·1. l·or mlorm. tlon about meebng·
houses, see chapter 8.
3. Temples and Marriage

3.1 Preparing to Receive Temple Ordinances •••• 10 3.5 Marriage .•..•......•....• • •.••••••••...• 16
3.1.1 Temple Preparauon Scmmars . • . . .. . . . 10 3.51 Temple Marrin~ lb
3.12 Temple Orientation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 3.52 Marnag~ m a Templt! for Tune Only . . . . . 17
3.5.3 Civll Marriage . . . . . . 17
3.2 Making Plans to Go to a Temple . . .••.•.••.. 10 3.5.4 MiWiage after a Spou~·s ~ath or
32..1 Endowmen'- Mnrrfage, or Sealing • . . . . . 10 afte£ a Olvort'e or Annulment • . • • . . • . 19
3..2.2 Bapll!dn& and Confitmallon.s for 3.5.5 Wedding Receptions • • . • • • .. • • • . • • • . • 19
the ~.1d . . . • . • . . . . . . . •• •• •. 10
3.2.3 Quotru. for Templu Attendance . , . . . . . . . 10 3.6 Seating Policies • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 19
3.2.4 rr.mslatlon As.!.l!.lanctt . • • • • • . . . • • • • • • • 10 3.61 Sealing of a Hu-ilia.nd ;md Wire .. . .. , . . 19
32.5 Ch1ld Cdl"e at Temples . • • . . . • . . • • . • . • • . 10 3.6.2 Scaling Children to Parents • . • . .. . . .. . . . 21
3 3 Recommend• to Enter a Temple . • • • • • • • • • • • 11 3 7 Temple Ordinances for the Dead • • ••• , • • • • • 22
3.3.1 Saleguardlng Temple Recommend 3.71 General Gu•deli.w:. ..•... 22
Books • . • • •.. . .. . l1 3.72 Members Unabtt: to Go to a temple
3.3.2 Disposal of Outdated Temple befo~ D~th .. . • . . . 22
Recomlllend.s • . • • • . . • • • . . • • • • • • • • • l1 3.7.3 Mt!mben. Who Ou:.-cJ within On€.' Y4!ar
3.3.3 General Guidelines for ls...uing of B.lph!>m or Civ1l Martiage . . . . . . . . . . 23
Recommends . . . . • . . • . . . . , . . . . • . • • . L1 3.7.4 Sti.Jlliorn OuJdi'\.'Sl (ChiJdrtm Who Di~
3.3_4 fssning Recommends in Special before Birth) • . . . . 23
Circumstances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 3.7.5 Chil<hen \Vho Died be-fore Age Eight . • . 23
3.3.5 Issuing limited-Use Recommends 13 3.7.6 Deceased Pecsons Who Had
3.3.6 Lost or Stolen Recommend!! • . • . . ...•• , . 1J lntelleduaJ Disabilities . • . . . . . ...•. 23
3.3.7 Unworthy Recommend Holder , • • • . • . • . 14 3.7.7 Persons Who Are Presumed Dead . . •.•• 2.3
3.7.8 Persons Who Have Taken Thclr
3.4 Temple Clothing and Garments • • • • • • • • • • • • 14 Ow11 I ives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
3.A.1 Oothillg to We;.~r to n Temple . . • . • • • • • 1~ 3.7.9 Penions Who Were Excommunicated
3.4 2 Obt.unlng Temple Clothing .1nd or H d Thetr Names Removed from
G.ttments .... . . , . . . • . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . l l Cllun..h Records . . . . . . . . . • 23
3.4 3 M.1klng Temple Cert-monli!l Clothmg . • 15
34 4 Clothing to Wear for a Temple 3.8 Res1oratlon of Temple Bles~lngs (after
Man-rage • . • . . . • • . • • • . • • . . • . • • . . . • . • 15 Excommunication or Name Removal) ••••••• 23
3.A 5 Wearing and Caring for theGarmenl .... 15 3.9 Verifying Ordinances Necessary
3.4..6 Garments and Temple Oothing for
to Recelve the Endowment • • • • • • • • • • • • • . • • 23
Members Who Have Disabilities . . . . . . . . 15
3.A.7 Wearing the Garment 10 the Military •.. , 15 3.9.1 l-or the U\'1ng . . . . • . . • . . . . . • . • • . . . . 23
3.92 For the Dead . • • • .. • .. • .. • . 24
3.4.8 Disposing of Gorment5 and Temple
Ce~mon ial Clothing . .... . . . . . • . 15 3.10 Temple Ordinance Workers • . . . • . . . . . . . • • . 24
3,4.g fe?mple Burial Clothing ............. . . . 16 3.10.1 PTO(.'I."S5 of Calling . . . . . . . • ~
3.10.2 Requirements • . . . . • . . . . • • 24
3.10.3 Restncted.-Service Ordinance Workers • 24

9
3. Temples and Marriage
A b !lhop ~uld caru.ult with his stake pTeSJ•
d~nt If hL> has questions about temples and tern-
pit' work thnt ill'l' not answered in this chapter.
The stn~ pn.....1dent Ina) direct questioll$ to ttre
Office of the fust Pres1dency.
3.1 Preparing to Recelve Temple
Ordinances
Temple ordln.an .., nnd covl-nnntt. nre sacred.
Members who enter a temple hould be worthy
and should undcr&r;md the purposes and eternal
slgn.l fiCIUlcl' nf temple:.. They should also under·
stn.nd lhe &olcmn and sacred responsibilities they
nssumc ns they p.utldpatc in temple ord.Jnances
.1nd make covennnl .
Stnt..c presidents and bishops help individ-
UiliS prepare tn rcce1vc the sac:rcd ordinances of
the temple at the appmpriate bm.e. Single mem-
bers in their late teens or early twenties who
h.tve not rccelv«! a ou. o;ion call or who arc not
engaged to be marrit!d 1n a temple hould not
be recommended to receive lh tr own endO\\ •
ment.
3.11 Temple PreparaUon Sem nara
ll~ bl~hop over~ tempi<! preparation sem-
inars for new mtrmben. less...actin~ members, and
endow\'d mt>mbcrt~ who have not ratcwed their
n.'COmmends (or an C.\ tended bme. l11e pwpose
o( these semlnars ls to help members prepare
to rec'C1Ve the ordinances and btessmgs of the
temple Instructions .ue provided Ul Handbook 1,
5.4.5, and in CndOWC'd from on Hr.~ll: Tmrplt Pn:pn·
mtion StfllllltU Trnchrt 's Mnnunl
3.1.2 Temple Orientation
Members wht) are preparing to receive their
temple endowmen t or who nre preparing to be
o;ealcd <~twuiJ t'l.trcfully rl'ild the booklet P~ring
to £nlcr tlrt 1/oly 'rt!mple. If members do not havt:'
a cop)' of this bookll't, the bishop gtves them one
when thc:y rcn-ivc: ,, 1'\'C(.'mmend for living otd.i·
nances He ~urag~ them to read it carefully
bdore scheduling an interview with the stale or
mi! sion pre"ldmt. The stake or mission presi-
dent use!; the booklet a> the ba.!>&:. for counsel and
instrucllon when lntcrview1ng these member.;.
10
3.2
Making Plans to Go to a Temple
Each stake and m~ ion Is l.ncluded IJ\ a tern·
pte distnct. lndwidual membt!,., m~y gu to any
temp~ the) dcsln.•, but orgai\Ut:d watd or suke
vtSlts to tempi~ oullilde the a~!iigned temple
distnct ,1f(' not encour.~ged s~lch vmts would
requu'C! the appi'(Jval (If the 't.1kc prt"Sidency
32.1 Endowment, Marrtege, or SeePng
Mcmoor5 who are plnnrung to go to a temple
for thcJr own endowment, mnrriilge. or sealing
should contact temple officials in advance to
schedule the ordinances.
3.2.2 BaptJsma and Confirmations for the Dead
Before til king .a gro~ p Ill o temple to be ba.,.
U2ed ond confirmed for the dead, the bi.-,hop or
stili prestdcnt (or som~onc under his direction)
m.1k~ Arrangcm\..-nt& with trmple offto.als. The
bishop a.<; igru. .at h!.l"t une .11Jult to a«nmpany
each group Th.cse adults should have valid
temple •~'COmmend .1nd be the ~me gender as
members of the group lfb~lhren art' needed 10
officiate m the baptistry, they must be endowed.
They do not n~ to be :.et apart as temple OJ·
chna.n~ wo.rkets Pni!:Sts and unendowed el~
may not offioare.
32.3 Quotas for Temple Attendance
Pn.csthnod lc.lders mcourage membc.>r& to set
personAlgwb for t.:mple .,ttendance and to go
to the temple ~s oltcn .ts clrcumstantes allow
I Jnwwl>r, l&ldcn. hould not set quotils for tem-
ple attendanC'I! for wards, atnkes, or Individual
members. Nor !J'Quld lenders estnbllsh reporting
!>)'Stcm'l fur h•mplt' e th•ndnnce.
3.2.4 Translation Assistance
[f members wmneed translation assistance
in a temple, they should contact temple offi.
dais an advance to en~ure thnt such assistance LS
availabl~
3.2.5 Child Care at Temples
Tcmpk>s ilte t'<\Ulppcd to c.Jre onJy for ch.il·
dre.n who ((lme to~ sc.tltd to p.ln'nt. or to ob-
serve se.tltng!. of ll\ tng brot~ and 1sters. Other
chiJdr !tl should not be brought to a temple

3.3 Recommends to Enter a Temple
:\member who oroldt!r mu t hct\e a valld
tt'ICODll1'lend to .mter a tcmplt A valid n.'COJJUX1£I\d
.1dmits a m ~r to aJI t~pl . The- tim-e types
of temple recomm •nJs are Usttd below:
1. Ttmpltt rrrommmd for members reaiving tt\elr
own endowment and tor pre\'lOUsl} endowed
members. nus tt'C011U1'\end .:tuthonzes o rnt"m·
ber to partio~t~ mall temple ordlnanres
2. Rn:ommmd for lll'fl'$ ordmm~ for members
n •htng their own endowment, thos.: beillg
scAled to pouse, and those being married
in a mnpl~ lor rim only fh1s recommend
may be u~ only with 11 wUd temple recom·
mend
3. Lirmtrd II$(' rn:ommmrl for uncr~dowed mcm-
~n. <~ 3.3 ">·
Cluldn!rl under 8 who An: to be l!ealed to thett
p.trents or are to observe the s&llings of their liv-
ing brothers ;md SlStcrs to thdr parents do not
need tempi~ tl'(Ommeneb However, the fam·
ily 1\h~ to take to the temple a family group
record ~howing the relationship of the child to
th f.lnuly.
3.31 Sa1eguardlng Temple Recommend Books
rne:.thootll~.!ad~rs who have temple recom-
ml"nd boo~ !lhould -1! ~.ard thtm carefully.
\;o un:authorii.J..'CI indlVidUI\l!j Mould have a«ess
to th.."""" books.
3.3.2 Disposal of Outdated Temple RKommends
SIAlkc, misSton, and tempi~ pn!Bldcnt! (.md
theu· counselono who are euthoru:ed to conduct
ttm~ple recommend mtcrvlC\vs} should retnev~
expired temple n.'COmmC'nd& wht."'l is l.ting new
n.~ornmcnds to worthy Church metnbeni. These
l!ll plreJ ri!COmmcnds should be! shredded
3.3 3 General Guidelines for Iss uing Recommends
Authorized Church o fficers conduct worthi-
n~<j lntl!rvlcw lor temple ~mmends as out·
lb:u..'<i In the te:mplc rccommCJld book. Church
officer. make evcrv dfort to ~'C tlun no unworth~
pei'!!Cn enteni th~ house of th~ Lord. ~ dent, a member of the mls on pre:;idenc:y tnter-
remple recommend inl.crvtelw• mw.t be pri-
vate The\ hould not be rushed. lntervi.ewers
should not add any requlrem n~ to lh~ t.h41t
are outlined in the temple recommend book.
In Wards and Branches In Stokes
TI1e bishop. ~ oun·.elors •'"~ authoriud by
him. or tht• bran h pn.Witdt•nt intcn u:w'l "'"rd
or branch members and l~ue t~pl~ ~m­
mends to~ who are worthv.
'!'he bishop or branch pteotdent personaU
inten-.cws members who (1) iU'e prrparing to
r«etH• the1r 0\1111 <>ndowmcnt. (2) are pJanmng
to be oumed or sealed in :1 tM'lple. or (3} ha\·e
not u,·('(f •n tll ward or branch continuously for
at 1~.1 I one- )C3t cmly tn the m05l Ufg\>f\t(t~Se.';
wh n the bi'lhl>p I •1bs;ent may he 4Uthorize one
of h1s coun54i!lors to Issue tl'Commcnds in lh~
ClfC'Wn t.\11«-S
Before LSs\Jing a recommt>nd In ;my o( U,c
three circunvaane listed o~hovc, t.he bbhop
carefuJly reviews the member.ohip rerotd to ver-
ify that it docs not &.nclude a comment about a
sc.Umg or orclu1ance rc~tn ction or unresolved
Church diselpUne
Follcmd..ng the interview by a me~T of the
blshopr-~~;. ur b)' the br.1nd\ p~ident. a meml>er
or the! t.,lc · Pl\.""-td ncy tntervi th person and
• tgns the NCOmmcnd it tht! ~!'!-On 1$ worthy. The
stake p~ lcJent J'<"I'SOnAII)' .Interviews members
who ilre 1'\.'<'et\ lng their own •ndowm nt .md
membc~ who .,~ pl3nntng to b m.:srried or
seah!J m .. t~ple. Bec.luse o( the T.trgt!! number
oi such mlcrv ews in young tn&l~ ,,dull ttlke.
as an ~c:eption th" stn~ prt...ldent m.1y ~utho­
n.ze his cou.t\SC!lor.> to uller\'icw those who are
t'CCt'hring thetr own tndowmrnt or ~ing milr·
m.'<i in 11 t\.-mpl~.
fn Branches In 01Sttlcl3
ln da!lltl~ , the br.,nch pi"C"idcnt mten"tews
bronch mcmb ·ttand ,q Ut!:'l temple r«ammend~
to tho~ \vho are worthy. Before isswng a rec-
ommend to a m mber who f to l"t'ttlve! the en-
dowmt!nl (.)r b • morrlcd Ot =>e. lt"Ci 1n c1 temple,
~branch pa~denl corofuUy revie~ the mem-
bership record to v •rlfy lhl\t II dcx not include
a romm~nt ~bout " •.thng Qt ()t~hn:m<e r~tric­
bon or unr60lvcd Church dlsdphn ·•
Following the intt!rvtew b the branth pre:-i-
\-iews the peTSOn ;:md ~gm the ruommmd 1f !he
peN'~n 1 wurthy The m lion p~•dent per--on-
aUy mtcrvu!ws members who are recci\~g thetr
own endownwnt AncJ ml'tnbt-rt whom: piMU\lng
h> be JMm~ or ltd m a templi!.
Tht' du~tnct p~id ·nt due- not interview
members for tempi~~.
u
J . T"''ll'le!i ,,J M.m"'
In ISolllted Areta~
A ll·mplt! pu·~n.tent ma • intl'.!r\ lew and stgn
~ I'{'('Omm 'nd for " m•·mb<-r who IJ,•es m ilJ\ &50o
IM•d ll\'_, lh." \\uuld rt>ql..llfl" unu ual travel~­
pt;·n!o(' or dalfi..:Uh\' tor th • member to meet with
a member of the stakt" M rni.-sfon presidency
ll'e temple pr~dent fil':'t COnkt"l) \\,th the stake
or m.is:.ion prtstd~t. In lh~ cases, the biShop,
an authoriud coun.st'lor, or thl' br.mch president
.llreJdy .,hnuld h.wc inrerviewed the member
and stgned the recommend. This policy o1pplie!.
<1lso to mcm~i!r.. In tht! n1ilit<lrv who .tre m iso-
lattd .u"Cot!J .1nd h H• b ~ lnt~r\'lcwcd by the
bL'Ihup of their hom~ w.u-d or &ht• wiU'd th11t sup-
p<~rts th ·It d\ll t>lilllon.
A t mpJe pl't}!ltdcnt IM)' mLcn u?w and sign
,, recurnrncnd for a member who live; outside
o1n MgnnLwd rtl{1J...t> ur mi ion No other intel'"
view il'o nt.> dctl
Members Who Have Not Uved tn the Same Ward
for at L43St Ono Year
It a member hn not hved in the -.ame ward
rontinuously for at lea.o;~ on y~r. the: bu.hop
contact~ the prior bishop co certify the! mem-
ber ·., worth mrs'!. ~t>fore ant.-rvicow mg him or her
tor a temple recomml'nd. Memh\!rs of young
., ngle <1dult w n.l:< ;and mglc • dull wanb are
indud('Cf in this poli~ Mcmbe~ who 4-'k lim ·
akd·u 1• tt.'('(ltl'lmt-nd" .trt' 01! indudc.·d, ~~CCl"J)t
n~?~ con\14..'f
Newty Bas>ttzed Members
A w.1lting p.:rtod of At le.bt on~ fu1l ye.tr a~
conbrm.1tlon Is ~qultcd before a worthr adult
mily ~ enuowed. When i~ing temple T"eCOm-
mend for new membl:!!'> to 1k endowed, pntSl·
hood leaden ensure th.,t the d..ttc the endowment
will be: recdved ts <1t lcil..,l on<' fuU y~;u from the
member ·~ date of con€1rmahon not from tht!
date 1)£ baplt.snl Only the Fin.t Prestdenc\· IMY
authorl1c c ccphon~.
Bdo~ ,, member lt. endowed, tht' bishopric
mny 1 !i\Je h'lm or her 1.1 hmitcd·uc;e r<.-oommend
tt('('(lnJing to lht: gultl..-linl!s in 3 3 5
Members Reeelvlng Their Own Endowment
ln)truction~ for ~umg a recommend to a
person who lS ~~ t.ng his or her own endm..-
mc-nt rare m lh • temple recommend book. A man
mu t hold the ~lt>khi7~1ek Pn~ihood to reM'\.~
his temple cndo\.. mcnt.
Most ~n~ m~ will be mlt!rVl.t!wed for
"'rccomm nd for ~it own <.>ndowmcnt when
thc..-y i1n' llh.od a' mi '!llonOln~ or when they are
12
tv be tl'~lrrlcd '" a tt!tnple. Smgl~ m~mbt!rs in
th~tr late t•-cns or Nrlv twcntiL-s who hin·e not
re.:ei\'00 01 m_i ion ~.:all or who <1re not engaged
to be married in a temple should not be ft:.'(l)nt-
mmded to ~\"1? lht.>tr own t'J1dowmmt. How-
e-ver, they rn.1y rect'ive hmlh:d•use reocommt'r\d.s
to perform bapb.!-trb for the dead . llle de:.ile to
ob58Vt' temple m~g~-s of iblings or Cricnd.s
j., not a sufbcil!nt re.,~n for .1 young uduh to bt>
endow~ .
Worthr .lngle ml.'mbcr' who have not r
~ivetlth •tr t:ndow m~nt in conn~clion \\ alh a
mission or mOJrnagC' ma:y become c.ligibl<.> to ~
C4"ive tht• tndowment wl\en the blshop and the
s lake president deti.'!Onine that they are suffi-
cienUv m.al\trt to undt>rsland and keep the sacred
covenant.. m.ac:l.c rn a temple. Such eltgibility is
detenntned t.ndivJduvlly for each pen.on, not by
using routine crill'ria such as reaching a ccrtam
age <'r It>a\. ing homl' for col1'-•gc or l'tnploymcnt.
A worthy member who lS married to an un·
t!ndowtd pou...e, who·th~ the ~pouse i!l a m~m ­
b~r or noruru!rnlx>r. lllil} ~ewe Ius or her own
~tndowrn ·nt when ( l ) thr• bi,.hup rt>Ccivcs writ·
ten cons~:nt from the spou e .md (2) !tie bi.,hop
lll\d t.tJw pr tdPnt r\! ll.SOcd that the ~pon­
~llity ossum~ wath the endowment will not
lmp.ttr m.lritAl h.\rmon)~
Unendowed Prospeetl\lo Mlsslonarfes
81shop:. hould not issue temple recommends
to young. unen.duwt.-d prospecti\'C misstorusries
unW they have received a mission caiJ from the
Pn!Stdmt of lhc C.hutth .
MtsslonariH
~ 4.10.1 Md the MlSSJ(JrJ I'Ttsidrnt's ll.ntu10ook.
Members Who Have Oltabihti&a
C11tlawmmt Mcm~ who h.tvc physiC3l c.lis-
abllllil's mil}' re<: •1vc lhctr own endowment.
Mclchiz.edclo. rrlt'Sthood holders and sisters
who hovt.> &ntdlt'"Ch~t11 disabalitit-s mny receive
thelr own endowmt!nt if the bL<Obop determines
thallhey have gainoo .suifioent tntellectual ca-
pilcrty to understand at 1md to make a:nd keep
th~ a~ated "w~anb. rhe b1f.hor c;eek~> the
dtrection o( the Spant in milking thts d etenru·
nntton tr the m\:m~·r Jlv with hl" or lwr par-
tmb, the bt hop roum4!ls wath them
Sel!lm.~ to Parr.nl • Prrson'> "ith tniC'Uc, tual
di:tabtUtics who art.> 8 or older And art! suffi-
dtmtly accountdbll' must be baptlh>d be!ore be-
ing acall'd to thetr parcn~. rh<Kl" who i'lre not
 crounblktle do not nt"<:d to be ~ptized ~
bc.ng aealed. 8a. h p~ re~ r questions about spe-
ca ac 1tu tions to the t.tke pre5tdcnt, who may
rdtr the questton to thte Offa ~ uf the First Pre.i-
dcn~")'.
Members older than 21 who du not hAve suf·
ficnmt lnteUectual cnp<~dty to undcrst;:md thf."
endowment may be c.1led tn p;ut'nl!t witht1UI
bt-tng endowed
Work for the DMJ. M~mbers who han• dl!t-
Dbilih may do tt!mple ~ orl for the dead il
th '\ (1) have sufficll!nt inteUectual GlJncity to
undcr.ttand the ordinance And (2) CAn c-art.> for
th ·m hes wathout help or~ •ccomparued by
1'\!lntl\ ~or fru~nds who c<~n provade the help
they need.
81i11J Mrmbtl"5. Bhnd mcmbt•r:. hould have
members of the 01mc gl'ndcr accomp.1ny and
.,, a t them Gulde do ijtc not pt'rmitted in
temples
3 3• luulng Recommends In Special
Circumstances
Aft.,- Dfvoo::e, SeparatJoo. or Annulment
Ua member has been dhorad or l~ly sep-
u-.ted or h.15 had u marriage annulled -.ince bst
r« l\ ing a h!mple recommend, lhe bishop md
t I-~! president may fed lmpre$5Cd to c-arefully
ant..-n lt•w th£> member before the ~xpirauon of
the n.'CUmmend to ~:ru.ure conlinu\.>d temple wor~
thlnt.">SS Ev~ts le01d1ng to th brnkdown of the
mamAg~ may be revte\H.-d 1ft~ member has
not rommi tt~ a serious transgres,Jon. a temple
rt:\:ommend may be ~tasnm or rent""Wt.-d <~«ord­
a.ng to the usual procedure.
M mbora Who Have Been Roadmlttod by Baptism
and Confirmation after ExoommunfcaUon or
NGme Removal
Mc·mbcn Who W~u Not Pnviously Endowrd.
After bapti!im and confirmation, these membt-rs
may be 1SSt1cd lirmted·u ~ rt>commends to do
b<1ph ~ and confirm.lbom; (or the dead as out-
lined m 3.3.5. There 1.9 no walling penod Breth-
ren must be ordaant'C.i to ttu.• pri~: thood bdore
th • ·mAY be~ ued hmited-uo,e r.: ommends..
Th.ese membe~ may not ~ a ued Neom-
mmd.s to rece-Jve their own ndowment until one
fuJI year alter theu bapti m nd con armAhon.
Mtmms Vv1to Wtrt Prro£au ly £ndoonl Th
rru!mbMs may not be assued l't"CCmrnrnd , andud-
ng hmatcd-use recomm ~nds, until thetr temple
bl ings are restored through Uw ordin.,nce of
restor.~Uon of blessmg ( 6.15).
Membonl Who HiiYW Commin.d a Serious
Tranagrea.aton
A member ~ ho ha~ committed a sertous
tra..nsgresSJon may not n!'C'eivt- • t~ple ~m­
mt>nd unhl he nr :c~hc ~ n.•pented The wainng
period betwten the transgresslon and th<! lssu·
ing of a recommend is left ttl the bl11hop'., dJ..-
crction. Jt should be suffiocnt to i.ltttermtne that
th • f":r..ot\ ~ genwnely repcnll'<l.
Members Who Have Undergone a Tl'1li\J,MXU8l
()pa«tuon
A membcT who hib undergone an elerti\ ~
tr~tS ui\1 orenUon rna} not recene a t~:~npl"
tl"C.''n\ll\l!n.d..
MCtmbels Whose Close Rol tiwa Bolong to
Apoatato Groupa
81~hop1> ,md their counselu must take ex-
cepbonal care when tSsulng recommend5 to
mem~ whose parents or other cl relath
belong to or ymp.1thiu wtth &po6tat~ group
Such members must demon_tnt clc rly that
they repud.iaw these ttpostate reli~ou' t •,idunp
bdure they may be issued a nec:ummt:nd
3.3 5 taaulng Umltecf.Use Recommenda
G ooraf Guldollnee
nl~ btShop, hl5 coun~lor-. ilS ilUthoriz...-d by
him, or the branch pre!~ident rnJy I ue Umlred-
ti.W 1"1?\.0mmmds to worthy um•ndowed mem·
ben. s follow$·
1. For m~agesl2 and oldt'T to bebaptiz.cd
and confirmc.-d for the dc.>.ad
2. f-or smgle members ag 8 through 20 to be
·.all'd to their parents.
3. f'Or smgle memben ages through 20 too~
·n'l! toe.thngs of their It\' ing brothers .uuJ ts-
ter..o to their parents
1 he .1mc standards of worthiness •'PPl) to
thu ..... who re«>ave limjtcd-u recommend as
to th~ who reretve other temple recommends.
~bl mcn1ber ages 12 and older must hold
the prier.lhooc:lllts not n ry to NVe been
a mcmb<.>r for ont• yrar to re<-eive o llrrutecl-u:.e
rc.'Commcnd.
Wh •n t:o. umg .1 timttcd·us.t> rtcommend, a
member of the biMlopnc or th br.uu:h p!UidMt
tnlcrviews the person mdividuillly A m~.,.,~
of the tlkt> prestdency or mb ton ptei dency
docs not a.nlen·iew the person if thl.' recot~d
I bca.ng ISSUN only for baphStn5 and confirma 7
Uons for the dead .
13
Ttlf!PkJ •114 Mmw r
The b1shopnc or th branch pnsidenl may
i ..ueo limitcd·u 1'\."'C:-()mml"f\d'i for groups or in-
diYidu.ali. Before o recommend is ~ued for a
group. <'Och pt.~n mu.. t bt> lnteni~·ed sepa·
rately Wh n 1 umg n ltmlh.'<i·usc recommmd,
the mt'm r or the bt hoprk or t.ha! branch pres-
td nt out or cut ... aw.ty any blnnk lin
on the rt'(OJnrnt:nd other n.lmes c.1nnot be
addN
If a membt."Y ha nut li\ t>d in the same ward
continuou.,Jy for t l~.1sl oM year, the blShop
coni th pnor bt hop to cM'rify thto me:mher"s
w('lrtlun ~"'~ int.•rviewing th~ member for
. limit ~-use 1'\.'<0mmend.
Umlted·UH Recommends for Baptisms and
Connrmatlons for the Dead
Mm"~bt.•rs .,g ... 12 thi\)Ugh 20 ore UC,UJll)• u..ted
ns o s:ror1p ('In a hm lted· u e n.xommi!nd if they are
go;_~ o a group to~.. h.1pli1~ ilnd conCirmcd
for the d~.ld . .roup !'\."Commend~ are uscJ for
only on h•mple \bit . Th are lt.>ft at the temple.
wh tt th~y are d II'O)'tod .
U m ·m~rs 4'1g 12 through ZO ilJ'e CrequenU)
b.1pua-d nd conhrm~ for the dead, they an>
u ually i ut.>d uulrtridu I timtted-u..-.e recommends
that they retasn. As an ellception, if parents take
chtldren ag 12 thrvugh 20 to do baptisms for
tM dead, chJidren m the 5ame family m01y bt"
listed on one roromm~nd .
Umlt\."\1-u rt"Comm~ that ate i~ued to
uncndowcd mcm~rs \\ ho at 21 or older or
who are molm~ mu 1 be trdrvitfua/l'r((lmmends.
Th • rt' ' om mend 1My be uri.e'd nlf to pertQrm
b.lptisml nnd confirmaUoOJ for tht" dead
F r lnfutn\atiun about ..cJ,t>duling baptisms
md C('lnfirma~lom tor the dc.1d, see 3.2 2
Umlted· U•• RtcOITimenda for Seallng
Uvlog Children to Parent•
Slngk m~mbeno ilges 8 through 20 are 1! sued
limited-usc recommends to be sealed to their
parent or to ob tvt- thl' S(!almg of lhm Living
brother.> and t ..... h.) th ir rtll'ent Ail children
under the age of 21 must ~ born m the CO\'enant
or • I to th~ar p<~tl'nt m ordtr to obsen:e suc.h
hngs. Mc:mbto"' who nl'f' milm'--d or nre 21 or
older mt~y not be . I :>d to lhl.'lt parent:> or ol>-
f"\ ~ the :slin .. of ll\'ing brvthers 31\d sisters
to th ar rent unl lh~t uc endo" td
Rccomm nd may bfo i ~ed for individual
chlldr n or Cor a roup uf duldren m the same
f4m&l\" fhe ame ~ommend may be used to
llst ·hildri'n ,,·ho art> being e.1l~ and children
who are ob.servmg Children undi!r 8 do not ne«<
r'-"<'ommend lor th c.- purpo:.es. However, the
famih• n to tOt! to tJw t~ple a fumily group
record how U18 the eel honshJp of the child to
the famll).
The approv&.l of the tll'St ~ &S. n«-
ry to t ue bm1ted·u ~mmends to c.h.U-
dren who wish to obsen ~ the ahngs of thtoir
brothers and ist.crs if th~ children \\ ho w h to
ob!;ervc the ~ating' do not IJ\' thr m.'ljortty of
th!! bmt! in the m home the chaldn.-n who
are to be scoalt.-d.
Uncndowt>d cluldn:n • r.- not ~rmitt('Ci to
obscr\'e the &eating of thcir pil.tCnts.
3.3.6 Lost or Stolen Recommend•
1 ht! bi hop •hould 4l21k m~m~r5 to notify
him promptly U a recommend ts lost or stolen. If
tht.' b1 hop It-am of a lost or stolen recommend,
h • not:ifi~ the tukc pr:e51dcnt 1mm ·dtatdy The
stake ptel>idenl cant:els the l'e\:Otrun~nd u mg
Church n!Cord k •pmg softw,u't! 11 Uu.s soft\vare
i nut il\'~Stl.lble the t<ll<l• president~;: nt<lrt.s tlw
t mpte ~"Cord ·r of th t •mpl~ di:olrict the "'t~kc:
t a '-lgncd to.
3.37 Unworthy Recommend Holdere
1f tht bt p cJt-t,·nnm • tNt Dm :mber who
hA a current n.~ nuncnd 1 unworthy, he urune-
duat ly rrqu t the n..~mmcnd from the mem-
ber. l( il\i! m •mber n.•rusc to return it, the bishop
notlfti:! th • ta~e pre tdl:!nt at once The &ta e
pn.ostdc..nt cancel the rt"Commend .1ccording to
thl• gujdehn~ in 3.3.b
3 .4 Temple Clothing and Gannents
3.4 1 Clothing to Wear to a Temple
Mt!m~N vho go to., t~mplt> hould wear
C'lothang thl t is sultllbll' for the house of the
I.C'lrd Thl'y ,.hnuld oWClld Wt-.Uing ctlSUill clothes,
"PO l ib cllltt "• tull:~o...mJ ' ttml<ltiou jewelry
e nl 'AppropMil~ Dress for a Temple Mar-
rt. gt.•' tn 3.5.1.
34.2 Obtaining Temple Clothing end Garments
~t ember:. chJnge lo white dolhing in a tem-
pt...• to partitip<lh! m the! on:hnan~ Endowed
membt.>ni .uc encoura" :d to purcha tht>ir own
tm~ple clothing for use when perlomung temple
orchn.1nc . lhls cl\."d clothms may be pur-
clused through Church Dltttnbution n ·te .
Some t mpl Jso have h::mplc dolhing avail-
able for rt'nt. If a 1 mpl doc-s not have rental
 dothan~ . mcm~rs ~ to bnng temple clothing
w1th them.
l~mpl m mtA.U\ a timate!d supplv of temple
clothing tJ'At fult •ttmc m'''•<mane:!o may u<:.e
wathout ch.rgt \\ ~ they f't'tti, t! thcir own en-
do~mt'nl, ,..,hiJ
th ~in mi:. •onlll)' trammg
centers, and when th~· M authori.z~ to partici-
pi1t ~ in kmpl<' OTdtNin \\ hlle •rving in the
mi" •on ft£ld .
Th~ dbtnbution end 11? of garments re--
qwres the authonz.abon of the Fa.rst Prestdency.
G rment olTY a'·•aLlbl~ m .s \ ouiety ot '>tyl~ clnd
f~bncs . The · may be purchased through Ots-
lribution Servacc . Mcmben. who have .,-pecial
nC'cds may contact Ot tnbuhon Servtces about
spt'Ci.cll mdl'rs
Wh •n m"Cdcd, biNhop" and gtake pl'e!ttdents
ln~>lru(t mcmtx!r (n how to purchase temple
clothing and f;ilrmcnl., ·io;tomt 51nkc Jnd w·ard
ci"'J'k."i now hl•lp pmv•d~·lht in!>ltu<.<tion and help
mL"mbt•r.t ord~r the C'Lothing.
3-4.3 Making Ttmple Ceremonial Clothing
~~rs ouav m.1l. thetr own temple aproru
only 1f they u t~· approvt~"<~ apron ~r06dery
and wang lit. This kit .15 available !.tom Church
Distribution Scrvtc11 . Oth<>r t..-mpt~ crremonial
dothang rna · not ~ made. •or may temple gar-
ments ~ made.
3..44 Cloth ng to Wear for a Temple Marriage
• Appropnatt C>re.~ for A Temple Mar-
flil e .. in 3.5.1.
3.4..5 Wearfng and Cering for the Garment
Churc.h 01~mbcn. who luH! ~clothed wtth
the gilrmt!nt in • IMnplr have t.1kcn upon them-
;elves a cov~nant ubhg.at1un to w~ar lt cJCCord-
ing to the l.nstruchons given in the endowment.
Wh 1n I ulng temple n-commend!>, priesthood
~~~.1uer hould teacl1lhe Importance of \vearlng
tile garment properly. Leaden; also cmph.,size the
bl !SStnK thAt .1re r\.'lntcd to thios acred privileg~
01c bl ings f\! conditioned on wort.lunes.s
anJ faJthlulnl':Ss 1n l pmg t.cmple covenants..
Th~ garmt>nt pro~ ad il constant reminder of
thl? CO\'CSW'lts made ln a t ·mplc. Whm pro~rly
worn., at pr,,,. do prorcchon osgatrl!'t t~mptation
3nd l>Vtt Wt>:trlng lht' garment is also an outward
e presSlDil of an tn"'nrd commitment to tollow
the SlvioT.
Endowed mem~~ "hould we4t t~ ~mple
garment both d4 • and nighL 'Ibt>y should not
remov" 11, elthct ntu~ly ur pllrti~llv, to worl.; tn
thr ~ard or for nth r '' tivllw iliat can reason-
abl btt do~ \ ith the ganncnt wom properly
beneath the clothing. Nor hould the\' mm.l\IC'
it to lounge nround tht" humt." in wuinYe r or
immod t clothing. When they must remove the
gannent. uch a fur !>wammmg, the)• hould put
it back on as n a pi)S! &bit>.
Mcmbe~ hould not adju!oot th~ garment or
W\'ar at contran tu in lructions ln order to ac-
commodate dtffcrcnt t •lcs of clothing. Nor
hould th y 11ltt>r the ~armt'tlt from 1 authorized
d igJ". 'r\'h~·n twu·p&ne g.arm nts ~used, both
pi ~ fihould :llwtlyt tx> wom
The g.tmwl1t tS c.n:J and should be treated
wtth re:.pect "' all 11m •~o ~l\rmt.·nt., <~hould be
kept off thl' Anor. rnl•y hould al~l be kept dt.>an
and mPndt~d After g.m"cnhi a~ wu. hed, they
should not be hung in puhlic are~s to dry. Nor
~hould they be d1 ploy~."d or t: ~ to the vi~w
of people who do not understand theu signifi-
ancc
Members \'lfho N~ e made covenants 1n the
tempi~ should he guaded by the Holy pint to
nswt•r for th mstl -= personoaJ quesboru. about
w-=armg the garm nt
3• 6 Garment• and Temple Clothing for Membe,.
Who Have DlaabllltJea
for membt>n; who are bt.--dt t or who h.av~
se\'e~ph ac-al dl • biltt .: , n •c >o1ry adjust·
ment ma> ~ m tie an wcnnng th • garment. II
recommended b_ a m~bt!r ' bl hop. a g.1nncnt
that is d _igned hb a hosp1tttl gown ts avail-
able P)' pt'('WI ord •r for tho<>t• who ilre bedfafit.
Shorter temple robes ;uc available to meet
tht• n~...-d., of members who nre in wht."~;"khau'S.
3 47 Wearing the Garment In the Military
t• 10.8,
348 Disposing o f Garmenta and Temple
Ceremonial Clothing
lo dt po...c of wurn-uut tempt"' prments,
members should cut out and d trov th marks.
Members them cut up th~ renuuni~g fubric ~
it cannot be ld~nllfi~d !t a garml!nt. One~ the
marb are removed, lhl" ta.bnc lS not ronstdcrcd
CJ"l'd.
To dhp t' of worn-out t"mpJe ctremomal
clothing mcm~r hould d troy the dothin&
by (utting it up ch • origin.tl use cannot be
R!C0~7cd ,
15
 Members mny give garments and temple
clothmg tffilt d.l'l! tn good condttion to othes wor-
thy endowed me.mbers. The bishop can ldentifv
those who might need such clothmg Under no
circum!otancetJ hould members give gannents
or temple ceremorual doltung to Deseret lndus-
tri~. bi!.hupq' storchouse<s, or charities.
3.4.9 Temple Burial Clothing
II po!.SlbJe, dece.\Sed mem~ who were en-
dOY..-ed should be buned. tn tl!mple clothing. U
cultural tradttions or burial practices mal<e this
inappropriate or ddticult, the cloUung may be
folded and pla~d next to the body tn the casket.
OnJy members who were endowed in life
mny bt;• buned in temple dothing. An endowed
person who ~otopped wearing the garment before
his or hlU death may be buried 1.n temple cloUling
if the rnmily so requests. However, persons whose
blessings have not been resto:red after excommu-
nication or name removal may not be buried m
temple clothing. A person who was endowed in
hfe and who hall comm1tted t»utcide may be bm-
ied a.n temple clothing.
Temple dothlng that is used for burial need
not b4!' new, but il should be clean- The member's
Clwn temple dothmg m.1y be used.
Bishops and Relicl Society presjdenl.s should
know whDt temple clothing is available for barial
and how to dress .:1 deceased member m temple
clothing.
A member who lS to be buned m temple
clothing may be dreSbed by an endowed Camily
member of the SJmc ~der. ff a family member
lSnot avallable or would prefu not to dress the
rody of Qfl endowed man, the bishop assigns an
endowed man to dre:.s the body or oversee the
proper dressing. II a fnmlly member is not avail-
nblc or would pn.d •r not to dr~ss the body of
an endowed woman, the bishop asks the Relief
Society president to assign an endowed woman
to dress the body or oversee the proper dress·
lng. l eader:. ensurt! that this assignment is given
to a person who will not find it objectionable.
Guidelines for dNssing deceased members are
pro\ ided in lrutroclums for Clot !ring tht Dead Wlio
Havt' Rtawtd 11trlr E.11dorunrtJIIS. Leaders may ob-
tain these Instructions from Church Distribution
Services
1n some ~a only " licensed funeral direc-
tor or an employee of the direc;.tor is ctllowed to
handle a d~eased body. [n lhese cases. an e~
dowl-d f.unily member (n an endowed person
16
who is assigned by the bishop ar Relief Sotiety
pres1dcnt ensures that the clothlng has been
prapt~rly plact:d on the body.
Some countries rcqulfe that the deceased be
dressed m biodcgTadable dothmg when they
am burled. In such cases. biodegradable temple
clothing i!l. O\'AII.lblc through selected distribu-
tion centers.
The Church doe" not nonnally encounge
aemahon. How~ver, if tlw body of an endowed
member ts bclng cremi\ted, it should be dressed
in temple clothing If pos! ible.
In area& wnl'r • ltmple clothing mily be dilli-
cult to obtain in time for burial, take presidents
should keep on hand tl l least two complete sets
o( med1um·siud clothing, one for a ma.n and one
fora woman.
l( temple clothing is not ayaiJoble, a deceased
endowed memb~r tS clothed for burial in the g;u-
ment and other suitable clothing.
35 Marriage
Church lcad(!l"l; encour.1ge members to qual-
ify for temple marriage and to be mi\rried in a
temple. Where temple marriage is not po ible
because of ~rwnal ci.rnJmstilnccs or legal ~
q~menb., le<td~ may perform d\11 marriages
as outlined in 3.5.3.
A couple who are planning to be mnrried must
obtatn a legal milrriage hcense that Is valid in the
place where the marri~tge Is to be perfonned.
3.5..1 Temple Marriage
The purpo"e of a temple marriage, referred
to in the scriptures as "'the new and everlasting
covenant of marriage" (D&C 131 :2), is to seal a
husband and wife for timt! and eternity, subject
to tht:>lr fnlthfulness. OnJy a marriage that has
been se<~lt-d in the temple and confirmed by the
Holy Spirit of Promise can be ett>mal (see D&C
132:7). Through this ordinance, a couple's chil-
dren may also~ part o( their eternal family.
A m;m and womnn must each be endowed
before they m.1y t>e married and sealed in a tem-
ple. They must eaeh have a valid temple recom-
mend and 01 recommend for livtng ordinances.
Who Porfom~a a T•mpla Marriage
Bishopsandstakepresldentsencouragemem-
be.r; to hllve temple "-Calert perform their mar--
nages rather than aslcing General Authorities
 Who May Attend a Temple Matnlige
Only members who have rocetved thetr own
endowments and have VliUd recommends may
attend a temple mar"nage Couples should u;_
vlte only family members and clo!;e Lriends to
be present for a temple marriage.
Appropriate Oren fOf a Tomple Marriage
The bishop rev1ews the following guideliru.>s
with t'ach bride .md blidl-groom well In advance
of the weddmg. II• ~-ped"'liY Important tore-
vt~ the guidelines lor t~plc wedcting dresses
with each bride and her part"nts before t he}
male or purchase the dress. Th~ b1~hop also
makes the following information about brides
cJ~ available to the Relief Society and Young
Woml!n presidencies so they can help members
be Informed of the expcctatlol'\s far m advance
of tho actual events.
Bn.des' Drrsscs. All dresses t.h:tt arc worn in
the tc!mple should be white, long- J~·ved. modest
in de-.ign and fabric, and f~ elf el.lbora~ oma-
mt:nt..lbon. Sheer fabric should be luted. Brides'
dresses should not have a trtlm unl~ thfo tram
om~ remo'-ed for the tt'mple cen>mony.
Fonnnl WtRrllnll FlotLtn:. 'lbllcd<K, dmnerpck-
eb, cummerbunds, formal ht:'adweAr, and bou-
tonnieres and other flowers 11re not appropriate
In il sealing room o r doring 11 "*'•' lmg ceremony.
ll1i~ applies to those who are being sealed and
also to their guests. Formal wear and nowers
may be worn outside for photognphs after the
ct·remony.
Wc.tdmg G11ests Couples hauld not a k. their
wL-ddmg guests to dreu m white un1es the seal-
ang room must be entered through the celestial
room Membe~ who rome to a wl"ddmg dn-ectly
from an t>ndowment lon ma · wear temple
cen>morual clothing.
Exchanging Rings after a Temple Marriage
Exchanging r ings is not part of the temple
marnage ceremony. Howe\·er, couples may~­
ch.mge rings after the ceremony m the sealing
n10m To avoid confu.s1on with the marriage
c12remony, couples should not l'Xchange rings
at any uther tJme or ploce In a temple or on
temple grounds. How~\er, .Uter !.hear temple
mQrridge, a couple ~y clw.ngl.' nn~r-~ at other
locations. lr such •m e~ch.1ngc ,c; mode, the cir-
cum~olanres &hould be consl~tent with the dJgnity
of their temple marriage Thtl excllange should
not appeilt to replkare nny part of the morrla~
Ct!tl'mony, and the coupJe should not chilnge
VO\Oo
Spec!aJ Meeting fOf Guests Who Do Not Hll\re
Temple Rec:ommends
A couple may arrange w1t.h their bishop to
hold n tcpccial meeting for relative:. .snd friends
who du M l have temple recommends. Th.is
meeting provides an opportunity tor those who
cannot n1tcr a temple to feel included m the mar-
riage nm.l tu learn somet.Jung of the etemal na-
IUN of the mamage CO'-'l.!l'Wll The m~tmg may
InClude a prny\'r and ~I mu •c. followlod by
the rem.ulr.:. of a pnothood leadttr Nu ceMnUny
l .. J".>rlrnmed, and no \'OWs ue e"clung<'d
No other marriage ceremot1y 11hould be per-
formed following a temple mnrrill);l'.
Marriage of Members Who Need a Cancellation or
Sealing or a Sealing CJearance
&.-e ~Applying for a Canaillution of St!aling
or a Seillmg aearanc:e~ in 3.6.1.
3..5.2 Matrlage In a Temple tor Time Only
Marnilgt m a temple for hml' only ma) be
perfCirmt'd only when all of the fuUo\\ mg req~
ments 11ro met
1. TI1c man and the woman are ~:ath .tlready
seated t() a spouse who ls deceasl.'d.
2. NeJtlwr the otatl nor the worrwn nnt~ been
involved m any divorce whilr " member of
the 01urt:h..
3 The man and the woman eilc;h h;wc t1 valid
temple recommend and a recommend for lav-
Ing oniinances.
4 Temple rNrrtages are legal mamagcs in the
oountry where the temple LS loct1ted. and the
couple has ., Villid mamage tkensc
A marriage ln the temple lor time only will
not bt• .luthorl~:t'd for a wo m11n w lw is in the pru-
«'5:-. of 't'Ck.Ulg a caneellation of se<~llng
for tht< pohcy nn sealing a couple who w~
m4nlrd In the lemple for lime onJ , -.et: Seahn!',
~te.r Temple 1\.farriage for lime Orily~ in l o 1
3..5.3 Civil Marriage
When temple marriage is not pouablcbecause
of pen;<mal CU'O.I.D'1Stances or legal requirements,
leaden may perfow d"il maniilge:s as outlmed
m thl .. t«:han. A civU mamage dOC!> not endure
beyond mortnl Life.
17
J . 7f,.,,.,~ •nil AUm~ r
C t\ 11 m rnag hould bi! perfo rmed m ac-
cnrdanc\: with the l.lw" an the plaa> where the
marri. gc i pt'Jtc,rmc.'d.
Cavtl m.uri gc :tnd ~latcd rt"lagious cere-
moni hould not be perform~ on Sunday or
at unusual hoW'S.
Who May Perfcwm a CMI M amage
Membc:r$ who arc planning a ovil marri.ag~
m"v tn\,te ill] of the loll wang pn: •ding offu:ers
of tht.-i.r Church unit., In pe-rform the maf'lUgt!
tt<reml'ny af cwall.lw authuriT..n the offict'f to do
so. c;takt pr 1dc:nt. mi ton prcstdent, bishop,
or br.mch pr ident. n l.OS mtlilory chaplam
on t1ttlvc duty m-.ty oJ.o pt!rlorm lh~: ceremony.
Unh.·..., contrM)' to h:gal ~quln!ments, d Churcll
offlccr m.sv pt•rform a m.tm<lgc for a membe:r oJ
lw. UJ\It o uboldc the boundarit-s of that unit.
Tho-.e who have bc.-en relea5ed from these
office. m.sy not perform marri.lges Other Church
of£lcen. are not authorized to perfonn evil mar-
nag<!'~.
Clvil Mamago for M mber• from Oth« Umts
Church ofllc rs ma,· not perform marriages
(nr Church member \\I en nt!athcr marriage
p rh1 •r bdon c ' th~ Church unit O\~r which
the olhccr p~ id~.: • An reption is made for
LOS m1htary dt.lploins who re on ;tclivt> duty.
Any ocher._.,.~ •phONi n.-quire the approval of~
riJ'St rr tdcnq ln ~iKh cuse
CiVIl Mlllnage for Noomemberl
Authoril~d Church offic:t.>rs ma} perform
~ma~~ for nonmembers without rccehing
spcd.11 ,,ppmvul
Whero to Porform Civtl M.magoa
(tviJ mnrri•18t' Me prefcr-.bly pl'rformed
en the homl• u( ., f.smll~· memlx•r or an a Church
bulldln~ rJ.ItKI lh110 Ut ft (OmmercaaJ \Vt.'<.fding
lhapt'l M othl•r puhllc place. Mam.1ge5 In a
C.:hurc:h buiklin)C may l c performed tn the chapel,
tlu.: ~.:ulturul hall, ur anothN uitable room The
pcnoon who pcrft•l'lTlS the- a:remony dctemunes
the location.
CMI Marriages That Must Be Parformed by a
PubliC Offic:taJ or In • Pubnc Place
Som itt\~ . n.'quln.• th4t a marnage 'e~mony
~ pt<rlomu.'\1 by n public ,,(fkial Some ~utrf'
that tht.> \:ert!m<,ny ~ pt'tformt'd tn 3 public
building or anothl'r public pi re. ln these cases,
lll
a tt>mple ~aling nt•u•" arily follow"' the c1vil
~?'i.tgc ru1 soon as pracLJcal (see "'Sealing of
Livmg \lcmlX'rs after Chit Maniage· in 3.o.l).
1f the couple will not b • al~, an authorized
priesthood offker m.l) conduct a b~f religious
C'Mt'!mony art~r th (1\'11 marriil~~- ln thls ret't'-
mony he giv coun Ito the c:ouple 4lnd gives
Chun:h r«ogmtiOn to theu marriAge. The m -
5tructi n m thtJ tion on lh u or Church
buildmgs and the •mphcuy tit cct\.~t lmuJd
be foDowt!'d .
Civil Man~age Ceremony
Clval marriage ct>n.>monJ~ ~ortormcd by ..,
Church officer 5hould be simple. conservative,
.md an harmony with the c;.'lcredncss of the mar·
nage covi!nilnts. rh~:~r..- ~hould be no e~tmvagance
ll\decorations or pomp ln the proceedings. \>\Then
a wcddmg ("('remony i'l h~ld in,, Chun:h builcUng..
a wL'<iu•ng mal't'h '" tnllprroprl.aw Vaden tC"Cord·
CB and cam(!tll m•l) not hl' used If th~ ~mony
Is pn{orm~ d n th ch,,pcJ. tlur ugg..: tlons aoout
mu c for ci\ tl wedding , !k.oc llat!dkttJJ.l, 14.9.5.
Before pet tormlns t~ cl\ ll m.un.1g<!, a Church
offin>t ""'Y coun lUll' couple on the 5aCn!d n.s·
hare of the marriagt: CO\' l'\Jltll 3nd may add otht!r
coun 1 th pant dl~t . fhe olilcer should
not dt.">\ iate from the folluwing cPt'emony.
To pt>rtnrm :1 avd mounage "(.'burch officer
addnasses U\e couple and say.., Plea..e takr e.1ch
other by lht' nghl hand • He then says. - (Bnde-
groom·.. ruu namt' and bride' .. fUJI name). you
lu\'e t.akm \ln lltlOlhct by the right rumd in to~c:n
of the 1.."0\'Cn<~nts) \lu w1ll now t•nt •r into m the
Jm"i!CPCC or Ct<Ki otnd th watn ." (Thl! cou·
pit' ma}' chuo • or nom liMit! th ~ witnl"' i"C)
Th«' nfficn th\'n JdJr"sscs the bridegroom
and obks, " 1Bridt~ruun1 'ti full namcL do you tal..e
(hridt•' full n.'ln\ I as your lawfully wedded wife
.tnd do you nt yotJ r own f tl'\' will Md choice cov·
t-nllnt •' ht•r C\•mpllnlun .md lilwfully wedded
hu~bilnd thilt you will cle.H•c unto her imd none
el!'l', tl1.1t )'OU wtll ~rvc all thl' laws, co\·cnants,
and oblig.'ltion! ~m ining to the hoi)' ... tate or
matr1mony; and that you ~ill love, honor, and
chtori h h "t ac;, long as you both shall hve?w
The bridc.-groom answers, 1cs ~ or "1 do."
~ Chun:h oftu: r lh m add the bnde
and a ..., " (8rid • full name), do you tale (brad~
groom' full n;~m •) ~ ynur lawfully wedded
hu.sb.lnd. nd do you uf -,uur own free w1U anJ
chol~ c,wc:n~nt a· his companion and lawfully
w"odd~>d wtf..- lhat rou wtll clc•" e unto hrm &nd
 none else; that you w1U observe all the laws, cov-
enmt!;, .md oblig;1tiomt pertaining to the holy
state of matrimony, and that you will low, honor.
and cherish him as long .15 you both shall live? ~
1he bride answeJS, 'Yes" or ·1 do."
The Church officer then addresses the couple
and S<\) s.: " By virtue of the leg<~ I authority vested
in mto as an elder of lllc Church of jesus Christ
of Latter-cia) Saints, I pronounce you, )bride-
groom's n.une).md [brld~·s nameJ ~ husl>.and and
wlte, leg.Jily and lo1wfully wedded for tbe period
of vour mortal lives.
"M~y God bles.<, your umon with joy in your
posterity 01nd a long life of happlne:,S together.
and m:'ly He enuble you to keep S<laed the cov-
enanb; you hove made. These blcs~ings I invoke
upon you In the n.tm~ of Ule Lord Jesus Christ,
amen.
"You may kist'> each other as husband and
wile."
A Church ortlcer who performs civil mar-
riages In his Church C<'lpadty may net accept
fees.
A Church oHker who performs a civil mar·
ri<1ge for memben. must send a lettt:r to the
bishop(s) of thl! home ward(s) of those he has
married This lel1er should include <tllrnforma·
tion needed to update membership records. He
alliO must rompl\ fully with legal requ:.rements
for reporting and record keeping.
31iA Marriage after a Spouse's Dea1h or after a
Divorce or Annulment
A member \\ ho has been se.tled to a spouse
may remarry afh.•r tht> spouse's dt>alh or follow·
mg a divo.«:e or annulment A member '!> dlvorce
rrr\ii"P<iing muc:t hP AnAl RC"I"nrnine to law lw-
f ore he or she may remarry.
Worthy members in these circumstances may
also be senled or:cording to the guidelines in 3.6.
3.6.5 Wedding Receptions
A wedding l'eCt!ption may be held in a Church
building i( it does not disrupt the schedule of
regular Church functions. However, these re-
cepHons m.ty not be held in tM chBpel unles it
ls a multlpurpo:.e area Recept1ons should not be
held on Sundays or on \fonday e'\'enmgs.
Those who are an cluuge of the reception are
respon.qiblt" for de.1nmg the 'llreas they l,;SC in the
bullding
3.6 SeaUng Policies
Seallilg ord!na"'ces include covenants that
can btnd families together for l.!tMtity. n,..-se or-
dinances indude (1) t;eclhng of a hu~band and
wife and (2) sealing of duJd.ren to pcU'etlts.
Stake pr~idt:nt& contact the Office of the
Farst PresidenC)' or the temple in thetr temple
dktrict for guidan~ In speci~l cil'Cum~tanc-es
related to ~lings that <Are. not covered in these
anstruetioM.
3.6.1 Sealing of a Husband and Wife
Seating of Uvtng Members after ClvU Marriage
A husband artd ware who were marrl~d out-
side a temple may be sealed after one full year
from the d1'ltc of tl1!!ir civi l mnrriagt!. However,
this one·year waHing period does not apply to
worthy coup)~ in the following cases:
I. Both the civil marrjage and the temple seal-
ing toke place In countries that do not rec-
ogm7e a t<•mple marriage.> and that requ:il'e a
civil marriage
L The couple live an u c:ot.mtty where tho:re ts
noLa temple and the lAws of the country do
not recognize a marri<1gl' pt-rformed outside
th~ country.
3. A coupl~ could not hi• mnrritd in" temple
because one or both had not been a mem-
lw of the Church lor one year at the lime of
their d,;t marri11ge They may rl'O.!.ivc their
endowmenb. Jlld be beal~ any bnu.> after at
least one yeM has passed from lhe confinna-
tion date of both member'!.
1n the first two cases, worthy couples should
receive their cndO\fflltmiS and be sc.:tled a~ soon
M prl'rti(•illllft·t>r th~•r civil nutrriAgt' They mny
be sealed In any temple convenient to thl!ir cir-
cumstances
Worthy cou pies who wcro married in a civil
~remony and havt bi..>cn mt•mbers of the Church
for at least one year may re<'e1ve their own en-
dowments and partkipato in all other temple
ordinances excepl their marriage scaling any
time within the year following civll marriage.
Only the First Presidency may grnnt CXQ.,-
Iiaru. to the prec~ding poUdes. The stake pre&i-
dent may seek an exrepllon if it appears to be
justified The couple hould not go to a temple
to be sealed unlbS they are notified that the
Fll'St Presidencv has gmnt~ .1n e>.wpbon They
hould bong thi nohfic:~hon w1th them.
19
 When u.~umg recommends to a couple for
~almg after a d\•il marriage, prie5thood leaders
~hould make SUJ"e the civil mnrrbge was valid
Seanng of Uving Members after Olvoroe
Womor. A livmg woman may be scaled to
onlv on~ hu b.tnd. lf _he IS ~aled to a husband
;md later dtv~. lhc n\Wt receive il cancellation
o( th.1t ~01lmg (rom the Fin~t Presidency before
bh~ may be !M!.lled to another truUt in her Ufetune
(!>«! "Applytng (oT a Cancellation o( Sealing or a
Seahng Clco1ran~.. below)
Mr11 If J. husb.lnd and wtlr have bft.n se.1led
;~nd Llt~r divtlm.-d,thl' man mll'lt rt'Cel\ e a "'('al-
ing clearanre from the First Presidency bcl'ore
another woman may be scaled to him (seP "Ap-
plymg for n Cnnccllation of Se:tling or a Sealing
Oearance" below). A S£aling ctearance IS 11ec~ry
tvcll •f (1) flu~ pn't!lDIIS scnlmg /ra5 bcm rJJIIIXkd or
(2 ) tilt' dtvorctd W'ft rs now dccrascd
SMRng of Uvtng Members after n Spouse's Death
Womt>tl , A living womnn may be sealed to
onl)'~hu~d
Mtn tr a hu!!tb3nJ and wife have ~"fl Jed
i1nd the wife dies, tlw fTUU\ may have another
woman ~aled to him if she is not :slre;tdy sealed
to mother man. ln this arcurrummc:e. the man
doe:. not net'd a :.eating c:le,arance from the F'U'St
Presidency unless he was djvorced from his pre-
vious v.ile before she dlrd (~the previous head-
mg for the policy m cru.es of divorce).
Applying for a Cancellation of Sealing or a
Soal ng Clearance
A woman who has f'rt"\'iouc;ly been sealed
must receive" c. ncelt.lHon of that sealing from
the firr.t Pr....,ldency befol'\" !the may bt> sealed
to .tr~othcr mnn in her lif~Ume. A mnn who has
been divorced from n woman who wa caled
to him must r~eive a ~allng cleannce (rom the
First Presidency be(or~ nnothl.lr womiln may be
smtled to him (K'<! 'Seating of li\'ing Men1bers
after Divorce" above).
If the bishop and 6take president decide to
~ommend lhat a canci!Uation of sealing or a
sealmg cleamnce be granted, they submit an
AppTic'ation to the f7lr t P~sidency fonn . This
form Is avoililblc el«trontcally ln units that use
Church r-ccord· lu.-<•pang oftwa~ I eaders of
these unit!. hould not contact tht! Office of the
First Pru...idency to obt<11n a copy The form is
11\'ailablc from th~ Area Pn."Std ncy mother nreas.
20
In tructlon .1re on th form. fkorore ubmhttng
the oppUcation, the ta~ pi'!:'$ d~nt makes t.urc
that the dlvo~ It nnal .md tlut th .,.pplicanl
is cum.~t Ln all leg.,l n-qu1n;m""nt" for ~:hild .1nd
ipOU t ..upport rclatt."\1 10th' diVOt( • ,
11 a member has ~ut: ted n Clln~&tion of
6ealing or a ~a ling clearance, h~ or w may n<.1t
schedule an appointment for~ temple marmge
or ~ling until rec:c.ving a letwr fTom the First
Presidency gwing notice that the Cili\Cell.llion or
clearance l\4lS been granttd 1nc f>'!lSOn should
pre!K'nt thi'J lt.•tt r 1t the t mplt.
Removing o Rottrlctaon o,ga.tn.t Temole Seal ng
11 ·' pcr$0n commit-; adultl•ry whUe married
to u spous ·to whom hr or he ha tx-c.n sc.:~lc(i,
he or he rnay not be seJled to the par1.11er in the
adultery w'\less the ;sling i~ authoTiz4!'cl by the
President of the Church Such <luthOri7~tlOt'1 m.-y
be requested .Utt~1 the ooupli:! hiwe ~n married
tor a.L least five years. Thl! r"que t may be sub-
mitted with ..m 3pplicatton for c•tnc:cllation of
sealing or sealJ..ng clear&r~ce.
A c:nupl~ wht> d lte tu h.lve a ~lmg restric-
tion rm\Oved m..} ~k at'l interview with their
bishop .-.nd wke pres1dmt. If these leaden. feel
to recommcmd temO\' l of the rt'$trlcbon, they
may write ,_,., ·r; to lhc Fi.Nt Presidency su.m·
m;srldng thtt.r r'\.·<·ommend~tlOI\ .tnd comment·
ing n the.- :lppliunt.o;' 1 mpte WQrthl.ne:-~ ~~nd the
s.tabiltt oC their mam ge tor at leMt five ye.vs.
The coupl• should tlbo wnt · " letler of roqu t
to the F"mt Pltilden •. The mke pi"CSldmt uh·
mits all of tht!se letters to the Ftrst President)~
Seaflng aftet Temple Maniage for Tlme Only
Couples who art" married rna temple (oc time
only are not usuaJJy sealed at a later time. For
such a ~lmg to occur, the woman must first
roc;cwe from the FiM Pt idency a CAnct!llation
of her previous . eull.ng. Such requests are con-
sidered only in exceptional clrcumstflnc 1f a
bt<;hop ftnd ..take ptt' ld~nt feel thJt a canccllo-
tlon may bE! Ju tlficd, they may ubmJt an AppU·
cation to th fi"'t Pt\'~ld ·.ncy form
seating of Oeceuoc:t Mombert
Dtcmst·d Wcmtl'tt A deceased woman may oo
sr31~ to all mtn to "hom ..he wM l~.tlly mar·
ried dunng her hie. Howeva, ll she was :>d.led
to a husband during her We. aU her husbands
must be dettllsed before he may be SCilled to
• husb.1nd to whom she wa!> not ~lt!d during
 IU Th tndudes former hu..bAnds from whom
ht' WiU dJ\'orced.
Drcr~ Men A d~at;ed mnn may han!
seall!d to hun aD women to whom he wa legally
married during h.i5 life U lhcy are deceased or
tf t hey are living and nre m1t sen led to an other
man.
Otct:Qsti/ Couple:. W1w Wert Olvom'tl Deceased
couples who were divorced may be sealed by
proxy These sealings often provide the only way
for duldten of such couph~• to be 3C:Aled to par-
ents ~ 3 7 9 for a restnction if clthe:r the hus-
~nd or wife was excommunlcolcd or had his
etr her name removed from ChuM ow~p
records at the time of de.all\. PI!"it Prestdency ap-
proval as rcquued for the scaling o( a dettased
couple who obtained a c:nncelbtlon of thcir seal--
ing in life
Effects of Excommunication or Name Removal
Afiet a husband and wlfe luve been sealed
m o1 temple. if Ollt' of them is e'CCommurucated
or has his or her name remo\·ed fTom Church
mt>mber-rup records, his or ht!r temple blessings
UC! revoked Howent, the sealing blcsstngs of
the innottnt spouse 3nd of child~n bom Ln the
co-.:~'1nt a~ not affect~
Children who are born to'' ctluplc nftl.-r one
or the other has been excom municated ar had
his or her name removed nrc not born in the
covenant. See "Status of Children When a Seal-
ing b Canceled or Revoked" U\ 3.6.2.
3 6..2 Sealing Children to Parents
Qtlldren Who Are Bom In the Covenant
Children who are bum after thea mother has
been sealed to a husband in • temple are born
in the covenant of thilt sc.1lmg ih~"y do not need
tC'I n.'«'lve tlle ordinnncc of sc3ling to p;nents.
Betng oom 1.1\ I he covenant cntlUI!S children to
ill1 c t •mnl pnrentag~. dl•pcndlng on thei r (nlth-
fulnl!$:1.
ll o woman who hM been 01tcd to ;s Conner
hubband remarries, the ch1ldnm Clf ht,.>r l.ltet mar-
mge are bom in the covcrutnl ot lhe fitst mar-
riage unless they were bcnn after the seah:ng W"W>
canceled or after it was re\ oked due to excom-
murucation or name removliL
Members who have c:oncems about the eter-
nal nature of such relationslups can fmd peace
m the knowledge that Heavenly Pathcr iJJ loving
a nd just. He will ensure tl1at eli!mt\l romJiy rela-
lionshlps will be leur and right for illl who keep
thclr cownnnt.\..
Children Who Are Not Bom In tM ~~
Children who are not born m the cov\!nant
can bt.'Come part of an ~tnn;sl family by being
c.t.r.tled to their natural or adoptlvt.> p;,n.-nbl fhc&c
chtldrcn receive the same right to blcc;c;m~ as 1f
they hnd bct•n bom in the covtmnnl
A chUd may be sealed only lo two pnronts-
a h usbMd nnd Wlfe---..and not to one parent only.
Males ages 12 and older must hold the Ailrt>nic
Pdesthood before they may h.! sealed to their
parents. Members who ~ married or are 2l o r
older may not be sealed to the1r parents unless
they are ~dowed.
Observing Sealing$ of LMng Btothera and Sisters
To observe their livmg bn1thcn ""d sisters
being sealed to their p~ts. chlldnm under the
ngc of 21 must be bom in the covemmt or sealed
to thdr pi\ren~ ln addition, child run "S'-'li 8 and
o lder must be baptized. and mnl~ nges 12 and
older must hold the Aaronic Priesthood. If chil-
dren do not hve the majority of the time Ill the
same house as those who are being seal~o>d, First
Presidmcy approval is required (or them to ob-
serve the ~illing.
'-tembcrs who are m.uried or arc 21 or older
mu 1 h.! endowed to observe such &en lings
Adopted or Foster ChJldren Who Are Uvlng
UvinS children who aw ~lm ln the cov<'nant
ur h.we bt.~n oealed to parents cannot b<.' sealed
to any other parmts unless o1pprovlll l'i gh t.'fl by
the f1rM President)·.
Living children who are LegaUy o1dopted .uld
were ne~ther bom in the rnvenant nnr 11lcd to
fanner parents may be sealt.>d tn their adopbve
parent:. after the adoption is final A copy of the
final adoption decree should be presented at
the temple; a court decree granting legnl custody
is not sulfic1ent clearan ce for a scallng. Tilere is
nCJ obligiltiCin to idtmt:ify lhc nMu rnl pnnmls of
the.e cl\lldren.
hr.t Pl"l"itdency approval Is nt.-ccssary for a
living member to be sealed to foster p.:m:n~ llus
requi.rPmt-nl apphes even if ttw n.llural po~rents
llf ~ fo ter ctuld are unknown and cannot ~
idenb.fied b) reasonable effort Such NqUbb Aft
milde by the take presidmt
Adoptod or Fostor Chlldron Who Are Deceased
A deceased adopted p1!I5on usu.tlly is sealed
to hiS or her adoptive p atents.
A deceased foster child u<~uaUy is scaled to
hlro or her nutural parents.
11
 SeaJlng of Uvtng Children to One NAtural Parent
and a Stepparont
A llvmg WUJ\Mncd. child under 21 who wa~
not bam in the! CO\ienant or ~~ed previously,
and who h not bct:.n ~dopted. may be sealed
to ont' natural p.ll't'Ot and a .,reppanmt iJ both
of the fotlowlng condtbons ~xu.t
l. The n.t1tural p;~rmt to whom the child is be-
tng ~>e led N1 ll-pl cu tody of thl! ehild and
phy...iatl cu tody of the child th~ majority of
the tinw.
2. Tht! other Mlur.,l parent h"s gh•cm sjgned
ronsent . A 'ourt dt:\:rt.'e granting legDI cut.·
tody ..s not ~uHkaent dl!arance for a seahng
The s1gned cons£'nt must (a) nnme lhe child
and the purents to whom the child will be
-..eJied end (b) ~ pr~nteu t1t th~ temple.
If the other n;sturol parent ls deceased, or if
that p.uenl 1s mis t.ng and reasonable elf.orts to
find tum or her h&~ve failed, no co:n.sentisrequired.
The tmtple p~Ident Cl)n 11pprov~ the l>ealitlg to
be C1.)mplctl'd a.ubJI!Cl to fu twe re\ aew.
A livmg endowed mt>mbeT whn 11> 21 or old~.
or '''ho is married .. nd w.\~ not bom in the CO\ ·
enant tln4i hots not lX' ·n ~~li:d to p.ln.""nt! ' mar
be: "t"akod to (Inc naturaJ part-nt ilnd a -.t~a:r~nt 3.7
if true n.lltural mother and lather ~ not sealed 3.7.1
to each othn.
Chilcnn Who Are Bom out of Wedlock
A livmg child who Is bom out of wedlock INY
be se:.lcd to both natur.tl parents without pd-
cial approval nltttr Lht! parents have been sealed
in a temple.
A livmg child who l~o born out of wed.lock may
be! &calcd to on • M turill pal'C!I"It and • stepparent
whcn at lc.u.t one of th • tollc)wtng cond,uuns
applies:
1. Tht• child mMrl~
2. Inc chtld u:ach~ tht- t~ge of 21
3. The chlld 'r:. ollll'r ni'lturnl parent is deceased.
~. The other natural parent has given signed
consent ror the sealing
S. The rights of the other natural parent have
been t~rminatcd by lt"g)'l pi"'O.!SS. uch as an 3.7.2
,tdoptiun p~ins.
If the (hitd ' nth~:r n..ttural p.Jn."llt ~ nu .,ing.
and lf t\'.lbON bl cfiorts to find tM panmt have
fO\HC!d, no ron ·nt lS n:quU"\'d Th • ~mple p~·
ident can "pprow th~ .tUng to ~·completed
subJ~l to future rev w
22
Children Conceived by Artificial Insemination
or tn VItro FertlltzaUon
C:hilunm conceived by art1ficl.ll in~mirutton
or in \ ltro ft'rtlliJ.alion tln! born in the co\tmant
tt tlwt p<t.rent::. <tre already .!'A.'aled. t( the children
.1re born belate their p.nmts out- sc:ll\.-d, the · may
b-! sealed to tht!ir part:nls af~r the1r parents are
sealed to each other.
If a duld was bom to a surrog.ate mother, fh~
stake pres1dt-nt re(c~ the m11ttcr to the Office
01 the Ftr:.t Pre jdenq.
Stotus of Chlldron Whon a S.aUng Ia Canceled
orRovokod
Children who nre born in th!.' coven.m t or
~ led tu p.u~t"' rem.1in ~ cVt.'fl if the enling Ll{
the p.ltt>nl't ti lnh.•r (I) amcele\1 or (2) revnked by
the excoann\untcnt on or nAme removill oC either
parent. Children who arc born <1ftcr their par·
tints' seating t Cllnceled or ~voJ..ed ..11"1? nol bom
in the covenant. These children n<'ro to be sealed
to their paren~ <~Iter their p.tnmts bles!llngl. are
restored (ilnpplicable) and any other obstacles
ilt'e retnO\' cd
Temple Ordinances for the Dead
General Guideline•
C.rn r.llly, mt"mbt.•l"fi IN)' perform li:mple (lr-
d!nMc,., fur d«case.J pt.•J"'>Vns one yL>ar or more
after the date of d ath WithOUt teg.ll.'d tO lhC
pt!fSOn ~ WQrthin • Ot' C'lllJ5e (It dciHh. 8L"h~
exphun lhi~ woitlng p riud to mt.'mbe~ who
plan to p~dorm temple ord..tnanccs for deceased
famtly mMn~ ~1embcrr; who h;we ql.IL~rions
~ould ron tact their btshop. He may direct ques-
uoru. lo the sb.ke presid~nt.
OnJmana:s th.U are performed for the dead
are clfcctavc onl} 1! th~ d«~ased person chooses
to ilCC~pt them onJ lx"Ctlm • qualiiH.\d to receive
Otem (see D&C 138.19 32-34).
For b<ts1c in truc:tlun." on ldenhfymg 3nces-
lon. l.lnd pr"p<~rtng th it nilm~ for temple work.
!>("(! ~tmlr •r '4 Guuf,. lf1 rtmplf twd Fnmtly H1<tory
Work
Members Unable to Go to a Temple
before Death
The one· yur wmti.ng period for temple or·
dirtances does not apply to worth} membel"S
who would M\'C gone! to a temple but werepre-
\'entrd from doing o m Uk for re.lsoru. be}'Ond
their umtJ'Ql. This may mdude childn!n ages 8
 .md older arui youth who w ~wormy ill th~ hme
of d •Jth but hid nul rt.'CCtve:d thtttr t.>.ndo\\ ml"Tlt
m>cause they had not te>lchcd an appropriate
age ( al u 3.7.5) Howe...er, uch children and
youth ~not buried in temple clothing.
,.e
1o h .. the ordknnnce performed, iamiJy
membeB must ha\e either the deceased person's
temple recommend that was vaud at the tune
of d~th or a k>ttcr from the dece.lSed penon's
bbhop certifying thl! p~:r.;on's worthtn~
3.73 Members Who Ol&d wtthln One Year of
Baptism or ClvU Marriage
If .1 worth)' mcmtk'r dies within the ye<!r aftn
bclng b4ptucc.l.md c:onflmled, temple ordinances
mny be complct~ wh n one year has passed
from the date he or h~ Wl\li confirmed .
H a worthr member' dies within one year of
o elvaI mornAgc, the sealing of the couple may
b~ performed when one year has passed since
the marnagt-
3.7.4 Stillborn Chfldren (Children Who Ole
before Birth)
Temple ordinances are not perfarmed for
s tdlborn childn.-n, but no toss of cHcma.l bless-
mg., or (amll unity tS implk-d. The ~11mJiy mny
rd'Ord the NJm~ or a stillborn child on tht! Cam-
ily group record ltlllowcd by the word sttllbom
tn p.tronth ~ . ror morcmfonnatlon about till-
hom chlldr'"·n, .,._~ 17.2.10.
3.7~ Children Who Oled befOf'e Age Eight
o b.1ptasm or endowment performed for
IS
~ "hald who dat.>d belore a~ 8. Only ..eAlling to
par~t:. are performed for ~uch clilldren, lf the
child was scaled to parent.:. whitt h~ or she was
living, or if the duld was born an the covemant,
no vac:arlout. ordln,U\ces ar~ performt!d
3.7.6 Deceased Pers ona Who Had Intellectual
OlaabUitlea
rcmplc ordinnnc. fordccca.sed per50n!. who
had tntclkct\tJl dl!IJbHitlcs and whose mental age
md tiC\.OuntJbibty .trt- unknown are performed
the -.a me a~> for olhl'r deceased pe~n.r..
3.7 7 Persons Who At e Presumed Dead
T~mple ordmances may be perfoancd for
• pc~n who Is prt'Sumtd dead after 10 ynr:>
have p.iss«l-.anc. the time of the presumed or
declared death. Thls policy appU~ to (1) persons
who i.lJ'e uussmg maction, a:re lost ott sell. or h•1.v-c
been declared leg.1lly d~ad ; and (2) pet"SST\!. who
disappeared under ciR:umJ>tilnces where death
is apparent but no body h.1 ax~n r •coven.>d
In aU other 015(S of missing persons, tern·
pic ordmanct"! 0\Q)' not be pcfonned until no
year! have p ~-d from the bmc of the person·~
btrth.
3.7.8 Persont Who Have Taken Their Own Uves
Unlc.-.s thcoy wttre ~~mmunJCQlcd or h<1d
their munes removed from Church membt!l'-
shlp records a.t the time ol death, persons who
have mken their own liv~ may hllVe tempi~ or-
dman~ performed for them one y~::otr or more
alter the date of de01th
3.7.9 Persons Who Were Excommunicated or Had
Their Names Removed from Church Records
FU".it Pre!iiJcncy nppruvlll iii required to pc1"'
form fcmpk ordinance& lor dec~ pen.ont.~
who, ill thl' time of Ihear dt'.lth. were cxrommu
nlc.\t'td or h d tlwir !\llml"' r~\.ed from Church
mcm~rshJp n'CorJ!'t A lctkr should~ ~Titten
to the Ofitce nf the Fire.t 1'1'\!.,idCOC). "fo form is
ft'qUireci.
3.8
Restoration of Temple Blessings
(after Excommunication or Name
Removal)
Endowoo~nswhoweree commurucated
(or whu h d th ·ir nAm !£ Nmovl.!d from Chun:h
mcm~~p f(!(.'()rds) and were later roadnutted
by bt~pta m ;snd conftrmntion Nn receavc the.r
pri thood rmd temple ble"'llngs onl through the
ordtMnce of restoration ot ble-.-.ings Such per-
wn~ nre not ord~tncd to nny p n t$thood office
or endow~ agaan. 'In~.: • the'~C blessing are re-
s to~ through lhi! ordinance. For in!ormabon
nbout pt·rlormlng this ordlnilnce for the livlng,
see 6.15.
Pirsl Pre Jd1mcy approval 16 n.-quired to per-
form this ordmance for the de.1d.
Verifying Ordinances Necessary
to Receive the Endowment
39 1 For the Living
A Hvlng pl rson wh b.1ptastn and con-
firmati(m an• nol rccurd"'tl on Church mem-
bership ~cord& m.l}' not b~ ~ndow~ untiJ the
23
 baptism and conlirm.anon are verified, ratified,
or performed agalt\. Brethren whose Melchize-
dek Priesthood ordint~tion is not recorded mu!!t
also have it venfied. ratified, or performed again.
P~dures are outlined in 16.1.10. That section
also explains the procedure to follow if a living
person ls t>ndowed without a valid record of
b.lpt:l&m or il a male &S eJ\dowed without a valid
record of M21chazedek Priesthood ordination.
3.9.2 For the Dead
Som~tim~ ..i deceased per:.on's bapllsm that
was performed whlk he or she was Uving caMol
be verified after a diligent ~car~h . lf an urwerifi •J
baptism wru; retied on to perform the per on'
endo\' ment. the person must be baptized and
confumed by pro)(y. lt is not neccs.sar;• to peT-
form the endowment and !>eaUngs again.
3.10 Temple Ordinance Workers
3.10.1 Proeen ot Calling
R~ommendntions for prospective temple
ordinance workers may come to a temple pres-
ident from ward or ~tta ke lctldcr:;, ordinan(e
workers. his personal knowledge and contacts,
and the guidance of the Spirit.
When a temple president idenUlies a member
whom he would Uke to consider calling as an or-
dinance worker, he sends a Confident:inl Report
on Propo~ Temple Worker fonn to th~ mem-
ber's bishop. If thft bishop !eels that t:he mem-
ber is worthy and the caJJing would be uitable,
he complete$ tne form and sends it to the stake
p~s.dent. If the stake president concurs with
th~ tttlJ\pJe president and the bishop, he signs
ttw form and hend it to the temple presidwt.
Afti.>r lhc lt-mpte pr~~ident ftceivC!t a com-
pleted form, u m~~r of the temple presidemcy
mtet'vlews th~ person. WhMso lnspired, he Ci!Lis
those who nre oble to ~rve and ~ts them apart.
He notifies the stake president o( each calling.
The bishop nnd take president mu!lt not in-
form members that they ate being con ldered (or
this calling. Their first notification comes when
n member of the temple presidency m terviews
them.
3.102 Requirements
To be constdem:l for a callir\g as a lemplt- or-
dln.rnc<> worker, a member must:
l. Bl' ~ndowcd. comply with temple C'Ovenant1.,
dnd qualify to hold a temple recommend
24
2.. Not have been divorced within lhe past five
yerus, uJ\Jess the divorce OC'CUt1'ed before the
member wc~ bilpti?.ed.
3. ff male and 30 y~nrs old or oJde-r. be mamed
(widowers excepted}. Unmarried b~thrt•n
whu are yoWlger than 30 may ~1'\1~ ll:> ordi-
nance workers.
·tIt ever a recipient of formal Church dlsdpllne,
have been taken off probation. have been ~
insta.t:ed, or have received a re:.torabon of
blessings at Jeast 1i•e years ago.
5. Never have received {annal Churclt. discipline
for sexuAl abuse.
6. Never have had hts or her me:mberstup record
annotated. (The btshop m\t t print or vlew
the person's cu_Trent m~bersh1p ri.'!Cord to
vetlfy thi!..)
7. Be mature in hl!l or her knowledge of the
restored gospel.
8. Be In good health.
9. Be emotionally stable.
10. 6e dependable
11. Be respected m the Church and the commu-
nity.
12. Work weU with others and have a pleasing
personality
3.10.3 Restricted-Service Ordinance Workers
tolhers who h. ve 0'\inor children Uvmg dt
home and brethren who Me serving in bishop-
rics, brru1ch pn......idmcies, ~1ake pr~: ' idencie~:>, or
dlstnct presidencies, ~ well as brethren who are
serving as Area SeventJes, may not be <Mied as
regular temple ordinance workers. However, out·
ide the Ufl.ited States and Canada, Uley O.r any
worthy members who meet the qunlliications
listed ~bove may be caUed as restricted-service
ordtnanc:e workers They function. in this assign-
ment only when the need exists with organized
groups from the1r own Church uni!B Iney may
;<~lso f\IJ'lcbon wath gro1.1ps that have ~~iallan­
gWlge needs. Any cxci!ptions lo these poUcics
n.-quu·~ th~ approvol of the Firc;t Pr~1dency.
Reslrkted•servlce ordinanre workers are
caLled and set npart the same as other ordinance
workers. o distinction of title a:. made when
they are set apout, but the member of the tern•
pie pTe:sadency who extends the calling and set:s
them apart explainS the res.trid:Jon.
4. Missionary Service

4.1 The Call to Serve . . • • . • • . . • . • . . • . • • . . . . . . 26 4.9.5 Requests to Support Mc:mbeno

F'i nancia lly . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . • • . . . . 34
4.2 Preparing Missionaries •• • • •• .••••••••• •• • 26 4.96 Fasting . . . . . • . . . . • • • . . • .•.•...•• 34
4.3 Age and Term of Service tor 4.9.7 Mis..'iibnarfes' Communication with
Missionaries .......... .. .............. , • . . . 26 fheu Families . .. . .. . . . . . .. . 34
4.3.1 Men . . • • • • • .. . • . .. . .............. 26 4.9.8 Medical Disabflity .. .. • . .. .. • • . • .. 34
4.3.2 Wonlen . . • . . . . • . . • . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . '0 4.9.9 Ot.>ath of n Fanuly \tember . • . . • •. • 34
4.3.3 Couples . . . . .. . . . . • • • .. . .. . .. . . . 27 4.9.10 Memb~shlp RL'C.'ords, Eo:lc..nastJcal
Jurisdiction, and Contributions • . . . • . . . 34
4.4 Membe,_ Who Are Not Eligible for Missions . • 27
t .to Release of Mlsslonarfes ................ . .. 35
4,5 Ensuring Worthiness and Ability to Serve • • • 27 410.1 Temple Recommrods .. .•• • • . . . 35
4.5.1 Interviews . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 4.102 Arrivals at Airports . . . . • . 35
4 5.2 Worthmess .......................... 2& 4.10.3 Interviews. Reports, SJcramt'nl Meetings,
4.5.3 Physical, Ment.al, and Emotional and Calllngs . • .. .. .. . 35
Challenges . .. • .. .. .. 29
4..5.4 Ml'dtCOJil..imitations . • . . . . . . . . . l9 4.11 Missionary Assjgnments for Senior Couples
4.5.5 R~view by the i\rl'll Medical Advl.ser 30 and Sisters. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • . • . . . . • • . . • • 36
4.11.1 Identifying Prospecti\'e tvtis.sion.try
4.6 Financing Missionary Service . . . . . • • . • • • . . 30 Couples .......... 36
4 6.1 Th!:! Ward MlssioMry Fttnd .. . . .. . .. .. 30 4.11.2 Ht!alth lruu.rance for Senior
4.6.2 Hn.u'\Clng Singl.e Ptoselyting M~aonaries 37
Mi.s.sion.tries • . , . . • 30 4 11.3 A!:IS!gnment!. for Seruor Misslon.uieJt
4.6.3 f'ind.llcing Couplelt, Nonproseh hng nnd Sume Si~er MJs.ionari~ 37
Missionaries, and Chu rclr&?rvtce 4.11.4 Relt:~ of Senior M.i»I01'La nes • . . • . . 3?
Missionaries . . , . . • . . . . . . • • . . . • • . . 31
464 Medkal Insurance . . • .. . • . . ....... 31 4.12 Church·Servlce Mlss oneries .•••..•••••.•• 37
4.12.1 Identifying Church-Service Mlt>Sionary
4.7 Submitting Recommendation Forms Opportunities . . • . 38
for Mi ssionaries • . • • • • . • • • • . • • • • • • • • • • • • • 31 4.12.2 Recommending Church·Service
4.8 After Missionaries Are Called ..•...•••.••.. 32 Missionarie- . . . . . . . • . . • . . • . •..• 38
4.12.3 Cnlling Church-Service Missionn ncs . . . • 38
4.8.1 Sacrament Meeting:., Open I~ 4.12.4 Transportation • . .. • .. .. . .. • .. .... 39
ond PubUoty . . . . 32 4 12..5 Training and Supervision . . . . . • . • . . . . . 39
4.B2 r er110nal Tempi!! Lndowml!nt 32 4.12.6 Med1e:al Expenses ........ ... .......... 39
4 8.3 St!tung Apart Ml»iunarib • • . . . • . 32 4.12.7 E:rtetWOns .............. 39
4.8.-4 Tr.tn~>"P"rtubon
. . . . . . . • • • . • • • • . . . • . . 33 4.12.8 Reblt'e ol Church~SerVtCe
~ 8.5 Mis!>i01\nry OeparhJ r~!> .. •••. , •••• , •• , 33 Mi~>'iion,ano . • . . . . . . . . . . • . • . . • • • 39
4.&6 transporting items 1o a Mi.Sston • • . . • . . 33 t .12.9 Church·Ser\'lce MilOSioruuies in
4.9 Ml&Sionartes In the Missi on Field • . . • . . . • . . . 33 StAke and Wdfcl Cltllingl> . . . .. • • • . • .. 39
4.9.1 Placement of Missionaries . . .••..•... 33 4.12.10 Callings That Are Ncn Procc sed o
~ 9.2 Housing and Meals . . . . . 33 Churt:h·Servtee MJs.c;ions , . . • . • • . . . • 39
4-9.3 Missionaries WOTking with Less-Active 4 13 Volunteer Servtce • • . • • • • . • • • • • • • • • • . • • • • • 39
Members . . . . .................... " . . 33
4.9 4 M issionnries in Branch Leadership
POl>itions . . • . . . 33
4. Missionary Service
In th.ls chapter. each mention of missionaries
nnd missions 1'\!fClll to full-time mjssion;rry ser-
vice unl~ Othl'rw~ nuted
41 The Call to Serve
Full-tune miSSIONJ} 6Cf'VIC~ is a privilege for
m~ who""" Cllll«!through ~nsp~ration by
the ~idcnt of the Church Massionary service
is lsletlslly servtce to the Lord and His Church
Its obJective LS not primanly the personal devel-
opment of a nusc;jonaty, although righteous ser-
vice invariably produces that resu!L
MISsionaries who represent the Lord and His
Church must be properly called and set apart
(sec D&C 42:11). This cnlllng i!, t!xtended only
to th~ who arc worthy ant.l ilble to acromplisb
iL Miss onary r;ervice demands [aitJt. desire, and
consccr;~tion Ml~onnry amdadolr-!> hould h<!ve
an eascm and a di.'$1re to ~rve the Lord as His
amN5sadol"$. They should be filled wath •faith,
hope, ch;arity and love'' and h.lVt' an t!ye single
to the glory of C.ud • ClJ&tC 4:5).
42 Preparing Mlsslonarfes
The Lord expects each able young man to pre-
pan' spiritually, physically, mentally, ('IJWtion.ally.
and financially for miSSionary serv.ce Persona]
prep.uation includes studying the go pel and the
scriptures, especially the Boot.: o! Mormon, and
bulldang a tntlmony.
Prep~ring missionaries should be a high pri-
ority for p11ren~. lci1dcn. and te.,dlc:.'JS.. Bishops
and ~t11J..e presidents have an ~pedally impor-
tant responsibility to idl'nlif) omd prepare worthy.
quaURed members for ml11~lonary <;ervic.:. They
give special attentlon to helplng young men pre-
pare, espedaUy thOSt> who seem uncertain about
&erving.
The (allowing suggestions will guide bishops
and srnke presidentt. m prepanng m1~sionaries:
1. Work with young men ~mg at an early
age, .lnd with th~ir parents, to help the young
men develop the d~ a.nd worthiness to
!lel'\'e a mission
2 Teach young mt!mben wh.lt wdJ be ~cd
of them when th rvc m aons Let par-
~nts know what will b.&! e~ted 'ioO they can
hl'lp their children prep<~re for cmvice.
26
3 ClU youth lead e.., who love m1. ioni'lt')' work
nnd w1U help youth leam tht! gO:>pt!l. build
faith, and destre to serve the Lord
..t Invite exemplary returned mu ionaries to
~opeak about missionary work tn sacrament
meeting:s and on other occasions Consider
calling returned ~ -,oMne. to serve m the
Young Men organization.
'i. l· ncourage youth to attend r.em!nar y to
sll'\!ngthcn anlssaonary prept~rntlon
b. Providl' opportunHaes for prospective m~
stonnrles to serve in the Church, mcluding
"ll.'rvice M> home teachcrs. Bnsurc tho t young
men have opportunities to te,,ch the gospel
In quorum meetings and otJ,cr St!ttings.
1. Arrange for prospectave missionaries to par-
ticipate in the Teaching the Gospel course and
missionary preparation da ses The main re-
sou~ fur uussiotur) preparatiOn classes are
the scriptures the MIS5wtwry Handbook, and
Prtaclt My Cosprl
8. Encourag~ young pt"Ople to ..h.lrt' the gospel
wtth frt nets and famaly member...
St.•t.o Hnm:lboo1 2, 8j, for 4ddiuon.,) sugges-
Uons
In high pm~bo group, eld~rs quorum, and
Relief Sooet} m~Ungs, leader.~> and teache~
regul01rly discus:. how parents can hdp thcir chil-
dren prepare to serve .ss m1.~ionari~
The biShop reviews the MISStonnry Handbook
with each rrussionary candidate and tus or her
fomlly. Th~ bashop makes s ure the cancUdate
undcrstilnds and Is committed to nbading by the
guidelines in tlult hMdbook. Th~ guideline~
cc>n~rn p~al conduct, longuage, dre:.s and
groomang, mtlblc nnd other mcdl,,, computers,
flnllnCC!I, "tnying togotht'r a.s coanpnnlont-, refr.tin-
lng from tnnpproprlate cont.1ct with ehlldren and
mcmbt'rs of the oppo51te lie'<, obeying local laws
and customs, nnd comm""tcnting with fanul)
members.
4.3 Age and Term of Service for
Missionaries
4.3 1 Men
Worthy slngl men ages 19 through 25 who
are phya.ac.,ny. mt!ntnlly, and emohonally able
<l.n! t>ncouraged t tl serve missions. Missionary
 service 1.5 " pnc:-.thood n:sponslbiUty of these
brethr ·n, Thty <il'\ould t-ncoumg~ not to pol-l•
pone mi Of\llt) ·rv e;e tn pursue t>ducahonal
or other mtt'resi.S
Sltlgle m~ ...g 19 throush l5 .sre !'alled to
servv for 24 months Slngfe men ages 26 :md oldt!r
are not called .,.., ml ion.,nes.
432 Women
Worthy &U\gJc woolm ages 21 and oklee who
arl" phJ$fC'~ll) m ·nt.,lly, .md emoUonaUy <lble
may be t\'Comm ~dcd to ervc mtSSit'lm.
Sing) ' "'om n ~ g 21 lhrough 39 are usu-
•ltl)' aall~ tO '-{>r'\' for 18 mMth nwse sisters
~ m.1k~ a valut~blc con!tlbution '" the 0\t'l>IOO
fidd Wld there 1 ~ contirmlng net-d (or them to
~rve. 81!>hO~ may lnitinte '-'1 cu:,:;1on .1bout
nussionruy ~rvlcc w1th these sisters but should
not pressure them to ~rve. Bishops snould not
recommend :~lstt:rs for misslonary :.ervice if it will
interfere with imminent mattiage prospec.ts.
S1n~e won'len ~g~:s 40 and older are usuall)
called to rv~ for 12 or 18 months. Those as-
"'&"~ to •rv • ou t...ldc th •ir cnuntty of ~de:nce
~ c:alll'd (or 18 months Bishops and stake pt"t!Sl-
dcnts mak sure~ i~tcrs AN m good enough
hc.,lth to rv~ tf(t'(h\·ely .tS m1 ionon~ Tht..~
<>~t ·rs Ml' C-'IJ""' only to nonpr •lybng a.ssign-
0\Ct\t.s, whid\ ll\! outlim..>d U\ -l.U.3.
.-.3.3 Couptes
Coupln ''n' usually called to !oel"\'~ for ll. 18,
o.r 24 months. A 6-monlh term of s;erv~re is mn-
sidettd onl)' lor those in spl"dal situations, such
.5easonru
i1.5 OCC'Upi!bon~ Couple:. serving outside
tlu~ir country of res1den~ are called for at least
18 montm Qunllfic:stions ;md assignments for
couplt.-s 41'\! outlined In 4.11 l nnd 4.11.3.
•A Members Who Are Not Eligible
tor Missions
M'-'moors llre not cUgable to rvc mlsslons If
they·
1 Are not worthy ~ outlined ln 4.5.2.
2. Would hav~ to lea\le dependent c.hildten In
4 5
the care of someon cl.se..
3 Have been mem~rs of the Qurch for less
th;tn one )'tM
4. Are ln dcl>t nd have not made defuUte ar·
r.mgt.'ll\crtts to mt•t.1 their obhgati0fl5..
5. Are on lrgal prub.ltion or ~rote.
6 Ate Jnv posltlv '·
7. H;a\ e ~-en c:onVtC'IN of ':11.1.141 ebu:.c
If pn ~thoocl I •;,dt~ h v.: queuort.\ "bout
at\y or thae restrsctlon..... uch" for .. person who
~ on probation for ·' minor oft nse, they 11\il} con-
tact the Missi nnr\' Dep. ttml"Tlt
Couples who :~re suU in childbe ring ye.1rs
or who hav~ unreo;ol\·ed marital problem~; "~
nol e.1lled to sene rru ions
Jn add1tion. the following m~mbet-l> are not
normally recommended to serve nu.ssions:
1 Bn:th~ ag. 25 and vounger and sisters ages
39 and younger who have bnm divorced.
2. Sist~r~who have subm.~ttoo to an abortion,
or brethren or \St who hw~ performed,
arrnnged for, p.ud for. or encourJA(:d nn nbor-
Uon. Tilill policy dCK"'t not apply to persons
who w~re involv ~ in • n abortion before they
were b.1ptitcd or far one of the 1'\W~ons out-
lin~ in 17.3.1.
3. Brethren who h.sv.: filtlwn."CfOl' i ter<t who
have given birth to a child out of wedlock,
regard! ._of whNhf:.r they h~ve any current
legill or fmanoal ~sability for the child.
.J, Membc~ who aR.> not phy acnlly, mmte1Uy,
or emotionally ble to wittbtnnd the rigors
of m• ""on.ary ~ire (s.ce 4.5.3).
ll the bishop and st~ke pmo1de.nt can ,t:rongly
rt..'Commcnd that at\ ex ption i~ w.1rrnnred be-
cau<:e of unusual cu·tum tiln , the t.~ke prnt-
dent may subrrut a n.><;ommtnd..ltton fur the Fil'$1
Pt'CSldency to con ld~r Ht• aubmat the recom-
mendation through the Mt:. ton11ry Department
and includes spcciftc detnittt ol the situiltion.
BIShops and take p~idents should not n..>qucst
exceptions that are unwarrant~ or that they do
'not endorse wathout tesei'Viltion.
When members do not quallfy for mjs.slon-
ary st'f'\' are, pric-;thood lc.1dcrs glvt' them Church
catlin~ In tiwlr takt! or wBrd t<l help them grow
and expenencc the bles~ings of servlc~. Prie:.t-
hood lo·i\dcr& could al~>o rt•commcnd them as
Church- •tVIC'e ml slonari6 (see 4.12)
Ensuring Worthiness and Abllrty
to Serve
Bishops and stake prestdcnts have the seri-
ous ~..,ibihl) of id ntifya"g worthy. qu.lli-
fied members who are !tpirituaUy, phy$kAIIy,
 mentnlly, ;snd emotu.)Mtl)' prcpar~ for mi. -
sionaty ~rvio!. The bishop and stake presuient
should not submit a n.--commendJtion until they
are fully Mti<tied that 3 candidate tS prepared in
~ach of th~ \\ ·') s. ThC) should be able to rec-
omm\!1\d C<tch candadate w&thout resen:ahon
\'Vhile 1t ~ important to ensure that mtssion-
<lry candtd.:ttcs ·~ well prepared. bibhops i111d
tAk~ prc.51dcnt~ hould not 1m~ ptep.natory
or othrr n"quarl!'ml•nt~ on Colndidates. be) ond
tho statN an tht h.u'ldbuok.
4.51 lnterv1ewa
Th~ bi..hop and c;.t.1ke pre:,ldent eondu~ thor-
ough, searching mterviews wlth each roJSSIOn·
ary candidate. tr the bi ·hop and take president
ha,·c conC\'!ms nbout whether a person iS able or
worthy to wrve a nusslon, they counsel together
and discuss the concerns with the mdividual and
ht!> cr hct p.11"\'nts. 111l!i willlwlp avoid th~: n~a­
Live feclings thal can resuJt U a recomJn(!Ildation
&l> ret um~ or mi~.:-lonnry i'l c;ent hom~ fot fail·
ure to mt't.'t th t> l4nda.rds.
ll 11'\t' ttl'lhop 11nd 'itilkt- p~tdt-nt have ques-
tion nbout 01 P"r-;an's worthincs:. or abiUty to
~n· ~. the ta~ pn-~ldcnt may tnquare ot th~ Mts~
S1()fl.ary ~ttrtmcnt (t· ·ot-240·2179or t~
3860~ ~ltt~ton 2-2119} or the Area Prestdency
Onlv an the mO!>t urgt>nt a~ when the stake
p~dent or bishop tS absent may either of them
authonzc a coun!relor to conduc:t a missionary
n.'Commertdation 1ntt,!t\li~w
4 52 Worthlneu
\fi -.1untlry work demand.-. cle.1n hand.~ ilnd
a pu~ h.mrt Mlutonary candidates are to be
momUy cl\•i\n in t'V~ty w&~y <1nd otherwise wor-
thy to be the Lord'11 rt•pre.entatavl· (!iCC O&C
38A2) rn~y '>hould be lh mg ~mpl.try Uv~ 1!
U\C We of a m t !>StOMty c~mdtdatc needs rclorm·
mg, that must happM well be(o~ he or c;he t5
recommended for mlsstonary ~ervtce. Because
genuine, thorough repentance may take some
time, some young men may need to wait until
they art! old~ than 19 to serve mis.storu..
Th~ who are recommended tn serve as DlJS--
toruuiec; must meet the qualifications outlined
in ~hon 1 o£ the Ooctrine and Covenants (see
41J;o O&C 88:121-26).
Repentanee of Serloua Tran11gtUSJona
A pcrwn who hM lx~ guilty of tldultt>ry
foml uon. lw.t\)' pt-Uing, hom ~u01l acuvtty,
28
other •exual ~rvt>rsion:s, s.eriou vfol~lion of
d\ illaw, or other ~no\16 trM\!!t)t~iofiS must
"'pent before he or he m&} bto n.•c\>mmcndcd
for massloruuy lrl!r\' tC\: A pnbpe<:hw nu. lon.uy
must also overcome n't . ddacc ON before bcJng
oon:;Jdered for rm .-.aonary ~"1"\·iC\.•
MC!rC confession and refnming from a sin
for a penoo of tim~: do not on theu own con·
stitute repentance Thcro must Also be evtderu:e
of a brokl.'n heilrt, l) contrite t.pml. •nd ol lasting
chJJngc of ~h.lvior (~ M0'51t~h 5:2) The bashop
and ~olAke prc..idL'nl are to confirm that the m~­
bcr is free of trans~jon for a suffictt'nt time
to manlf~t gcnuin~ rept·ntan~e .ll'ld to prep;sre
pmtually lor th€! temple and for a ~erect mi.,,.
&ion call Ttus period could be OS long .lS u,ree
yeo1rs for multiple t.eriou tnnSgre!"Sions and
hould 110t b~ I ~ th.m oni' year from the most
recent serious transgression Questions about
specific individuals m.1y be directed to n Gen-
eral Authority m the Missionary Department, the
Area Pre:.idenq·, or"' member of the Presidency
of the ~vent}
Eltlondod Pattern of SOrlous TronsgroasJona
A pt•ro.on who ha' been promis...uous with
•\ierol p.utru!~ ur wtth once p.lrtncr over un ex·
tended period o( tlme ln a relauoruhip ou~tde
of marrlag\' will not be consfdtred for mission·
M)' ..el'VICe. S~Jte p~identS and b1'1hOp1' help
these individuab repent and pro.. •de them with
other meaningful wa.,· to~~ the Lord.
lf priesthood leaders beUC\ c that unu!>ual cir-
cums:omces or !l"ituation5 warr.mt an t!xccption,
the c:ta~ pr~idm t may ~oubmit a recommen-
dation for the f'IJ'St Presidency to consider. He
,ubmik the recommendation through the Mis-
Sloruuy Dl,artment and includes specifiC' details
of the !iiluation and a lt~tter from th~ ca.ndldclte
dCM:ribing the nah.tn.• o( hi" or her repentance
Bishop~> .tnd .,l.:tkt> pr~,d~mtt. should not r('('Om-
mend t!'cepUons thnt nro unwarranted or that
they do not cndorM" without 1\:!lt•rv;,tion
Homosexual A01Jvity
A candldoate who has partldpah.:d 1n homo-
sexual acth ity during or olft~r the.- lat>t thrcl'
teenage years wtU not normally be ronsad\!fl!d
tor mLc;si~ry sel"\;ce, espt'cinUy t.f the person
has partlopat.ed in such octwihes with several
pa.rtn.m. or with one partner over an extended
period of time.
in r.tre cases the SlOlkC rresidcnt mAS)' sub-
mit .., fee()l'l\mcndotion that th~ fn"it rR':!>idency
 consider m exception tl then= is strong evidmce
of genume repentance 4m.l relorm~tion and if
the c.:mdidate has been free of transgre;sion for
a sufficient period of rune This period of repen-
tnnce should be nt le.a&t one war and may be as
long as three years if the acts occutred several
Urnes or over an extended tim • or lithe person
w.1s Lhe aggressor. Such a recommendation is
submitted through the Misslonnry Deparlmenl
for the conSideration o( the First Prostdcncy.
A professional evaluation (normally uranged
through LOS Family Service:~) ,,nd <ln HJV test
arc requued whenever a carulldate has been m-
voh•ed in hom~uaJ acuvity.
11 a person was \'lctLmited or ptirbcpated m
edrly-age sam~.x experimentation and has no
curnmt indication of homoscx-unl tendencies,
he or she may be coru;idered ft>r mi~ionary ser-
vice. Submission of the missionary recommenda-
tion forms does not requirr any hlrth~!r cltt<wmce
be)'Cllld that of the stake president.
Belated Confessions
Bishops and stake president:. te11ch prospec-
bve m.u:s1onarie;; ~l to qu~liJy fnr the t'\~~
guidanre of the Spint, they must rcsohre trans-
grt"'SlOns befo~entering the cru.ssion fTe.d TI1ese
leadt!l'~ explain to m.tssmnary candidates that
unless there are unusual drcwnstance$1 mission•
,,ries who arc found to have entered the mission
Ac;old without resolving berioue, tr.msgre:>:oions
with the bishop wiU be released early and ce-
tumed home.
4.5.3 Physical, Mental, and Emotfonal Ct\altenges
~ionary work lS demanding Members
who h•we physical. ment.ll, or ernolional chal-
knges that would prevent them hom 5ervlng
~f(t!'\:.tlvt=ly are not caJieu tu nu. s,onaa y :.e~ vke.
Exp<mence incUcates that tho~ who, for exam-
ple, suffer from serinu<: emotionJllru.tabillty, are
~oeverely impaired visually, require a wlleekhair
or crutches, or are dependent on others to per-
form normal daily tasks "hould not be recom-
mended for missionary servk~.
Mi~cmary candidates who h<tve prev1ously
h d ~lgnifi.ant emotional chalhmges must be
stablh~ and confirmed to be tully functional
before being recommendc.-d. A nndidate who is
dependeni on medicauon for emotlonal stabil-
ity must have demonstroted that he or she can
fully hm<;tion in the demanding envaronme:nt
of a mlsston with the medtcouon before bemg
recommended. 1lll' candidate must .llso com-
mit to continue tn~ng ~e medic.stion.s unless
otherwi!.e authoriz.ed by tt professional health
care provider The bishop indudes in the recom-
mendation forms~ liBt of medications the per•
on Is tal..lng.
Young missionaries who are ignific:o.ntly
overweight e>.perience cllfficulties de..1Hng with
the rigorous physical demands of a mission.
Thebe dif6eulties also affect their companions.
Bishops and stake presidents should be !>en-
sitive IU'Id wise in considering wh thor indlvid-
u.als hould be ~ommended for mlo;o;Jons when
thear weight y.·UJ adven>ely affect their <:ervl~ lf
prospective miSsionaries are stgruficanlly over--
wej.ght, local leaden. should counsel with them
~bout reducing their weight before the m• Slon-
ary recommendation forms arc submitted. ror
weight guidelines, the bis hop or stnke president
rn.ay contact lhe Missionary Department O l' t:he
assigned administrative office
U Ute blshop and st.a.k.e pre;idenl are unsure
about recommending a member who has &IllY
of these chall eng~. they m.1y consult wtth the
M1ssumary Department (1-SOl-240-21 ~or 1-800-
453·3860. extension 2·2179). They should not rec-
ommend exceptiom that an: unwarranted or that
Lhe)' do not ~dorse without reservation.
If a mt!mber who hat> St!nou., challenges
strongly dcsues to serve a mission but doe; not
qualify, the bishop and stake pr<.>Sidcnl express
love 11nd gratitude for the member's wiUtngn~"
to S4!tVe and explain that because of the ci.rcUDt-
stances the member is nonorably excused lrom
m1 toMry ~'lee for hi& or her O\VJ\ benefit and
to avoid placing undue demand~ on mi lon
lt-3dt<rs and companions.
These members should be mcouraged to
pun.ue c;uch Important endeavors os C!ducatlon,
career development, temple preparahon. and
t~mple marrlilge. For those who hctve c1 strong
desire to serve, the bishop may COUJlS('l with the
l>take pre:Jid~nt to ide11tify local opportuniti~
for Church or community service See-&.12 for in-
fol'-mJtion about Church-service lt\15liiOMrie~
4.5.4 Medical Limitations
A pro!>~ve missHmary '"ho ha> il senous
medlcallindtatio:n. including any due to i.n.Jury
or 11lne55, can be considered onl) with the: rec·
omrnendatiun o f a competent mt!dlcal authority.
Before submitting thtt> re~ommendaUon forms,
29
 thl' 'take pnsident .. hould CQmult w1th the Mis-
~lonary Department (l..S01-240-2179 or 1-800-
'-lSl-3860. ~tenston 2· 2119).
4.8.2
• 55 Review by the Area Medical Advlser
Outside the United Sta~ and Canada, mis-
sionary r~mmendation forms arc submiti·ed
U\J'Ough the Arei! Prt'SidL'flC')' Under their d~
tion, the area medical odvl!.er reviews all recom-
rn~•nd.-stlon forms and tdentJ.fies any unresolved
ml'dical and denlill rondlta'W\!1 or unmuniz.,tion
L'"Uc.'l that could .utect tho• c.tnd1dall! ~ ability to
~'"'· ~or the nature of the as.slgrunent.
ll the area medical advt •r fl't.'ls that treat·
mentis needed belore a person Is able to sen<e.
he reVIews the situahon Wllh the Area Pn:si-
dency. They may return the mL 'ilonary recom·
mendation foons to the sto1ke president, who
ensures that the necessary treatment 111 arranged
for \"/hen the medical condition Is resoh ed, the
!lt.ike president may resubmit the forms.
•.e Ananclng Missionary Service
1'ht! prunary responsibility tu pro\ Ide fin.m-
ctal ~pport for a missJc;nary li w1th the mdi-
vu.Ju•l and the famtly Gcncri111y. miSSIOnaries
hould not rely entirely on pwplt• nu~1de vf thar
famtly fOT financ;iaJ !!Upj)Urt.
Missionaries and thdr (,,mllie should make
ilppropriate sactlfices to provtdc flrwncial5\lp-
port for a mission. It is lx>ttcr for ll ~rson to de-
lay a miSSion for ., time ond earn money toward
hi., or her support than to rely entirely on others.
I {oWl:!\ er. worthy nu.sstonary candidall!S should
not be prt!vented from ~ missions so1ely
tor Cin.1ncial reasons wht:n they and their fa.mt-
li~ h.a\ ~sacrificed according to thar capability.
-4.8.1 The Ward Missionary Fund
The ward mi.ssmn.uy hand '" u'!ed solely for
supporting the ml!sslonnrlb ldtlntlfied In 4.6.2..
Ward missionary funds should not be s~nt di·
rcctly to individu.1l m1 IOrutrlc'l. Nor should
ward missionary funch be u:.al for .tny mission-
ary activities m the ward or ~ke
Stake presidents and bi.:Jwp..lnlorm llUSsion·
an~ and othe!5 wbo contribute to the ward rros-
sJonary flmd that these clmtnbutions, tnduding
tht)~ that are prepaid, cannot be refunded (see
14 4 9)
Chun:.h leaders and members should not ask
l.hosc outside the bounda.rl~ of thrlr own Church
30
units to ~o.ontribute missio.n.a.ry fUWlcW support.
c a!pl for filmily members.
Flnanctng Single. Proselyting Mlsalonartes
Equallted Contribution
The Church ha.s equalized thl• rontribution
ntquln-d (or the scrvjce-re1Btl1d t•JCJ)t•n:>e!> of rnis-
!.l(.Jnarles whose home wat'd6 are ln destgnated
countries, regardless of when: tht"'4l m1~ lcmuries
are cnlk-d tn serve. These contrlbuhelru m.tv lx>
mad~ by miSSionaries, their parmb, other fam-
ily member.;, and friends. U n~o.'Ct"'...sr}' tM r.ta\t:t'
p~dmt or bic;hop mal a:Jc m~l'$ wllhtn
the tal..eorward boundanes to rontnbute to the
ward missionary fund. Budget and fabt-offcring
fund.; mlly not be used for mallng equalized
eonLnbutlut\!1.
llw ,,qunli~cd contribution applidS only to
the! following pro~lyting m.ission~~rles ·
I Slngk• ITII.'n ages 19 U\1\.lugh 15
2 Smglc women ages 21 through 39
The equal17..ed contnbution d~>:. not npply
to mi'iSJ000\1) couple., m~ lOn.Jri~'"> who .tn- in
nonprosel) ting assignments. SISters ages 40 Ql\d
older. or Churc:h-5ervice llUSSlOIU\n~
The amount of the equalized contribution
Is Identified in ins:t:ructions from Church head-
qunrter$ Fna each missionary from 11\s ward
who is participating in the equaliz,cd progrnm.
the bishop ensures that the monthly cantribution
111 nvo~llnbl~ In the ward missionary fund Each
month, Chun:h headquarters or lhe assigned ad·
muu~ITabve office withdraws the l'qU•'h~: :'d con-
tribubon rrom the ward mbs•ono~ty (und
PeBonal Funds
The 6e1'Vlce-re!atcd expenses tJf the ml ,.JOfl.lt-
tes b!>ted under the previous heading ar~ l'O\ ered
through equalized contributions, but !lddil1on.JI
expense-; are paid with pertsonal funds. These
expense9 include ciothing purchases and repairs,
bicycle purchases and repairs, m~ical costs not
paid by the m.tSsion, and apprtwed telephone calls
home Other personal expenses. wluch s.hould
be ~ept too rrunimum.. might mclud~ photo pro--
('f:!:. IllS. ~vt-nirs, gifts, fines, and damage to
np.utml;onts or vehi~ mw.ed by mbSionaries'
rnia."'Onduct or ncgligen«>
General Ml...Wnary Amd
Supplemental financial support from the
General Mis&lonary Fund mil.)' be.~ l'l.'qUl"Stcd for
 m• lontlMl.~ who are un.lble to providt: the fuU
support amount for th-dr nus-.ion. To qualliy lor
-;uch a :;ir.tanC"t", n mi "iunar mu..t meet all of
t:hl! follow.ng noqui~t
1. The mi "'onary' homt.' ward ~ in a country
that j, not d~Jgrusted to p.u1.ic.apate in tht>
cquJlll7cd contribution progam.
2. The ml 11on.try 1"1 • single elder ages 19
through 25 or~ !Oinglc ~tcr age~ ll through
39 Ilw• il""1!'.tanc • k not .1\·aUabte for couples
or for sisters ages 40 and older.
3. Tht' missionary, parent:., oth~ l.amily mem-
bers. and ward and stakt> m~ are con·
tnbuting Bccordmg to gutdelmCl> csmblished
by th • Area Prl.-.tdcnc) (Usmg th~ gulde-
Un.es. stake prot.Jdcnt.s Md bishops work wUh
ma ionnry NndidBl("'o and thcar lamfhe-; to
~stabll!<h ·' spe<·liJC l'lnancW :.upport cornmit-
me,nt1based on , pproprlatt> "-lcriftce by the
ms<t'lionary lll'lU tht" family.)
-1. Th~ mls ionary has hi'~ or h •r O\~'n scriptures
"'"d mlMionary clothing, snduding temple
garm~nb c1nd "''.; I\!:SOIVc.'d any medical and
dentaJ ru.'('ds.
To request a. ssstance for a nw.:.ton.uy who
meets t~ rcquirC!Illcnts, tht> btShop completes
a Request for SuppJ~mentnJ ftnancial k. t'>tanet•
(or FulJ-Iune ~tisnonary form and ubmti.S rt
wtth the mt •on~ry ·s m:omm~?nd.ltiun forms
4.6.3 Ananclng Couples, Nonproselytlng
Mlsslona.rfe., and Church·Servlc.
Mlsslonanu
E>.pcn~ o£ th (oltowing miS!;Ionanes are
not fin;sn oo through equalized contnbutions..
Th~ • ml · n.lrit!!. are retiponsibl~ to pay the1.t
own expenses diNCtly from th~ir own resources:
1. M~orwll')' couplec;
2. Sister:. ages 40 and older
3. Church~·1ce mis~innaric.>s
The54.' mi'- tonilri •s mnv not contrihutc to the
W<lrd mi ~nonary funJ for their own ww. How-
~\re:r, mu. 1onary couplt><t ond S15hm. Dg~ 40 and
oldt>r m;av re<'C\Vt- fin;mciill assistance from the
fund wh\*1\ thc.•y m ~tall of the following n:quire-
menc.s·
fht· mi -.ion.ll') • hom~ wJrd •~ in a ounb)
that IS dcstgnah.'Cl by the Church to partia-
p.1t~ In the! equillizcd contributton program.
2. ~ 11\i»lon.uy does not have adequate means
to pmvide ~uppon.
J. J und .ue liV.lilablt.• tn the wnrd m•' lOOM}"
fund
<4 6.4 MecflcaJ lnsul'Bnce
AU mi ontJnes nre strongl • cncouragl:'d to
maintain an\ e bhng medlcalln.sura~ during
t.bcir misslons Matntalning medical msu:rance
conserv Churrh funds and helps missiomu-
ie:. .woid h.avmg to prove insurobility After their
tl\.lS.SJOt\S
4.7 Submitting Recommendation Forms
for Missionaries
11le bbhop nd t.tke pr o;idcnt en!>ure th•t ~n
mh.sum ry n..'<'OmmendDtlon forms arc prep3n..'d
completdy anJ accur••lely. 'The bishop or &tale
prC!Iident ·nds th~ Jorm11 to t11c Missionary
Department up to 120 d~ys before the birthday
or nvaililbilll)' date of the candidate (whichever
is later). Recommendation founs for couples may
bt! !>ubrruUl'd up to St~ months bt!fOru their aviiil·
ability date. Instructions ore prov1d1.."<1 on the n!C'-
ommendiltion forms.
Wh n n..'C'Ommend ng coupl lor ml,.ston:;.
Leaden. m•a.r conftdcntJ.,IIy rcrommrnd ipC('Jfic
type. or &S!>Igi\Jfll'llb fur Mn....iu~rflhon. Howe-~ l!'f,
lead~r:. should not make rommltments about
the olb"ipnnent ~·mbcr w111 n..'C\.'i\'t•. Mls,.lon-
ill)' c.andidat huuld ~willing to .1crept any
.lSstgruntnt
M.iS&lonaries are called t'n>m tht!tr home w.ud.
However, the bish p of an ;away•from-home want.
uch a young ·ingle adult WaTd, may pT005S
J misslonan n!COrntnendahon for the home watd .
lo do so. h; must·
1 Obtain pemu.:.siOtl Lrom the bishop of th~
homeward
2. Ask him 01bout the Q.ndtdate'&worthiness,
in prepnr.stion for ( ,,cJuc:ttng a worthiness
intttrvil'W.
J , Ae.k him fM ~ lctt~r endo~tng the recommcn
t.liltJOI\,
'I he n.lmc of the home '' .trd <tnd t~ta ke, 1he
names oi th~ bi.;hop .md ~takt! p~tdtnt uf thos~
umt~. and lht' urut number of the home ward
t-hould be mcludcd on the recommendation
By following this procedure, tht! bishop of
the clway-from-hom'-' w.ud ('an tm!>ure th;~t all
issues pcrt.llning to worthin\.'SS: phystcal. meJl-
tal. and emobonal hc.:dth; fin~nclal s ypport, nd
point of dL'PartllN a.n: resolv('(l bdono he subnuts
31
 a mbslonarv fL\COmm ndo1tion. Th~ prt"Sid~nt
ol lhr llwily: rrom home ttkc cruu.rcs that thi
procedure is follow~ and that the lettu from
the home-ward bishop I.S suurnitt~d with the
recomm ndatt n
lJ a bishop procc.s.scs a rK"Ommmdation for
a mi tonary candidab! who ~ not li' ed m the
ward continuowl for at least one )'eat he con-
( , wtth the bishop of the previous ward before
p~an~ .
The l.lke r dent. the bl hop, the mission-
olry c•ndidate, omd th • family hould not male
an) 31\nOWt •ment about a mtSSion call before
the caULS rK ~t\'N .
48 After Mlaalonartea Are Called
The bishop conhnul' to monitor th m• ion-
ary' prog~ after tht~ mlss1on call is received to
help the missionary remain worthy of the sacm:l
c;~llmg and continue hi"+ or her prepar.1tinn Bbh-
op, and st1kc pruidents rnstruct newly cal.led
m· o;ltlnari~ dearl regarding the seriousn~
ltnd ~ co~u n~ of tr.msgTC5Slons a:fter re-
C'e1\ '" • the all
The b~hap al ma~c~ ure newly called
m i "'-""' comply promptly "ilh all instruc-
tions trom Church he-ad quart 'D, such a S«UT·
mg p.1 port:., .lpplying for "• • nd ~nng
appropn.,te clothmg
, "4!WI~ c Ued mi 101\JI
or n!read tht' Boo"- df Morm _
their~lons
4 8.1 Sacrament Meetings, Open Houu.s,
and Publicity
l'he bl hopnc usually uwites newly called
ml. lonnrl · to ~Mk tn ~crament meeting just
before tlwy dcp.trt. The bt..hopric should make
ll c:l\!.u thut thl' I a regular crament tru.'E!ting
and .b not to be " m• 1onnry fotre\~ll The bi h·
oprk plnru .md conducts th~ meeting:.. ParnUy
member and frit!nds of the truSStonary are not
uwited to peak Huw ., tr, oth ·r dtp.Jrting or re-
turning mt 'onAri · or other member& may be
an
lnvitt.'d to 'tpeak. A::. an S4lcr.unent meetin ,
talks and mU5lc should be worshipful. f'aith pm-
mohng, And g05opcl ori~ted . Th~ bishoprie en-
w • that e.ach mi5ilonary has su!.firient tnne to
d lhu a ptntu.tl g~. l'lle regular hme of
ttK! cramcnt m ting should not be extended
AllhouR}\ it " luAble to h.wt newly called
mi i(mari pe k an cram~nt meetmg. such
talk! houlJ not dnmin; t~ th ~ crament meeting
32
~hPdulc to the e~clu on of other valuable ub-
j«tS and peW?rs
1embcrs ~ould a' oid practi~ that may
d tract from the creel nature of~ mission all
or c~t unMC ry ~xpmsc. Such practices
tnclud holding open ho~ for mis-donaries
(ell pi for family gatherin~). !ll!nd.ing formal
pnntm annou men I or anvatariOI'l> pnnting
:peciAJ cramt.1't m •tin • prognu:ns, and torm-
tn r«eptton hn t tl\Q m 1 ng.house ah~r SolC-
ramcnt m hng.
Bishops re\'iew th gutd hn wuh newly
ca1h!d mt55iOnilTies nnd thesr f.tmali \\:«:11 bt!f(lre
the dep.lrture d.Jt~
4 8.2 Penonal Temple Endowment
Where possible, uncndowtd m1ssionuies
should rc.'t'ctvc.• their own temple endowment
oft •r they rcct.>lvc lhe1r msssion call
4.8.3 Setting Apart Mlulonaria
Th • stake pre- td ·nt t p.1rt t~ll mbsionar-
~ b •fo th ·y dcp rt for a m ' n+lry Lrainang
n-ntcr (MTC) or darectlv to the 6tld . Only m 1M
most UJ"j;Cnt ca when he >lb5t'nt m.l)' the!
stake p1"C:'1dcnt a 1gn one of hi eoun tors to
set apJrt a rru»wnary.
Th m 1on pmrident t apArt ml~on.ar­
' "ho are aU.."'CI from dt>tncb in hi mission.
How vcr. i11t not fea 1bl for hrm to do "0,
h m.1 • gn one of his CX>unselor. to <M <Ipart
a m 1onar:>. Th district prestden.t does not
!oel A rot rt m• aon.;ari
A }OW18 man hould hol'' the Me.lduzcdek
Pr thood con( ·~ upon him :Jnd be ordained
an ddcr bdoN he I& 11 •t ••part a a mbo-.wnary
lf he m.>t.'Cl., to be t ilp rt b fore h1s o.rdtn. tion
can be ~ushuncd In • t~ kl• con(en:n • or mke
gt'llcr<ll pri ~thood m '~tin~. hl' l~o p~tienl~ for
a sustaming \'Ote in ha want sac:rruncnt meet·
ing. H1s no1mc l5 then prcscntt'd In the next g\·n-
cnlstlke mt.'Cbng to raHfy the ord1nation.
A ml5!tonary 1s set ;,p rt a c1 a p0~t-
b1c to his or her dep~rture date. E\ert 1f the mis-
"1 nar will be traveling for some time betwem
dcpart\ar·c from home and <tmval«t the MTC
or 10 th field , nt.>tlh r MTC le ders nor other
prtc thood ltMders houJd b exp«ted to set
41part lht nu .. aonary.
A d;ay or two •fort- ma tonary 1 t
apart, the take pmtdmt conduds an in~iew
to conRrm the m• on.tr) ' worthin This
t.nt:ervtCW ls .also a good opportunjty to ~view
 the mt 10na.ry's current ml'<iical st..ltus. Jf the
missionary i not worthy or if there iU'e seri~
unn-solv~d medicAl pn,blcoms, he ur sh~ is not
~t .1part. The stake pre:.ident notifies the ~tis­
sionary O.:partmcnt ( 1 ~801 -240-2179 or 1-800-
453-3860 C!).~nsion 2-2179).
fhe !.etting ap.1rt should be <1 spednl occa-
ton F.lmdy mcmbcB and d~ friend!. may at-
tend. The :;tnke pn.>sade:nt !oJlNks briefly to help 4.8.6 Transporting Items to a Mission
t~m feel the .,j) rcdncs.s and impotlanc:e of
the caU.
The st.tlc~ p~ident follows the usual pro-
cedure for '5Clting ap11rt (6ei! Hrmdbook 1. 19.4).
First ht! ~t!> the per&On 11p.ut a a missionary of
The Chun:h of Jc:na~ Christ of La t~r-dny Saints
assigrwd to labor in th • mission to which he or
she ho.s h.."t•n assigned Then he adds a priesthood
blessing ~s th~ Spiri t direct!.. H~ m3y i_nvite wor-
thy McJchizedek Priesthood holders, such as the
fl'Wt.<,ionnry's father, to stnnd in I he cucle.
When a mis!tlonary ..., t apart, the setting 4.9.1 Placement of Missionaries
.apru1 should not be record~ Howeo.·er. the mis-
~ton•rv ts encouru.ged to record in a ~nal
JOurnal the date of the setting llpart. the name of
the stnke pn·~dL"nt who ofttcl4lted, and potrt.5 of
the blesstng lh.1t were ~pectaUy meaningful
Th~ takl· presid •nt adn the mis..!,ionary
that <tltl!t being ~t apart, he or . he ts a mission-
ary and hould h\· ~ by mbsioMry !-tandards
4 8 4 TrensportaUon
Thl! <.;hun:h po:~y~t the &pet\"'-'5 of missionar·
te:. to tnvcl to anu fr"m the fldd For those who
go to an rrc. the 0\urch p.lys for their triiVcl
to thl! MTC and to the field Tr•w"l arrangements
an- sent soon .,(t •r the nu:sslon call.
When rving in their countl'}' of residence.
couples and singl~ women age.s 40 11nd older
may tnke tlwir own vehicles with them. 'fhcy are
responsible for the o~ro1tlng .md maintenance
expenses for their vehicles, includmg insu.r-
ance, n:p01irs, und fuel. J'hclic mls~aonorics will
be given travel allownnce for th<' expense of
driving their own 'eh1cles to or from the field.
lnform.,hon on thts reimburscmeot ts available
from tht- Chun:h Thlvcl Offi~. For questiDrt.!>, Clll
1..so0-537..JS37 01' 1 801-240-5149.
4AS Missionary Departures
Parents or other lmmedloJt taouly membus
moty bnn a mt sionary to .1n MTC but .th! not
expected to do . :tn • who mus~ tr4\.el long
di'itl1m~es are d a"Cour.,ged from going to an M'fC.
famllv mcmbt>r will say lllreweU as the nus-
~ OMf) • lugg~g~ IS unlo.;ded from the '.:-hide.
The MfC d no• h;t\·e an orlentahon or other
meenng for r.unflt .
Fam1Ue..'> art• dts.cour.1g«l from soing to air-
pom \~hen mi.ss.lonant'*> ~~~ve the M1'C.
Mis.<:ltmaries should not trillbport ~onnl
bclongings oJ others to the mts~"'on ftcld Occa-
si..ln.llly m"m~rs <l k mb ion.ule h> tak~ tlcms
such a:. medtt>ltion.s or spcdnl eyeglass«!~ to
th mi ion field 1f lh<•y are not nvailablc there.
Lf surh request. are made, lh~ bishop or stake
president dit(•<:tt. thcm to the Mt' 101\at'} 0\!part-
mmt.
4.9 Missionaries In the Mission Aeld
The mi.sston p~idc-n t detennin tht pLlce-
ment of nus.,tonari~ wathin the! miSl;ion. How-
ever, s tnJw p~idt-nts coru.ult with bishop.!. and
recommt"nd the num~r ilnd IO(';)Uon of mission-
aoes to be! assigned withjn th~ st11ke. The mi ion
presld ·nt thc!a\ .a "Sn" ml,~ionuries according
to «wail."tble resoun= •
4.92 Housl.ng and Mute
The ~ta"c president • nu mission p~1dent
dNennine whether and to what extent Chun:h
m-*!mbel'b should provide ho~utg ~nd meals for
missionancs
4.9.3 MlasJonarfea Worillng with Leu-Active
Membera
See Hnndbook 2. 5.3 4.
4.9.4 Mjsslonartes In Branch Leade,-.hfp Posftlona
With the approval or the ml..<~ion president,
mit~slonory couplc-1> may on occaorion serve in
brunch leudershJp position However, it ' get\·
•mtly pn.>f~"'ble for them lo MVC m a tr.,u,ing
c.1pncity to help the loc-.-al members fulfill th~
re.ponsibilit18
In r.tre sJtunHons, young\!r ~iomml'S may
be igncd to serv~ ln br4nch kade~hlp posa·
lions. Howt!ver. such .uslgnments rcqUJ.re tht'
approvnl of the mt~-.i n president 3nd are made
only attct thoughtful and prayerfuJ comadcr.1tJon
33
 of aU othttr opllcm.., l( couples or younger mis-
Sionaries aro gtven !t-uch .t ignment , they serve
only until il ~1tablc I<'Cil membtorc-An be called.
l( missionnri<'S .uc: a ~igncd to le.sder..htp
posibons in brotnche. that are in a mis>ion. ill· 4.9.9 Death of a Family Member
cluiling bmnch prestdmt, they nro not set ap.1rt.
ll\(o authority to ..1ct in any po5ition in the mls-
JIOn is mhcrcnt in the~r settmg apart as a mis·
ton.tr') . 1( lh(?) perform a funt-tion th.1t C"equires ary ru\d his or h ·r fart\11)' ch~ to ha\e the mLr
prtcsthood kttys, 'uch., conducting a baptl$m
lnt~rv ac\\ or pt.: tding o~ era branch, they do .so
by o~:o,<~ignment and the delegation of authority.
If rni sion.anL'!i •re AS!iigned to leadership
posltioru.1n br01nchcs th.1t """In • stnke, they are
set np.ut under the dll'e\Uon of the stake presi- 4.910 Membership Recorda, Ecclealastlca1
dency
4.9.5 Requeats to Support Members Financially
tission.tries and their (nmili<.'5 must not be
ilSkl'd to pl"'\ Idefinilnciitl support for membtors
who livt.! in areas where the missionaries are
::;ervmg.
4.9.6 FastJng
\1 t01'\.lneJ llhould not rutS. fri~nds relatives,
or me!mber.t of their home wards tO JOin them in
speaal (a.sts.
4197 Mlu lonaries' Communication wlt.h
Their Families
TetephOne Coils
Under the dil'l"ctton of th mi ..ion presidc.-nt,
mi orioMriC$ may telephone theit parents at
Chrlslma~ and on one other occa:»on during th~
year, usullUy Mothtr's DJ.y or mother Slgnificont
hohdfly. Mi~lon presidents, ~take presidents,
ond bic;hopR encourngc missionaries and par·
en t~ to kl'ep th~· mil "lntlVely brief, preferably
no longer than 30 or lO mmuttS
E-mail
1\5 an •lltcmllltvt• to ~ular mad, misslonanes
may u.::e e-mail to comrnurutt~tc with tbclr fam-
ilies on prep.uatlon d~ay, ,,ccarding to gujdelincs
that h.we ~n appro\ C'd an the lniso;!(.)n
4.9.8 Medical Dlsablltty
U' a mtSSlonary in lhe Ucld (incluc:bng an
MTC) uCfcrs a ph~1e3l or ("motiunal dis.;'lbiht)
th11t pre\"mts elftoctive mi'>S1onary setVlCl!. he or
..he b returned home for treatment A represen-
tatm.• of theM" on.try Department will e:q1lain
to the stake pre-.ident wh~th •r tht: mtSt.1onary
IUl> been n!lea..'>t!d or piJced on mcdlc.111l'4ve and
what sreps should be taken.
If a member of_, mi iOr\.lr)' ~ immedsate fa.m-
11) dte-., the Church encourages the mis:>tonary
to romilln 1n ~ li ·ld I lowc,.cr, tf ti'!e mu;sion-
sion.a.ry return hom~, he or he may be! allowed
to return ~111'1.- f.unil)"<t e'ltpcno; ·. The take p~ ·
drnt may n-quc I such"" e~(.tpti n through the
Misston.tr) ~p.lrtm nt
Jurisdiction, and Contribution•
Ml$slonat1u Who Servo undor tho O!rGctlon
of a Mtsslon President
lhe home Wt'lrd retains the a~e.mbetship rec-
('lrds, accepts tu))' tithing contributions, and re-
cord!! th" tithing 'mtus uJ m1 tc:umrie, who ~e
under th • dlrl><tlon of o mlSSlon president. Mis~
!.lOrt..ldes PJY r~st olfi.•tin~c; through the ward In
which thry >1.-e C'\'lng
Mlsslonarlos Who SotvO undM tho O~te<:tlon of a
Temple Prealdent or Ala Prnid m
TI\e hom~! \\ ard tet.lll\.> th mc.m~,..;hip rvc·
ords. a«ept.> .,nv ttth1ng rontribuhon5, .md n."
cords the tithing ~>filtu of ml l()nalie:. who Sfl"\
und~r tht> direr:tion of a tempt~ president or Ana
P~tdcnL Tit mlSStonoario receiw 01ny needed
l"Ctlcosta-.tical "'Upp<>rt, including templt! rKOtn-
mend nd coun::.eUng. from the temple prcsi·
de.nt or ;\re<~ Presldt.'nt.
MIUIOf'Wiet I Church Headquarter. Who Do Not
Serve under the OitWCtlon of 1 MI..JOn Pruldent
Me~r.h•p f\.·Wrd!. ol full·tlme nussionanes
at Chutt.h het~dqu.ut~rs who do nnt 6Ci"Yt> under
the d.treetion of u ntl~JOI\ pn..>,Jdl'fll "'hould bt! in
the word where lh\!y Hv~: dunng their servi~.
Normallr they pay tithlng .1nd olher oftermg!'f
through Umt wnrd. llow~vc."T, 1f lhcy move from
their home ward to ~I'\ t! c~t Chun:h h.e.ldqua.rtel'$,
the} otay pay tHhing lhrough theu home Wilrd
if they d('SiTc The bi&h<rp of the ward m wtuch
they lhc dunng th tt ervke inlt!tviews them
lor l~mple r'-ocommc:nd renewals and provides
any otht-r n ~"C!t-d t'Crlft'tlt'~tiQ) upport.

4.10 Release of Missionaries
Missionants .should complete the full term
of service for whtch they arc called. Under nor·
ma1 circumstances, ne1the.r they nor their par-
ents should request early rcleases or extensions
of service.
M.tssionarlcs should travel directly home from
thclr mis.sioJ'IS. Any other travel is permitted only
when the missionary is accompanied by at lea51
one parent or guardian
The Church discourages pare:nts from pick·
ing up mJSStonaries. However, if parents request
this privslt.~e. they '-hould underc;tnnd thnt:
I. Thc.-rr plilllS must be based on the release date
establi:.neJ by the mission pn.•::~~denl
2. 0\ey should not reques t o change in the n.•..
lease date to accornmodate other travel plans
or commitments.
3. They should inform the mission president or
the Church Travel Office at least three months
in advance if they plan to travel with their
m.bs1onary.
I. lney ilJ'e expected to make their own travel
arrangements, lncludmg Jodgmg and meals
Ml.ssionanes must dress .md conduct them-
selve:> accoroing to missionary btandard.s during
trawl from their mis~nons be<.11use they a!' not
r~leao.,ed until they report to tiletr ~take presi-
dents. The} should not impose on members, rru.r
ston presidents, missionaries. or other missions
as they travel home.
4.102 Arrivals at Airports
410.1 Temple Recommends
All qualified, endowed missionaries should
have a vaJjd temple recommend when they are
releru.ed. lne procedure for issuing a temple rec-
ommend to a returning rruss1onacy varies de--
4.10.3 Interviews. Reports, Sacrament Meetings.
pending on the age o( the missionary.
Young Mlsslonnrlos
When young misstonaries are released, they
benefit from frequent mterviews wrth priesthood
leaders during the time wh~ th~y clrt: making
the trnnsition from the intense spuitual focus of
missionary service to the' aried pursuits o( daily
life.
lb help facilitate this, the mission pre5ident
condlJcts"' worthiness int-erview with each young
returning missionary and issues a temple rec-
ommend that i~ valid for onl) 90 days The tn.is·
ston president write!> an L~ue date on the temple
rt."Commend thai will cause 11 to expw a.n9<l days.
Such a recommend requires only the interview
by the mission presidtmt and the signatures of
the president and Ult> missionary. Ii the ml'>slon-
ilry illrcady hns a vnlld temple rt'C~mnwnd at
the ltme o( this intervte\\. the mb.sion pretJident
reques ts it and destroys it when he tssues the
9(),.day recommend
Local priesthood leaders U\t.erview the re-
turned missionary near the conclusion of th~
QQ..day temple recommend expiration period. If
the rt!turned missionary is worthy, a new temple
recom mend isto:.t;Ued with the normal expiration
penod of two years.
Senior Misslorutrles
If a retummg wnior m1. sionary·, temple rec-
OIJ'Ul"'end is about to expire the nusslon pres.ldent
conducts a temple recommend mtel'Vlcw as part
of the Anal intervtew .md t&5U~!i a new recom-
mend. Such a recommend requtres only th~ inter-
view by the mission president and the stgnatures.
of the pre$ident and the mi sionary.
Mlssio.nartes Who Are Not Worthy o1
a Recommend
1£ a missionary who is sent home early be--
cause of a belated confe~ion or <l dJsciplinruy
action holds a templt> recommend, the mission
president requests the recommend. The bishop
and <it.lkt> p1Vl!ldtnt IT\ilY '"sue il ntw temple rcc-
ommt!nd when the pci";;n 1!- wortny.
n as recommended that only immediate fan,-
ily members go to the airport to pick up mL~on­
aries "'ho are returrung a t the completion of their
missions.
and Callings
lntorvlews
The stake prt>SldenL releases returning mis-
sionancs from mt!\Sionary service ;md gives them
the release certificate he has received frem the
m1ssion president. He commet~ds them for their
service and invite!~> them to report on their mi'>-
SJon. He also inqutreS about their conduct while
traveling home.
When releasing nussJ.onaries. the stake pres-
ident also interviews them. This interview IS
an important opportunity to help missionaries
build on their mission experiences and c.onunit
35
 to continue on a lifelong p.Hh of puitt•al growth
and servic~ The stal..t.• p~ldt'1\t houJd d~vote
enough time to these mt~n • ·w-
to:
l . OlSCem missiorutn !:!> ~trengths nnd needs,
then help them set goal$ and n-u1ke p1An:J that
will build on the good habtts they have de-
veloped iUld th.tt wsU hu,•c power in their
doily livt.'!>.
2. Revit w the import11n~ of dolng whilt t nec-
cs'klry h> rontinue flft!ling the Spirit dally.
3. Encour.age mlS~sonari~ to C:h00$e .1nd pre-
pa.n!' for their hf~·s '"ork
4. 1\ k mi.ssLONri to Cf}rnmlll'O P-'Y a fuU ttth-
ing. be actw~ in tM Chun:h, ,tml . t\ «! faith-
fully in Church ca1lltnlP' .,nd ilfisignments
throughout their Hvl'!s.
5. Encourage them to maintain high stmldArds
of conduct, inc:luding drt'f>li .md grooming.
The stake presidc.-nt <llso encourages young
returning mis:.•on.arles to live worthy of and
pn:p11re Cor mamage ln the temple However,
ht· -.hould not s uggest or imply th.,t th~) hould
be marriLod within a !>pt.•clfi"<f limt!
RopotU ond Sacrament Moetln;a
In 01ddihcm to their mtt-l"\'1l'W wtth the >take
pn:s.ident m~ion.tne!o r~port tu the 'iht.,_e pnest-
hood e.J~.e<:utive comnuUcc (slJkc pr 1dency :1nd
high counctl).
As soon as practical. th.c b1!.hoprk of the
home ,,·.ud schedules missionori~ to ~lin .1
crament ml:.'eting. Mi~~Jonanes -hould be given
~uf6d~ ume to share &ptrltual experiences and
~~r a timony. 'rhcar talks ~hould build faith
and en c.>urage youth to serv~ 0'\.b:iions. The
UIJ.it.' presidency may also i15SISJ1 them to speak
in othcl' l'-t'CTanwnt meetings a companaons to
h1gh councilorc..
The st.l ke pr~ident coun J rt'tumi.ng mls-
ttmnrit-'> to teach the goc,pel m the ttlk5 they gJve.
As mlssionnries s~nk ln s.:~cram~:nt meetings,
they should hare ~!Xperl,·nct!l!l th<ll l>trenglhen
faith Ill jesll!> Chr~t. build tl!:!ttimonil•.os, encour-
age members to live and share the go pel, and
illustrate gospel prmciples.. Th •y hou1d avoid
tr.wclogues, i.nappropnate stories about thett
companions or others. dispanaging remarks about
th at\:tl"! in which tllrv Sttrvcd, and other matters
th.lt would be lnappropn.1te for a "CJ"Vant of the
Lord to d.scuss in the sacri.'d scttmg of :a S<Jeta ~
mcnt mt't.•ting
36
Callings
Pl1esthood Jcaders promptlv c~ recmtly ~
tumt.-d mt..,.ion.ui~ to Church ro tU n . Elders
quorum and R~Ut!l Sodel) 1 •aders •l"o "iyt
even returned missionary~ a horru: t , chfr or
vi lt1ng t('nc:h r.
411 Missionary Assignments for Senior
Couples and Sisters
uu Identifying Prospective Mlssronary Couples
Bishops and !>take prestdents prayerfully
consader which couples in tht'tr units could be
called to rvc a~ ml' tOt\Mlt:> Bt hop may m-
t 1"\ iew them to det~ availability, 4sk them
to prep.'lre for 0\bsJon calb, •md hdp lh m com·
pi 1 nnd submit the n."Commend4l1Un form 11&
outllnl't.l in 4 7
CoupiL·~ who nre recommtmdl!d (or ml ion~
ary ~~rvice mu~>t no longer be cng.lgcd ln full-
time employment lf th~y wtll be scrvmg .swny
from hom •, they must oot h.w.: any depemlent
children living at home. BIShops nnd t..tke presi-
dents lflke sp«ial care to make sur" th.1t couple-s
on- in good enough health to serve eJfecbvely
., mJs ~onart~
lnfonnnhon on mtSStOtu:Jr) opportunthes. for
u1upll-s can ~ found on the lnt~mel <~t LDS.org.
Stake pws dl.'nlS and bt ho.,.. c.m uc;c this inlor·
m~tlun to identify opportunitle~J for m , mbers
they .11\: enc.'Oumging to serve Tile bishop m3y
c:oofid nllall}' rt"(()mmend pN:ific os"'tgnmcnb
for the"t' mt'm~YS. However, he t.hould not nwke
cammttmenb about t.he assignment:. a member
will reccive. Mission.;rry andidate5 should be
willing to 'ept 3ny a ~ignml!nt
Gel' •rat Authorities, mi.-.ston p~dt>n , tern·
pic: presidents, and Church department ~
mAll' illso tdentify couples who might be re<om-
mcndl~ for missionary service. ·me n~mt!S of
the'IC mc·mbcrs should be submitted to the Mis-
Monar\' Departn\enl. Representatives of the Mis-
510t'IM'V Department wUl then contact thf:' sl.o1\..e
rr\: adt'nt I J\~ confel'$ with the blt•hop to ron 1der
~uc:h prtliifl'L'Cti\e mi ionary's hea.llh, .lbihty and
wUhngness to seTvc, ond othcr carcum..Lan~
Tht• b hop tht'n rneets with the rncmbcn and
encourag~ them to complete the m ~rw.ry ~
omlllCndiltion forms If the ~mrncndottion "
approved. the Pi"esident of the ChUJ"(h ic :u a
letkr of call
 Wh ·re th ·!\' 3re li\J'S<' concentrations of lllml·
~oor of thi:.' P~adcncy of lht' Se\·enty
ber--, a
or the A~ PresldcnL)' cootdlnmt~ W1lh stake
pr~ade-nts to tdt-nt•fy '-ouplc who could fiU
local O'USSlon.ary net>d in mHs ·aon otlkcs. vi.s.i·
to~ cmt rs, employoU?nt cent~r&, lamilr his--
tury cenhml, mnplo, and Church Educational
System offl ~. fvr lh~ ilMig.nments
Coupl
could include tho:»e who are not able to leave
their home~ but d ire to ~r\-e .1t least 32 hour:
per ,,. ~k . Th ml tOno1nes may recewe hve-
<'i t · ham~ ml! "lon c: lb from the Presid~t of the
Church . Ra•<:umm(!ndiltions Cor such mis~ion·
MCS c.N submatwd tn the normal m•nrn!r
-~ \-\'ho t"an serve fewer thAU\ 32 hour.. per
wcek may still be g:ivcn lUC13Il:l~"~lgnments and
.,re c.1lled by thcrr stake president, .u; sp..'Clfied
tn <4.12.
Bishop!>, st.,kc pre:.identb, and othe~ who are
encouraging toupll'-. to ~·rvc missions should
understand that th~ metnbt!r.' may hnve some
anxiety becau c uf &nllccurate preconceptions
about what w1ll bt.• l•xpt.'t'ted ol them. ~aden.
can reassure pro pt.-chve massionary couples
th.lt lh ·y will not be ked to meel l~ "-llne c.tan·
dard in wur~ houn or other acti..;tte:, that aN
C\~ ted of youn~t>r ~ion.m Couplt.'S will
bl-liiJO\\"t-d ~me aexibility m •illng their own
g 1.. and hedul~ bil"''<f on pcn.onal &'\.>cb, th~
reqwremmb of thea .1 1gnmm~, and gwda.na.>
from thi.: ~ "ho pt\!:o1dt:. c.)\l~r them.
4.1 U Health Insurance for Senior Mlasfonarte-s
M1 iooory ample 11nd sa~.otors ages ·10 and
older are r puru.1blt• fc.n th'"" own health c-rtre
expenses a.nd must h.lv~ adt."quale health in.crur·
ance for th~tr mi "ion ~ 1gnments.. If the t.nSur-
ancc CO\ ~tr.lg~ of lh I! livmg away from home
i~ not old('i.JUOlt! for their cl'-~ignment, Deseret
Mutu•l Bcncftt<J Administrators (DMBA) will
~nd th~m infurmation on addihonal insurance
they m<~y purchase. Mlsston.urie:; who nCi.'d ild-
dltiunJl ~over.tgc but do not enroll m thi! DMBA
plan must pro\11de proof of odcquatt' coverage
bc.·fore tlw · ~gm serving
4411.3 Aasfgnments for Senfor Mlulonartes and
Some S ister Mlulonattes
To the exttnt po ..able. all ma ;;ion;aries should
p.lrtlClpah• tn ...twrtng ~ g~-pel Senior mission·
clf'ie, 11\.1)' al'K) be- o,)..l-d to hclp tram leaders, feJ.
tow~hip new mem~~. nd work with lf'SS·acttvc
mcm~rs. tn "ddilion to these basJc ~gnmcn~ ,
~or m~ionar1~. :ri t ~r rru.s.sumarles over the
<~ge oJ 40, .md some lilit~rs under age -10 mny reo
ceive cmr or mot\! i.)£ the followmg .u.signment~
as part of their mi ion call;
1. Leader!\hlp
2. Church Educational S'.sle.m
3 Family history
4. t Ju.manitari...m ::.et'\"t~
S. Mt»ton o~
6.. Area officrs
7 Facilities P\iU'\3gemt1f\t
8 farm managemt>nt
9 ?ubltc .1l(3U'6
10 Tl!mpl~
11 Vi itoi'"J' ~;c>nt ·rtt And hs torte :ol~
12. Wdfn.re services
13 Pt!rpetual t:!ducation Pund
In ~ponsc to local n -d , mls.-.lon pr-eidt.>n\1.
may chnnge these as.."ltgnmcnm sn ron ult.1tion
w1th the headquarters departmcn th( t t.uper-
,.ibe the origin.,I JS~agnment
I or informatil'n .1bnut ~naur mJ-.~JOn<"ri~
sening as offict't'6 m lc 'l unt , see 9 4.
4.11A Releases of Senfor Mlaalonartes
Release tetter.. .t.nd tt:rtifi ate: for .;en1or otis-
. ionaric-. .u-e pr~pM\.'d under the d.irectu>n of the
person who o~~~ their a ignme.nt As with
ll missiof\4lries, tht-.c! m~ on~n 01re relL'"aSt.>d
by th ir t.1ke presid('nt.
4.12 Church-Service Missionaries
Th~: Church~n ire miss1o.nary progmm pro-
vades set'\ Ice opportunitl • for worthy members
around th~ world Chul\:h-..erv1c•• mis!iiOnanes
typically work; for Church dcpMlmenls. Except
Cor thu~ M.>rVtng m mit-. aon offiet'!6, they do not
usually serve und~.?r lh"' dti'\.'Chon of a fuU·tim,
mb:.ion l"'~"idl-nl 1 h usc of Church·st!rvice
missionaries 1e. not mtended to diminish cmpha·
r" on full· time mlssioNU) !>tm:ice
(hurc.h·scrvkc m~ionan~ a~ normally
c-.,JJed for 6 to J.t months. The) SCt'\ eat le•c.t S
boUA. w~k and typically fl'wer th.1.n 31 hou~
nwy usu.illy hw at home while tney .,re rv-
mg. Men should be at least 19 y~ rs of 48"· and
women should be .:at let1 1 21 . There 1.5 no maxi-
mum age
Chwch~rvic~ mi, .. ton.'ll art' oft n a good al-
tcmabve when '~orlh ' mt!lnberl 11rc not able to
37
 serve full-time tnis.sions because of health, n.n.tn-
cial. family, or other challenges (see 4.5.3).
Church-service missionaries are called by
th~ir slake president and set apa:t by thelr bishop
a.s outlined in -1.12.3.
4.12.1 ldentHylng Churctl-Senlce Missionary
Opportunities
The blshop may counscl with the stlke presi-
dent to identify local oppurtunlties for membet>
\'lho desl~ to ser'\ e .tS Church-service missio~
ies. Examples of possible assignments ,lfe lisWd
below:
1. Welfare: bishops' storehouses, canneries, Oe$-
eret lndU5tries, and employment re>Our e cen-
ters. Additional opportunities l:n the SaJt L.a.ke
Gty area; Deseret Manufacturing, Humani·
taria:n Center, and Welfare Square
2. Chwcll Educationa ISystem: receptionist, office
work. and computer support; st:udentrecruit-
sng and enrollment; institute hosting; train-
ing; teaching some clilsses nt seminaries and
iru,titutcs
3 Church-owned farms, r6lncht"s, ond recr~o:~­
tional propertie&
4. Physical Facilities: building inspt.."Chon .md
muintenan~
5. Special local project&
6. Church History. Church History Museum
and Cnu.rch History Ubr.uy in Salt T..alce Oty,
including Ubrary Services, Collections De-
\·elopment, Preservation Services., and Joseph
Smath Papers
7_ Family History; FIIInily History Library in
Salt L.lkc City~ rewn~l family ht>tory Hbro.r-
•~. and worldwide FamUySeardl support
8. Material MMagetnent dbtribuhtm Ct'nters.
food servu~es. and Deet serviCl!S (prlmarily ln
Salt Lake City)
9. Other departments and operations Wl.iquc
to Church headquarters. mPmber locator set"·
vices, building hosting. Conference Center
events, and admirustrative offices
Stake presidents, bishops, and member.s are
encouraged to use the following resources to
1dcmtify and obtam mfonnabon oabout Church~
service missionary opportunities:
In the United St.1tei und Canuda:
lntemet1Jds.org/ csm
Telephone: 1-801· 2404914
E·mail: csm-support@ld-.church.org
38
Outside the United States and Can.ada.
lntemet· lds.org/ csm
Telephone or write the assigned
admlnlstrative office
E·mail: csm--support@ld5Church.org
As with full-lime missionaries, the bishop
and stake president ensure that each prospective
Church-service missionary is worthy to hold a
temple re:omme.rui They also et\Sll!'e that he or
she is physically, mentaUy. and emotionally able
to perform the duties of the calling. Prospective
missionaries should be able to support them-
selves fimmciillly, Including alll~ing e~e.nses,
in urc1ncc. and medical and dental expenses.
Me.mbers ~>houJd not be called on a Church·ser·
vice n\isslon l£ lh~ rru~sion n.~Of\Slbl.litles would
keep tllcm from fulfilling thcrr ~pons1bilities to
care for dependent children who bve at home.
4.\2.2 Recommending Churoh-Servlce
Missionaries
A member, bi hop, or :>take president may
Initiate an inqwry inlo a suJtable Church-service
missionary opportunity. Af1er an oppor tunity
has been identified, the bishop or the member
rontact:o a representative of the department or
other entity that posted the position to determine
whether it ir. shU .wailable and whether the mem-
ber • able to hllSD the requirements_The repre-
senhtllve s contact anformation is posted on the
Web site with the position.
U the Church·servi~ opportun.lty Is still nvat.l·
able .1nd the member meets the requirement!>,
the bishop condw:t:s a worthiness interview. The
bishop and the member then complete a Recom·
mendation for Church-Service Missionary form.
The bishop notes the recommended servke op-
portunity, S1gilS the form. and forwards il to lhe
stake prestdent. The stake president then ~
lervit~W& the member for worthine:.s, !:>i~ the
fonn il he upproves, and sends It to the dtrector
of Church-sen-ice m1ssionarie." at Church head·
quarters or to llie Church-:..ervlte mb::;aonary co-
ordmator in his area.
4.12.3 Calling Church·Servlee Missionaries
Church-servlcc missionan~r. an! c<1llcd by
their stake pn:!Sidenl They are set apart by their
bishop. After the recommendation form has been
processed at Church headquarters or with the lo-
cal coordinator. the stake president is noUfied so
he can extt!nd the calling. At this time, the stake
president aJso gives the mi.r.sionary a call letter
that IS provided by the Church-servtce. mission-
ary coordinator m his area. The stake presadent
 advi.set> the bishop ot l.he calhng and ask... him
to o:et tht- mi 'iiunary apilrt
After the u.lling 15 15.sut.'d. the mlssionary
contlC't>l the Church d(•·partmcnt representative
to worl.. out pertlnt.>nl d~ .
Bi hop-. olnll ttb11-<' pr ~idcn~ give appropri-
at~ recognition hl members who ano called as
Church· •rvice mib'>ionaries. This recognition
mdudc communJCtting thear c.1U1ngs to mmn-
~rs of the ward or take Jt also could &nclud ,
m~,tin~ missionancs to report on their servtce
an ilppropri.lte me!('ting.,.
4.12.4 Transportation
Churcll-se.rvu:e 0\lf;sic>nllrit!tl ..hould pnw1dc
their own trnn6porlation to lh~Jr primary worlt-
placa.>. ll., mls. lon ao;:.lgnmont n.''qUU\!S .tdcUtlOnal
travel, tha!>e ~peru.!! may bt> reimbursable.
4.12.5 Training and Supervision
Church rvi«' missionaries are supervised
by and t:ratnl-d undt•r the direction of the depiltt·
mcnt tn which th~) ~n. e Normally they are not
lT3int-d at a missionary training cmler.
<4.12.8 Medical Expenses
AU Church-.:.en.a<c mi-. ton.ui....,. a~ enb.rely
responstble for Ul:e.ir own medic-al n&.od~. mclud-
ing dent I "nd eye pl'f\::-\.~ ill1d pr riptlon
drugs.
4.12.7 Extenalona
Nc.u the end of the a :.lgned period, the term
n( ~rvice may be,> l'XI ·ndcd il the missionary
wanb to t.>)ttend <1nd the rvtee is still net>ded.
The e)ttcnst tln mn y bt- fot varying increments, not
to ..-xcet>d 'lO months in total set'\ k~ The depart-
ment ronrdinator t('vicws thl" e -tcnston request
witll the stake president. I (the . bl ke p~,-;tdent
approves the request, he advises the 11\U.:,JOnary
and notiA~ the ml. sionnry's bishop.
4.12..8 Release of Church-Servlce Mlulonartes
Toward the end of o Chwch~rvtcc mt "'*<m.
the department CtlOrdmator tnfol1lt!i the! ua\..e
pr~adenl wh~ th(' mt~ ton will end At the
conclu. ion of th~ ma I on, the! !>lak~ pre:>ident
rel.e.l';t'"t th~: rnib: lonary .wd ad,•ises the bbhop.
The stake p~idental givt~ the member a re-
lease rertlfico~W thdt I pro\ 1ded b) the Chutdl-
5el" i~ rna onary coordmator t.n Ius area.
At lc" 1 ~~ monttb :.1\ould pa befoT~ ~
who ~ r~lc.1W ~tvc anothc.r Church-service
mlc;sion 01fl Any t'X«pbOl'b mw,t be approved
by the mice president
4.12.9 Church-Service Mls&lonariu In Stake and
Ward Callings
ChutdHervice misstorutnc5 .u~ encouraged
to serve In slake or wo.rd tdlling~o o1t tne di~cre­
bon of JootJ l ~:ildl'f~ .11:1 long .1$ t.h~ crulings do
not in t~r(er~ wlth tht.' Churd~~n1ce m~slonary
assignment.
4.12.10 CaDlnga That Are Not Processed as
Church~Servlc• Mlaalons
C•lllng to ~ljisl with acbvabon efforts or
to help strenglhcn ntembers in wards are milde
by toc.tllrtJders ThL"k' tullmgs arc not pr~
as Chwch-s...n.t~ mas:.ion call". Thil'l guideline
apphes e\'m u mMlbers wUI ~e ou ide thcsr
hom~wanb
4.13 Volunteer Service
Many oppvrtunlt1 ot for Church scrvace are
avallilble for manbt!n, ancluchng th~ who do
not hold a curl"Cnt u~mple recommtmd, and for
nol\membe-nt. fhC"'ot" 1ndl\ 1duals are volunteers
rnthC'r than mic; iQn.ln~. Volunt~ mily serve
in ilre~s such as (nmllv tustory renters, Family-
Search lnde lng. welfan> production projects .md
canneries, and Sc:outing af qu3llfled for Scout
registration.
39
(

(
5. Administering Church Welfare

5.1 Welfare Duties of the Stake Presidency .•.••• 42 5.2.5 on-Church Re:.ourc~s A\Ailabl.e
5 1 ' Welfan- Le.1de~hlp and Councils ..•..... 42 to Help the Poor • • • • • .. • 47
512 Welf~re A~:r;ir;t ance . . . . . • . . • 43 5.2.6 Mt!mbtn. Who I\~ Medic.d Car~ .•.•..• 4B
51.3 Eml'rgendes . . • . • . • • • • • • • • . . . . . . . . 44 5.2 7 Members Who Are Trnns.tent
or llometes.s • • • • • • • • • . . • • • • . . . . 48
5.2 Welfare Duties of the Bishopric • • •••••.••..• 44 52 8 Confidentiality •••.••.••••••••••••..•.•
52J \\elfare Lndt!r.ahip and Counc1b • • • •• • 44 5.2.9 Welfare .A.buse ntl F111ud • • • • • • • • • • . . • . . 48
5.2.2 0\d\"l~ of Welta.re AssLStance . • • • • • • • • • 45 5.210 Membt!rs " ith Soc1al and
5.2 3 Prinetple. and Cutdt:ltnc for Emotional Needs • .. .. • • • .. .. • • • • • . .. • 48
Rt.>ndenng Asl.tStance ............. . •. • . 45 5.2.11 Emi!rgenctes . . • • • • • • . • • . • • . 49
5.2.4 Church R~our~ A\'allable to I Jelp
5.3 Stake Bishops· Welfare Council •••••••••••.. 49
lht!' Poor • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • . 46

41
5. Administering Church Welfare
The purposes of Church weUare are to help
members become self-reliant, to care for the poo[
and needy, and to give service. For information
about welfare doctrines and principles, see the
following publiciltions:
Haudbook 2, chapter 6
Prourding in lire Lord's Way: Swnmnry of a Leader's
Guide lo Wclfnrr (pamphlet)
Basic Principles of We/fore and Self-Reliarrce
(DVD and booklet)
All Is Snfely Gatlrued 111: Fnmily Home Storage
(pamphlet)
Allis Safely Gathered 111: Family Fimmces
(pamphlet)
5.1 Welfare Duties of the Stake Presidency
5,1.1 Welfare Leadership and Councils
Teach Welfare Doctrines and Principles
The stake president and his counselors ensure
that the doctrines, principles, and blessings re-
latect to ~;piritu<JI and te111poral welfare a~ taught
reguJarly to s take members. These doctrines and
principles are outlined in the publications listed
above.
Teach Leaders Their Welfare Responslbmtles
The stak«.> president ;md his counselors teach
leaders their welfare responsibilities. The stake
president takes speciaJ care to instruct bishops
in the principles a nd policies of administering
Church welfare assistance. As part of this respon-
sibility, he organizes the slake bishop's welfare
council (see 5.3).
The stake president ensures that bishops
admlnister Church welfare propeTly: In his reg-
ular interviews with bishops, he asks about the
welfare of individual ward members and dis-
cusses the use of welfare assistance, including
fast offerings, to help those In need.
Welfare matters may also be djscussed in the
stake presidency's tralnlng meetings with bish-
npricc;, in c;takP pripc;thnnd l~>:~dPr~hip mPPting~,
and in other &imilar settings.
Attend Coordinating Council Meetings
Stake presidents attend coordinating col.ffidl
meetings to receive instruction in various Church
42
matte.rs, including welfare principles and duties.
ln these meetings, presided over by an assigned
Area Seventy, leaders consider ways to foster
self-reliance, can for the n«.>edy, and encourage
fas t-offering donations.
Preside over the Welfare Work of the Stake Council
The stake president directs the welfare work
of the stake council. In stake council meetings,
leaders consider s piritual and temporal welfare
matters as foiJows:
They identify wei!are concerns in the stake
and seek ways to address those concerns. How~
ever, they do not assume responsibility to resolve
ward welfare mattexs.
They plan ways to teach welfare principles
to stake and ward leaders.
They discuss ways to make ward leaders
aware of pE.>ople in the stake who can serve as
resources to help with welfare needs.
They develop and maintain a simple written
plan for the stake to respond to emergendes (see
5.1.3).
They plan welfare activitie , taking care not
to place undue burdens on ward leaders.
They plan ways to respond to stake welfare
assignments.
When assigned by a member of the Presi-
dency of the Seventy or the Area Presjdency, they
provide leadership and support for a weJfare
operation.
If a bishop has been assigned to handle re-
quests for assist-ance to people who are transient
o r homeless, members of the stake council de·
termlne how to make stake resources available
to that bishop.
Serve as the Agent Slake President for Church
Welfare Operatlons
A member of the Presidency of the Seventy
or the Area Pn.-siden<:y appoin ts an agent stake
to each bishops' storehouse, cannery, home stor-
age center, employment resource center, produc-
tion project. Deserct Industries store, and other
Church weliare operation or project in the area.
This assigrunent may change periodically.
All stakes that are served by a welfare oper·
otion. n ot just the agent stake, may be called on

to provide voiunteer labor for it, These efforts <m:
coordinated in courdlnat:ing council meetings.
The president of the agent stake represents the
welfare operation in these meetings.
TI1e president of !he agent stake organizes an
agent stake operating committee to oversee the
welfare operation. This committee is compo!>ed
of the stake president or an assigned counselor,
the s take bishops' welfare council chairman, the
stake Relief Society president, the manager of
the operation, and other specialists as needed.
The committee meets regularly to p rovide priest·
hood guidance and support to the numager of
the operation. to make sure the operation serves
needy members appropriately. a:nd to coordinate
volunteer labor.
Call Stake Welfare Sp.eclalls1s
A member of the stake presidency or .m a:;-
signed high councilor may call a stake employ-
ment specialist and o ther weliare specialists.
Tbe:;e stake specialists serve as resou.n:es for
bishops and other ward leadets. They may help
with weUare needs such as Job placement, educa-
tion, training.. nutrition, sanitation, home storage,
health care, family finances, and the Perpetual
F.ducation Pund.
5.1..2 Welfare Assistance
Generally, welfare assistance is administered
by bishops. However, the stake president has
a role in providitlg assistance itl the following
d.rcumstances.
Assistance for Blshops
The stake president should be aware of ttte
temporal d.rC"UIIIStances of bishops and their
families. When a bishop or members of his im-
mediate family need welfare assistance, he re-
views the needs and the proposed assistance
wath the stike president The stnke president's
written approval is required before the bishop
may:
I. Sign a bishop's order for Church wellare as-
sistance for hi.mself or his immediate family
members.
2. Use fast ofierlngs to assist himself or his im·
mediate family. lf fast-offerin g funds are
used, the stake president reviews the bills and
other expenses before authorizing paym~nt.
3. Obtain help far himself or his immediate fam-
ily through Church welfare operations.
5. Admirnstfrilrg Clum:h Wtlf~rr
When authorizing the use of fast offerings
fqr the bishop or hls immediate family, the stake
president ensures that the instructions under
" Fast Offerings" in 5.2.4 are followed, partic-
ularly with regard to signing checks. ln sum-
mary. the bishop may not sign a check that js for
welfa~ assistance for himself o r his immediate
family.
Medical Expenses That Exc eed
Authorized Amounts
The Church's GeJ1eral Welfare Commjttee es--
tablishes the maximum amounts that a bishop
and stake p resident may authorize for payment
o( n needy member's medical expenses. includ-
ing mental heal th care, without additional au-
thorization.
If the total Church payment of a needy mem-
ber' s medical expenses is expected to exceed
$5,000, the stake president's approval is requ..ired
before the bishop may commit to pay he<1 lth care
providers. If the amount is expected to exceed
$10,000, the stake president must receive arr
proval from a member of the Presidency of the
Seventy or the Area President before the bishop
may corrunH to pay health care providers.
A member of the Presidency of the Seventy or
the Area President may authorize expenditures
of up to $25,000. When these leaders feel that an
exception to these limits may~ justified, they
may submit a request far the Presiding Bishopric
to consider. These requests are submitted through
Welfare Services (1-801-240-3001 or 1-800-453-
3860, ex.tenslon 2-3001).
A member of the Presidency of the Seventy or
the Area Presidency may recommend tho ward,
stake, and ilrea maximum au thorb:ed amounts
for medical expenses for tl,e areas they preside
over. They submit these recommendations to
the Presiding Bishopric for the Genernl Welfare
Committee to consider.
Other Special Medical Circumstances
See 5.2.6.
Assistance for Members Who Are Transient
or Homeless
When~ there are t wo or more wards in the
vidnity, the stake president may nppoin t one
bishop to handle all requests from people who
are transient or homeless. This helps avoid du-
plication and confusion .
Where there is a concentration of stakes with
large numbers of peop le who are transient or
43
 homl•l" ~ ~king a 'ii&tanro ., membur of 1~ "
J>re:,idenC) o( ttu! ·wnty or th~ A~., Presidmcy
n1ay call Church-""-'l'Yice mt~o loMry to handle
such request . This m.ln should have served as a
bt hop He hauJd t1l<o be e:-cpc.'l'lenced m heJp-
mg the nl'ed} and be familiar with the use af
Church \\elfare ~te1?S . Where there Is a bish-
ops' storehouse. ttili> Chtm>h-servlcc miss;onary
serve; undt>r the direclion or the bic:hops' ~-tore­
house manager. &ccptions to these gu1delmcs
must be Dppro"l>d by tht- P'l'\."'iding Bi\hoprk
Support to Mombtrs In Ptlsons. Hospitals, and
Other lntlltutlons
~ 111.'15.
5.13 Emergencies
I h<' bMk\.' p~1dt>nt dii\.'Cb the st.lM! council
an prt:pntulg o •nmpl.e written plan for the stake
to re&pond to emergencies. This plan should be
coordinnted with slmil;)t pl.ms o( other stakes in
tTh! coordlnnhng council and with plans in the
community
The stake council makes a~gnmt!:nt:s for cal"'-
rying out the stak~ .; emergcn() re:.ponse plan.
The council periodically rc\' cws ttnd updates
th • .w.ignnwnt-.
Care hould bt- t~etn: so ·m rgc"'--y pli'ln ·
ntng d~ not pl\lmoh.• f~.~r \1cxk lmlcrs~nC)
eJt~rct should nnt bt! conduc~
Ourtng an dm(':rg~ry, the tlke p~det'lC)'
receJ\'es reports from bishops on the rond.ibon
of Church m~mbcrs .md Church property. The
:"tl4k4! pre~iJ~ncy then r\tports to a member of
i.J'\l! Pre.idC!ncy of tht! Se... ~nty or U1e Area Pre>t-
de-n<).
During nn emergency, Church lec1ders make
the ervires of the Churrh nvail<1ble to O\'tl au~
thonbes. Church lt!ade~ clh.o lakt! tndependent
<lcdon tn bclu1U of Church membcn. as n~eded
With approval from u tnt?mber of the Pretl-
dcnc:v of the Scv~nty or th~ Area Presidenc..-y,
Chul'Ch budding, (except temples) mily be used
., "heltl."r-,, fi~t-.1id Sl!ltions, r ~ding loc<1bo~.
~nd r«re lion Cl!l'lters dutiJ,g l!mergt:'llCU!S. Stake
''nd wurd counnl mtombc.•r.; cn!IUre that those
U5lng the buildtngJ ob erve Church .t.tanda:rds
of ronduei. U\duding the Word of Wisdom, while
the) are in the buildings.
Ounng an emergency, the st.lke prestdent
O\'e~ pubbc: U\lonnation th.rt is rel~ lo-
cally by the Church. He et\' u~ that tt is .tcturate
nd tim •ly. He nl.:ly nl pond ttl que1:-ti0M from
th ml'dta, or he mn • tgn ., stake public af-
fai ~ d irttlor or as. i ·tanl dtreclor to do so Ht"
may also serve as the locaJ Churdt spokesman,
t1T he moty designnt~ tl pokt>Sperson. The .stale
presu:!ent re\'ie\' ~ .tnd Bpprm.'6 all n\."\'1 re-
leases gi\'en by th~.: pokcsperc.on He also g:t\'~
proper r«ogn1tion to ovil 11uthonUcs ;md n!lic!
a~nd
5.2 Welfare Duties of the Bishopric
52.1 Welfare Ltaderehlp end Councils
Teach Weftato Doctrines and Pnncfplea
The b ishop Md his counselors ensure that
the docmno, prinelplcs, clnd bfessmgs related
to spiritual a.nd tdnporaJ welfare are taught reg-
ularly to ward members. These doc:trin£s and
prindple!~~ are outlined in the publicntions listed
at the beglnrung of thi.s chapter.
Teach leadet'a Their WoJfare Reapo,..,lblhtiu
The bUih p nnd hi' "mm~·ltlrs teach pnbl ·
hood and la.lU.lf'\o le.~u~~ th •ir Wt>lf.tn: Mpon-
slblhti to (1) encourag~ S<'lf·relh\net', (2) care
forth..: poor And n~·,.Jv. ,,n'-' (3) help m.:-m~r-.
resol\e long· l.l'rm "~Hare need . Tht: btShopnc
te-ach t~-se I'(' pon tbllhlc ln perM>nalmM--
V1t:W in w•rd council m~tmgs , and m other
!>tmllat ~ttings.
Encourage Membei's to Uve lhe LAw of the Fast
The! bashoprlc 3Tid ~m~r-. C1f th~ w~rd coun-
cil encourage ~~to hve ~law of thetas
Typu:allr thi:> lndiXf (1) f, ting e-1d' fast Sun-
day for two con~"altl\ie mc.1l• and (2) glVing <1
fae.t offer In~ lh t '"' ,,, ll'.J!'i\ the t-\tUlV t~nt value
or the me.lls nut \:;lCct\. ~~mbC't .uc cncourugro
t() be g~nrrou .1nd gn 1." much mo~ th.m the
value of lhiO meals af the) ~ 1ble
Whc.-1' ll\Cmber:J llv~ tht• lttw of tht: fast and
lOntrlbult> f&'ll o((Pring-., their ltves and the Uves
of the nc~o.-dy will be bl"sscd (see Js.1.iah 58:6-
12) rhc impOrt.\Jl<."C C.lf!Jvmg the Jaw of the fast
should b~ t~lughltn -.acramtmt meehn.g~, pri~t­
hood meetings, Relief Sodety and other auxil·
iary mcetingtt, home Vl'>tt'!., tt-mple rec:ornmC"nd
lnter\'iews, and Uthtng setiJ~ment mtervtews.
Ovetaee the GatMrinQ and Accounln'lg of
Fut Offe ring•
5fta 14..1.1.
 Preside over the Welfare WOf1t of the Watd CouncU
The bbhop directs tht> wdfa"' work o( the
w.-rd council. He em.u~ tNI m W4rd council
m !<'tin&-"· leaders COn~>Jder pmtu.tl•nd temporal
welf.ue matters ~ outlined in Hm1dbook 1 6.2.2.
Participate In the Stake Bishops' Wolfaro Council
See S.3.
Call Word Welfare and Employment Specialists
Ste ' Ward Welfare Sp«m.li.sts" tn 5.24
5.2.2 Overview of Welfare Assistance
lluough the ClUtCh. !hi! lord has l!S~hUshed.
a W3) to care tor the poor a nd "''(.'d} and help
lhC'lll n·gnm their ~lf·rt!hnncc When Chu.t'Ch
•ncmb~!"l are doing all they c.m to pro\ ide for
thcms~lvcs but cnnnol mt•c't thc•ir b,,.<ic nc.'{'Q:;,
genl'rally they should tirst turn lo llwlr famili\!S
for bdp. When this is not sufficient or feasible,
the Chwdlstand.s Tt'ildy to help.
The ~tive:s of Church wclf.ue assistance
1re to strmgtrum needy mem~rs ~ follows;
l. t lelp them become seli-rohant and stand m-
d~d<!nt of all welfure .,,,.l..tance, regal'd-
ll""..\ n f It'S "QUI'(l!.
> lldp thC!m b~me t.nmgcr -.pmtu<lll) 4nd
INm to pto\•&dc fclr olh~er.o
J. llclp Uw m malnt1.1in their .,clf-rcsp~t
dignity.
52.3 Principles and Guidelines for Rendering
As5lstance
lne Lord has descntK-d I h" w•¥ h.lr c.1n.ng
f11r the poor and need) He U\struck'd the Satnts
lo • tmpart of your subst.ance unto tlw poor, ...
.md [it I shaJJ be lmd beio~ the biShop [and)
~h.\11 ~kept'" my ~otorehou~. to adauntster to
the poor and the needy' (D&C .J2:31. 34).
l'lw I.ord furth~r el<plahwd I hill these oifer-
l.ngs should Include members' li\l''""· These IJl·
cnts are " to be cast into the Lol'll ' ~lur~ho use.
. ,.v,·ry man seekmg thl' lnt~r • t o{ h.ls neigh-
bor, a.nd doing all things with an C) 1.' aingle to
the glory of God (0&C82'1H·l9)
In SOJJU> locations t~ Chun:h hob nl4bhshed
bu1ldlngs c4111ed blShops' t(lrchou e!o. Y. hen
members recei.Ye pemussu>n from their biShop,
they may go to the bishops storehoW!e to obtain
food 01nd clothing. But the Lord's ~otort!hou-* it~
nt't Umitt•d to a bulldmg usl.'d to d!slrlbute food
and clothing to the poor lllllso Include~ Church
m~'TT\b..o...., ofh:nn~ of time, talmr.. romp"''"'"
mateta;tls, .tnd 6nancial mean.-. th.tt .ue m.:ade
,w•Uable to the bi.Shop to help ~ for the poor
and m:-edy Tht' Lord's storehou.w, then. c~ts in
t'.1Ch w.lni. lhe bishop is~ dg~t of the lord's
storehouse
llw bn•hop Is entrusted wlth the reiponsi-
blllty o f using the resoul'«'s o( the: l .ord's !)torc-
houc; · to Ci'lre lor the ptiOr and n~o't.-dy mcmbl.-r-. Clf
tht.' ward I h.> U.-.elo the gift of ~rnnh:nt, -.ound
tudgment, .md compassion Jn dctcnn1n1n~ how
best to iwlp those m need. £.--.ch etn-um'l&.~nc~ l l
dtlfenmt and requires insptration.
1he bior;hop s..-el.s the gu •d ~ncc o( thc Sptrit
llnd ~ppll1.'!> the fllUowing weU.tre pnnctph.-s to
help him detemune who should r«t>tve a.ssi •
ll1ncr, whnt kind and amount of "")l:l!hlnce to
f'I'\Wiu~·. 11rtd h tlw long to pro,,ide 1t.
Seek Out the Poor
1 he b1•hop """' ., diVIne mnmbte to !leek out
and CJ~n.o for the poor (see OK 84 112) It is not
enough to a lSI only when a LN l it> should be
aWillt' of the tcmp<~ral c~rcumst.1rm: tlf nt!\.od'
ward ml'm~r> and ensu.n th.-at lho"l' Ul n~.-ed
l'e\:eJve proper care. He enrour.tg pri thood
a.nd RcJJcf Soctety lc..o.adeTs, honw tNch<•l"', o1nd
vit.iting teaehe.rs to help ldenUf) mcmbt!N whu
need .tSS~Siance.
.md
Promote Peraonal Responsibility
Bdmv provldlng Church welfare assisl.tn1.'1!'
lhc b1'1hop n: vlrws v."ith members whl'll ~u..rc
01nd l'rforl th.ry and their fami ly can pKIVlde to
ml"t their n~ Teadung pnnoples t•f pto\ a-
dent II\ mg and commjtlillg m<'ml>cr.. to live
b\1 t~ pnncap~ Wlll often hl.'lp mcmN·rJ do
much tu ~ t)I'>P thcir need> U11~mst.tlv~
When appropnate and fea~lhh•, th~ tn nn.-d
shoult.l '~-"help fl'O.m family m.etnbers tx-ro~
seektng hl'lp from tht' On.1rch.
0\urch wclf~ assistance is nonnrulv given
to mL't!t htmporary n~ds ~ mcmbt•l'b work to
bt oomc •11-rehant. ft is intended h) llt'lp mc-m·
bt"f'5 ..Ill'\ elop independence, not dcpcndcntE>
The biShop cncouragPS e-vt-n th03t' who may
~u~ lc•ns-tcrm a i.~tanc:e, :.uch .u ~~who
an.> dlsablf'd or aged to do aU they cal\ to help
th~h·l!_
SUstain Life, Not Lifestyle
The b1shop proVIdes b a tslC IHc-su.t.unlng
nccessltlc'l. I lc doe$ not provtdc: •l ~i,t;mcc to
maintain an afflu{'.nlliving ~tandartl
 Members who .tfll temporarily un.tble to pro-
vide for themselves may need to altl!r their l>tan-
dard oiliving until they &~re '*'lf·relianl. They
hould not rely on 0\urch welfurc to insure them
11gainst temporary hardship or lo allow them to
continue 1heir present standnrd of living without
Interruption.
Pnwlde Commodttles before Cosh
When possible, the bishop provtdes members
with eommodities or ~rvic~ instt!ad of giving
them money or paying their bills. Members can
then use their own money to pay other obliga·
tions. Where bishops' stQrehou~ a~ not ;wail-
able, rast offerings may be u!K!d to buy essential
rommodities.
Give WoF't( Opportunit ies
The bishop asks those who ~ve assistance
to work to the extent of their ability for wh.-tl they
receive. He teaches th.t! importance of work and
gtves meaningful work assignments. If members
~re reluctant to work, the bishop helps them
unde.rt.land that work a5S,ignment& are gJven to
bless them. When thev work for assistuu:e. the)
remain industrious, maint.Un sell-respect, and
increase therr ability to be sell-reliant.
The ward coundl compiles and maintains a
list of meaningful work oprortunitit$. rf Church
welfare operations exist hi the area, these opera-
tions may provide work opportunities and train-
ing for people who ne<.-d Chu rch tlS lst~nce.
Other Gufdelloe.s
Completing a eeds ;,nd R-..osourct!!; Analysis
farm may help the bishop detennme whatas.sis-
tance to provide. If the d.rcumstances are com-
pliated and add:itlonal information is needed,
bal'-hOp: in the United Stat .1nd Canada may
constder using the Needs cUtd Rebourc=es Analy-
sis Su.pplement form.
The b1shop should beat ln mind lhal the tem-
porlll circumstances and needs of members vary
from country to country. A rom•ly thnt might
bt! considered needy in one loc.1tion might not
be consid ered so tf they lived cl5ewhere Also,
members who are con<~tden.od poor by some often
do not view themselves as bemg poor
When the bishop does not know a member,
he contacts the member's pre\•lous bishop before
giving wetJare assistance.
Generally, the bishop assists only those mem-
bl'n; who currently live within his own ward's
boundi'ltics. Individuals who are nol members
of the Church are uswlly referred to loc:al com-
mun1t) resoui"Clb if they need wt'lfare assist;m~.
However, on rare occasions the bishop, under
th~ in~;pimtion of the Sp irit, m.1y a i ·t individu-
a ls who are not members of the Church, pilrticu-
lnrly tf they are parents or caregiver:. of member
children. lie should be disc:erning :~ bout the type
ilt\d amount of assistance he giv~.
P-rovtding welfuw asst.sta nC'l' should not be
based em lhe acti\ ily Level or worthin~ of those
who need it. Using the welf;ue prtndples out-
lin\!d in thi. handbook. the bit-hop administers
assJ.Stance to all members In nt.~ He encoUT·
ng(~ 1\.-ss-t'lcttvec members who ~ive a>sistance
to improve therrspirituaJ wdl-bctng by attend·
ing cl\urc.h, praying, reading U\~ scriJ.lt\11\."h, and
increasing their actiVIty in the Chlll'cll.
fn some si tuations, provicUng welfart' i'l>-
slstance may be contingent on members fulfill-
ing l"implt: a~ignments from the bishop, St~ch
ns Jolng asstgned work, looklng for a job, <tnd
t!liminntlng unne<:essa.ry expenses. However,
l>Otl'le members who an- widowe-d orphaned ,
eldetl), or disabled may be unable to fulfill as-
Signments. The bJ.Shop provtdes compassionate
c..1re to these mc:nbeTs b01sed on their sil\uttions
and c.tpabilitle.1..
When a sti'lke president or m embers ol h.l5
immediate Family need wt!Jfare .lSSistance, he
conlilcts the bisl10p of his ward. The bishop fol-
low!> the prindples and guidelines that govern
welfare a~>~btance as he would !or any other
CJhurchn\embec.
5.2.4 Church Resources Available to Help the Pocw
The bishop prayerfully dct\!munes how to
u~e the fullowmg Church re.sou~ to help tho5oe
11\ need.
Ward Council
Members of the ward council help the bishop
mccl members' welfare needs. For t.nformaUon
ubout ttw welfare work of the ward council, 5e('
Hm1dbook 2. 6.2~
Metchlzadek Prtesthood Ouorums and tho
Relief Society
WclfaN is central to the work oJ the high
pri~ts group, t~ elden. quorum, and th • Relief
Society. Priesthood and RelleJ Society leaders
ensu~ that they regularly consider weliare m.at-
t~rs In their leadership meeting~>
 lJnd\•r the di~on of the bt hnp and quo-
rum or Rehef Soci~ leaders home t~adlc~. Vl!.-
iung teachers, and oth~ hclp nl'\.od\' members
ftnd solutlom to welfare au't.."<b aml b«om.e <~eh·
1'1"11ilnt The tlmt:, talenb. AnJ lull of Wolrd mem·
bets are an Important tcSOUm:! ror the blshop to
u.st> ln caring for the neeQy
The welfare work of Melchlzedck Priesthood
quorums and the Relief Sooe.ty is aphuned more
fully in llnnJbook 1. 6.2.4.
Relltrf Soctety President
The bt.chop nmmall) .u.~•gn.s the Rclref Soc:i-
ct) pM>ident to visll m~ who need welfare
ilSSL<;Iolnc~ She helps il55l-'S'
th 'If nl'l-do; and sug·
'"tancc to provtde.
j.\CStl to the bishop whilt ,,
J11ls mu) include preparing a Blshop'5 Order
for Commodities lorm for the bishop to approve
nnd sign.
The Reliei Society prcsidl'nl'5 role in mnk·
mg these \isits \s. cxplarnt.-d mMt• fully in lfnml-
book1 961
Watd Welfare Specialists
1hc btshopnc may call an t:mploymdlt &pe-
dalt~t to 1\t.'lp members prcparc for .md ftnd suit·
al'!lc employmenL Ill<> bi&hopric may also call
a tlwr w~lfare specialistb to help membt!~ with
n&!tb such as education, lrrun.lng, nvtrttlon, sanl~
t.ltlon, home stornge, h<1~1lth C:•\1'1', r.,ll\lly (inane\$,
ond tht> !•crpetual l!d ucutl<m fund
Fast Offerings
Each week the Church con.whu.-.t f;s~t-offer·
mg contributioru. into a wurldwtde gel\6;)1 fast-
o£f~nng fund. Bishops then draw on t1us lund
as nt."Cdcd to pro";de short· term 5h~lter, medical
" "' tan<e. and other life--:.U>t:airung AJd
Gwdclt.nes for the b1 hop m u'>~ng fast offer-
Ing& to ndminister as.ststanc~ are llutlined below:
I. Perlionolly approve ,ill fil~t·offcring cxpendl·
turw.
2 If n bishops' storehouse l.s nut .wollnble, use
fa:.t offerings to bu) esst!ntial commodities
(see -Provide Commod1hes b<!fore Cash• in
5.2.3).
3 \."hen possiblt>, m.tke pilym.-nl5 to providers
of g()('lds and sen...ce. rather than to the per-
son being assisted or to other indi\'lduals
·l. Do not loan fa!."t offerings to ITU!mbtors. Mem-
bers are not required to repay wciJare a:ssis·
lance they reccive from the Church. Encourage
member> to contribute to the Ia H1fh~t1ng
fund whm ~ are aga10 able to do .o
5. ~ not '~ fast offering:. to pay ml•mbt!ts'
consumer debt or obligations tncurro.:d ln
bu,.tne:>l>:. failures or specuJativ~? vcnturt">
6. Eru.ure th<~t any fast-offering assl.sta.nce to •he
bishop or his Immediate family members IS
firtl approved ln writing by the stal.l.' pre<>l·
d~nt (k'l! o:; 1.2) and cornpllct> w1th th~ follow ·
In!( m-.truct1oru. for prepanng ched...
7. Whm propari.ng il ched for fil I'(Ill •nng ~
~lance ((lr ;a p01ymmt approvAl (orm. whcte
u~). en,.ure that
a, lwo oluthori7.ed sign~.mt alw01 "'1-;" thl'
cht>ek or (orm.
b. Tho pl!l'Mms signing the check ur fonn art!
nut related to either the pa) ec or the per·
son being assisted
c. Neither the payet" nor the person bi?lng
•l !l!!iStt.od 'llbfJlS the check t'r fnnn
Stake and Other Chutch Rersources
If thco stat..c p~tdencv ~ c.tlled take wd·
fart.' !>pccl•h L,, the bi<.hop ma) a ..l thern to prtt-
vlde l!~~tise nr other a.sst.Stam"t'
In '>Cim~ pal'tl> llf the \YOtld, thl· a,urch ha!>
estabU..,h~ \., eJfare operatwns &uch il!. bish1.1ps'
slorahouses, canneries, employmPnt rc~oum·
Ct'nlcrs, rx.~r«:t Industries sto!'lffi, and LOS llam·
tty Services agencies. Where U1esc operations
exist. they provide l'l'SOurces that bishops can
U!C to help the poor and needy If a btShup nl'\'d"
Information about such resources tn his aN:.l,
he cont.lcts the ch;urman of the ~tilke buhop:.'
wt'll.are counctl or the stake president
52.5 Non· Church Resources Available to Hel p
the Poor
Members O'U\y choose to u~ ~UI'('(N; m the
community, mduding govl.'mml.'nt resource ,
to help meet lh~ir basic needs. n,c
lnshop and
members of the ward coundJ should b·"C~Imc·
hlmihn with these non-Chun.h re<ourcn. Sud\
re.oUI'Wl> m.ty mclude:
1. llcl''l'lto\ls, physicians, or other ~urco oi
mctiic:al care
2. Job b<Hmng Jnd pLlcemt!nt !>e1'\ u:es.
3 lie lp (or people with di!lnbthb~
4. Profec:sion.<~l CllUnselors or 50Cial WMk ·r.,
5. Addlcuon treatment seJVIccs.
47
 b\ J'\ whl'n ml'mbcrs 'i" ·~I tanrt' irom
ncm (.hurd\ nurc , the b•~hop help!i them
avoid N! l.)mlng dept1"-.l"nlt'n th~ ources Jle
also <tdv~ th •m to compl)· wtth my .._,vrs as-
t;OCM ted wlth n:"C~'t\"tng ncm-Church tts istanc:e
t!:.pec14lly while ~Jvtng 0\urch ~·elfa.re assJS~
tance Btshop5 !>hould be cueful not to duplicate
non-Church wclf.are ~-
526 Members Who Need Medical Care
Befort' the bi..hop P"Y tni:<Utdl e)l;pen.ses for
nl'\..>dy mcmbcn. 1.neluding ment.ll health Citre, he
dctl•rmlncs wh~th~r the are L'> n~es ry \M:,ed
On IIOUnd mL•thC 1 UVI e. TI bL.,hop Jlso del~­ 5.2.9 Welfare Abu" and Fraud
mh't'S whctht!r lo:am1Jv m •mh\•rs ill'\; ,,ble to asstst
.1nd whether tht: m~mb~r 1 fully usmg 1nsur-
ance, govl!mmt!'nt ssi!illn(e, 01nd ulher available
bcndits
I( u,~ bbhop feels lh.lt the Churc.h should help
P•'Y a oet.>dy mt'.m~r s medical e penses, he uses
fJbt-offering fund&. llt: ~-u.re:> that the record!>
of health c.1re provader& des1gnat.e the member
or (.:~mily <1!> the party responsible for payment,
not the Church
Wathout pnor approv01l from the [,.residin8
Ba~hupric, (ru;t off~rtn),'14mlty n.tJt be u~ to help
p.ly for medial c.u-e lh<il u. (I) lx~ood the usual
and CU!tiOm.ll"\ pro1ctiCI: In lh M\' or (l) provided
by hciliht... <,r pr.:tchhom."Ti ou id~ the admin-
b tratlv" NJ of thl." Church \\ lwre the m~mber 5
we1rd l loc~tl-d I( the b1.,hop feels that ill\ ex·
reption mi.\y be Ju hfll'<f , h • coun._-.e1.. with the
taXI:? pr idtml- U the stcU.;e pr-esulent agrees, he
mav suhout ., rcconuncndataon for the Presid.ing
Bf~hoprlc to con..ldl'r an exceptton Jte subl'T\its
h ~mmtmdation through Welfare ~·tc~
(1~801 -240-3001 or l ·S00-453·3860, extens1on
2-3001).
If the tolol Church payment ol • nl'Cdy mem·
ber ' -, medu:al c'JWO'il.".t i., t<xpat<.'d to t" cced
$5,000, the bi. hop consulb wath the stake pres•-
dent n~ outlin..:!d ln 5. 1.2
f-ru.t of(crings lnl\)' not be used to p.1y for
nwdfct~l C'Ml' th<'~t
I!> nwr.tlly, tllut'ally, or 11.-gally
quC$tioni'lblc.
5.2.7 Membera Who Are Transient or Homeless
The bi!>hop ma) ASsbt memben and others
who arc tranilcnt or hClml•lesc;, but he should be
di~em.i.ng about thi! type and amount of assir
tance he gl\· os. When possible, he contacts the
b1,..hop of th~ pcr«on·., hom~ ward before pro•
' dlng Ul>l..tance.
48
For instructions when Ul\!re are two or more
muds in the vionity, t'ol.'C "A:. ;s~~tMcr lor Members
\Vho A~ transient 01" 1lome! " in 5.1..2.
52.8 Confidentiality
The bt~hop m.Jintnins ronfidmu.aUty about
the w~fare a i tlnlc that m~'m~ n.'C'f'i\'C.'!. He
carefull)' .saleguanh th"" prh a~: · and dlwuty ol
m mbers who J\"'Ceavc assbta.ncc. WhL'Il ~ f~.oelt.
tl\.11 other ward ltNldcr:; c.1n ht>lp mcmbc~ in
need he may J\.lrc lnform..1tiun a«onling to the
utdellncs In Handbook 2, 6.( .
Ba. hop nould protect ngamst wclfure .1buse
and fraud. In the Unated States and Canada bish-
ops who h.we concerns about welfare abuse or
fraud should call the bishop ·help line (1 -801·
240-7887 or 1-800-453-3860, ~~tension 2-7887).
Bishops may also c11ll the t1clp line to \·erHy a
per.,on s membertilup in th<- Church bclore gi\'•
lt\g wt.tlf.J~ ~Uo..l-.tanc~.
Out,ldc the Unltt."C.l lntes and Canatb, bt.,.h·
op ~houkll nt t the asslgrwd admtni\trati\'C
offin-.
5.2..10 Membere w ith Soclat and EmoUonal Needs
Sc.;me mt-mb-~ m-'> c perience ~riou social
and emonoruJ clWleng~. such as mental illruss;
unw1.>d p~,na~ m.1mage and fanuly prob-
lems; drug. <J!C'l'hol, and pomogJilphy .tdd.ictions;
and sam~~der attrattton
Mem~r- who filCC th~ <1nd oth~r im1l"'T
t.h.illenttes l'e\{UW incre.l.....-d '>~n~ativi ty. undl:!f-
s-tanding. comp:~ •on. and ronfidcnttality. R~l""
dp~ can be "'· tn•mcntol In he! pins; membc~
ht."al and M."COVt."r. ln many ln.-.tance-., mc-mhers
with chnU~..-ng~ such i\5 pornography and other
nddielion~ m11y hnv' otdditwn~l moral and spir-
atuol l n~d th.tt th..- ba-,hop C4ln help them rt."-
~otve. Blshops should offer spU'itual solutJons
by hdping ind1\ !duals understand tht> basic
doctrinet. of ho~ and r~dtmtpbon through the
Atonement of Jesus Chnst.
The behavior of indl\ idual.. wtth soc•al and
emotional chaUMge5 ortm adv12!Sely a.ftects
'-pouseo;. Jnd family m ~bl-n. The bishop and
others \~hom he ks to MSJ.SI should m•M with
those who are ~dvc~ely affec t..-<1 11nd extend
upport and und~tandmg to th~
I h~ bt<-hop may consult with LO - f<lmily
C5en•tc~t. agen ~,~..,., whc:re O\·aU~blc• for h~lp in
 as'!ieE> tng needs, ddennJmng the need for pro-
fessional counseling, and identJJyi.ng resoun:es
to ass1st membe" with ~ocinJ ond emotional
challenges. l'he ba hop may also use the Clrurrll
,\ !Dtuials Catalog to identify Church publications
that have been preynred to help these rnem.bers.
5.2.11 Emergencies
TI1e bishop directs the \~ council in pre-
paring a simple written plan for the ward to
rospond to cm~rgencies. Thill phm should b{>
coordinated \,ith simtlar pl~ in the stake and
commuruly.
fhe ward council mal~ ~c;ignm~~ for car-
rying out the ward's emergency response plan.
Tht> council p(.>l'iodlcnUy t(•vtew and updates
thc.'le 11ssignmen ts.
Cf;m.•should b(' exercised o ~'mergency pli\n·
ning doe& not promote fear. Mock emergency
exercises sh~uld not be conducted.
When emert;enc•es arise, lhe bishop should
reccive reports from quonlm leaders concern-
ing thl' conditions and needs of members. Qu~
rum leaders rt>cdve lht!~ rt!por~ from home
teachers The bishop then reports to the stake
presidency on th<! condition of membe:rs and
Church propert) . This yste.rn rna> ah.o be ~d
to rommuruCllte messages from the staJ..e presi-
dency or bishopric;.
During an emergency, Church leaders make
the S("f'V'jet·s of I he Chltt'Ch avQflable to ovu au·
thonhe: Church l.eJderc: also take independt!nt
acll n U\ behalf of Church members as needed.
For information on using Chtarch buildings dur-
ang em~rgendt:S, ~ 5.1.3.
Supplemental equipment, food, clothing, and
se;:rvices are .wailable thr<,ugh bishops' store-
houses, Ueseret lndustlles stores, and LIJS i"am-
ily Service agencies wher • they are c>stablished.
Ouring emergencies, the bishop should request
these commoi.liUes or servlc~s as needed.
During emel'geneles1 full-time misstonaries
can help with communication, ensuring that all
members receive needed fnformntion and are
accountt.>d for.
5.3 Stake Bishops' Welfare Council
The staki! bishops' wellare coundl is com-
~ of aJI bishops 01nd branch pre;idcnts in the
stake. The slake prestdent appolnt.s on~ bishop
to be chauman of the council 1n consultation
with the stake prt$ident, the ch.ninnan arrangef>
meelln.gs, prepares agendas. tead.s discus.sions,
and arranges for irutrucUon. The s.ta~e president
may attend thct'te council meetings OC:C3sionnlly
to give s.nstructlon. A ttta~e clerk abo attends and
.keeps 01 record o{ assignments and deo.sions. As
needed, welfare pedaHsts occasion..dly may be
ltwLtetl to ultend.
The coundJ mem atlt.ta t quarterly. Agenda
items for these meeltngs may incl\lde the follow-
ing:
1. Receh,e lnstructton in welfare matters. 1'hls
moyindud~ reviewing instructions the stake
president received nt coordfnilting council
meetings.
2. Exchange ideas and exp~rienres relating to
welfare respon.sibili ties.
3. ~vlew trends ill fnqt~rc~ring ronttibutiaru..,
welfare needs and resources, and welfare as-
istancc.
4. Identify work oppor1unitics for members
who re<'eiv~ wclfarc a sisrnncc.
5. Identify ways for prl~?Sthood quorums and
th~ Relief SociL-t)· to help m1..'Ct welfure nec!ds
in the ::.tale
6. Identify agcnde!. and <;ef\•ices in the roi1UJ1u·
nity that could be called on to a~>slst nuam-
bci"!''.
7. Evaluate the services and rn0nagement of
Church Wt"lfnrl> operahOnl'i in areas where
they exist.
8. OISC\lss c:ourdin<llion o( assistance to people
who are transient or homelest. if the stnke
presid<mt has assigned one bishop to oversee
this i'ISSista:nl't!.
9. Review bishops' storehouse procedures where
one C!Xlsts.
10. Coordinate welfare f•mn and other weUa.re
operation~ labor a . •gnments
(

(
6. Church Discipline and Name Removal

8.1 OeflnltJon and Purposes of Church 610.10 ~ •• • •• •• • • • • ••• • • ••••• 65

Dlaclpllna • . • • . . . . . • . . . . • . . . • • • . • . • 53 6.10.11 RrpartSon 01 •rhn.1" Counnl ....... 66
s 11 \~ the SOul .. ul Transs • • • • • • • • S3 610 t2 rtO«."dures In E>;cepuon•l
S 12 Protc.·d the ln~nt • • • • • • • • • • • • • • . • • 3 Cirtunuta . • •••••.••••••••••••• 66
81.3 Sefeoguard tht-lnt nty oi tN Ouu'Ch ••• 53 611 Fenowshlpptng anar Discipline • • . • •••..•• 67
6.2 Ruponajblhty for Church Dtac:lpline ••.. . .•. 53
612 Ending Formal Probation, Olafetlowahtpment,
6.2.' St:tIt~ l'C\:..liUJ nt • • • • • • • • .. • • 53 or Exc:ommuntc:at lon • • • • • • • • • ••••••.•••• 67
6.22 t hgh Coondl ... • • • • • • • • • • ••••••••••• ~ 6.12.1 Ortcrmu1e Junsdlctmn Dnd
a2.3 ru hor •. ••. •. . •••. • •.• , • . ••. ••. •. .s.a rttrtkar tattn • • • • •••••••••••• ".. . .. b7
6.2.4 Branch l'n itll'nt in a taM! •••••••••••. 54 8.12.2 RC\ 1ew t~ l~mcet'din~ of lh"
6.2 5 ML lt''' Pn..,ld~•nt . . . • . . • • . . • • • • . • • . 5.1 lnlttal Council • • • .. .. • • • • • • • • . . • . • • .. • 68
6 2.6 01 trl t l'r lth:nt t1nd t\r.anch Pn::.ident 6.12.3 lntcnr1cw the f\:111on • • • • • • . . . • . . • 68
ln ~1a~~lun , • •• ••• • . . • • • . . . . 54 6.12.4 Determine StatWI of Crimin.Jl or Cwll
8 2.7 Jurtsdictk n In Spc In I 01\: Um!>l~ • 54 Cnurt Arhon (If Nc<t r '} • 68
8.3 lnfonnaUon about a Possible Serious 6.12.5 C.untact th4!' l'rt tdtng OH1c ·r When!
Transgre.uton . • . . • . . • • • . . • • • . . . • • . • • • . . SS Achon Wiil r.,k~n • • • • • . • • . . • • • . • . . . . • 68
6.12.8 Conl:.lct th I~· thood l ~ dt!ra of
6A Interviews and Investigation • • • . . . • • • . • • • • . 55 Aggni!VN VJCt1ml • .. • • • .. • • • • • • • • • 68
8.12.7 Calf!.' N(l.· oft~· 01 aplUlaQ Ca'luncll •• 68
6.5 ConfidenU.IIty • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • . • 55
8.12.8 Con\ mt" au'IJ Cond t the 1 phn.uv
8.8 Seeking Forglveneu and Dlacloalng Couocsl • • • • • • .. •• • • • • • • • • • • • • . • 68
lnforl'n'8tlon .••• ••• ••• • • • • • • • .. • • • • • 55 &.12.9 Compkt and tta Report • • • • .... ~
812.10 Applv fur FiBt J~v ~1
87 Determining Whether a Olaclpllnary Ill . ·~~ f)) • • • .. • • • .. .. • • • • • • • • (f/
Council t. Neeaaaaty • • • • • • • • . • • • • • • • • • • • 56 61211 J\ e WnttL-n Notice of til&! Ordsian • • • .. 69
&.71 \\ h..:n a Dt phnAr · oundl LJ ~oc &.1212 IW.ldmi 1<m of[! mum ted
••••••••••••••••••.• •••• • •• 56 r I'SOIU b\ &ptu.m ::md Confinn.uion • • fP
812
~~ •...•...•..•.• ••••••• 56 6.13 Membership Recorda and Church
6 7.3 \Yht>n • Ot phn4r • Councd Is Dlsctpllne • . . • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 10
M.lnd.'ltrorv • • • • • • • .. • .. Sl & 131 R«ord.' of 1rm~ ru . on
Fc>tnl;tl Prow lion • • .. • • • .. • •..... • • '10
68 Informal Church DlsctpOne • • • . • • • • . • • • . • • 58 nr
&132 Rt:cnrd" Ol!!.l ·lien., h ppcd Mcmbol:rs
6.8.1 Privat~o Coun land Clut1on 58 and Th M' Itt In lat..·d In f-ull fi llowshtp '10
6.82 fnform11l Prnb.tllun • • • • • . • • • • • • • . • . 58 813.3 Rccon.i~ of f!"-nlmmunlt".,tf'd \fl"mb\"11:>
ond ltu ,. Rl'3dmlth-d b • Bapti m and
6.9 FonnaJ Church Dlaclpllna • • .. .. • .. • .. .. • • . 58
Conflrn1ntiun • • • • .. • • • • • • .. • • • • .. • •• 70
6 9.1 f"'OrrTWJ rnlb ,hun •.•••••••••• • .•• ' ' 59 8134 Rt·~ltdl with AnnoQhon.'> ............. iO
6.9.2 Ot ftlluw h pm ·nt • • .. • .. .. .. .. • • . • .. 59 813 S Rl'<'Ofdi w11h S~ill {•.om m n . • • . • • • • 11
6.9.3 Lllo.Ommunl tlun • • . • • • • • • • • . . • • • • . 59 813& Re<\1rd with B1ahop., Requeil
6. 10 Dlac:lpllnary Counclla . ... ............. . ... 59 for Cont;n1 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 71
8.101 L'·adl'f' Who lire Ill f'arhClp.tte ••.••.... 60
6.13.7 Mo\·t Rt!~tn tion.t on 1embc p
~d I. t. I t t t I t I Itt tIt Itt Itt t t • e t i1
6 10 2 Not tee and Scheduling • • • • • . • • • • .. .. .. 60
6.13.8 Rccord.J o1 Th.,~ Who Are Incarcerated
&.103 CClmmun .1t1n wJih ggnf!Vt'd
~wm M m Corr«tionAl F Cllill • .. • .. • .. ..... 71
8104 t•roccduf 5 of the Counal • • • • • • • . • • • 61 6.14 Removing Namet from Church
a1o s r ·b~c [)ccj • b3
••••••. ••••••••••. • Memberlhlp Recorda • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 71
6106 Con tderoll10n5 nRc tun D Otci,u.n . 63 8J4 1 rt1{1 ft. n , h nd Su t,"t.l
6.10.7 Wnttrn Notxe of the D«isim ........ 64 Tnn
6108 M11int.umn,g Con with a rc 81A2 El t
Who Has ~n Et.mmmun tl"d . • • • • • • • tH Temp ..., tan~ • • • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • . .. • • 72
810.9 Announcement the Dec• •••••••• • 6$

51
 6.14.3 Announcement of Name Removal ...... n 6.16 Retention of Records . . . • • • • • • • . . . • • • • • • • • 73
6.14... Readm~SJOO afrer N.Jme Removal . . . . . n
Documents Required at Church Headquarters
6.15 Restoration of Blessings •.•••••••••• • •...• 73 for Confidential Actions or Applications • • • • • 74
6.15.1 Performance of the Ordinance . . . . . . . . . . 73
6.15.2 For the Oe<~d . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 73

52
6. Church Discipline and Name Removal
ln thls chaptt.'r, ref~ rene to tran...gre,.sars
are an tht.' mA.KUUn~ gcmdcr but olso include the
fcmanmc.
61 Definition and Purposes of Church
Discipline
Bishops and stake prc:sldcnts b.a'-e a respon-
<~lbllity
to help meombent ovC"''t()me tTansgression
through repentilnce 'lht n..,poru.ibility mclud~
counseltng ~ ith individual memben a.... needed
and h<.>lping thl'm m lht'h t.'ffort.. to t\.>pent. ln
~me circum ... ttmct!S, it r'-'t.Juirv dminic;tering
Church dlltdphl\e Th~ tt-rm Clrurclr diSCtplint r\.'-
lcr. to n~lr clions ilnd ~.:ondaticm or n·pentanct.\
ploceJ M a per n
Gu1deJ by tht• llol) C.ht 1 and lhtt instruc·
tu m thi.. ch>1pl~'r, l}i"hop...md ta p~1dm
administer eith~r mformal or formal Church d..i::r
carline a nerdt-d 1 • dC'r> • dmlnaster Chu.rch
da aphne m a ~pml of low :.o tl can bl s the life
of the transgre-~r To do this, leaders must be
goaded ~nd msptrt'd by the t.ord
lnfonnal Church dl-.clplin=- IS administered tn
pn\lltr in tel'\ 1 • It d not ~ffc-ct • m~ ·s
.,lilJ\ding in t.M Churc.h ( 6 8) Form.ll Church
discipline admuust n--d 1n a ,,hSCJplinat) toun·
ol nd c n 11 t m"mt:wr ' ..tMding i.n t.h
Church ( 6.9 a.ncJ 6.1 0)
The pu~ tlf Churd\ die;c~phn ;sre (1, to
sa~~ ll ·soul:. of lran5gre ~. (2) to protl.'Ct the
lnnoc~nl; ilnd (3) to <~afl..'gu.ud the purity, lnt~
rtty, and good nil me of th ·Church.
6.1.1 Save the Soul• of Tranagrenors
The firl.t purpo~ of OlurJ\ di.s.ciphne is to
s.wc the soub of transgresson. b} helpl.l\8 them
repent (!'IC.'C D&C 1:31- 32; 19.13- 20; 42:37; 64.12-
13) Wl~n ~pte do n~>t repent, they are c~­
J».>>O to the demands olt•t m.U ju ..h e (~ A.hnd
34 16) \'\'hem tl'lt:)' -.-.xcm ti\Jth unto repent~.
God forgt\'~ tht>m, s •nun m ~rcy through th~
Atoncnwnt of J u'i Outst ( Ainu U:.23; D&C
58: l2). Through thi pnx • "• lht'y m.1y again
becumc dt>an n.J worth) to 11\hcnt the ltmg-
dom or Cod (see 3 • phi 2i·l9; Mo 6:57).
Churdl discipline n f4 htat~ rc::pentanre
by h Ipang lnlns ~· remgruze and forsake
&n, ~1.; rorgl\ enes.,;,., male ~htution, and dem-
onstrate a rene~ed comma~nt to l..eep
c mmAndm :'l"'b. Inform. I Church diScipline :is
oft...n d ~uatL' for this purpc.1 •. llowewr, in
som mslilnc:es ~ only ~ il} to ~ncourage true
repent:An e 1.. to con\! en"• <1 di-.op1in&uy council
and wnsider fo.nnal disclplinc. \-\ &thout tolmlll
dlSCJpline, som~ tranSgtl' r mily ne\· ~r ex-
~'"Tlence the ch01nge of bcho1vaor and cha.ngt> oi
he.trt n I) to qualif)' U\ •m tor redemption
through the Aton mcnt, fur "nont.' but !.he truly
JX>nlt nt Ar H·d .. (Almi1ool2:24 ),
61.2 Protect the Innocent
The bl't.OnLI putp( - I or Church dl:~dplm~ is to
prot(!(t tht' m.noccnt. With l.nsp&rallon, a pri~~ot­
hood lc~.1dcr hould ad to protect othe.rs wlwn a
tr nr.gl'\.~~r ~~a ph liical or spiritual threo1l
to them. such by predatory practice,, phy 1cal
hArm, sc.wal41bua•, drug m~u~ fraud, or apos-
l<"~S)' (~Alma S;..t;9-60),
6.1.3 Safeguard the Integrity of the Church
The tturd purpos of C:.hun:h dl.-.capllne is to
...'lfcguMLI thi.' punty, int:ognty, md guod Mme
ot ll1 Chul'C.h. C n~umtly, tnnsgrcssions ttul
1gnlf1c~ntl\' lmp.ur the ~ood nMnc oc mor.tl ln·
Out.•ncc: Q( the Chur h nua> 1\"\:lUIR! the Dction of
tJJ apllnJI') C\\U tl
62 Responsibility tor Church Discipline
G.od does not O\l.:rlook m. and HIS sel'\a.nb
c.1nnnt ignore evide-n~ ,,( rious rrnnsgter..cions
(see Mo::uah 26:29~ D&:C 1:31) bkc pn.oqdcnts,
blShops, mi!>Sion prc~ldt.:nt..., dl&lrkt pr tdtmt ,
and branch pn: iu •nt' at c.-lied and 54!t apart
to bt! judges In l~rnt>l (~ D&C 107.72- 74), They
aJT to judge by th t lim ny of the JUSt.
arconJmg to the lAw~ of lh ~ "-mgdom wh.ich are
S'' tm b tht• proph •t of Cod .. (0 58· un
Chun:h di iphnl' '" ,,dm1n· t n.---d an the ward
or t.ale t.h.11 ha th,• trant"gn.. ·or , 0\L>mben.hlp
record (sc 6.2.7 for C'tt~puonsl ( :h utch leaderr.
ncospcw•&bilihM for inihntmg And adnurustenng
Church dlst.tplin~ Mta uuthned tn the fonowmg
paragraphs
62.1 Stake President
The take pn5tJmt h. ~au nty 0\('J'Church
d.bdpl.ine in the IJlk ', I lowe-. ~r. btihl: p5 norm Uy
adminastCT Church di5Clphnc u.n1 e\:lden e
th~
ind&e.tte. th:1t a arum who h nld th M lchu.:dck
53
 Priesthood ls llkeJy to bt: e).c:ummunknted. In
that- case, the ta.ke pn!$ldtml com t!nes a stake
dlsdplirwy eouru:U. When,, &1.1\kc president con-
venes a disciplinary counctl tht- po'lttu..ip<~tion of
the stake presidency Cll\u high ~u.nc.ll i~ requlred
as outlined in ''Stake Disciplinary Councils" ln
6.10.1.
6.2.2 High Counctl
Tht> high Nu""cil parhclpat-es whenever a
o;lakt! president convenes a disdpH.nary colU'IciJ
('icc 6.10 1 ,,nd o 10 ..l).
6.2.3 Bishop
The bishop has aulhortty over Outrch d..i.sd-
pllne In l.he ward. except the exl-ommunk3hOn of
a man who holds the Mclchitcdck Pne:othood.
The bishop must ronft:r with the o;take pl't"Si·
dent and obtain his approval before converung
a disciplinary council If e\'idence indicates th;ll
a Melch.izcdek Pnesthood holder is likely to be
exetmummiCOJle<J, the biShop inunt!diately trans-
fe~ th~ matter to the slake president.
When d bt hop convent!~:. a discipli.naryroun-
cJI, it must ancJude all three m1mtbers of the
bishopric (see "Wnrd Disciplinary Council • in
6.10.1)
6..2.4 Branch President 1n a Stake
A brand\ president an a stak~ lS nol &lutho·
nzed to administer ChuiTh di:-.apline w1thout th~
permission and counsel of the stake president.
TJ~ must receive authori.z.ation in each case to
convene a disciplinary COWlcil.
Jf evidence indicates that a Melchi7edel<
f'ric:Jthood holder is likely to be excommuni·
c.1ted, the branch p~ldent inunedi.a!e.ly transfers
U\e matte.r to the s take president If a bNnch di.s-
dplinacy coune1l recommends f:e).Communication
of a meml •r who dc>eb rml hoW the Melchize-
t.iek Prles01ood, the tnkc pNt~idenr's approval Is
requ.i:red bclore thr deoqon ,, nn.\1
'When a branch president 1n ,, tnko ccmvcn !b
a disciplinary counetl, It must lnch1de all three
members of the branch presidency (see "Brandl
Disciplinary Councils in a Stake·• in 6.10.1)
6.2.5 Mission President
The mi sian president administers or over-
!tee· Church discipline of members in lJU.SSJon
branches and dir;;tricts. If time oT distance pre-
vt•nts him from pers.onany convening a disci-
plinary councilfo1 one o£ Ulese members, he may
author-i.ze three Melehizedek Prie!>thood hold-
en; to convene 1t as outlined i11 ..Mission Dtsa·
plinary Councilc;'' in 6.10.1. lf thi~ discipUmu·y
c:ouocil recomnlends excommun1cabon, the Dli.S-
SIOn presi~ent's approval is required before the
dcct~ion &b finaL
The m&ssion president alc:o administers
Churcll dl5Ctpline for full-time m i&...lOrutri~ who
commit ~rious ttan$gres.sions in the mission
6cld Bclotl' cotwentns a dlsdphn~ry councU for
a full· bme m1 s.innary, the mtb ton p~tdc.nt reo-
views the matter with a Geneml Authonty il'lthe
Missionary Departmcnt. lf the massion president
is outside the United State<- and CAnada, h~ also
reviews the matter wilh the Area Presidency. In
either case, the mission president mar not con·
vcnc the discipUnary c<,undl until he receives
authorization from a General Authonty m the
Missionnry Departmtml.
6.2.6 District President and Branch President
fn a Mlsslon
A dh>i.rkt president or branch president in a
m.tssion is not authorlzt"d to atlmlrustt•r Ctlun:h
discipHne w tthout the pt!tmission und ~Htnsel
of the tnic;sion preoiJent. He mu t reccuvt:! autho-
rization in «!aCh case to convene a disciplin•"TY
council.
6.2.7 Jurisdiction In Speclal Circumstances
If a rnember who needs Church discipline
mov~JS to aJ'other w01rd before disciplinary .1ction
i~ tilJ<en, the btShop~ of both waids consult to
determine whe~ the action should be taken
They consJdcr stlch matters as the acct"Ssibihty
of h>y wttrl ·es and lhe need for continuing
efiorts to encourage repenta1.1ce and restoration
to full feUowship . If th bishops d~lermiiW that
me bishop of the former ward 1-hould tnkt- the
diM:iplinary .sd.ion, he retaltls the membersh1p
record until the action is taken. Olherwtse, he
transfers the membership record and oonfiden-
ttally mfonns the person's current bJ.Shop or the
circumstances that warrant Church disdphm.·
li a member is living away from home tem·
poranly (attend i.ng school or serving in lhe mil·
ahtry, for example), hh; bishop a1 the place of
temp,m.lt)l residence may counsel him or place
hlm on mformal probation. How<'vcr, thls bishop
should con uh the bi:;hop c.~f th~ homt! ward
before lniua~ formal dtsclplmary action.
11 a full-time m~lonary comnul:!. c1 s~nous
transgression that is not reve.1lt-d unlit aft~r he
has been released. the biShOp Of hJ curn."nt Wilrd
 confel""" w1th thr ~t.lkt' p td nt and 0\b ton
pres dt'nl
6.3 Information about a Possible Serious
Transgression
Tht' process of Church disdpl~ begin!. when
o pi\.' iutng ofncer rt'<'l'i,· mformation that a
m~.?mber ma) ha\ e committ~ ., seriolb trnn~
ftl'\"'"'on . This information m.a · c.o~ an at le~ t
thn"C dtff~rt'nt W.l} '
1. Confessjon by the m !mbu. R pcnt.tnce re-
qutres th01t all qns be coo to th Lord
"'By this y~ may kJ'\o.,... tf a m ~n rcpentl'th of
hi<r. tuns behold, ht- will c:onf .. them and
ftJrs.-tkc th ml " (O&C :·13) Mcmlx-rs should
ol5o ~.:onfess to their prc..ldtng officer i( they
hnvc ~·ommlttcd scriollb tt.ln:tK toru.. Mem-
65
·
tx-rs \vho volunt<~rily nnd completely confess
tTaMgre! ion~ c.Jt>IT\()1\: tr3t<.' thilt the' have
~W\ tht> process of repen~ • mform11tion that membcn; gi\ c thtm In confes·
2. Inlotm4ban from mt!One el;;e. Such infor-
m 11 n might come from a famil tru!JD~r.
anotlwr Church lcadl"r, a ~ ictam. or o1 partici·
panltn the tnn5gr 100
3 Promphn~ from ~ Holy Ch t. Whm a pre-
tdlng officer~ ~ t.Ml • ml!mbcr m tw. ward
or st: ke mA)' t:>e tNg lmg \vllh .,m he mav
hc..'<lule ttn tnt ·rvi •w with the ml'mbcr. ~
such a c.lSe, the I~ tl~r t lk!; walh the anembl.--r
an ,, respectful and helpful m.mner, avoiding
3ny tone of cc:u t1on
Interviews and Investigation
A bt~hop ant~n1~ws un) member nf Jlli wMd
who confesses or is accused o( a serious trM\!t·
gres ton If the member conf tha" &In, etlher
on his own or ilS a r~uJL of an nccu tlC\n from
someone else, the bishop re ponds with love
and understanding. l ie enrouras~ the ~r
lo ~1.. th£' lord '&(orgaven~.: fof"<dc;c the trans·
gresaaon. .u\d m.a.ke restitution U tht? n may be
~rtou l'nt.lU8h to f\•qulrt' formal Chureh dis-
clph" • th~ bu.hop C).piAtn th1 to the member
( 6 7).
li6
U • member deni~ 3n nccu rion that the
b~hop has n!liable e\ ldcnc;.~ to support. the
b~h p (or the ~~ J>MSidt'nl if the member is
a 1 khi:.c~e Pri~thooJ holder who tS likclv
to be communicated iJ the acc~tion i true)
gather further evidmce that would confirm or
dl prove the accusation The prc.~1dmg officer
may conduct the i.nv~tlgatlon hlm elf, or he
rn.1y a •gn two rdiablt' telchizt"d Priothood
holders to do so. I towe\'er, le dc.r5 hould not
invesbgo~tc lndh·idu.als or matter~> "'·hil t.hcv are
the ubj ·t of bw~Ugation b\· law m!orcement
authontt • J or gutdance m uch orcumstAnces,
th"· tall.t' pn.~1dent seeks legal adv1cc from the
Church' Offlcc of Gene-ral Counsel or from the
il~.l om in ll'\lctcd In 17.1.26.
t ·'
Pri thood lc~dt'r.; who conduct an lnvesti-
gabon should not use methods th.:lt 11re unberom-
ing to r thood holders or that could ll!Sult in
lt>gal ctiun For example. they must not we t!l«-
troni, urv'-'aJia.nce de\'Jte., hidden caJlU'ns, or
n-rordmg dC"'ices. They also mu t nut malnt4in
n w. tch on • mrntbcr's home
Confidentiality
Bi!lho p take pl'e!\idcnts. and their co~·
on. ho1vc" -.olt•mn duty to k~p confJ<.It.'ntbl all
-.ioru. tlnd int 'r\'leW', The mt duty Of confi-
dcntiillity appli to all who take p.'lf't m Church
di ctplinuy councils and who are tgnt.'<i to
conduct mv rigabons. 1t indud what JS said
m thl' pn!S(!ntation o( ~' iden('t' and an dellNr·
Ahon~ . Conliden~l inCtiilt\ation mu t not b
shared w1th anyone except authorucd ~cle:-1 ·
uticallcaders.
U a bishop lean15 that 3 Church member Ctut·
1de his ward m.lY have ba.~ snvol\' ~ an u ri·
ous tnm...gr( . ion, he tnforrns tt\. t memb~r ·s
bi!.hop confidt·nhillly. WhPn m mben of dillcr-
mt wards tr.mo;gre.:. tog~lher, and whm one has
d I~ to ha b~hop th&? •dcnlity of the- oti1er
trAn!og r, d\ bi. hop tn wh m the disdosLln!!
wa madt> '-"'nsultri with th.: ba~ohop ol the other
mt>mher.
II civil authonbes challenge the «>nfidc:ntl.:al·
aty n.-quired of a clergyman, the priesthood leader
who U. ch llenged <>eeks legal advtcc from the
Church's O(fke of General Coun.'>\'1(1-801 240
MOl or 1-&l1()-4t:;J.~. extension 2-6301) ur from
the area o!t~ .
Seeking Forgiveness and
Dlscloslng Information
As p4rt ot the n: pent.nc.. p , tran.-;~-
"' ..hould k forghm from the peopl~
they ha\ e wrong\!d . The repentant~ of a mo~med
penon who Is Involved in a SC)lUAI transgtes.'iion
u.!.unll} include ronfessing to and ~king for-
glvme.s (rorn t\is spouse. A young unmarried
55
 pt~ on who con\mlt s~><Ui11 tran b>r~.,ion
should oo encouraged to Inform his p.~rents
Repent.mce may include d1 I urc to ~0\ •
emment authorities lf confidentJ01l tn!t>rmauon
llldicates that a member h.1s vtoiMC<i apphcotblc
mw, the bishop or stake p~ldt'nt urgc.c; h•m to
report tlw matter to appropriaw governmenl au·
thorl ti~. fhe member should Also be! counseled
to \t?i}k competent lc.>gal ad\ Ice bclo~ reporting.
To obtain guidall<.'\." nn loc.,llaws U\al govern re-
purting ..tbu:,e, :.t>e the i.n:Jtuctl.ons in 17.3.2.
01 osu~ of the idl'nht) of others who par-
tietpllled in a transgn.-ssiot\ is mrounJ~trl .,5 part
of the repentan~ p s, pt-d Uy when th~
c;sn hetp a,u~h Je.,d • ~t tho p.ldiopants
Jn thear repentance
Oiscl05U:Il!' of the ldl't\bty of others who par
~iciJ>ated in a transg~fon moy be fi'IJIW'rd when
it is necessary to restore <ir prot ~t pc.>rS(lru. who
have bfton or may be :.erlousJy lnjun.-d as a re-
sult uf the transgression. For cxMnple, a <oe.xuaJ
ttan:.gt\.'SSOr who has bi..~n e'-.po:.ed or who has
c~pot-00 others to a sexu<1lly lransmltted disease
mu t tnail:e the di.sdosures nec~"'ry to protl"Ct
others Pre<btors IMY net'd to be 1dl!llhfied to
prot t potentitll vicum... A tran.~grc.-ssor who
hold or ha:. held a pmmlJ'\CJ\t pm1hon of trust
ma) need to btl tdcntlfit'<i to <...nurch l~der. for
the 6puitu;JI protection of m •mbcrs.
67 Determining Whether a Dlsclpllnary
Council Is Necessary
671 When a Disciplinary Council Is Not
Necessary
A di.sclplinar) council normall • il> not ~er
ry ln the fOJIO\\ing U\Sla~
Failure to Comply wrth Some Church Standarcls
A chsdptinory coundl hould not be held to
da!4<:lplinl' or threat~n membt:rs who do not com~
ply wilh the Word of W1 dom, who Me !ltruggling
wUh pomogr:sph} or ~lf-JbW>C, or whose tran.s-
g~ons constSt of omlssiuru.. uch as f.ulure lo
pay tithing, tnadh1ty U, the Church, or uutten-
tion to Church dube5
Bustness Fa lures« Noopayment of Debta
Church lNders or members "hould not u.s.e
the thn.-Jt of Church d•sapline <l!> a form of ha-
m-. m~nt or as a deVice to settle busmi$S con·
trov •rsi~ Businc..., f>ltlun:'i nnd nonpayment
of d •bl:8 4n: not rc.lsons for ~;onvming a disci·
pllnory council. However, n di.Sdphn;u-y counal
56
may be held for decepttve practir 5 , f l!ie n.'f're-
sent4ltions. or other fonns or frnud or dbh ntsh
in b\L-.in s tran.c;actlons. -
Civil Otaputes
Dt'K'lphnary COW1db hould not attertlpt to
resolve dt!<putes over property rights or other
a vii controv<'tsiec; Howcv('r, if r.ueh 4 da pute an-
\'O}~ ~ amt..ations that t1 membt>r h.b curnmltted
.1C'b Ulal wuuld justtfy Church dl. iplln • J aders
tr~at th' aCC\bation~ hke .my other .,a;usations
of tnnsgn.-....;ton
lf Chwch le01dcrs llrt' a kN h> help settb ''" U
disput~. they hnuld act aJ una(h toll. pnvate
advisf!rs •.md should not in\'OI\'t: lh~ (.'hun.:h
Passage of Time
If n member voluntarily confesses il ~lous
tmMgrC$ ·ion that was committed long .,go •lnd
his (althfulne!!' .lnd ~rvice in the intervening
)'t'i\~ h.tvt• demon.strdled full reformation and
rep •nt.u,N, a dtsciplina.ry council often is un·
nC<'('5SM)' (SC!'t" rime~· •n rnn..~ion and
Coni 1on" m 6.1D.6).
6.72 When a OlsclpUnary Councn May Be
Necessary
SeriouaT~~~
t·omlal Church disdpli.ne muy be neoc~ss;1ry
for ony member wbo comm.i ts a serious tr.1 n. gres·
<~inn A!. uwd ht"re, ~nous lra11sgte.:.1011 a defined
a.~ 3 dclibernte ill\d ma;ac ollense against moral
It} It lndudes (butl.s not limited to) att·mpted
murd~r. tomble npe. ::.exua.l ab~. pouie abuse.
inh'Titiorut nou.<> ph)'!.lc.,llnJUf) of others aduJ-
t6'\ fonua11on.. homQ:,(:xualrelnbons, drhbcnu:e
i1b.ln~onmmt o( f<lmil} tellpun lbtlltws. robber)~
burglar). lht~ft. embez.zlemcnt, It~ of illegal
drugs fr.IUd, rcrjury, ,md (a)<.(' W •,UUl!(
Abortfon
Presu:Jing officers carefully rcvll!\v lhe cn'Cum
stances of members who hilv~ bo:n u1\ alved tn
~bortlon.., T·ormaJ disopline rna, ~ nee $c1lj
for membe.rs who suhmil to, pertorm. Mt1ll'\8 •
for, P•') for, or enco\U'ilge .abot'bon-... llowe'\'C.r
Churt'h dtsctpUne should not be constdered for
mt mht.~,... ~ ho were tn\'olvcd in an abortion
before they were bapri7ed or b«3u (1) the
prcgnnncy r~~lted fn>m ft..n'Clbl~ rape or m~t
(2) th(! life or health ol the moth r Wl'" in Sc.!ri·
ous Jeopardy, or (3) the fetu w. known tu have
sev ru d~feclt; that would not llow the baby to
survive beyond birth (see 173 1) Bishops refer
 que!>tio~ on ~fie co~~ tu tht- tiakt' pres1dent.
The stake pre.~dent rua\ da«t qu~tlons to the
Office ot the Fint P~1dency H necessary
Transsexual Opemtlon
Church leadc.rs couru.el against elective trans-
liCXuaJ opcrntions. I( a member Is contemplating
~ouch an operati()n, a p~dmg officer 1nforms
him ol this counsel and advLc;es hun that the op-
~'f.mon may be cause for tormal Chun:h doo-
pllne B1shops refer questlcm~ on ~be cases
to the stake president. The stake P"""•dent may
dtrect questions to the Office of the Fll"'t l're:st-
dency u necet'sary
6.7.3 When e Olsc:fpllnary Council Ia Mandatory
A dbCiplinary council must be ht>ld when
t'Yt~Jcn'e suggl'!its that il member may have c.om-
mltlcd any ol the follow InA ~mnsgrL~sions.
Murder
AI\ used heR", murdtr refers to the deliberate
and unJw.ltfied taking of human life. It n:quim;
l!'¢commuruc.ation. It does not Include ('Qh~ or
nulltary action in the tin~ o( duty Aborhon Is
not defined a., murder fc>r thJ'< purpo-;c. If death
was caused b)• carel~'Tl ur b) defense of self
o r othen, or 1f rrutlgaung cm.-umst.\no:s prevail
(l>UCh as deficient mentnl c.tpacity), the taldng
of a human llfc mlght not bf' dc6ned ,, mutder.
Btshops n•(('r qu('slions on SJX'Clftc cases to the
&tal..e prt!Sidcnt. The o;take p~1d1•nt may direct
questions to the Of6ce of the r:u.,t Presidency if
nc t-..wry
lncett
A~ used here, must refer:. to sexual mter-
rour.e between a paf(!flt and n natural, adopted,
or foster child or a stepchlJd A g,.-,ndpitt'\!nt is
consJdcred the snme as a p•uent lnteSI also re-
fen. to sexual intercourse hetwccn brothers and
!listers. H almost a lwaytl rc4ulr '1' e comnmni·
cat1on Bishops refer questions on 11pecific: CiiSt!S
to the t<~ke presJdent ·r he stJkc president may
dir«t que:.ticms to the Offkt• uf lhC' Rrst Presi-
di!IIC)' II nrassary If a minor commits lncest. the
tak~ p~ldmt contact& the Office of the Frrst
Presidtne)' tor din."Cticm
Child Abuse
Ali used here, duld alru~ refers to a sexual
oH('n!\e agamst a child or ph)•!ilcal ilbuse of a
child If pnesthood leaders learn of or suspc:ct
child abm.e, they foUow the 0"\)tructJons In li.J 2
If a mmor ab~ a child, tho.! ...uk prt5id~·nt
C('lntacts the Office of the First rr..
..-.ldt'nC) for
dm<tlc.m
Apostasy
A• u"'ed here, apostasy refers to membe~
who
I. R<..'l't'.slt'dly act m clear, o~n , and debbt:r-
ate public opposition to the Church or sts
leaders
2. Penu;t 11\ lcaching ~ Church doctnm m-
furmDhon that is not Church doctnne aft\'r
they hmve been com-cted hv their bi!ohop o r
a higher authunl)'
3. Continue to follow the tc;:u:hlnKS oi npo&tnte
sects (such ns those that t.ldvocab• plura l mar·
riQgt-) 11ftor b~ing corrected by Ulc.>ir bishop
or" higher tluthonty.
.J Pllmlollly Joan .1nothcr churd\ ami advocate
I lli teachings
1-'rtt'lllhood 1Ndcrs must ta~e di~plin.lry i1C-
tionaK.lin~>t apu!>lilte-. to protect Church mem-
bers Tile Sil\'10r taught the . ephite<; that they
hould 4·ont1nue to nunist~r to a tranJ.g~ ..c;or.
but Lf hl' rcpent not he l>haU not N numbered
among m\ people, that he rna} not dc-;tro) m)
prople (3 Nephi 18:31; see illso Mo tah 26·36)
Total lnactJvity m Uu~ Church or .:111endlng
another church cJoes not con6tltutc .tpo-.t.a:.y
However, ~ a mt.>mber form~tlly iotnr, Another
church ,,nd advoc.ttes its teac.:hlz1g., C'CC\1mmu·
ntc.ltietn ur ni'lmr removnl may be n ~ry if
formdl m~r!ohap an the other church IS not
end('(f alter counseling and encouragement.
Serioua Transgruslon WhDe Holding a Prominent
Church PolltJon
A dt!>Ciphnnry council mus t be keld fur •1
member who commits a senou11 trnnsgrcsslon
whllu holding one of the followlng prominent
Church posttiotw. Area Seventy, ttrmpl(', ml.sslo".
or stake president, patnarch; or bi~hop (but not
br.mch president) The term stNDII• lnmS,\lTt.N Oil
a.s dcfmcd m b i 2..
T~rusor Who Ia a Pr.dator
A dl<ciphnary council must be held for a
mcmhlor who comm1t a senou transgression
that shows lum to be <~ predator W1th tendencies
that pn.~nt any ktnd of serious t.hre.1t to other
~n.o~
57
 Pattern of Serious T~
A dts iphnuy counol mu~t be held tor a
m~r who drmCJn trates • pattdn of Sd'ioU!>
tr.~n.,gn" inn , t: pt'CIAlllV i! prior transgression
have n~uh d ln Church discipline.
Sertous T~ Thai I• Wldofy Known
A dt!;Opluur ' coundJ must be hcld for a
member \\ho commtt'l a scnou-. tr.JT\' ~ ·on
(AS defined m 6.7.2) that t3 wtddy lt.nown.
sa Informal Church Discipline
A bt nop or branch pre!Jident normally ad
mtnl t •r:. IO(()rtrMI Chu.rch dt50plin • Hi" roun·
..eton. Jo not p3rticipate and no disciplinary
council is hdd {· cepl for the most serious
trnn"g~ioru. ,nfMmal discipline may b<> suf
fiden l for pcrstm who .1n: genwndy rept:nlant
(cspt.-.clall) if they havl' cunf ssed voluntaril}•),
for first·timt! of(,~IJ rs. for tho- • who have not
violated lt?mpl covc.-nant.. by thciT h<1n&gression.
and fur ~with ..ignt u:unl mlligatmg orcum-
..tances (see O&C 42·25 26; aoo 6.10.())
lnft'rm.'l 0\ut'(h c.hS<.Iplhv Includes (1) pn·
vah.' counsel and e&~uhon ilnd (2) tnformal pro-
batn'f\ .
6.8 t Private Counsel e "d CauUon
t~ roUI'ISc:l anc.J c.auuon ma"' be suffiodlt
Priv
dJ pline £or mem~rs who have Omunitted mt
nor transgrt'S.,Ic.ms o.nll ~genuinely repentant.
Pre-.lc..ling offi rs coun 1 mtmber!> to resi t
tdnpwlion "nd hdp them tJJ.;e prt>VenbYe actton
to ~M ..~octfic ~mpt.ations Such counseling
often help... nlmtbcrs who h,l\iecomnutted mmor
mortlJ trans~iol'\' gun..U ,\galn..t rnDjor tra.ns-
8TCSSIO . Ciuch couw•ellng ,)) o h~lps protect
1\nd o;trengthen those who Ol\' courhn~ nre h•w-
mg difJt(uJty ltllhetr rnllrt~o.lgc..os, ur ~ ~pJrated
or dJvorc:cc:t P~td tng officers ncx~ not Wolit for
membt·"" to ~k uch hdp, but may call them
in tor ouN lin~ .
fur more lnfonn.ation about counsebng, !>ee
7.2.
8.8 2 Informal Probation
lnfonnaJ prub tlon is a means !or a presiding
officer to restriCt me of • trm sn-""sor's priv-
Mg ol Chun:h m~hlp Su h restrictions
mAY UlC'Iude ...uspe:nding the nght to f>Mbtke- of
th • r~t. hold a Chun:h ~·tion. ell.~"t'
lh pn hood, or mtt.>r .., ll"nlple. U the pm·ilege
o en~nng a temple is su: pcnd~..>d, a mt'mbc.r
gJVes his temple n.--commcnd to the p~ding
officer for the pt•nod of u pen"•on Wisely ad-
mm~~ :md humbly re -.tve!d, inform.tl pro-
bation can be eftect1Vt> 1n helpll'l i2 trnnsgt'CS30f
rl:'pmt.
tn l~s serious ca, , p~ idang of6cn m~y
determme lh3t member n~d a mort' a(tive
rathi't than~ le-;> act•~e exercise of the pn\'ik-g
of Church mcmlx-rmtp. tn ~cases, minrmAI
probation m:ay tnclude posth\ie condttlon ~uch
a regulilr Church attendanct'. regular pray~.
anJ readmg ·I t1..'d riptu ,.., C'lr Church littra•
IUJ't>
Informal pr b:atton '" nut "" uptiun when
priesthood leader'~' adm1ni tct Churc.h discipline
for a mern!xor who ha., ~~n involved in any of
LM senous transgrl'SSLOib list •d In 6.11.10.
A bi5hop normally d~., not inform anyone
o( d<S: ...on to pl~cc ,, mcmbt•r oo inform.l.l pro-
b.:~ non. ~o oftictal rc ord is made of such de-
cision-., but lh~ bhhop D'klY make pont notes
for h s own usc. Ht! k ~ these." not ~rt' and
d rroy lht!m art\"1" the probation conclude:;. If
a bhhop Is rei oo
or If tht:' mt!mber mo\'es lo
a new ward hl'fore tnform 1 probation end!., lhe
btshop may inform the""''' bt!Oh p t(.l tht! ext~nt
m·c~.,ary fur tht• n w bi hop to s uperviSe the
rcmauung prob.'lt n.
When am •mber on ll\form,,1 pro~.1tion ~kes
spedfioo progress and mt: '15 p nlx.'Cl rondi·
lion_. the prt>Siding officer ~~ c..>nd tlv proba-
u n If the me:mbel d not makt• thts progrns
and m ~t the conditions. dc.JihONaf d ·plinary
actton mtty be ncedl'<i.
6.9 Formal Church Discipline
At tim !:!, formJ.l di.M:ipltn " ts the only way to
hdp "' tTLlnsRn sor rc~nt, to protect the lnno·
cent, or to Solrt"guarc.J lht> purity anJ good name
of the Chun:h ,,residing om I"! approach fonnal
dboplint! watha pra ·ctful dl"oino to help, not to
condemn A pn:5tdtnR ufhc:cr whu &'l unwilling
lo proceed tn uch Cil ~ 1 no t fulfilling his re-
pon.:..ibilities as a common jud~
Fomml Church disdpllnc Is adman~tetcd ln
d tKlpltnaf) council (St't' 6.10) Be. :1u · farmi!l
Church disctphne is l'CCh.!silbl cal. not ci' il or
cnmuul, tt can afft!ct only • m~r 's sW\dlng
m the Church (sc D&C 134:10). Coun J11'0C'ftful'\'5
of a tat or ru.tion d1l not ~ppl .
Formal Chun:h d !IClphnc andud~ fonnal
prob.ltton, dt f ~um, W\tpm1.'flt, and excom.muru·
CDtJOn.
6 91 Fonnel Probation
f~mn. I prob.tt1,m i n titm laken by a di:r
ctplin.ln' council to r tn l or uspcnd some of
" ttan.,gws ...or ' pri,•ll~:g of Church n\ember-
~hip Th "!> • l'l'titrictiu could mdude or go be-
yond tho c imp<lscd b~ an!ormal probation
P Hive condtbons unila.r to those impo:.ed by
a.nlormal probutit'n could also be pn.·~rlbed (set?
6..8.2).
fortn.ll probataon i not 110 option when
pn thood leaders ud miniS r Chun:h dt~pline
r r a member who ~' Jx-(on i.nvol\ ~ [n any of
th~ seriou tron )..'T\: ~ton h ted in o 12.10 If
a mmor commit ln~:t·~l or nbu es a child, the
t.lkt pn:-.ttll·nt conl.tc1s tht' Ofhce of tht! J.rr-;t
Pre..ic.lcncy lor dlrto>ctiun
Wht•n ., m~·mbt-r on formc1l probation makes
P'-"Cifa~ progr dnd ml-ct .. pr~rlbed condi-
hun , the presiding. ofrtH•r m.ty convene another
dtsetplin<try council lo constdcr cndJ.ng ~pro­
bation (~ 6 12) It the membt!r do..~ not make
lhas progress anJ meet th~ c.onuihono., the disct·
plmary council m.1' conhnuc probabon or takf-
more~' ere dooplm.uy ttC'tion
6 92 DhsfeiJoW8hlpment.
ft'=I'SOn who~ dt fello\,tJlippeJ ,.,. hila
mcrnb.....- of the Church but ts no longer an good
tanding Ot:!tellow hspmmt ., a ~·,·~react on
th.1l may be dcquat for all but the most seri·
ou'> tr.an ..~ion"
J1':non who dll fdlowshrpped may not
hoiJ a t~-mpll' TtCOmmrnd. r\'e in a Olurch po-
lUon, or t!>. ·m~ th~ pn thood an any way H~
1 en ourilged to .1ttmd public Chwclt m~ting'i
tf h conduC't ss ord(.>rly, but he may not give a
taU., offer a publiC' pra}cr. p.ut;,kc of lhe s.1crn·
ment. or partlopatl? ln the ust:aantng of Church
officer.,. The pre"'sdmg offsccr t1\i1Y tmpo~ a<.l-
dJtionJJ condition:., uch as 'taymg away from
pornographic m.ltcrials amJ othl.'r evil annuences.
I te may al-.o tmpo..t• J><*ilJvc conJltaons sud\
regul.u Chun-h ~tt~nd.tnc:t•, r,•g\Jhar prayer. and
~ dlng .cll'Ct ~ crlpturto'jj M Chun-h litcr.Jhm!.
~(~lluw hlppc.-d mcmb<>nJ are encouraged
to p.1y tUhes .md offering.;, h, tontinue wearing
temple garments 1£ e>ndowcd. and to~ a re-
turn to (d.)o~-.h1p an th\.' Chun;h through s.&:neen!
r~~ and nghtt.'Ou.:., h~mg
DisfclJm,'Shipment is tnhmded to~ l!'mpo-
nary but usually wts at least one year. \\>'hen a
mt!mbef' hal' .. tTUe ~tnncc and satisfi , tht?
condJt.ions unpost.--d, the p tdang offic:eT' may
corwcm • another d15Caplln ry roun 11 to con 1dc.>r
restonng htm to full fclloMihip (_ 6.12). lfll
member d · not repent, the dtsclplin.u)· coun-
al ma) continul! di r~llm\ hapmmt or C:lltl td"'r
~xrommum{';ation
6-9..3 Excommunlce11on
\ ~ who l' rommunic-.1ted is no loo·
ger a m •mb<!r of th Church E'\commumcation
1 the! most ~'Ct'e Church discipltnary attion.. As
dtt'l"(IOO b the ptnt. at mJy ~nee SMf for:
l. Mr~ woo han• committ :!d scnous uan.s-
gressions, e:.peoall • vaolation, of t mple
covenants (S('(! ..Violauon of Covcnan~" in
o lO.b)
2. Members who have b i!\'n dlsft:tllt1W h1pp«!d
and hJVl' not rept•nt~·d and lor \\'hom ~\­
communtc.\Uon t•nu to ofh.•r th'• bc-;l ho~
for rt'fonnataon.
1 M~mlx•rs \\ h C1 ndu~t m.llu! them il sc:ri·
ou" thrc.1t to others and whose 0\urch m1m1·
~r.Jlip f~,cihtatt:>S thetr to \,duns
-l Church lcasd or promsnmt ml!!Dbers whehe
transgrl' :o.iCll"l., ;;lgnificnntl) imp;ur the good
""'"' • or moral inllul"nce o( tJ • 0\urt:h m the
communit}· thi'lt i'SO awa~ of the tran<>grv.:.·
SJOn.
Excommumc.Jtlon as mandiltorv for n,unJ~r
(asdclined m b.i 3) .md i l~t 41~11) rtqulrtd
form~t.
A person wh,, t • commum('at ~ does not
enJOy ;m · pnvlleg~ o! Church rn~ip. I le
tna) not wear tt.·mplt• arm ·nt or pay b~ and
oflcnng • J fl' may attt•nd public Church m~t ­
mg if ha conduct a oro... rly but his parbcapa-
lton tn su..:h me ttng" as llmau.-d the s.une as for
dlsfdlowshlppt>J m~mbt.'rs
UCommuniGibtln &'llmMt <Jiwnys lasts llt least
one year. t! a ptf',,n show'> trut• r~:pcnt.,nC'\" and
l:i.ltl fies the conditions impo <'u whde h~ as t!lll.·
communtcate<i, he m:a) bt• r •.,dnllltl>d by b.tp-
tism and confirmallon. lht.> re:admt -;ion prcx
is cxplomed m 6 12.
For lnforrn>ilt n about th • t.•flc~t-. (lf •xcom•
municatton on t•mplf! l'•'hng t:~ •Effects of
lliu:ommurucation or Narnt< R ·mov.-at in 3.b.l.
6.10 Disciplinary Councils
1\ prto~iding ufh t (un\ cneo <' di~plinary
council "'h •n h~ h detcllJ\11"-."<1 that form.1l
Ourcl\ dl5CtJ)Iinc may be ry rnx~"CCures
tn a d iSoCtplU\.11) counol m~"t ~tau and com.id·
eTat of the feehngc; of all ~· ho pa opate..
GtO I Ludera Who Are to Partfclpate
Stake 0 sclpOnary Coune •
All thrl't!' membtor.< af the t;,ke pr idency
,,u twelve rnemben of the h1gh council. 41\d a
dt-rk pc1rticipate m ., t.tl '-" dt dphn.uy ~oundl
lf a counselor ln thc !ll.lk.e prc&idcncy is uru1ble
to p~rtiapatl.- the !lt.tS.e pn·.,tdt."'I nsko; u member
of the high council to take tht.' wumelor s place
II 11 high councilor'" unabll• to partiapate, the
"taL:c president uks a hagh pnest an the mho
to tale the rugh councilor ' plbre. lf th~ .,take
p~dcnt is unable to pttrti 1pAt • ~ first ~­
idl•nt')' may authoriLc on~~> of hi c,,un tors to
pn·~ade m his pia~ II hlltng onl' \ ' O!IC'llf\CV crt!-
•'' · .mother, the prct.iuing uthorlt\' fills tt ns
prncribcd in this par01graph.
Wathout cxceptitln, ltftt.'t!n high prlt':Jlf: par·
hcipo1tc inn lltlak~ dJSCiplm.uy counal· the t:h~~·
m~mben. o£ the st01kc presluttn"" or thost> who
are iluthorized t(l partidp4h.' an thc.ar places, and
thl' h~dv~ members ol tJ high counC'II or those
who are oauthoriud to pantcap. t~· tn their p~.
Ward Oi&QpfWlaly Counc1l11
All lhtee mem~rs of the! bishupri and d
d rk partictpa.te in •I w.,rd tli'!Ciplin.uv 1..DUnc.:i.l.
If thl! bishop is unable lu p~rtlcip.ll•: h rete~
the ~ to the stake pn;..idtml, who c."'n\cn~"
s~t• dlSCipUnruy council. ' I ht• bi"'hop lnCl} not
1'\sstgn n coun-.l•lor to c:om t.n(' or p~idc- 0\.t.>r ,,
d& iphnMy counal. II a coun lor tn the bish-
upn(' is unc1ble lo participate. lh~ b!!>hop mav
ask a high priest m til ward to t.lkl? thE' cou~.
~lor'"' place. li a rugh prt I j., un.waalable, the
bishop rcle.rs the to the blt president. who
conveneb a take uis iplinitry counCll. 1n these
dn:umstrulces, as witJ1 otl1C!'r . liJk~ di!>elplinJJY
Councll5, the partiCip.ltllln U( I)W 6f,lkt. pre--idenq
and high council i n.-qutr~<d a outlinNS .tb<we.
The bishop alway., wn ul wath lh~ tne
pn: adcnt and obtains his approval before con ·
Hning a dbdplinary council.
Branch OlsctpUrwy Counc;l n a Stako
A brnnc.h pr~-,ad"nl 1n lake m~' com t'ne
., dtsetplinary council wht"ff ~uthomed b} th~
take prt.'5ldenl Allthr~ ntttm~~ of the br~ch
pre: 1dcncy s.hould pAitk•p.; h.• nth<! disciplm.lfV
council . • that 11~ liJcel)• to be d&Sdosed tn il d1 ('linM)'
MIUtOO Disciplinary Council•
6.10.2 NotJce end SQhedullng
Wh~ a au.s.sion pre 1ct ·nt hold n disdplin-
uy council for mcmbcrtt or full-time mls. aona.ries
60
under htS JUnsdJdson. he! 01ppoants two Mclch_iu...
d~k Pri~thood holdt'TS to n·.-..i.. t hlm A dk ' pftn-
l.t)' roundt m a IT\b Jon follows tht! p~u.res
nd c~~rci~ the authority •pccirll'd for., di •
cipll.n.u-y council in il sl4ll..c.> e rcopt dut a high
councll does not p.utidpat~
lf time or dtstance pren-nt.. .s mi.. ton pn·.,i-
d~:nt from pt•n.onally holding • ili-.opU.n.uy coun·
olror u member under tus jurisdiction. ht- m<Jy
uthorlze t.h.rc.! Mdchizedck Priest.hood h ldt:rs
to ronv~n a rru,sjon d~Jplinary cuuncil. Nor·
mally the pre idm of!icer is the m-.-mbcT '5 di •
tn t pr d\.'nt or t7ranch pR51dmt (see Distn t
and Branch OL'<Ciptinary Council.. in a Mt.S..c;ion·
bt-low),
A mi ton preq1dt'1lt mu&t prl! ldt> over dis·
Ctplirwry counctls for fuJI-timc m•"~aonarit':'i m
hls m~ion. Bclore doing ~o. ht.• must r'--.;et\e au-
thonTation from a Gt!neml Authonty In the Mas·
''nn. n: Department (se.? 6.2.5 and th Mt· '''"
PMolJtnl '&Handbook).
DiStrict and Branch Oisdpflnary Coun:c:b
Ina Ml..son
A dLStnct president or bl'iU\d\ pruidcnt n "
nll ion may com ~e a di aplinary coun<'tl "ht.:n
authorlu>d by the mi!'>qon pre.idenL Dbt.rict
council" do not p.utteipate tn dlc;ctplinary coun·
dl See also b.2.5 and b 26
AddiUOna.J lnstructiona about P rtlclpatlon
U a tra~ ObJet.t5 lo lhl! parttc1pataon of
vun~lor in the bishopric or tJskr pn.=-ad ~y.
th p~iding officer t>valuat the ubjc tion. If
lht" r~•dtng offict?r condud th.at th obi aon
re sonabll.! U\ fact or appt•anan • the coun-.elvr
hould nol p.ntiopare. If the tr. ru.gre.~r O~)C\:tt.
to the p.trtlcipation of the bishop th d1t.e1plln·
•ry mallt>r must be refcrr\"d to the t.'~~ presi-
dent. who convenes .1 o;tale dt.o;c.ipbn.'\ty council.
llth(• tran<~gre:;:.or obJc:d.-. to the partiopation of
the st.Jkc prestdcnt, or if th~ stake president feels
th.lt he cannot N! 1mpun1111n thl~ miltteor ~coo·
sui~ the Office of the Fmt Pre<>id~ncy.
U a member (l( a bi,h(lpric, 'bit..~ presWencv.
or h.ish council or a clerl h..lb a lcg1l dutv btoau~
of hi!t oc~upation {such a a taw ~n ;,~01ent
ofuc~:r) ton-port to govcmm •nt aut.horib facts
rouncil. he should not partlcipat .
A prt"~idmg o(ficcr ..hould not sc.hl'dule a dts·
ctpllnary council until (1) he has had odeqUAtc

hmt' l() determine the rele\ ant f.tc:ts and (2) he
;,nd the transgTet>SOr and the aggrieved p.u-
be! rune had adequ;~te Umc to giv~ unhurried
rof\Sldu;aUon to the consequenc:e. of U\e traf\9-
~tOn
The presldlJ'g offic\'r giv'-'S a mem~r wnt-
ten nobet' of 1 dafociplinary cou11cil t.h.lt will be
held m hili bd\alf. This nohce I addJessed to
the memMr b)· h1 full n;unc and is signed by
Lh..- preadmg oftin-r It "'" te<..
"The lr>t.tlr.~ pre-1d~cy or bishopric) is con-
sldl'nng fl'rm~l diactphrt~uy ,,ction in your behalf.
including the po~sibaltty of di feUnwshapment
tlr l:llet)mmunicahon, because you are reported
to have [set forth u,e chllfge an gcnct ill tem\S,
such ilS 'been an apostasy' or 'partictplltt->d ln oon
duel unbecoming a memoor of the Churclt.' but
d o not give any detail llr cvld('ncc ).
"You <lfe invl tl'd to ;1thmd thls disciplinary
council to glvtt your "~ponM.' and, 1f you wish.
to provad\' witnesses and other evidence in yuur
behalf
Thi.' di-capUrury council will be held on [dare
aru.l tune) ot lpl.lcc).
Twn Mel..:hi.A>del.. Paesthood hold~ deliver
the nolace to the member pen;onaJly and pri-
vntcly wtth courtesy and dignrt) The member!;
"ho dl"liver the nollce must gi\'e the clerk of the
dOOplmary cou.nol 11 ~gned sbt-ement cert:J.fy-
lnS that the membc:r w~ notified and descril>-
ing how he was nouficd
U lhe notic:e annat be delivered in person,
it trulY be ml by ,.g~tered or certified mail,
w1th a return re( ipt ~u~~
A membt:t wh<l inauc~rated when a co\U\-
dJ as to be held l~o nolrfit"<<" Jl'-"'Cifil!'d in the pre-
ced lng pMagraphs. with one exception: since he
will nnt be .tblc to 4tttmd, he is not invited. How-
ev~. tl1e letter :.hould invitl" ham to send evi-
dence In hJs behnlf, Including a written re~ponst>
about thl.' crlm1• with which he h.lS bet>n ch.1rged
and, If <lpplicobl~. convlctl'C.I The letter may also
tnvllc him to teU how he feels about continued
fello\v hip or membertship ln the Chun:h.
6.1Q.3 CommunlcatJng with Aggrieved Vlctlms
When the~ b ~n .rggri~vt-d vu~tlm (such ;tS tor
in('C5t, chtld 11busc, or spouse abuse), the presid-
ang o(ficer of the upcomlJ'g dtsdplinary council
contacts t.1w vktlm •C\IrTent ba. hop or take presi-
dent lithe ..,i ctun'• current b1Shop or stake pn:si-
di'nt alreotdy lo.now"' abou1 the satuation, the rwo
lcad€!tS dete.munl' "hether tt would be helpful
6. ClJuw/t Dl•~lpJJunluJ .~., ~
ond appropnate for the Vtchm tCJ be given a.n
opportunity to provide <l wnttm or oral "tAt~
rnent about the l..nown (lr allcgl'd misconduct
and how at has a.tf«tt.od thr vlct:Jm and has or her
famJiy
Any tnlcr'\ lew wath lin UQnt"\ c:-d \'ictim for
this pUlp(' · I conducttd by his other cul'Ttnt
bJ.Shop or ~ta~ pN ldcnt. Any anquutes about
a V'lcttm who 15 W\der 18 )'l'~r.> of agt" are made
through ttw child' po1~ntfsl or legal guardJan(s).
G~at ure mwtl be taken to "'',."'d causmg fur-
th~ trauma, esJX!ciaUy wtth a victim of <>exua.J
or physt~<tl o1bu5e In the Umted States Canada,
.-.nd ~electl'd other cnuntrit>s, thr- Church ha~o
l'5blblish~ a help line for case!» lhat mvolv(!
abuse. Pncsthood leaders should ColO the hclp
line for guidance in Sltch CIIKC!t ($l'(' 17 .3.2) In
lhl" United Statos and CtH\oltlil, the tel~phone
number is 1-8(11 240-l!illl or 1-800-453-3860, ex-
tensjon 2-1911.
6.10A Procedures of the Council
Ilw st•dce rl't.':-.tdcnt bishop. mission presi-
dent, di met prt:"ld :nt. or brnnch president con-
ducts tlt uiJ aplitwy rouncil I lr- also rules on
th~ procedur\5 th.tt are foUowoo .md the evtdcn<'t!
tha l IS pre1C!ntt'd
A derk records the proceedangs of the roun-
cil as a basb for completing ~ Rcpon of Churdl
Dlsdplinary Actton form, but he dOt'S not p.u--
tiapatc m thr- dl!.cusston or dects iun
The pres1ding oWco!r helplt the mt'mber pre-
pare for tht.- dtKtphrurr)' council b~· e<plarnang
its purpc>->e ond pnx:t.odu~Yt. Hulso explams the
COns«tuMc~ of the d~I.,Jon.' the council may
n-ach
If the mcmlx'r h.u confessed, the pl'l'Siding
officer a"ks for con.•;enl to usc the confession i\!i
evtd~ct.> m the coundl.lnf<:lrmAriCIO received in a
m'·mbcr's confessiOil cannot he used as (!vidence
In a dW:ipllnnry council without the memb<!t's
consent. When necessary, the presiding officer
11 ttempts to persuade the member to give ltus
co~ent. He cxplatn that rofusnll\'flecu. a tnck
of contrition 4nd tl.>pent.mcc preventing )U.Sbcr
ilnd mercy from OJX!nmng fully for the good of
the tr an grt"'-.or
A l.1d. of consent to ~ a confession ilS cvi-
de~e doe not p~vC'fll a dLSOplmary council
from p~ans on th~ b.:1 ., of other rncienc2.
1\l . the pn.-sldang of6c~ un bU impose m-
forma.l dlSOpUnt- on Lh bti!s of the ~ion,
e\•en ll the member dQeS not ~v~ cor\Sent for
t~ roniesslon to be used in the counol
61
 Immediately before the council begin.;., the
presiding officCll teUs his coun!oelors (and the
hagh counol1f It i~ a stake disdpllnnry council)
whom at i!; for und what the reported mi~duct
LS. If neces.c:ary, h e explains the procedures of the
coundl to these lea~ The person is then In·
vited into the meeting and mtroduced.
The presiding officer conducts Lhe disdphn-
ary council ru. follows.
I. Invite a participant to open the council with
prayer.
2 State the reported misconduct, or d~ignate
someone else lo stntc it. Abk th~ member to
respond by admitti1'1g or dcny~.ng at.
3. 11 the member admik to the mil\conduct,
proct'ed to number 5 below. If he deniet. the
reported misconduct, p~l evidence of it
or ask someonr else to do so Ttu.!o evidence?
may include the written or oral statements of
witnesses. ~!able document-;, and the sub-
stance of lhc member' confession (if he has
confec;sed and given "onsent). The member
must be given .1n opportunity to question any
witnesses who give l!vidcmce against him
(If witn~ are unable to a ttend. see "Party
or Witness Unable to Attend" in 6.10.12.)
4 If the member de~oires to p~nl t•vidcnce in
his behalC, invite him to bnng in witnes~
one nt ,, time. submit other rete\ ant evidence.
comment on the evidence. and mnke any
other statements ht> destres.
Witnes..~ <~hould be Church member~ unlc
the presiding officeT has determin~d in ad-
vance th.ot a nonmemb~ wihtess will respect
the purposes and procedures of a Churc::h db-
cipUnary coundl . Witncssc!t wait m a sepa-
rate room until they give their evidence. The
presiding officer asks them not to talk with
each other about the motter eather before or
after they testify.
5. Ask questions of the member or witnesses
in nn orderly, polite manner, avoiding argu·
ment. Allow counselors in the bi hoprlc or
Rtake presidency to do the same. Questions
<~rc to be brlef and limited to the essential
facts of the case.
6. ln a o;takc disciplinary councll, invite mt•m-
bers of the hlgh council to participate <h out-
lmed in · H•gh CouncU Participation" {Sl'(' the
next heading).
7 When all releviln t matters h..we been pre-
se-nted, excuse lhe member and. with coun-
selors in the bishopric or !itake presidency,
62
prayerfully deliberate over what action to
take. lhe pn!Siding officer is Lhe judge. He
make~> the declSion through inspiration and
invites hts coun~dors to sustain ll. II they
have a different opinion1 he listens and seeks
to resol.,-e the differences "i.O the decision can
be unanimou,.
In a stake discipllno ry council. the stake pres-
idency withdraws from the council room to
ronfer in private. After the stuke pr~ident
reaches i\ decision 01nd his couru.elors sus-
tain it, he announ"es at to the high council as
outllned in "High Council Partidp.ation" (ste
the next heading)
tf there U. not enough evidence to Jll:itlfy ror-
mal Church di.saphne but It seems inappro-
priate to conclude the matter immcdintcly
by a deo&ion o( no action, the pres1ding oifi-
O?r adjourns the council temporarily to seek
addJtion.1l cvldtmce
8. Invite the person back ~.nto the coundl meet-
ing to inform hun of the dedsaon. If the deci-
sion is formal proootlon, dasft!Uow!Jupment,
or excommunication, explain the terms and
conditions that are t.mposcd. tell the person
in a s.plnt of love how to overcome those re-
strictions, and offer other appropriate mstruc-
ticm and counsel.
9. txplam the person's right to c1ppeal (see
6.10 10).
10. lnvltc a participant to close the council w1th
prayer.
If the per on hold& a 'aUd temple recom·
mend and the right to enter the temple has been
withdrawn, he gives the recommend to U1e prt>·
siding officer at this time, unless he has already
done so.
I ( the person does not attend the council, the
presiding officer informs him of the decision and
giv~?S instruchon and counsel by meeting w1th
him or b) other means li necessilry.
Vid€'o or audio recordings of disdplJnary
councils -.hould not be made.
High Council Participation
Stake di!idplinnry counclJs always include
the high council. Prindple5 govemmg the parti-
cipation of the high council, including the cast-
Ing of lots to determine the order o£ speaking, are
statt!d in Doctrine and Covenant~ 102:12- 23.
Thi!o section pro\ tdes addltionnl instructions
as ~:~take pteSldencies and high councils apply
these pnndplc-. £xc~t as statt!d here. up to the
 lime of deliberation, the procedures for a stake
disciplinary council aro the same as those pre-
scnbed for other disdplinary councils.
A Church disciplinary council is not orga-
nized as a criminal trial and does not follow the
procedures of such a trial. The high council is not
>1 jury.
The stake president may invite any member
of the high council to ask questions in an o rderly,
polite manner, a voiding argument. Questions are
to be brief and limited to the essential facts o f
the ca'>C.
Artt>r all the evidence has been presented, the
appointed high councilors present lhclr views
of the matter. They are not prosecutors or de-
fenders. They are councilors, responsible to see
that the evidence io; examined in its l.nle light
before the council. Each is tQ speak "according
to equity and justice" (D&C 102:16}. One-half
of those appointed to speak a re reoponsible "to
s tand up in behalf of the accused, and prevent
insult a11d injustice" (D&c 102:17).
The accused member and the accuser (if any)
are then givt>n another opportunity to spe.lk,
after which tiH.'Y are excused from thl.! council
room.
The stake president m ay ask for any addi 4 Violation of Covenants
tiona! comments from the high Ct)uncil. He lind
his counselors then withdraw from lhe council
room to confer in private.
A.fteT the stab president reaches a d ecision
and h is counselors s ustain it, he annou.nces il
to the high council and asks the m as a group
to sustain it. The high coundJ cannot veto the
decision; It is binding even if it is nor sustained
unanimously. However, tf one or more high coun-
cilonl object to the decision, the stake president
makes every dfort to ·resolve the concerns and
achieve unanimity. He may recall wttnes.ses for
further questioning. lf necessary, the disciplin-
ary council may agail1 review the evidence, b ut
not in the presence of the member.
For instructions on how to proceed when one
or more high councilors are not available, see
"Stake Disciplinary Councils" in 6.10.! .
For instructions on high oouncil pa rtidpa-
tion in di.• ;dplinary councils to consider ending
Church discipline, see 6.12.8.
6.10.5 Possible Decisions
A disdplin11ry council can reach any o f the
following decisions:
1. No action. A disciplinary council can read1
this decision even if a transgression has beiMl
C(lmmitted. As part of this d ecision, the mem•
ber may be given cautionary counseL or he
may be referred to his bishop for an inter-
view that ought lead to informal discipline.
2. Pormal probation (see 6.9 .1).
J. DlsfeUowshipment (see 6.9.2).
4. &communication (see 6.9.3).
If discipline is tmposed, the pres.lding o ffi-
cer inrerv1ew!> the person regularly. The officer
counsels him in love, helps him repent, alld en-
courages him tu live so he may again enjoy t he
full blessings of Church membership.
6.10.6 Considerations in Reaching a Decision
This section Usts some of the factor$ that lead·
ers may need to consider in reaching de«isions
on formal and Informal Church discipline. These
factors are listed in order from those that sug-
gest stem discipline to those that suggest more
lenient discipline. None of these factors dictates
any particular dec:ision. They are only aids to a
decision that must be pursued prayerfully and
guided by tile Spirit of the Lord.
U a transgressor has been endowed, h e has
made coveMnts to live a higher standard of be-
havior thim applies to those who have not been
endowc:d. Vio lating these covenants rnagnifies
the setiousnes.s of the transgression. Therclore,
endowed persons who commit a dul~y or fol'-
nicat:ion (including homosexual relatiuns) are
subject to stem Church discipline.
Adaltery is a more serious sexual transgres-
sion than fornication because ad ultery involves
a violation of marriage covaMnts. See also ''Re-
moving a Restriction ag-<~lnst Temple Sealing" in
3 .6.1.
Position of Trust or Authority
li a trnnsgressor occupied a position o{ tn&$t
or authority (such as parent, bishop, o r teacher)
that was VIOlated by the transgression. the seri-
ousness of the transgression is magnified. For
example, incest is a most serious form o f sexual
tran:.gression fuT a panmt because it v lolatt!S the
sacred trust of parental authority. EmbezzlenWJ.l
is a most senous form of theft because the trans--
gressor has been tn1sted wiU1 funds; lt is a par-
ticularly serious o fferu>e when It involves Church
63
funds. ~e also ·Senou~ I ran~s"-~'ion While
Holdm8 a Pronunent Church PCKltion• ln 6.7.3
R potltlon
U a lr.lnsgression that w~ prevlouslv con·
ft! d nnd etimingly forsaken Is reJW.lh."<i, the
~Uti on may be viewe-d as part of o patwn of
condud that show~> o lack of ~pent<1nce, ~ven
though the earlia tr.1rugrt'S$lon had been '""'
aol\'ed with Church -'Ulhoritic-o. The Lon:l wanwd
th~ He had forgiven, "Co ~our wavs and sit\
nn more; but unto th.ll soul who ~mneth shan
tht! fmmc.r sins return.. (O&L 82.7).
Magnitude
Jh~ enousness of a rrnn'fg~1on as mea-
sured in p.ut by the number of 1nful acts and
the number of per!lons injured . Tho number of
pt!r oru. who are aware of the tnnsgf\~ion ol~
D1Jecls its serlousn~.
Age, Matunty, and Exporience
Pre.id.ing officer!> con ader a transg.~ ·
age. moturity, tmd ~pericnce wh~n adarunister-
ang ChDTCh discipline The Lord 1\!V<.>.tled 'for of
tum unto whom much J giwn much i~ n.>quiNd;
nd he \'olhO sins <1g<1in.tot th~ greater light shall
n-ceavc the greater rondemruttion · (I>&C 82:3).
Lcn1cncy is often appropriot~ for those who
nrt' immature in the gos~t l.<onl •ncy may also
be oppropr:late for young mcmb r:, who are in-
volved in a moral tt"dn.:,gre:.!lJOn ll they forsake
the !'in and m.mifest Stncerc ror~nt•tnc:e I tow·
ever, young membel"'i who (X.'r<il~l in immor."l)
conduct moy mJUII"C! fonru1l disciplinary ~ctlon.
Interests of 1he Innocent
Whm admimstering and <lnnounriog disci-
pline, pre"'iding officers ron!'ider tM interests of
tnnoc:ent victims and the trnnos~r ·~ innocent
family members.
Tlme between Transgress oo and Confession
If tr.lnsgresstonoccum.J many }~~before
It was confe.5-.ed the pTeStdlng officer c:.1re.full}
corusfdcn the mten:erung drcumst;~n~ II the
~tn w not re~~ted and th~ member ro.-. liv~
nghteously in the int\?nm, hlo;; conduct dunng the
lntervening time Oil\ show that he has fo km
th~ Stn. ln thas instanct!, ronft'SoSlon mBy complete
rathc.r than start the proce» of ~taru:e
Voluntary Confosalon
Voluntary, comple!tt" conf !'.t~ln demonstrates
n repentan t attitude. which ~MY favor leniency.
\n dmi<~-;ion of guilt after a ~·rwn has bct!n
accu'!tC..J of or intervJewed .about a lri}Jl:)gn~ion
i:. h.>ilr. mdicative of repentance A ~I'!IOn who
admits guilt when inte.rvtewed b~ n ba ..hop
shO~!i gre.1tcr "'J"!ntance than on\: who tnc~ to
clecen ~ .md admits guilt only when confronted
with C\ adt•nc~
Evidence of R..,.n~nce
Normally, C\1dencc of repentanct- is them t
important single factor In d@tetnla.nltlg tonow
accomplish the first purpo51 uf Church dtsci·
pUnt savmg the soul of the trAn:.g~ r, Genu-
mo.· ref'\!nlance b demon.stnted more re~bly by
righteous actaons o\•er .1 period of tinw thon by
lntc~ '-tlrmw during a "lngte Int •rvi\.'W
Judgments about the adequnry of .:1 person'<~
repcnt.lncc rtqUIJ\' spintual discernment. Fadors
to ron..,ader mdude the nature olthc confcs,•on.
depth of M3rrow for the sin, &UC'C't.'SS tn fo~Jung
the sin. "tmlgth of Fnith in J~w. Chri5t. f.tithfuJ .
n .. m o~ ·mg otht!r comm4lndmenls, lrulh(uJ
communications to ChUl'Ch off1c •rs. n....,btution
to mJured pcro:ons, obedien~ to leg I reqwre-
mcnl , <tnd willingness to 1ollo"' the diredion
of Church authonlies.
CU0.7 Written Notice of lhe DecJslon
lnc pres1ding officer ensures Lhill .\ p\!t'SOn
who is ploct.'t.l on forma l probntlon, dbfdlow·
hipped, or cxcommunkated by., dtM-Iplinary
council n •ivM prompt written noti e of the dc-
ruion a.nd it& effecbi, even if be has bttn Advised
or3.11): Tht& notice canst bora ~l ..tatem-."nt
that the pCTSOn ha been placed on formal pro-
b.ltJon, dbfdlowsrupped. or e commwucatt.-d
ror conduct contr.uy to tilt! l1lW ond orde-r of
th~ Church It could .11 include co~l to help
the.' pc.'l"'''Ol eotne bad mto Cull f~llowship in the
Church. The presiding offl t•r d ~nut gh:e the
rcn.on a copy of the Report or Church Dtsriplin-
ary Ac.tion form.
6.10.8 Malntalnlng Contact with a Peraon Who Has
Been Excommunicated
When ll pcr!K)n a:. ex()Otnmuni~.:atl..J h,1s n.'lmc
lS remo.. ~.-d from ~ membership n'COrd of the
Church Although tht> person no long~ h•h a
ml'mbe,....hip rc..:otd, the pnslding olfker of the
di.!!oelplanary council as'-.& for his consent to re--
lclin tus name and addrc5S 1\0 Churt'h lead~ can
continue to 4S51'it him. The presiding officer does
thl with genuine love and concern at a lime
\ ht..>n the excommoniCiltcd per!>On t most U~Jy
to ront;C"nt 1 hi& mil)' be lmm •d1.1h:l}' after the
 penon 1,. told of the e>.communlcation Jeo.sion
or at a I.JteT I.Jmt.-. If the person ronsents, this tS
noted on tlw Report of Churdl Otsciplm.ll'}' A c-
hon form
If an ncommurucatcd pert.<~n movE$ after
cunsenttng to h.tv~ th~ Church maantaltl contact
w1th him, the btshop conti\CbJ the b1shop of the
new ward, gtves h1m the pen;on'r. name and ad-
d.res!., and commumaates relevant information
about the c.itsclplln.uy iebun.
U an I!>.Cclmmuntc.ucd person moves after
not gl\'ang .:\m~-.•nt to lldve the Church mamtam
cont.lct w1th hlm, the bishop rontact.s the bi.c;hop
or the ni!W WM\.i , idcntiRe the person anvolved,
and tnd.Jcateslh.sl a disciplinary coundl hilS been
held and that the person has requested that no
furlh~r 11\formahOn be shared and no cont.1ct be
mndt". The request uf the excommunicated per-
son should he respected untll thl!re is a change
of mind.
6.10.9 Announcement of the Decision
When announe~ng Church discipline, leaders
mll!>t consider the fccllngs of the lratl5gress<tr's
ll'&noa!nt (.,mily mt.mbcr. nnd the needs of umo-
cent potcnti.ll "l Urn~
A .Jp,,,.,(un to place a memb('J' on informal
prob.1tton IS not announced.
A tk'Cislun to pLlce a mt'mbcr on formal pro-
bal1on ma) be .Jranounc:ed to thOS<' who ru.'ed to
knuw a dl•trrmmed bv the p~iding ufficer.
A dl"ClSion of ~Jello"shtpmcnt or el(com-
municabon is il.nnounccd only to those who need
to know Th~ prtnclplet. 11nd procedures in the
foUowmg pnrilgraphs gov~m these announce--
ments.
No announcement l8 made if a decision is
bt!ing appcnll'<i. unlo!is lhc presldmg offi~r of the
dir.clpbnory aouncll ct~ncludcs tl111t ill\ announce-
ment ~nd!n~ appeal is n~cessary to protect po-
tenti.ll victim • to 4llpport the heollng of victim~
(ohhough \ lctlnu.' nomc.o~ arl! not emnounced),
or to o;n(cguard the n.une of tJ1c Church.
ll1c bishop announces the doosion in confi-
t..lene\' In ward priesthood nenttive committee
met-ling to gutdl" pm...,~hood otticers who might
otherwl.se consldt!t tJ'~ dtsc:tphned person for
Church ~ice, otfcring prayt-J"'j, ur g1ving talks
or lesson5
The bi hop advises the ward Relief Socu~ty
p~dent m ronfidt.'nC'l' when a member o1 the
ReUef Scx:irty has ~">fl disciplined or N.s been
• \Jctun
U a ca._"-' cnnt't'mb ( I) pn•nd'ung of fOllse d<X-
trine, (2) a tran~gnssor wruu predatory tcmden-
cies senout~ly threatt.-n other pcr..ons, or (3) othl!r
601g:rant t.ransgr~'L"I'\:• ( uch a plural marriagl!,
cultbt tt•achlng> to attract a (oUowmg. or ndi
cut~ of ChuM I •aJl'n;), t.hm. wtth the 11ppro' al
of the st.1ke president the b1c:hop announces
the dcocision an meei.Jngs of ~ eldcl"!o qu()rum.,
high pnc,..rs group. and Relief Societv an hb
ward. In :.uch ca..cs the t.tkc pn.•..idt-nt ~> also
need to .1uthonze a broJucr .mnounCl:rn£nt, such
as m a 6ta~e pn • thood meeting or to the 1\-tel-
chiu!da Pri~th®J brcthnm und RciJcJ Soclety
,..ir.ters o( other Wllni U\ lhe .. take. In some cases
the pre:.idJng olfic •r ma} bnd It bent!.ficial to
notlfy soml' or all of tho.' victim-; and. when nec-
essary, their families that the tran!>gressor has
been tho subrcct of n disciplinary coundl.
Whun "" announcem~nt of Church di-;clptfnc
is nt:ct>ssary, It is limited to a general statement
that the JX:r.!On has bel>n dt ft!llowstuppcd orb-
communlcatcd (or conduct contrary to tl1t• Jaws
and un.h">T of the Church 1he officer who makes
the annowu:emcnt a..,k!> thaw who hear 1t not
to dLc:cuss Jt \\ ith .lJWunc .AJ1nouncemcnts of
dl!>fello'""-tupmmt or '-''communLcabon do no t
tequll'e a su~laimng , ·ntc
To di.o;pcJ rumors, n bl'ihop or stake prestdent
may need to anrw~ th.\t 1 di.SC'lplinary counctl
consid(!red chiltg\.'5 agolt~t 1 mc!l1lber but th.,t
no acbun WILS t.~~c.-n
6.10.10 Appeals
A pcr:.on who has been eAcummunlcated
dr .. ft'llnwo,htp~ or placed on lorm.tl prob.1
uon b) " dJ-.c1phnary council ll\il} ~ppeal the
decision An appeal uf th~· .1l'hlm o( a ward cfu...
dplma.ry counciltS to thl' &take presidency (n:nd
high counCil). An .:tpp~.ll of the acUon of a stake
disdpllnary C(lundl ·~ to thl'l Firr;t Pre,>sidency.
An appenl 1lf the nt...llon of .1 brilnch ot djstrict
disciplinary roum.ll is lo tht? snl&sloJl presiJen t.
An appeal or thu nchun of 0 diaclplinnry counci l
preRidcd over by a mi!i~;i<m pre:.tdcnc I to thl'
First Presldl'ncy
If'' person who has been dlS('Ipltnt.od wants
to appt>al tht: d~to,ion, he speclf1t...'S in "nt.ing the
aiJt!Scd etTUI"" or unfaime..., m lht' pi'O«'dure or
doosion. Th person pl'\.~b th!.! appeal within
30 day lo the pre51drng otiJCI:t of the dlsophn-
ary council that mad~ ttw dCCl'iiOn. I( a btshop
or brnnch prestdent pn!Stdl-d u~;t...or the rounol,
he forward:. the appeal "tlh tilt> Report of Church
 OiS<"iplimtf'} Action furm and oU1er relrvant doc-
umC'nts to the stake or mt'iStlm prc.o;ldent. 11 a
stak\! or mis ton pn.>sid\!nl prc:.ided over the
(OUncll, ht• fonv&rd:o, thlo' miltcrlals to lhc First
Pn..'sidm ) ·
The d('Cl..Jcm on the app.!al m.,y be.- to (1) let
the inaual d~..>clston stand , (2) modi£\ the irut:ial
decistOn. or (3) dm..-ct the disciplinary council
to rehe.u tnt rT\1\ttt!r. tn addition. the Fmt Pr~t·
dcncy rna}' rclcr an aprot I\) anotl\Cr p~lhood
officer or body for fC\ tcw (with or without rt"--
cc•vtng addihon.l1endcncc) .md resubmittnl to
the Fint l'rbtden y with a r«ommendllti.on.
6.10.1t Reports on Disciplinary Councils
'1l1A! p~lding officer ,,sk.-. a dctl.. to summa-
rin• th<' procc4jding~ of l.hc dl"Ciplinllry council
on ,, f~l'port o{ Church Diropltn.ll) Action form
nw form providrtt lnstructituu. on how to com·
plcl<.' 11, wh!!thl•r to rctaiJl or subm1t it, und how
to Nubmit it.
6.10.12 Procedures In Exceptional Clrcumatanc:es
Conduct Exam~ned In Climtnal or Civil Coult$
'lormally a df dfllinary council is not held to
con-.ider conduct bl•lnf; c":lmin~o.>d by .1 cri.ml~
rull trial court unlil the court h.a.'> reached 01 final
judgm(.-nt. ln ...ome ur.c:. at m;~y also be <1ppro-
praatc to d(!la} dlsc.iplinary prtX"C\.>dings until
the p!!nod of appe.1l h.1s c)(pired or the appeal
has bttn re)e<:tt.-d.
Crlmtnal ch.arges m.1y or m.l) not ncci!S!iitate
Church dt~ipluw. Ads that constitute scnou.'
rnm~o.~ under local Jaw normally would be con·
sidered ,.,._•nou.. tr.ll\'lgt"C "ons. However. nunor
offenc:.~ under l olllaw, such as traffic viol.tt10~
or unintcntwnJI tnllmc to compJy WJth t~clmt·
cal govemml'nt rugubh,,.ns, nonnally would not.
Crimin<ll ch11rgt•., th.1l have sertous moral over·
tonc.s m.a) wnmmt Church di"Cipline even 11 a
crlminnl court di.;mi ~..,. thl•:-.c ch.uges for l'cch~
nJc,,l n~ason~. Act~ l>U~o.h .1- fornication, adultery,
or ilbo• Uon are serious trnn gl\: IJJOns tl1ough
tlwy OU"l) not~ crimp.., un<.ltor lt)('allaw
When a member i convktfd of " crime or
found guilty in a dvil action for fraud or other
dishon~'' ,.,, immor"I1.'Ctnduct, th • judgment of
the cnmiJl.ll tn cavil court is a sufficient basis tor
holdtng" Churrh disciphrwry council. A find·
tng of guilt tn n \.Ourt may he considC!le'd a~t covt·
dentc of gullt for purpo ~ o( Church dl~ipltne
Reliable cvtdmc:t' ..ubmttb.~ to a mutt mil}' nlso
be cons1deR'.d tn a Church di.'>Ctplinary counctl
66
lo avoid lmphC3tlng U\t' Church in legal
mottters to which it 1S not n p.1rtv, l••asd~ h(.JU}d
avoid l~Hfymg in civtl or crimmal C4Sb te\>lew·
lng the conduct of mt?mber O\ er whom thcv
pn...,idc 1or "J>«ifi guideh~, S4"e 17.1.2o.
Church lct1dcrs .,houJd not try to r\"rsuade
.1Uegcd victim~> or other \\itncs. dth~r to tes-
tif): or not to te$tify m mmmal or ct\ aJ court pro-
ceroin&!'
For lnfoml.lthm abl)Ut nwm.bers.hip r«ord~
of those who .ue incan.eratoo and (ace Church
di'idplinary action, 5\.'C 6.})
Notice of Criminal Court Convactlon
If a m~tnber h.a,. bt>cn convu;k>c:l of n crime
involving conduct th.1t might thrt!.ttt'n the well·
bl.>ing o( ottwr p<'r;()O!> or of the Chur..Jl, the pre-
siding offiC'l•r uf tlw dl.sdpllnnry couneil promptly
<;end.. to tht> O!fice ol the Ftr t Pr~.~-ldcncy a wnt·
ten stati'ment about the nnlutt> o( the offense and
the sen ten«- ampost•d by the crunlnal court, l~en
if a dboplinnry council does not imp~ tormal
discipUn~
Reporting Em~ule:mont of Church Funds
If d p~on .s d1 ·1phn :d f,,.,. t!mbt!llhng
Church fundc;, the pr\: idtng officer reports it a
outhnN in 14.9 ~
Party or Witness Unable to Attend
U i1 p~rtv or CO.SCflh..ll wltn\Si 1S W'labl~ to at·
t -ntl 11 th ~pi!Mt) counctl. Ul• pr tding offk&
tn\.llelt tum to submtt .1 written c;ta~t Such a
statem nl m.w b1.• co1~1dt>red as~" adena; When
nro.'SS<1ry, the party or- witness.IIQy be qul':bbone<.l
furth~r.ln wrltil\g orot31l}'
Preservlng EvldOnco
If a w1tn~ wtll nollllo.ely be available fur .a
possible Jut~ disdplin.1ry COW'Idl. lhe presid-
b\.g oCfi«r lnvit~ him hl ~ rlt • hl testl.O\ony for
u when n~dt.>t.l,
Evldooc:o When Adultery It Charged
tt " pl'l'M'n who is accu!tl..>d of ;,dullery dentes
the.• dlM);t> ancJ lh~ matter 1.!! bdng roru.lde.red In
a di"Cipllnary c:oundt, m ·el,,hun requires lhat
'*c,·cry word h"ll be tablished ilgamsl tum or
heT by two witn~ ol the chun'h • {O&C 42.:80).
-r'Wo Wttn~..--s · m<.>.tn..'t two ~p.u-ate 'iOurco of
erid.mce. Th1 coulJ tnclude the p ~n. I evi-
dence ot a partklpa.nt and some other ~ur~e of
e\ tdence ofthe m~mbct ' gualt.
 Questions about Prooodur11
If il bishop is unsun! of t:he p~wcs to fol-
low in dmin.Jstt>ring Church dtsclpbnl.", ht" Cf"n-
6ults his stake prblJ.ent. lf ~ bro1nch president Is
un.,ure of procedu~, he con<~ulb nb stak!! or
mf ion president A stilkt! or mla.sjon pmiident
rdcn. unresolved procedural CJUl'"'lions to the
Of6c~ of the First Presidt•nc:y
Quest•ont about Oeeision$
l .oclll pre id.ing officers ~hould not ~ peel
vc.•nerl'l Aulhorili~ to t~U them how to doode
dllficult matt~ D«i! ions on Chutcll di..-.c1pline
arc Within ttl~ Jhcrebon and .:~uthorit) of I<X"al
pn- 'ding offiO!l'S thuy pr~yerfully s.et?k guid ·
.anr~ from tht" Lord.
Flral Presldenc:;y Authority
Tht- First Pres&dtmC'y M" ultunate authonty
uvcr nU Church dic;ctpllnc. Occbton~ of the First
rr~ldency take prececknce dMp1tc "'"Y
rules or
pr(l('t'd~ to the contnry.
6.11 Fellowshlpping after Discipline
"1'he btshop rut.: a~ a comn\un 1udge doe:;
not end wh ~ '' m~mb<!r has lx'fll dasophnl-d , It
contlnu~ until the pcr!;On rctum.'> h> luU fellow-
!>h•p and, wbt'n n(.'C4!:',~.,ry, recetv~ ~ rc:.torntton
of blessings. Disciplinary ttctlon should be thl'
firs t 11tep on the way b01d to the full bl~bt-lngs
t)f Church membership l.c11d •r. and membt'rs
:o~hauld be eager to help .s f'"J"'';;n who ha!> been
dl J'ltncd to repertt ~ h~ t'.ln l'nJO)' th~ bless-
tntc . The bishop overs et> th~t cllorts
Th~ tint!! JU:.t after ,, ~r-on h4 bt>en diso-
plincd ts d.Ulicult iiild critia'll for tJ pcrson •md
his tamlly During this lttne. pn"T.th'lOd lc.tders
and other Churcl\ member" hould b" pc1ttent
and n.c;lhve to the nf'I.'Cis o( th mvolvcd and
s houJd give sp«ial encouragement lind .lo;sis-
LanC"e. Th. blhhop rrequ •ntly intcrvit'W tJw per-
oon and, il n~ry. hat, pouse.
The bishop ensures th01t mature, caring ho me
t~·achers and visiting tcachl.!n. are assigned to
a person v.ilo ha:. bet!n da fl'IJow!-h•pp..'<i or a-
commumcated-and to h1" tmmcdiate fa.auly
mf'tnb~r... ln som~ .,itul\ttOn!>, c,luple:. ma) be
.1 ignt.'Cl Home teachl:rs and \'t:.ahng teachers
ma'-1! regul~r contacts <tnd ~ thJt tile perso~
nilt ttpou~. and other fnmtly members reccrve
the counselnnd fellowship they need during
thb ttltlc,ll penod of angtllsh, rcpontanc~. and
healing
It a pt>n.on who ~ bet!rl di~phnl'd mo~
from the ward ~(o~ he has returned co luU t 1-
Lowship and, " hen n~, receJved ,, tOQ·
tion of bit,><. in~. lhe biShop mlorms the pttN<.m •
new bishop of the dasctplme and \Vh.'lt rom;uns
to brtng the member bad to full frllow<;htp .md
bl~ Ringi. n1e bishop ll'Qk~ thn s.1me conl<ld (or
excommunicated p:rson who have consenlt'Cl
to be Ms1sted by Cbun:h le.1dcrs (see 6.10.8).
s.t2 Endlng Fonnal Probation,
Olsfellowshlpment, or
Excommunication
6.12.1 Determine Jurisdlctfon and Pa rtlcfpatfon
To consider cndtng formal probatton, tfibfd·
Jowsh1pm~mt, or I!Ju ..onununiCl'lhon, a pr~. lding
offlcxr where the pen.on rum>ntly llvetJ mu'!it con-
vene -1 d&ipllnary council. TI1e council qhould
OiWt' th~ arne (or higher) level of CC"CI Ja ..flc.ll
authority a& the counol that took the initial dl<.-
c•phnar'\" acl1on For exampl~
1. It a bL"'hop piYSided o~cr tll~ diseiplinaq
'oundlthat .Jdminisrered the dt ·tplil'le lhe
p ·r-.on s curn::nt bishop nonnttlly pre'5sd~
ov~r another coundl to con..ldcr ch1tngang
thl' penon's stntlb-
2 ll a !>lake or mtSSion president P" "'u,.h"'.l over
the disciplinary coundl, a stake or mt!ISion
pr~,..,d~nt pr~ ..ldes over <mothf'r coun\.-.1 to
constdet changlng the pcn•on's ~tAlUS An)'
~l«:eptions to thi!t policy teqUtn! the npprov.tl
of th~ Fil'$t PM.Jdencv
3. lf 11 branch pre.siJent in a mi.ss&on p~tdl!'d
over the cfu.ciplinaty coundl .md tht· du;o·
pliru:-d person later bv in o t.; k~, th~ p4.T•
60n's current bishop norm.1lly p~•dcs over
another cound l to consider C'h.1ng1ng the ~r-
50n• -.talus (see number 5 bt>low for t1n ex·
ccptlon)
4 I( • district president in a """ ieln pn>'Hdcd
over thco di~pllnary council ;,nd the disci ~
phnl'Ci pl'N>n later Lives m cl t•''-e, the tAke
pn!Stdenl pres1d~ over anoth~ wuncll to
considt"r ch.'tnging the person' s st.,tus Any
6tepbons to this policy require th.t- appmv.1t
of the First Prc~idcnc: • ($\.~ al~ number 5
below}
5 I( a dtstnct or branch p~itlt-nt tn-' ~•on
p~•ded over a disctpltnary counol that ex-
communicated a MclcnizeJeJ.. flru.Mhood
hoiJer (with authonzabon from the nu.ssion
pn•<Jident), and if the eJ~commumc.\tcd per-
"'"" later IJ ..·e& in a st.Jkc, tlu.- .,t.,kc pwsldenl
67
 presldb O\lt!r another council to consider re-
admUUng the person into lh~ Chutth
A bi.shnp ne cb appro\-nl from the stake pres-
ident to convene a disc.lpllnary coundl to con-
Mder cholngang a pcn;on's !.latus. 1n a mhsion. a
br~ncll or d~tricl p~ident nec<b the appro' al
of the mlSSJon prestdcnt to convene such a di:s.-
dplirMry counol.
6.12..2 Review the Proceeding• of the lnitfaJ Council
The current pn.o,Jdtng olti~r reviews the pro-
~«hnw.; ut the initial discipllnary coundl lhese
proc~Jing." are 'Summarized on the Report of
Church Otktptlnary Action form.
for dl!.r~llow<~hipped or e~tcommunkated
pcnoru;, the pres1dlng officer rcquc"lS :~ copy
of th • onginnl report from tl'\e Office of the First
Prebldl!ncy.
Por member> on forma l probcltic.>n, the pre-
siding o(fiet!r obtam!'l 11 copy of the report from
the pi'\"Siding officer o( the unit where the initial
dtsctplinnry 1te't1on was taken..
&12.3 Interview the Peraon
The pr iding officer mterviews the person
thoroughly to dctcmune th~ <>trength nf tus Iouth
in J~us Chn t, thl." <'X lent of his repenLl~, and
whether th ronditiOJU l'lp«ifh.od ln the tnJtiaJ
ditK:ipliMry actton hilve bt!en me"L
812.4 Determine Status of Criminal or Civil Coun
A.ctlon (If Neceuary)
If o1 person who h3$ h d Church discipline
hil! be-en convicted of a cnmc or round guilty in
a Cl\ ll action of fr<1ud or other dtshonest or im-
moral conduct, d diSCiplinary council is not he.ld
to considcor chnn~lng his Church statu until
he hllr. ful(lllrd all terms and conditions of any
sentence or juugment imposed by legal author-
! tic<>. fhes<! conditions mAiy include lmprison-
mtml, prubJtton, po.rolc, nru:l fines or restitution.
Any e ception~ require the approval or lne f!.tst
?rer.id<•nC).
6.12.6 Contact the Presiding OtficeT Where Action
Was Taken
lf the presldJng olficer ha~ qaesnans or ron-
C'em.S a~ he reviews the report of the in1t1nl disd-
pltnary council, he mny consult wtth the cucrent
p.rt::!oidlng officer of tht.• unit where the council
wa_ held to li ht> knows the tircumstmlres
and can pro\ hi d.artfiC'Jlfon
68
In c: ol incest, ~hUd abu e, or spou6e
ab~. u~ prestdfng officer of the d!SOplined
person must cont.let the ~nt p~~1dtng o/uc.!r
of the unit where the Initial dJSCipliMry OK'tion
was tAken- lf thl\t otficv alrcad) l...nawSI about
the 51t\mtlon, the dooptincd ~n s prostdtng
officer ~ks 1\is optnion on th ad\.JSt~bility of
a proposed chnnge of talus for the d.bdplmed
pe.rson. Titb di!oeu- -.ion mu t l.)ke place before
a da~ptinary c:otmc:U l hl'ltl to consider remstat-
ing the di."<'iplin •d ~rson to full fellow hip or
readmmm.g ham anto th~ Church.
6.12 6 Contact the Prfe• thood Leaders of
Aggrieved VJcllma
Tlw prc.....ldlng oft'ic:t.. r of the upc"rning d1~
cipllnary rouneil t:Ontacts the current bishop or
l•tke president of any aggnev~ vtctlm ('!udl ns
in cases of In est, child <'lbuse, or 'lpouse abuse).
If the victim' ~ c:t1rrent bi hop or take president
ol~dv knows about the situation, th<' two lead-
eN d~termlne wh •thcr U would be helpful and
n.pproprlat.e f-or the VIctim lll bl' g.ivcm an op-
portunity to provtdl' a writt ·nor oral "t.ltement
about how the dbdpllncd pcrson'r. nm.conduct
has .affected th victim .tnd his or her r.uml)··
A \1ctim may also comm nt on C!\"ldence of the
per..on' re'}"·nt~ncc sinC'<! the dL'-ClpUnary .1ct10n
was taken
Any intervu:w "'ath an aggne\ ~ "" llm (or
this purpo::;e t.hould be conduct~ by his or her
C\II'Ti ·nt bbhop or o;take pn:$1dmt . lnquan about
\l \lldirn Wh() 1R under lfl )ll'4lnt o( ngl.! ilA! m.ade
through th~ cl\lld ~ p.trent(r.) or lt.-gaJ gu.udian(s).
Gre:.t ct'lre must be taken tu ovoid cauMng (ur·
ther lfauma. c."Sf"!Ctillly with a \ ktim uf sexual
or physical abu.se.ln the Umt(•d Stntes, Canada..
il.nd som~ other countri~. th~ Church has es-t.1b-
hshed ~ help hnt' fur c~ lhat mvolve ~buse.
Pl'"iesthood leadet-~ ~hould ce11l the help ltJ\e for
guidance in such case:. c~ 6.10.3)
612.7 Give Notice ot the Dlaclpllnary Council
'Tlu! Pfi""-lt!tn~ officer no~ the pen;nn of
the dalL:, tlmi?, llnd place of the doopllruuy coun-
cil wh~?R." his change of 0\urch ~tistu~ wall be
constdered 50 ht' can attend or submit a wntten
t.1tmtent tC he d!!:!tirt'.!'o
612.8 Convene and Conducl the Olaclpllnary
Council
The pres1drng offin-r rorm.•nes and rondu.ct!.
the disciplinury cuunc:tl. The person IS invited
into the room. the council opened \\-;th prnyN.
 .md the pre!ilding offj(t"r ur rwml-one deslgnat~d
b) tum stat<-"" lht• purpo~ of the council. The
pl'\?"oidtng officrr th.!n as!..s the pcr.;on questions
.;about \\ h.at M tw dorn to repent and about tus
rommltmmt to the Church and the smngth of
his k..,hmnny
In " take di dplinary counal thot is con-
n:rw.J to con..id{'r cnd.ang Church dl!II(Jpline. the
ml~ ui th high council b mu..h U\1." me as out-
lmcd In 6 .10.4, but at is not "~ for high
C<-)Undlor U> dro1w lots or to "J't>"k before the
council
When all rdc\'Aill m~tters ha ve been pre-
.serated the p~ldmg offi«r ~cuses the D'\Cinber
o.nd, walh ha" roun!>t!lur .., prayerfully de Iibera~
aver w•wt a~:.tton to tn~c. Se~ 6 10.4 for l.nstruc-
tlor\S bout these d(IH~n,tlons and about mfo:rm·
lng thr mtomh<'r of Ihi' council 's dCCJsion.
A d!sdpllno1ry council m.l) either end or con·
tmue Church disapllnc. but it c(lnnot place a dis-
fellows happed member on fcrrmal probation.
lf ftr.,t Preildency approvlll it not ne-ces.'Wy
to t.'nd the d15Cipllnt> pre<rib~ ln lhe case, the
presadlnK ofh«'t m.ay end it h imself. If First
Pre!iid'-'1\CY approvalls nccessnry (u outllned in
b 1210), lht condu'ilon of the counol • n be onl)
a recomm~nd.ltit'n t ~l thl' FltSt Pres1dency .1nd
not a firul dt-cislun
6J2.11 Give Written Notice of the Oeclaton
612.9 Complete and Submit a Report
See &.10.11
6.12.10 Apply for Arat Pre•ldency Approval
(H Neee•ury)
6 t2.l2 Readmission of Excommunicated Persona
h llw ~n WilS di fellow hippt:d ur exrom-
municated for any of t:ht- tollow~ng reasons, or
aJ he co n,ma tl~'I.J IIJ') of these trnnsgtcl>Sions af-
ter bt>ing ttls(tlllowshJppl'd or excommunlcatecl,
the approv.,l of thl' First 11 ~iden~y is required
be(ore he m.,y bt> 1'\!in t.\tcd to full (eiJoW$hip or
n.•.,dmitteJ by bnpti!lm ond confirmation. Por the
purposes of Church diS('.lpllne, soml! of the fol·
lowing tcnn' MV defined In 6.7.3.
1 Murder
2. Incest
3 Se:\ual orfense ilgaanst .-. chlld or -.cnous phySJ·
cal abuse ~1( a chtld by .tn adult or by a youth
who ~ ~venl veatS older th..tn the child
4 Apoal<l y
c; CcJJrurutu.ng • ~nous transgression while
h !dang promiMnt Church poq~nn
o. An decuv-. tr~ ua.l operntlon
7. Em~zz.l~oomcl't of Church fundr. or pn~rt)
In th 'meum:. til nee<., the pn!51.Cllng offiC"Cr
conducts the dl50pltnar') council as sblted pre-
viously. Preauthoriutic'" from the Fust Presi-
dency is not requtre\1 lo convcru: the coundt. If
the di.5apli.nary coundl n'('Ommc•nd a chang~
in statu!;, the pres1dlng ~;~ftnw may notify the
person of thb recomm~daUon. H owever. he
e~pWns that thr status CllMOI be changed until
the Fi,;t P~dencr give writtt<n •tppro\-al of the
recomrnenc1i!lion.
To submit a recommendahoo ttl the Flr.~t Pres-
idency, thl-' prt•,ldlng offlcer complct~ e<1t>h c;tep
on thl-' Applic:11tiun to thto first Pn..-sldcn~.y (()rm.
This form Is .wall. bll· ~lc,tnmJcally In umts that
use Church r~oord·keeplng software . In other
arenf. it is .JvuUablco from tlw Arua Pacsidency.
TI1e stake c1r mls..'llon president sends (l) the
completed appllcataon form, (2) the Report of
Church Dlsciphmlty Ac:tlnn ftmrt, and (3) iln)'
necesyry ottilch.ments (such ill lelll.'rl> that are
n.-qwn.>d oa\ the application fonnl h.l the Office of
the First Pr~adcncy or tn the• Area rrestdency il
the unit i oUC!.ide the Unlt..-d St.te5 and C.1nada.
The OH1c.: ol tile F'U'St P~tlemy will nob(y the
stake or rrunaon preootdent of tile deaslon.
The pn:-.1d1ng officer ensures tho1t ilftff the
dbOplmary coundl. tht' ~ re«>av~ prompt
\~nttcn nota~ olthto dl'CJ aon and tts clfects, even
a( he ha'l ~ dth 1~ orally.
by Baptl•m and Confirmation
Whl'n oU approv~l" h.we been received..., per-
.;on who W4!o excommunicat"l.'<i m<1)' lx- rc.admst-
tt!d mto the Church. After thf.' pt>niOn is bap~.
he ls confirmed n member of the Church as in
any othur connrmlllion. Tlw ba hop prtpMC"' a
Baptism and Confl rmotion Rt.'COrtl, noling on the
form that the m'dln1111c !S are for readmissson.
Church ActJv•tY aft« Readmlaalon
Mrm~ Wlw Wm Not Pr-nrlously £udou•td
from the tunc of thear bJptlsm and con!trm.1taon.
these mem~r:. mn) pitrtidp.ttc an Church ac-
b\ lty just as .-s new cnnvert would
,\Urltbt!rs Wlto Wrrr Pm•wu ly £ndowa.l. From
the lime of lhcsr bilpti-m and (()nfunwtlon until
l.bnr bi~"'"P .1n! re.tal\.-d (Sit\' 6 15), lh~~ mem-
bers may pa.rucapate an any Chwt.h ttvaty that-
 p..:rnn able for an uncndow ~ member who
d not hold th€! pri th oo. llowc\'t."r, the)'
mav nnt' ·e~ r temple gnrmm • recct\ e a ~mple
lt'COmmend. or partlciJMil• an vaco11rfou.s bapb.SmS
fnr 1~ dt"ad until th€!1r bl ing) ~ re.tored.
OrdinatiOn attet ReadmiNion
Bn·thror Who Prrorous/11 Hrld tilt Prirsthood fful
W~rt 'ol FIIJ(lwt'd. lmme\h tdy after baptl m
and conflf'I1\Atl(l(l, . brrihrm have the pmst-
hood ""Qnf~ upon lh~m Jnd •ll't' ord:uncd to
the pri tht».i olfi~ lhe> held at thL> bmc of c~·
rommunlc.u1on. In ttw.. cirntrn..,bnc • a su.:-1. m-
ing vot ot m m~ as not f\."qU&t\>d ·n,e biShop
r oni" th l>rdJnnUon lnlormau~,n in the ..pac:~
provtd~"<l on tht" 8;aptism 11nd (onfumallon ~­
ord sa it can be prop\'rly ll'CoN.Ied 0\t Church
h ';)dquarters. See also 6.1 ) "'\.
Brdllrtn ''VItO Ptt"t'llliJ ly Urld lilt Pritt..:tllood and
Wtrr fndownJ . Aft ·r b ph..m and confirmation,
thest" brethrt:n nn.' nnt ordaancd to any priest-
hood offic~ and may not f •rform ordinances
unhl thetr pri thood nd t~mple bl~ing!> an
reston.'<! (:.ee 6.15).
Templo Recomm nda aftor R•admt$Sion
~-e •·M mbton Who Have Been Re~dmat«.od
by &ph m and C<n1firm.1tlon o1ft ~r F. commun1-
c.ahon or Name Remo\'aJ" tn 3.3 1.
S.13 Membership Records and Church
Discipline
&.13..1 Records of Membert Pieced on
Formal Probation
Fornul probolhl'" '" nllt n~~tl'Ci on a membe~
ship record
6.13.2 Records ot Dlsftllowthlpped Membera end
ThoM Relnatated to Full Fellowship
Ohfello\\ ~hlpm~nt ,., nott•d on il pcrson 'c
mc.•mbc~lp record Chunh ht!.ldquMten; or the
a :olgnt'd •uJmim"trath·e oHic • makes lhi note
and pro\' h.l~ ~n updah.-d record o1lt •r ~eiving
tht Reporl of Church 0 phniU')' Action Corm
U a disfcUow h.tpp~d mcmbc.-r movt's, the
hi hop tran~f<'rs the m~Olbetbhlp record to the
n ~w \vW l he r.:(<)r~ wlll ootify the new b15hop
that the person h.l Mn di-.fdlow-.lupped. The
~ishop m )" • tso cont (l the btshop of the new
"' td tu commun t • ft"WVMl mformaUon about
the dlSOplirwy tlon..
Aft~ 3 pe n hA~ been rcinstated to full rel-
lnw!ihlp. Churt"h he Jquarters or th~ a~~igned
10
admlnLSlntl\ ofbcc removes the nobee or diS·
( Uo~ lupmcnt and pro\'ides an updak>d mem·
~n-h1p record .
6.13.3 Recorda of Excommunicated Membera
and Thou Readmitted by Baptiam and
Confirmation
After E.lrcommunlcatlon
\'Jhcn t1 pc~n l cxrommuru t~ his n..m1e
c rcn'\0\ ed trom the mcmbcr5htp rKOrds of tht-
Chun:h. Church h .adquarters or the a<ostgned
cu:imtru ITclt&Ve olfi~ lAlkA:! this action i\(ter r~­
~lvmg the Rt.-purt of Church Di~pllnMf Action
form
Althoul)h 11 pi"N>n who i!< t!xrommunicated
no longer hruo A membcl"'-hip n..>cord, th~ prt>sid-
mg uffict'r of the da!'oClphn<~ry council <~lui for hf,
consent to retain ht6 nJ.tnc .md address so Chu.n:.h
le.tdt•....., em continue to asstt.t him. For in true·
bons 6.10.8.
Anu Readml$slon
After a pc!f'50n readmttt~J by baptism and
confinnauon. the ti'lkc pn tdmt or bishop ub-
mits a copy of th 8:Jplt m ;,nd Confirtn41hon
Rerord, usu11Jiy wtth th Report of Chun;h Oa •
clpUnory A(ti n form.
H th~ m<'mM.r was not cndowt.>d bdo~ ex·
commuruc.:~tion, Church ht-.1dquartcrs or the,~
agnc-d admiru~tlratJve uffit'~ pro" d the ward
11 mcmbcr!htp rt't'Ord that sho\" the d.\ of the
~rnber ' tlngin~tl b01pti.,m and otht>r ordt.nAnc~,
wtth no reference to t!xcommumcation.
ll the m~r wa" t.•ndowcc.l before e.>.rom-
mumco~tton. Church headquilrtt.!r or tht! a~­
..,igned .tdmini'ltrativ • ollie~: pravid~ the ward
a mcmberslup ra-ord lJ\.lt ..hows the member's
new b.1ptism dalt!. Thi'i rt:owrJ abo includn th •
mt!'l"-1gc • Rl."''to~Uon of Blt:s.sin~ Requttecl. Af-
ter the ml!mbcr a. bl• !Un are restoM:l Chur'h
headquarter.; or thl' adm1ru~>tnstiv~ olfm.! pro
\ id~ nuthcr updat\ d mcmber.J\lp rec ltd that
shO\\ the ililtc of thl• membt>r '~ ongin.ll bap-
ti'>m and other ordhl.l.nt.e..,, induding mduwm nt
(and currml ptl thood, it applt~.lble), with no
r\!fcren~e lo e\l'Ommunicotion.
6.13.4 Records with Annotation•
In areas authorized b\' tht It t Pn."Sidencv.
an annotation ma • be piared on the tl:!<:Ord of
a member \\h • ('(lnduct ha threatened the
well-being of other pc ns or of tt e Church.
An annot.lhon hdp tht.. bi~p protect Cbun:h
membt?rs and other-. (ram uch indh·idu31s .
 Wht'n 4 bbhop teceJv M ~nnotnred member-
hip r~o.-cord. he follow the an!.lntclions i.n the
annotahon
Oturdl htadqu;rrt~!t will .lUlom.ltically an-
not•te o pen-on's mem~Nhip ~c-ord in any of
th • fuJiowtng silu.1tion"!:
1 netokt.' president OT blShop !>ubmlt<, 0 Re-
port of Church DistipliMr) Action form
showing that the per:;.on \\ .1s du.cipHned
for IOC'e'ot, sexu.aJ off nse ag•unst or c;crloul>
ph)iilccll abuse of a chald plural marriage,
an clcch:Ye tra~'<u.tl operotion. fq)Catcd
hom •\ual adi\'ltll!!> (by o1dult ). pn"(i.;ltory
condu~t, or e:mbeakm(.'nt of Church funds
or property.
2. Tile stake president or bL'"Op ;ubrmts writ·
ten notification that the pc111on h11s been
~riminally convicted for ont• of the~ trans-
gr~ssion.s.
l. The btake president <:~nd b• hop tointly sub-
nut wriU~n notiliostion th.tt th~ ~n.on has
tommatted one of these tnll\s~ion<~ ~fQre
ur ftt!r t.'\rotnmwuc.,hon or nam~ f1!'m0\"a1.
In 11Jchtion, th~ ldJ..e president anJ b1<ihop
ln.l) JOiittl\1rt..'O>rruncnd thnt a pcr.on' member-
$htp record lw annot.tt~ f1>r oth~ conduct that
thn:o:tteru. tht· wetl-bemg of other penons or of
th~ Church.
ln ,\JJ en~, an aru\Ot.lUon on a mcmbersl1ip
tl.>c.urd iS te.tno\fed only with Fn 1 Pr..":')idency ap-
provnl uron request of th~ take president.
613.5 Recorda with Spectal Comment•
TI1c bi..hop and a clerk n"\; lt."W the rt-~.:ard of
1 t"W w01td U'lembers for <;pt.'<"l"'l commt•nbi that
Churc:h ht>..:~dqu.uten. or tht!a:..signed dmlnt.stn·
bvc office mily h.l' e .1ddcd U a record Includes
such commt!nls, the bbhop cont.tets Churcll hrud-
quarters or the admim:otrat1v~ office as n12cdcd
and takes i.lppi'Oprf.ate .ction.
6 13.6 Records with Bishop's Request tor Contact
If o1 member mov'-..,. ilnd the bhhop feels a
n('Cd to share infonn1111on ,.,lth the mcmbt!r s
nt!w b ~op. he tnSttuct& a clerk to pla c a 1'\"qUe.t
for ronmct on the record whm •nding 1t to the
1\\!V.' w. rd \'/hen a bishop rect!i\~ am mber;hip
~ wtth !oUCh a ~est, he cont.1clS the prevt-
ou., bl.,hof) as soon as fcasibl'-•
6137 Move Restrictions on Membershfp Records
If n member moves '' h:ile C.:hurch disclplin-
nry <1ction or .mother scrtnus concern i!> pending,
the biShop. or the ward clerk With th.e btShop's
authoriultiOl'\. may contact Chun:h hc-ndquM-
tt>tll or the ass;,gned admirustr.lb\'C otCtcc c1nd aslr.
for a move ~tnction on th~ m •mb 'r&htp r ~
ord. A n.-cord that has a move re~ttrict ion will
not be moved to a new unit until the prit>~ood
lcad{'r who requested the reslricUon authori1cs
11 to ~ rem()ved.
613.a Record• of Those Who Are Incarcerated In
Correctlonat FacUlties
If a member has b~ u>nvicted of .ten me
and i mc.ll'('erated m a correcbon.-d f.lcihty, the
mk~ president or ba.,hop of the unit where the
person f\."'ldcd c'lt the hmi!' oJ conviction should
proceed with an) d!sclplinary uction tti<JI may ~e
n~sc;ary. nus presiding officer shouJd ta.ke the
nee ilfY actum before forwarding the member-
hlp record to the unit that ha~o L<cclcslalliticJI re-
sJ'OI'l"lbllhy for the institution whttrtt th • ~rson
is lll('Oln:t'f.111.'d
s.1.c Removing Names from Church
Membership Records
An adult m ~mber who \Vt..:hl" to hove ha
n.lflle remov ~ from the D,ember hap records
or th ~ C.hun.:h mmt E.e.nd the btshop a wrillen,
'llf;" ~ ~ueM A request thnt Church repn?St'n-
tilh\ ~ not \'isil n member is not uffictenl to
lniH11tc- th•.., action
n,c ba l'lop makes :.Wl:! U'lat a member wllo
""lU . t' narne removal U1\der-..t3nds the con-
sequ •n( It ccll\c~ the df~ of baptism and
confttltMtfun. WJtht.iraws the pnesthooJ held by
.1 motl · member, and revokes te.mrte bl mgs.
rh~ bt..... hop 01lso e~lains that a per n can be
readmitted to tht- Ot\uch by baptism and con·
firrn.atlon only 4fter 4 thorough interview (
61$.4}.
If tn~ b1 hop 1& s!ltisfied
that the ml"mbcr
und~rst.lnds these cons.-qucnc~ and 1 not likely
to be dissu11ded, he complel~ ., Report of Ad·
fl'\tnl~tnthve Action foan and fon'r.lrd<J tt to the
:.uke pr~ident The bishop torw.ud the mem-
ber written request a11d awm.bcrship record
with the (cwm.
U nn·mhers Cl( the stake presidm~y delttnnme
th>tt the b1 hop has followed ntobli11hcd pto-
c:edun>,;, they 11-1.. him to send the memb~r otlet·
t~r slating ttu.t his n.une is being removed from
the n.ocord or the Church as requcslttd The It-t·
ter should st.,tc the consequence. o( nrune re-
moval It hould .\IS<.., s tattt that the request for
71
 name removal om be rescmded only Lf Uw mem-
ber nd the st.1Jr.c presid~t ' wntten request
for reciston Within ~0 days (the stale pn::sident's
name and ildd 'hould he lndudcd). ll a mem-
ber demand~ th.1t tus name be rcmo~ im:mc-
diali!l}' irom Chul'(h r\:rord.s, the 30-day watting
perJod may bl' \\'GIVM.
Jf a mL'tfnb •r demAnd'> inuncd.iate name re-
mo"~ or d run "-"ClU t a reocision within 30
dll)' , lh • loaM:! pf'('Stdcnt ubmit::> the complered
Report of Admtru tratrve Action form and other
docum •nt!o ""tUetlt.>d on the form Instructions
for"lubmltlal ;ue on the form. The person's n.1mc
tS then r •m(lVt'd from lh • me.mbeNllp record
of tht' Church.
l( a member sends n written request for name
removal directly to Church ht!lldqu.trters rather
th.m tn lac., I leildc~, the Oflice of the Pirst Pres-
idency will forwMd thl.!l h.·ll •r to the member'
c;take president for i.H.bon ln .lcc;ordance wil.h this
section Tht ·lttlkl' Jll\"5idrtll ~hou/d gtt~ prl)mpt ltttm-
lion to sucl1 11'llllt'4t~t lf Church hcadquaners has
not rt.'C'eh cd a n:::.pOn!!e from the "'t'ake president
w1thin 60 d.ty • the name removal requettt will
be g1.1nt !\J autom.1ricnUy.
A minur who WIShes to have hU. rumc 1\...
mon..-d fnlm th~ record or th~ Cnurc.h mubl
follow lhc same proceduno a. an 3duJt with one
ct\ception ~ the 1r\'ntten requ l mu t be tgned
by the rrunor (i£ ovu the: age o( 8) and by the
parmt(s) or guardian( ) 1r\ho hive legal custody
of the mmor.
lf two or more f.unil} mt.'mhcN> want their
nam~ n-movcJ I rom th~ l'l"CXXrd.!. or the Church,
they nl'e'd lo prt>pJre only on Written ~quest.
However. a Report of Adm~trnb\·e Action form
•hould be: compll't~d • nd signed for each person
who N.s n.oqucs~--d name remo\atl
II a m~mbcr r.:qucsting name remo al thtedt-
cns l~al action agomst the Church or its leaders,
th • st.\Jce president fotlows tl1e instruction!> an
171 .26
Reque$b for name romovdl :should be acted
on promptly .,., uutlin ~ ,,boveo. The Report of
Adnurustrath e Action fom1 and ~til supporting
documcntiltion hould ~ ~oubmittl.'ti tn a timcly
manner
6.14 1 Name Removal and SUipected
Trensgreufon
A 1'\.'quc:-.t for nitTt\e removal Should be acted
upon \\-httth~r or not pnbthood le-aders suspect
or h.lvt• ~'·idtmcc oi transgt"eliSion. ~y 4llt'g:;t-
tau~ or ~vid~nc( of unresol\ed tram~oru>
72.
an! noted on the Report of Admime.ITativc Action
form so prihthood leaden> may r~olve >uch
matt-ers m t.tu.> autun: it tht" mdiVJdwlappues for
readmission into th • Church.
6.142 Effects of Name Removal on Temple Seallngs
~ "llfft t~o etf brommwu.catton or Name
Removal.. In .3.6.l
6.143 Announcement of Name Removal
In <iOmP cases a bishop rna} need to .1nnn•rnce
that a per-.,on' name hn5 been relllOVed from
th mem.bership r~rords o{ th~ Chun:h rhc an-
nouna-mmt merely stntcs tlwt th'-! action WilS
take~\ o11 the ~'«"on'"' reqtaMI 'The announ,~ment
should not use lhe word ttxcomnuuun:rlum The
gutdelin m 6 10 9 npply.
a14.4 Readm~fon after Name Removal
Aftec nJmc remoY"al. a person must be bap-
tized and confirmed to be rt:-Jdmitted into the
Church. It the! ~rson was an adult when hts
n11me" ru; removt-d from Chu.rch member>hip
records, readmission is not usuilUV <!pprovcd
until.1t least one year l..1ter.
\\o hen n person requet.'1.S rt!admi "aon. the
bishop or ~take pre5ldent requ~ts a cop} of the
Report of Admiru'>trnth'co Act1on form that nc-
c:omp;mied the requ~l for name rcmo,·al This
cop} t!ot avaiiJble from the OflK1.: of the tll"!tt Pn.~
idency. Aft~r n:vil•wing the report the bishop
anterviews th penoon thoroughlv Hr mquires
about the rt'-' 0§ for the n.tnw n..>JJ\0\ al requesc
and the dl'Sire for n!adn\IOJ,lon He also deter-
mini"!! whether tm unresolv~d transgressions
may h•:wc been comnulted before or aft~ name
remo\nl.
l{ the pef'C:Cin wa~ on formal probation or wa
dlsfcUow.shlpped at the hmt- of n..1mc removal,
~ di"CipUnary round! b hl'Jd to ron:"iider there-
quest for readmtttsion.
If the bishop finds that belorl..' name removal
the person committed trnruogn~sstoM lhnt war-
rantoo disclplmnry .,ction bul1r\ t>re not resolved,
he dOt.~ not approve a req~t for reaclmi.ss.ion
until he'" .ltlo:fi d that th"• rwrson has r;;:~nted
of those and any ~ub-.l-qucnt tTansgn'!SSions. No
disciplinary council b held
Jlthe ~rson c:ommittt:d any of the tnnsgrc:s-
ioo' I~ ted in 6.12.10, either before or after namto
remov;ll, the approvilJ of the hrsl Pre:.ackncy
is ft."CJUl.rcd for readmis:t1on. lithe! per-;on ~
admitted afte-r comiJUiling any o( the tntru grrs-
slons lis~ undt!r .. Rtcord~ with AnnotatJons"
 (see 6.13.4), e1ther befor-e or <\flcr name removal,
an annotation will~ made on th nt•w member-
~tup rt..~otd.
A person wno requests re"dmission mu!>t
. th~ sam~ qualifications a others \Yho are
n·u-ct
baptized (see 16.3.3). When the bishop is satis-
fied that th~ person is worthy <1nd im:ere in
wanting to be readmitted, he prepares a Baptl&m
and ConArmntion Record. He notes on the form
that the baptism IS for readmjssion . After the
pe~n J& tMptizcd, he 1-; oonflrmed a member l')f
the Churdl. The confirmation maybe perlonned
du.ring the bapb mol service or during a sacm·
ment meeting.
Priesthood ordlnatlor,, lQI'npl~ Nrommends,
membership records, ilnd the ordin.tr\C!e of resto-
r.,tion oF blesslngs a.-e hand!~ the same as for •ln
t!Xcommunkated person who lliiS Peen readmit-
ted by bt~ ptlsm alld confirmation (. ~ b.l3.3).
6.15 Restoration of Blessings
Endowed pt"rson who were excommuni·
cated ilnd later readm1Ued by baplism and ron·
fumabon can recetve their priesthood and temple
blessings only through the ordtn..ll'lCe o( restora-
tion of blessmg1-. Such persons~ not oni.uncd
to priesthood offices or endowed again, s-IJ\le
all pneslhood a nd ~emplc ble-.stn~ held at the
hme of exrommunicatit.m are restored through
the ordimmce. Brethren are ~tored to th~>ir for-
mt.>T priesthood office. except the office of sev·
enty, bl,hop, or pabiarch. (See al"o b.l2. I2 . )
Only lh<.> fil'5't Presidency can approve the
pertormancc of the ordinance of restor01tion of
blessu,gs Ihe Fust Presidency will not cot'bider
an appllcanon for Hns ordinance sooner than one
year altt>r the per~on is readmitted by h:~ptism
.md confirmation
To submit a recommeJldation to the Pmrt
Presidency, the presiding officer complet~ t>~ch
step on the Applicntion to the trm.t Presidenc '
form . This fom' is avallable electronically in
units th<~t use Olurch record-l<cepmg ~oftwn:re.
In other areas n ts a\41ibbJe from the Area Presl·
duncy
n,e s take or mission presJdrnt -;ends the com-
pleted appllcati~n form and any necess.uy cit-
li'lcnm.mts (svch as lett~ that are required on
the form) to the Office of the FiM l"reHldCnC) or,
ii the unit ts ou~de the United St~ tes .1nd Can-
<lda. to tht- Area Presidency. TI"~· OHkc of the
Fir~ Ptes1dency will notify the stake or m~.... ~lon
president of th(' dcocision.
6.15.1 Performance of tho Ordina n ce
U the First Jll'('$idt!ncy Authomes the restora·
tion of blessings, they ass.tgn .'1 General Authority
or the stake president to intcrvtt>\... the applicat\t.
U the applicant is worthy. the Genc.ra.J Allthority
or the stake president perforr'nS tlw ordin<1nce to
r~tore the person's bJes il\gs.
In d~gn.ated areas, wh nan Are<l Pt'diident
recei\ es authOI'Wition from the Pirltct Presidency
to conuuct ''" Interview for restornHon t1/lll~
in~. he mol)' delega te the authority to an Area
Seventy When a~>signed, this Atea Seventy l'f\CI)
then conduct the lntttrvie\' and perfoan tlle or·
di:nat~re tf the 3pplkant i worthy
6.15.2 For the Dead
See 3.7.9.
6.16 Retention of Records
The presiding officer destroy~> copu:>s of paper
"nd el~tronic records relating to a d1"<iplmary
actwn alter the ward receives an u('d.1ll'd mem-
bership H'l~rd or <lther notification of actton on
the record . When such notification is received,
the clerk immediately informs the bi hop and
stab president 1l a dbopl.mary council has lm·
posed fotn1al probation, the presiding officer I'\...
tains the records of tnc council until the matter
Is resolved
The stak~ or mission pn.'!'lidcnt destroys rop·
tes of records relatmg to the submission of an
AppliCAbon to the First Presldcncv form aitcT he
r~--eives notification thnt Chutt'h headquarters
hi\5 r'\XI!lvt"d the application
73
6 Ootmh Dl..d1~•iv •"" ,.;,,,.,.tfrmat.U

Documents Required at Church

Headquarters tor Confidential Actions Action or Application
or Apprlcatlons

-
-
f
E.
'i ' 'I ~~ ~·~·
t
~ t :.. :s fi

~ ! ~ [ f.
~ - e.c- 1. .

i! r~ · ·~ ~ .i:
i
11 1 u nt ~ ~ 1
i I I ?~ pn1 I t i
~~ '@-

!
a- g ~ ~

----------------------~---+---r--~--~--
Report of Admlnlstratlvt AcUon fonn
<

./
0 ~ ~ljO 1 .. ]ct; ~ §: ~ v ~

lrt«:r fMm th.t> JM"IOI\ ~~ ~ =ncl\-aJ ./

Copy of tlw lt'lt~r fmm the bishop inixmln.s the pmon of ./

Mtne rtmoval

Copv (or~~) of tha! nli'm~p n"((fd ./ ./ ./

~-------------------------------------r--~---r--~--~--+---+---+---+--4---
R.tport of Church DlSdpUn.lry Arnon lonn .I ./ ./ ./ ./ ./

=
r--r--~-4--~--r-~
I .1

=(IN
=
= t h e ~m- nOClfyms the penon Ill tht dltc:iplinny

ot the lrlttr I\OWy~ tbt penon ot

kttCT to lhe ~ ~ the cl«isicm of the

1
./

./

.1
./

./

.1
./

./

.1
.1

./

.1
.1

./

+---r-~------~--~~
./
.I

./ I
Bapll,mllntl ConfinMtion R«ord form ./

I
App Ut.tt Ion ttl tt~ f~1111 P""lderq form ./ ./ ./ .I ./ 1

I
i
Lcttcr from tilt appliartt ./ ./ ./ ./ ./
1

LetteT from tht appUcant'l bishop ./ ./

./ ./ ./
.

Leltl'r from tht applk\lnt'tstakc presidmt ./ ./ ./ ./ ./

LA!Ikr kum Llw a~rrtlc.mt'• pl'e'CI'It >poUJot ./ ./ ./

Letter from 41ppllc.a.nt ·, formt'f &!X"USI' (tf applic.lnt was

TlljJm«<ta a fl)fl1lef IIJ"'USC at hme ol duJcllow~prnmt or ./ ./ ./
Cli('Unli'J'Iunh...thun)
~--------~------------r--+--+--4--~--r--
~ttctl ftorn '~etimt nl child nb~ (If tbty are now 18 .)~of ./ ./ ./
age «okkr)

~)ITem thupplicult'• former S4!IIJed -"~') I 1 . / . /

~"' from the bGhop ot the ~~ to wham th.• •Prllolnt ' ./ ./

pbm to~ .,,a~N

74
7. Interviews and Counseling
7.1 Interviews • . . • • . . • • . • • • • • . • • • • . . . • • • • • • • . 76 7.2 Counseling •..•••.••... . ..•. .. .. . ... ... •• 79
71..1 Ge.nero I htStt uct ions for Worthiness 7.2.1 General Gu1dclmes • . .. .. .. . . . . . .. .. . 79
lntervit!Wli • . • • . • • . . . • . . . . ••...•. • ••.. , 76 7.2.2 Spintual Sclf·Rellanee . . . . . • . . . . . . • • • . . . . 79
71.2 Genernll" struction.. for Priesthood 7.2.3 Queshon<; and lio;tcning . . . . • ?9
Interview~ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . • • . • 76 7.2..4 Repentiln te nnd Resisting ·re.mptallm _.... 79
7.1.3 interviews Conducted by the Stake 7.2..5 Mamage, Davorce, af'ld Separation . . . . . . 80
Prellident . . . • . . . . . . . • . . • . . • 76 7.2.6 Professional Counseling SO
7.1.4 lnterviews Umductcd by the Stake 7.2.7 Priesthood Bk.~ngs .... .. ....... .. ..... 80
President or A5signed Counselors . • . • • • . • 7C)
7.3 Keeping Confidences •••• • ••••••••••• . . .. . 80
7.1.5 Interviews Conducll.'CI by th!! Oi!lnop . • . • . . • 71
7 1e lntervaews Condutted by the Blt-~hop 7 4 Protecting against Misunderstandings • . .. .• . 80
or Assigned Coun5clors . . . . . . ....•. 71
7.1.7 Guidelines for Youth lnterYiews . . • • . • • 77 7.5 Res pon ding to Abuse ........ . ...... . ..... 80
71.8 Interviews of Young Single Adult:. . . . .. ?8
7l.9 Interviews of Persons to 8e Readmit~d
by Bapt ism and Confirmation . 78

75
7. Interviews and Counseling
7.t Interviews
E.lch blair...> president and bishop i~ a judge
In brt~el· (O&C 107·72) By thts auO\Ority he con-
duro worth.ine<~S interv1l"WS utd priesthood in-
ter. h~\\'S He rt!p~nb the Lord m conducting
these intenricw According!) ht! huuld seek
to ble.<. mcmbcl"' and h<>lp lhe.m li\'e the gospel
of Jesus Chn:.t.
7.1.1 General Instructions for Worthiness
Interviews
Stnk~ presldrnts, bishops, and (when autho-
rized) thelr counM.>Ior:s conduct worthiness in-
,,~rvl\•ws o1s out.lmcd in thi.s section. They should
prepare !!piriru.:~lly so they can be guided by the
Spirit during theSt! mlcrviewr, They should also
seek the power of discerrunenL Thb is.:~ 'Pi:ri tual
g•ft thn t will help them dJ..o;ccm truth, as well as
a member's na>ds (sc.-t• O&C l6·27 28)
Worthme!<S intrr"f<'WS should be pm ate. For
example, a hu bnnd ilnd wife .:~re interviewed
sep.:~~tdy for temple l'l~om.men~
Careful libl~mng 1 importmt during worthi-
Ol'SS intcn·lr.\\ ~ The member of the stale J'T'e)t-
dcn"' or bishopnc ~hould gtvc full and sincere
att..>ntiun tu the pe~ bemg rnterviewed The
mh~n•icw\·r iiOO rna.kcs sure the member undet-
st..lnd< the tJU~llon., being asked He sets as•de
enouKh lime to conduct the inl.t'rvit>W in .-. digni-
fied, unburned m;uuu!r,
7 12 General Instruction• for Priesthood Interviews
Stake pn!!~ld~nts, bishops, And thcir coUl\Sel-
ors regularly inlt!rvlcw the pne:.thood. leaders
who report to them. One purpo-.e of these inter-
vicwb it to re~clvc an nccounting of the leader's
responslbllltl..,'i. An(lthcr purpose is to help the
lender set goals 1\ml make plans to acxompJish
them Whr1t' ~tppllcable, budgets and eJcpendi-
tures .ne al'-<1 reviewed during these int~?n1f.>\VS.
Thto pt•r!>Qn who cond ucl~ a priesthood ln-
tcrvli:!\\' should truotruct, encournge, nnd mspire
lt'adl'rs 1n thetr efforts to fulfilltheu· callings. He
~hould ab(l e>.p~ gratitude and strengthen the
leader tn his p;!r..onal and family life
76
71..3 Interviews Conducted by the Stake President
The stake pn.~•dent conducb th following
inter\ tew with 1o1t.~ m('mbcrs
l. for tempt!! n....-omm~nd for th~ who are
~i,,ng t~sr own t'"ndowrnent or are bemg
married or ~.tle'd in a h..-mple (see 3.33).
2. f'OT roomunt"ndaHon of full-time olisstol\al'-
les (M't' •I 5)
'3. Por rdcn5C of ful.J time nili tonancs alter tht!y
h.we returned home (sec 4 10 I nnd 4 10.3)
4 For caJJing:. to ~>t>rvc as coumclors ln the stake
presldency, os pot rlnrchs, <1ml ns bishops,
when iU1 tharlzcd.
5. For cn.Wng& hl Sc•rve 119 eldcl'8 quorum presi-
den~ nnd 510lkc dcrks.
The stake prcsldtmt also mtervicws each
bi'lhop wguJorly In c.oncouragc and ~truct him.
He mtt"rvi~ ws thr "tnkc p.llnnrch at least tw1ce
3 ye-ar (SC\1 tli ·&>
7.1A Interviews Conducted by the Stake Prealdent
or Aaalgned CounselOrs
TI1e !>lake p~•dent OT us1gnt'd coum.e.lo~
conduct the lollow1ng tnh!rV11!WB with stake
member... flefow tnl\'n'it'\\'tng il ~ for any
of the following purp<N!S, lht- member of the
stilke prcs1dcnq cnliur th.tt the ~n has
b-..>tm in ten tewcd or clciltt!d b' the bishop or
an as:.tgnt!d caun~lnr '" the bt hnpnc.
I For rt'n{"Wlll of temple re ommends (see 3.3.3)
2. For ordination to the offil.es of elder and high
pric1t (~ 1(, 7 l ).
3. Por callings to serve In ChuJ·ch positions as
lndicnted m the Chart of Collings in Hnud-
book 2, chapter 19.
4. Por an cnl.lon.emcnt to r-nmll at.., Church wll·
vcrslty or college (see 11 .4).
S. Por an endol'$('mcnt to pnrtictpatc In the Per·
peru.;u Hduc.tUon Fund lo.~n progntrn, where
the pmgram \s .1pprovcd (S('(! 12.4).
If 4 counS\!Ior tn the take pre:.idenc} en-
counttm. scnou" m111ten in an mterv1ev.' such
as lransgrb'>1um. th.st rc.-qu•re rontessJon he reo
fers thE' mcmlx>r to the b1shup wsthout de.la).
71.5 Interview• Conducted by the Bishop
Tho. b~<.,lwp conducts the following intl?rviews
~vtlh ward m~mt-ers
I Ot lt"tnpl~ recommends (or th~ who are
r«e1vtng thttlf own endowment or are being
m;med or M:aled m a temple (s...~ 3.3.3)
2. For recommt•ndauon or full -ume miss:ionar-
le'l (~4 5)
~ For ordination to the offices of elder and high
pni!Sl, when aulhoriz.OO by the stab presi-
dency (see 16.71).
ot I (lr 11nnual Uthtng settlement (sa> 14.4.1}.
'i. ro1· cnlhng~~ to M.>rve as wani awJ.I.In.ry presi-
d~J,M. and a~> the ward mission leader.
6. For urtlinatiun tu the otflce of priest (see
1(1.7.2)
7. Por cnlllnWf tu 'lt!rw us assistants ln lhe priests
quorum
8. Of youth (~K->e 7 1.7).
9. For .m endo~emenl lO ~mroll or continue
cnrollmt..'t'\t at a Ch"rch unlVernty or rolk-ge
~~ 11.4)
The btShop also meets regularly v.1th the rl-
det'!o quorum pre-;1di.'Tlt and w1th the high priests
~roup IC'ad~·r (:.~ Hn11dbooJ.. 2. 7 3.1)
7.16 lntervlewt Conducted by the Bishop
or Assigned CounMiors
The bL.,hop or 11.•• tgnt.>d counselors conduct
the followmg lntt•Niew w1th ward members.
Only the bishop rcsolv • canct>rru. nbout chas-
tity and assoc~&~tt'd moral matter'it m these inter-
v•ews..lf a cou~lor encaunt.ers senous matten;,
uch as transgressions thill require confe&sirm, he
refers the membt'r to the b1'1hop without delay.
1. Por renewal of temple recomml'nds (see 3.3.3).
2. l'or caiUng:. to :.erve in Church positions us
h1dlc<tted in the Chart of Cnlll ng:; in Hllnd-
bor'k 2, chnpt~r lq,
3. Por baptism and confirmation of 8-year-old
chth.lt\'n whn ore members of record or. if
they are nol members of record. have at least
one parctlt or gu11rdinn who u. a member(see
163.3).
4 for calltng to t>rvc b ttw deacof\!> quorum
presLdt:nt. cou~lorrt, and scuetary teachers
quorum pn!f'ldent cou~lnrs, .tnd S«Tetary;
and pnests quorum ~tAt) . Howe' er, only
the b1 hop may St!l apart the d~cons and
tL'Acllers quorum pre:sidl'll~
S. For 12-year-oldo; as thev advance from Pri-
mary. Dunng lh15 interv1ew, the bishop or
his llS5igned counM:lor olsa mtervlews the
young men to d~tcmllnc whl.'ther they are
worthy and prepan:d to n.'Ct..ive the Aaronic
Prie.<lthood He tntd'VIf'\~ the young women
in preparation for cntenng thl• Young Women
program
6. For o!'d.lNuon to the uffict• of drilcon (lr
teacher (see 16 7 2)
1. Of )OUth and young smgil' ndult~ ( ·c 7.1.7
&nd 7 l 8),
b. Por patriarchnl blessings (o;ee 16.12.1)
9 J'or a pn~thood holder who d4$11'CS to act all
vokc in il pri('Sth()()d ordmance in another
W<lrd but do(lS not have a temple recommend.
If the person Is worthy, tlw bi hapric mem·
be,r fHis o ul ;md "lgn. ,, HecommenJ to Per-
(orm nn Ordinance form
10. For memb4'r"' whu arc ~ntcnng military ser-
vice (see I 0.2).
11. for an endo~ment to parbcipate In the Pet-
petunl Iiduc..llon Fund lo.1n program. where
tht! program lS approved, and ror counwl
and encouragement then>aftt?r (s~ 12.4).
7.1 7 GuldeUnes for Youth Interviews
ll\e bW\op mterviews each young man and
young wom<~n ;~tlea t Dnnually. If possible, he
intt>JV1t'\ t-ath 16- and t 7-yt>ar-old tw1ce annu-
.lLI) h lhi &S nul po'S"ible, he t~sstgns a counselor
to condud .ome of lhe.<oe Interview
Slll months aftt?r the iiMUalmtcn;ew wtth
the blShop, each young mnn nd yllung woman
ages 12 through IS hns an lntel'\ le\\ w1th the
counselur 1n the bishopric who oversees thc
Aaronic Pri~?sthood quorum or 'loung Women
clru.s.
ln la~c words, b1fihops, acting with Inspira-
tion nnd wisdom, nwy adjust the frequency of
mtervlews. Some youth may m'<'d added atten-
tion, whllo othcn. moy need less frequent inter-
vicw:s Ihnn ill'\' 'IU8g(>stt'd, though all should be
mtervicwl'd at lc.,c;t annut~lly
Lcoldcr ~ncour.1ge parent.s to stay close to
their childrt>n and to counsel thl.'m, allowmg the
leaders to act tn 'II 'l\lppumng role
lnten·u?ws arr rxccllcnt tNclling opporturu-
tii!S and can ~ pmtual..->.~rit<nces for vouth..
Members of th~ bil.hopnc should cxpnoss IOVI!
and listen careluU) Tht')' cncoura~~ yo~o~th to
77
 talk rather than dotng most o£ the tall.ing them-
selves.
MattcTS (or discu ·sion include the growth of
the young per~n's teshmony of Heavenly f-a·
ther, thl' missiOn and Atonement of Jesus Chris t,
and the restored gospel. The importance of · us-
t.Unm~ the Pre51dent of the Church and other
general and local Church l~ders ~ hould also be
d itlC'U:sscd.
Anotller matter for di.scu sion a~t th~ ampor-
lilnct' of obeying the commandments, partlcu-
larly
1 Praying re-gularly in prh·nte and wHh the
fam11y, studying the srnpture.s, honoring par-
ents, and pt~ymg d full tithing.
2. Being mod~t m dress and action, refraining
from any kmd of se'(ual actwlty, and refrain-
ing from vtc\.vmg, reading, or listening to
pomogrnpruc matenal
3. ObcyinK th~ Word of Wisdom and refrain·
ing !rom using iUegaJ drugs and masut>ing
other suhS'lanccs
4 Refraining from using the name of tht! Lord
m vain and from using vulgo1r expresstons
and other degradtng language.
5. Attending priesthood and sacrament meet-
mgs, participating In other Church ma-tings
and acHvatl.es, <tnd (ul£Jiling assignments
given by quorum leaders or Young WoJl'len
class pre.sadency members.
Mtmbcl'5 o( the bi.Shopnc may want to refer
lo the t.crlptu~. For tit!! Stnmgtlr af Yo11/fl, and
Tnu t" tllr faith dunng discussions about go&--
pel pnncipk><; and obeying the commandments.
While Interviewing young men, the btshopric
mcm~r gives special att<!ntion to thetr prcpara·
hon (or a full-time miSSIOn (.:cc 11.2) He di~s!>eS
preparing spiritually by being worthy, ~otudying
the gospel, and build ing n tcsllmony He also
dtscusses prepanng phystCl'llly, mentally. emo~
honally, and tinanoally Memhel"!> of the biSh-
opric hould be c;ensillve to lhe circumstances
under which young men arc honoTably excused
from full·lime mtsslon.uy servtce (see 4.5.3).
The btshop and hh, counselor$ encourag"t>
young women to support young men in accept·
l.ng mi:.saon call9. Young women of eligible age
who desire tn serve a mission may do o:;o, but they
<Jhould not be pressured to serve (see 4.3.2).
Members of the bishopric ensure th.1t youth
underc;tand the blesssngs o( temple covenants
78
•md temple marriage and the requirumcnt" fur
reeelvlng these blcssmgs.
When interviewing a young man for priest·
hood ordination, the bi"hop or hts assigned
counselor dlscusse~> the blessings of holding tht>"
Aaronic Prleslhot>d and the dutie!t of the office
lO which the young man will be ordained, as re.
veaJed in Doctrine .mel Covenan 20:-16-ro (see
also llandbook 2, 8.L1).
In mh~rvtews \\lith young men, the bishop·
ric member emphastzes the unportance of living
t.h~ staruJard!> in For tltt Strcmgtlt of Youtlr and ac-
comphshmg the purposes of the Aaronic Pricst·
hood (sc.'C Hrmdbf.?<Jk 2, 8.1 .3). He evaluates th •
•oung man's progress and encourages tum.
Wh(!n in tervi~wing a young woman, the
bas hopric member emphasizes the lmportance
of incorporating the Young Women vnltres ;rod
the s tandards in For tlw Strrngtlr ofYolith an her
daily l.i\ling (see Htt11tibooA. 2, 10.1.4 and 10.5)
He also emphasizes the importance of complet-
ing the Person.11 f~roW!lSS program. Heevalu.ttes
the young woman' · progress and encourages
her.
Whlm ln~l'\'u~wang youth of seminary age,
the bishopric member emphasizes the 1mpor·
tancu o( rt.-gul.u attendance at se.m.inary tmd tht.-
bJ~~>lngs thai come from actJVe p.1rtidpt1tion.
WhendiscussingmoraJcleMlmes.s, the bishop
adupts the di&cussion to the understanding of tne
youth. He also ensures 0\.lt U1~ discu~•on does
not encou rage curiostty or expcnmentauun.
7.1.8 Interviews of Young Single Adults
The bishop ur an assigned coun elor inter·
views each young single adulL These mtervtews
are uwall) hclJ annually. Howe,·er. actmg wtth
inspiration and WL"dom, the bJShopric may ad·
ju~t the frequ~ncy of these interviews.
7.1.9 Interviews of Persons to Be Readmitted by
Baptism and Confirmation
For l.nstrucllons about intervtcwing persons
who have been excommw\icated ilnd want to
bt! n!admit:tcd by baptism ~tnd con.finnation, see
6.12.3.
For tnStructions about intervtcwing persons
who have had U\elr names remo,roo from Churcll
records and want lO be readmitted by baptism
and confirmation. see 6.14.4.

72 Counseling
7.2.1 Gene,.l Guidelines
t '-c pr Jd\.'nts and b' hop couruel take
and ward members who • · pmtu;~l ~utd -
ncc, who h.t\ •" ght) ~I problems. who
h•we dl'(tl'Jn:tl q C'b, or who han~ conurut-
~>d n us tr41\5g "' Stal-e presidents and
bi.sho~ m.t d lrg~te me of thi cowueling
to thr.a C'OUn hmo, though not w~ a member
has comnutti'd noUJ transgressions. [n appro-
priate cases~ ... uch,"' wtwn ~ t.1maly h.l finallOal
stru glcs. a b1 hop or t l.;e pre!>adcnt ma> also
d •legat~ ~ml' coun!'.t'ling to McJchi2edck Priest·
huod holden, who an• qu.tlit C!'fJ to . ...U,t. ~per·
t-On whom 11 bio;hop or ~take pr,•..•de.nt i\~gfl!> to
roun'l(ll c1 mt!mber rt'ports rcgulntly to the lcadl!r
whn umdl! lh(! n«,ignotl"J''I, ·nu~ p<'l"50n .al~o mom-
lot ins con(ldt•ntl.llity.
Chu~~.:.h rncm~rs hould make ., dillgl'nt l'f·
fort,lncludm~ e.1m t pr•ver and cnpture <otudy,
to find lutJOf\lj and ruwl.!rs thcmseh·~. U they
J.lill nt.'t'J help, lh •y hould counsel tirst w1t:h
thc1r bi5ht)p. If n U)'• h~ m.\ · n!fd them to
the t.tke pr 'd nt. Local lc~dcrs should discou:r·
gt' mern.bers from C".llllng. v• 1hng. or \~Tltmg
to Church hcadqu.utt·r.s about p rson&l matters
( 17. 1.29).
The to1k~ presldl"nt nd b" hop are entitled
to the d\SC\!mmml and m ptration necessary to
be p1ntual adviser!. <tnd mponJ <1lU~C<J01"' to
ward nwm~r5 who need ruch hdp. They ,hould
pn•p.t~ p1ntuall • be!one> cuunseh.ng a member
by ct!ktng th pow«!r ol dLSCcmmcnt and the
guHJantc of the ptrit. This gusdance usuall)
come i1 1mp I'm , thoughts, or feelings The
..,partl ort.-n prompts lct~d('r~ IO remember t •.1ch·
ings from the cripture~ 11nd from latter-day
proph"t.,
~aden; "hould fT'<'qut•nt1 use the licrlphlres
ntl the word of J.ltll'M.i.lV prophc!ts 111 offering
COU.nsel 1hest> Inspired worm "'hould be used
wtth M:n lth ity, lm:t-, .1nd w rmth.. Jrn.-) "hould
be u" d to m~pire and encourage. not to CCX!lce
or C1'u e fear,
l..CJdcr: e~uld ~-.dule adequate time for
, ppolntmento. M~mbers hould not feel tNt
Ic. d ' rs re too bu )' And ~ d~vote only 01 f ....
mtnut to them Lead~,.. should also tu?lp m.em-
ben fe 1comlortahl :s an appomt:rncru bq,~ .
IE th ta~ p 1d~nt or bishop does not feel
PI\.'Part'd to counsel a member, he ~hedul~ an-
other appuintmcnt. lk>twecn .1ppolntmentS hi!
c gutd.ln«! through -.tudy, prayer, and, if
n ~ ry, (4 r . I h.: may also conrer with hlS
priesthood I~ :i r.
7.2..2. Spiritual Self-Reliance
leaders tnroura •t• m mbers to de\"elop spui·
hl41 ~-reliant ·. ~ d ·r& 'uW making d~
tor those whom th \ C\lUN I. I~tead , leaden>
h' lp th.:m m k~ tht:ar U\VO d b ns w Lh the
lord ' gwdance.
fht: ... take p~ident or bi hop should also
a\ o d unm~t 'ly oftcrmg luti"lt'\:1 to th ·he
coun Is To the edc.~t p< ..,,blc h help'i tht-m
an•ll)'l.e nd " 1\ e tht>ir u\\n pmblt'ms or qut!S-
tial\.. tn tlw tun I • t c.1f th~ doc-trlneb of tlw go:.·
pel .tnd lh~ ph1n or ,Jvntion. ldenlly, he.' ~ai;ht
member. huw to find solutions and !>trength from
the ~iplure nn their own.
7.2.3 Questions and Llatenlng
When C'OUn..ehng, th~ ~ttbkt! pr~ ident or
b hop a$~ que thm tu help him understand
the member's '>ttu. tion, th ugh he hould il\'Oid
unn .,.s.,ry probtng. ~titm u u.lly hould
bnng out ft.'Clmgs n\.1 thoughts r~tht!r than yrs
or tiO r •pi Members <ihlluld do mo'il ar the
talkmg.
Whil m rs tJtlk, \ht.• -.1.\kl· p~1dent or
bt hop 1t lem r fully, giving full nne! .na:re
attention. l.J.,Ir.rung 1:t \'italln ~tablbhing c:on~
6d~ and ttu t . r pte oft\!n need somcon~
the)' tru lto
tlw1r chAllt-n~
It''"'and
to them. th '' OT through
probl~rn
724 Repentance and Res tating Temptation
u.. member l~u trilno,g ...._j. th • :tl.1Mo r~~
ident or bi6hop rumly and lovingly help:. hint or
her tcP'!"I H~ l~acht::o that Npcnt.11\~ Includes
e.'en..:~lng f.uth in jesus Christ, hilvtng " brokm
hl'MI o1nd (nntrit~ rmt, tl.'(l)gnl.t.utg :11\d fo,.....~­
in~ ~m . •kmg forgivenesc;, m<lking restltubon.
.snd d •morelrating a renewed comnulmt•nt to
keep lhiP comm.mdmt:nts. If Ol'Cl...~T)·. hl.• im·
~., mformol Church dl ·c1plin~ e~r anaiMlc"
fomull dliC1plin • He hould be familiar with the:
ornun.stanc • thai may 1\ i~t.e 0\urch da ....
opbne: and the procec.IUJ"eS for :iru.t.labng it {see
chapter 6)
Wh..-n counseling me: rnbc::r5,ders hdp them
wke prevenll\e a · t on to~· t t ·mpt.ttions. For
e ample, mcmbc. whl' re courting, ~ hav-
ing d1fh(ulty in theat mam11 , re pu•ted
1'9
 or dwot"Ct"d, or are strugg.lin •"' th mtnor moral
problems may be ptot:e'Cttd nd ttmgthmt'd by
coun...-.eling that t d -agncd to hi'lp them gut~rd
a am t tran ~s. lon Presldtn ot tccrs n~ not
waat for m~·mbcr, to !t"lr.: uth help but mtl)' caU
them m for counseling.
7.2...S Marriage, Divorce, end Separation
No pne:-thood officer a to COW\'-4!1 a person
"hom to mArT) or hould he rouruel tt person
to divorte his or h.!!r spoUt>e. ThO:< de&ions mtb1
origm2t md remain ·w1lh the indhidual
When a marriage ends U, di\•on:l!, ur If a hus-
botnd and wife ~iUo'IIC. they houJd alway-s re-
ceive- couruehng from Church h:.ld~r One or
both may abo need Church di&dplm • illhi-y h.lvc
committed ~rioU.!> trnns.gret.biOn&IJ\ connection
with the dlvon:e or o,epitration.
A member who IS ~paratl-d Irom his or her
~pou or i going through a divorce: 'hould be
counseled not to dille until th~ d&\ orce d~
hn bccttme final \lccordtng to ~w.
'7.2..8 Profeufonal CounMnng
In •dd1t1on to ttl.! arupared help o* Churdt
leaders. members may need prof it,nal coun-
~lang . ln the Lnitt'd SQt and Canilda. stake
pre tdt>nts and bc,ho~ may C\lOtM1 L.OS family
Scrvac~ to identify re50UJ'(' to provad~ &uch
coun •ling in h~rmony with gtl\rl'l princlpii?S
(l 801 240-1711; 1~5).3860, 1.'ll.lC'J'I"Ion 2· 1711.
or ld~filmUy.-.ervi or&) , Outside the Unite-d
St~h ,,nd C.tnad11, stJakc praidcnts D'Ul)' contact
tht• An J J'lre-.sdcncy for guidance
7,27 Prfetthood Blenlngs
Th~ stake pres•d~nt or bc,hop may give a
prit thood blessing tf the m mbcr who Is being
c.:ounseltd lncerely wants tme.
73 Keeping Confidences
During 1111d after tht'tr ti'rm of OIC~ 1ce tn a
C'al11ng, ll'oaders mu t k p conf1dm bout
80
matt ·rs d•scu w!wn 101 1'\.' t.>Wlt\g and coun-
ting A bn.>actt or confiden~; ron d11ma • t.rust.
l Limom , and faith. A l~ader mu t not d ~
ru ..:onfidc.onh.1l matters with others, includ-
Ing his counsdors and wafe unl~s he 1'\'al\'es
coru.cnt from the person he~ rnlervJewing or
coun~ling.
l( a counselor in the bishopric or Mak~ pn.....t·
dency t!fl(."''untero. matttrs that nl'cd to bl.! dur
..:;u&.St..>d with ~ bishop or it:llk~ prc.lndcnt. he
t!'(plains thi to the membL"r nd r~fcrs h m or
h •r to the bi hop or ~t01ke president wtthout
dl.!l4y.
lf il pt't un mov to a new '".ud or stake,
the prt·~lding nfCscer of th~ un.u from which he
or ~hi.' mo\·cd may need to Jwre l.nformntion
<~bout (ormol Chutdl discipline or pending dis-
clpllnory m.attl!rs with the per on'& new pre-
siding officer (~ also 6,2 7 and 6 13.4 through
&. J3 7) Doing so is not ronstdcred a violation of
c:.on.fidentaality Howe\:er the pre,.iding olflccr
hould not hare inform.1b n 4bout trans~­
ioru that havP bt-m resol\'t.'Ci.
74 Protecting against Misunderstandings
Wh ·n • membft of a bt-,hopnc or st.tke pres.a-
dcncy me t.s wath a chtltl, youth, or womM.. he
~ r nnt or another adult to be in an oldjom·
•nK room, foyer, or h.311 A p.1rmt would USUillly
~ • vru.l bl (or .1 child The lcadt'f' a.hould avoid
aiJ drcumst~ccs that couJd be misund~tood .
7.5 Responding to Abuse
WhJI.: mtervi~wing or counseling a person.
a pne!.tl\txxJ Je.1dcr may bcromc aware of U\Ci·
d~;nl.ll ot •tbu of .1 child, -.po~. or other pc1110n.
Abu • ~,~annol be tolerated mnny fonn. Gwd~
lin~ fur 1"\'porttng ~nd ~>spandmg to abu'>e are
provadl'd tn 17.3.2.
8. Physical Facilities
at Pu.rpoM . . . . . . . . . . . • • • • • • • • . . . . • • . . • . . . • . 82 8•3 De<hahn,g Buald1~ •• • • ••• ••••• •• -
8441 ~ \:' # ... •••••••••••••••••• •••••• -
&.2' OrgantutJon . ...••... •• .• ••....•..••... · · 82-
8 4 5 Fil'nrm< ................. • • • • • • • • • • • • •
8.2.1 Phy<Jcal Fadht Ot-po:lrtmtnt • • • •••••• 82 8<4 6 Fares and CandJe!f ...................... 85
&.2..2 Admtnistr.ltl\ Oft.c •• • • • •..•••..• 82 847 F .................................. -.. 85
8 2.3 t:tkt Pre dmn . . . . . . . ..•....••••..• • 82 &48 Croundbr'\'Ailing ~1C • • • •• .. •• . . . • • 5
8.2.4 take f'hy1ical f.citJbeS Re~tatm! . . . 82 8.4 9 t-h ric ~'IVatlon .. • .. .. • • .. • • • .. 65
8.2.5 A gmt Bi hop • • • . • • • • . • . . • • • • • • • . • • . . . . 82 &410 1 ·t tnghou Con truct1on, Rental,
112.8 Bi hopnc: ............................. 82 or Purcll..'sr: • . • . . • • . .. • • . • • . . . .. • .. • . . . . .. 85
8.2.7 Word Buildtng ~tati\'e . . • • . • . • . . 82 8.411 Ml"Clmgoouw Plan •• • .. • • • • • • • • • • • • .. 86
8 2 8 Ml'mPc"' • • • • • •• • • • • . . . . • . . 83 8412 Mon<Jiy Ntght. ............. .
8 4 13 ()\ ernight l .odg1ng t'lt t.amptng • • • • • • • • • 86
8.3 Admlnlatrallon of Phyalcel Facilities .•• . .•• • . 83
8.414 P.u~ang 1 ot~ , , • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 86
8.3.1 u..e 11nd Cu" of M hnghoullt"S . . . . . • • • . . 83 8.415 Photogrnphl'l, Vh.ft<o ~tdtnp, otnd
8.32 M-.·t>tln~huu~· M;unt~narn:e 86
Broadcar.lf. In Chnpttl .. • • • .. • • .. • •
.tnd ln!>~tloo . • • • • • • •• • . . • . . . . • . . . . . . . 83 8.416 Property RightJ& and Own rr.hlp ••••••• 86
8.3.3 Mt!t!ttnghou P1.1nn1n .•.••••.••..••.. 83 8.417 Rccrcationnl Property Admtnlstrotion •• 86
8 3 <4 ~rg)' ~nd Watt-r Con rvolinn ••••..••• 83 8418 •rvingAre.u. .... • ....... .. 86
8.3.5 Solfcty .uld .!'Curaty ••••••••••••••••••••• 83 86
8.4.19 Signa • . • • ••• • . . • • • •• • • • · • • • · • •
836 AC'cidet~l Rcportmg ............ 83 &4 20 Stordge......... . . . . . •... · · ·. • • · · · 86
8 4 Poflclea on Using Church Bulldlnga 8•21 U11m~~~1in ou adrof
and Other Property . . . . . • . . • . . . . . • . . .. . . . . 84 St~t ~ &undarlCS. • • • • • • • • • • . • • • • • • • • 86
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • .. • • • • • • ,8.-4
8 4..2 ~"'('1: (k_lf\5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

81
8. Physical Facilities
8.1 Purpose
The Church putchll et> land and provtdes
facilibes to gh·c Chur~h mcmheN placeii where
they can worship, rc:tch, Jearn, pray_together.
make .and rerww cuvC"'Unts, and recc1ve sacred
ordtNnce:>. ~ch Oml\:h faallty t.hould (1) pro-
vide a 5pmtual setting lor members to worship
and (2) prnent m tma~e of n.~erence and dig-
nity In the rommunlt) .
8.2 Organization
8.2.1 Phyalc a l Facilities Depart ment
Under the direction of the Pre~>id l ng Bish-
opric, the Physical foeU1Ues Department e.!>hlb-
lishc-. po licif"s and oper01t1ng procc-durl.!s that
as:.1st ln providing f&~dt.IJe-< fur Chul'(h members
worldwide.
82.2 Administrative Offices
In the Unitc.'CIStat~ ;tnd Uflllda, members
at th~Presidem:y oi th~.> Se' enty and directors
(or tempornl affairs are responsible for Ule p~-
dwe and operation of Church propert)• Outside
the UnlteJ Smtes and Canada, Area rre:-,denc:ie.
and diroctors for tempom.l affam have these re-
pansibilitlcs. l'he-;e pmpcrhes mcludc m~hng­
house • ln)htures of rdiguln, mt ·on ho~ and
offices. "elt.ut> opcr<~ taons, and other..
Loc:.llladltbeS pt>n>onnt!l n~t und~ the dl-
recrion of tht' director (or temporal alfall'S.
8.2.3 Stake Pntsldency
Members of the ~;t.,J..e pr.::;idcncy ensure that
Church fuoliti.:s are upp ropriately used, cared
ror, and protected. '1hey teac:h leaders and mem-
bPrs their relipunsibihties for using and caring
for these facilities. They as.ougn a hJgh councilor
to be the stake physical facilities representath e.
They meet w1th h1m a nc..-cded to r{'view needs
Md proJects.
8.2.4 Stake Physical Facilities Representative
Tht- 'Ita!«! rkf'lr.ll fad\Jb~ represcntab>e (a
h•gh c-ouncilor) ~ •.,, the ...mke presidency in
phystcal (acillt cs mattel"'' a5 (()Unws:
1!e helps teach and tmplt!ment meetinghouse
u&e '"'d care s1and;trds
82
H coord..tnates the distnbution and control
uf lu.y,
H\' coordm.iltes the ll\6truct.Jon of w.ud bulld-
•ng rep~t<~tives in thetrduti~
f le participates m annual mectinghouse ln-
!>pediont. conducted b}' the tac'llthe-. ~n<tger,
unless th£' stake presidency do•gnate. an altt>r-
rwtt> to p;ut1c1patc
8 2.5 Agent Blahop
lf mon.! thlln on" w01td meet<- in 1 bu1ldmg.
the s ta"c presidency assigns one btshop to be
the agent bi hnp. He coordinates assignments
for nwmber pnrtidpation In rneetmghouse care
and m.ru.nte.nnnce. He also cootcl mates safety and
'ic.."'lnty procedures for the m(.'(!tlnghouse ln ad-
dition, he coordln:ltCS S<'hl'<h•ling of the hwld-
ang with the r.take and other wanJs that USt' it.
though M may ilSSign another mem!)cr to do the
scheduling.
a2.6 Bls hopnc
Members or IN biSI~lprk""' h!:lporu>Jbl~ foy
th1• u<,e, ctl~• •1nd S«Urlty of the meo•ttngh.ouse.
TI1 ''flt!.JCh WJtcl fl\l!ffib!:l'» hOw IO USl' and Care
for It TI1e~ orgillllLe tnt.!~t participation in
mcctmghouSt.> <3re and IThlintcnance, miWng il!r
stgnmcnl~ llS needed. They .1lso distribute meet·
tnghou:.e lev~.
Member.. of the bl-"hClpnc ensure that appro-
priate safety prec.1ul1ons .t.n! ta"en In the meet-
inghouc;e and on tht> grounds(~ 8.3.5).
8.2.7
Ward Build ing Representative
Ench want should h.tve 3 wt~n:l building rep-
rescntntlvc. The btBhnp moy appoint 11 mombez
of the bi~ hnprl~ to ,~rve tn this position, or the
b\shuprlc 1111\V ('.111 lln(lthcr mcm~r to do 60.
rht· w.ud b11ildmg l't'prer.mtatlve helps the
biShopric w1th mectJnghnU* responsibilities such
i.!> enctg) conscrvaUot\, safet . secwit), snow re-
11\0\ aJ (if oppllcable), and member participatiOn
m ck-aning and malnteMnc~ He takt'!l ca~ of
buildmg-reUited needs dunng m~ttn~. activ-
atic.:- ~tnd emergencies. I( nl'edcd, he rece.ves
IJ\5trut:bon from the stake phy~tit:oll rncthht:... ~
resentauve an operaun.g sound, heatlng, &tr con-
ditioning • .1nd other buihilng systcnu;,
8.2.8 Membera
Prl thood leadeT'll cmph.l iz~ that membc.r
partiapatlonb"" ·t toranm~tin hou are
~nd mAtntcnan ::-e 1emb 'J"S •nl' encouraged LU
providP individual ( r group ~rvi~. d~pending
on t.hcir sld.Us and ablhh .
8.3 Administration of Physical Facilities
831 u.. and ca... of Meetlnghouau
1 I Church 1 ad n tlnd me mbc!n are re-
po blc fur the u ml ~ur · of meetinghouses.
Th y ~ tcJ b} lu .11 f,KitlUI..."S personnel.
~. d ·n tnv • to t u~ th.1t mcl"flnghnu.~ and
ground Ol"t" • lw.,y ntMt, dean. attraetiv4:!, ~d
in g\~ repair Church ln(alttio..':<i howd rctl~ct
proper C'•ln~ 1nd t ~p · t tn '\' •ry way.
Church mcmb~r~. tm:·ludlng youth, hould
help dean and care tor mecti.ngho . N> mem·
bcr.:. pRl\1de o;ueh ~rvk~, UlelT reverence for the
l.c1rd' htluse dl'Cpcn5 Where possible, members
..houJd rulfilllhl5 re-;plln(,ibihty 0 p;:srt of wedJ~·
event wht."n the • an: already llt the met!tmg-
hou ~ M mbcrs mav at~~:>\.! a !J.C'd to hdp cl{'an
otl r Churclll•mlltl
8.3.2 Me.Unghouae Maintenance end Inspection
~ t.•olihn tn.11\..l~Pr Jrt P<"' "'<K.h meet-
anghouse tmnuaUy. Tit~ olkc ph loJ f.adhties
~'P~ l'S\tlUtVl', or nn 11ltcmnt '' ho' d "gn.tt~
by th~ 'tAll.c prcstdl'nt, parta ~apa m ~ in-
pecti"ns. He ~ hould han fuU oauthoriz.atton
to act on bchruJ or thr ta~ p~dmcJ in tht
c pactt); 'fho.,c who p.:uticipate m ~ i.lb~­
tJon.~t Identity buUding mai.ntenanre needs and
rnoU.c pldNi {l,)r r~pillnng or n:on ~ing i :t)"-1er'nS
o1nd componl'nt5 <~nd for maling othu needed
tmpruvcnwnU.
833 Meetinghouse Planning
Tile tokr pr stdl'OC)' pnmde nfonniltion
t\l A mcmbe'r of lh • P~ idl ncy of the Se\!t.mt} or
th" Area Pr~ld ncy th.tt wall asstst the director
for tcmpor.1lafhur . an preparing nd updating a
m.,..ter piJn of pmJ ~t !d l'l('(od.$ (or future build-
mg Sltb <tnd n\'w or addlUonal me-etJnghouS<'
r.po1cc.
8.34 Energy and Water ConMrvat!on
fh · Chwch anCUl'fi uh.l.lnual utilit\ costs
fm lt\\""cttnghouscs. L.c '1'5 can hdp rntua tl\e<;t>
c 1 ub t•nti llyb • t chm m.:~ to tum
off light nd cqu1pm~: nt when they are not
n ~cd and to folio" ot r c.onngy and W3tl."T
consavation pr<~cttc Lt'.Jdt-n eno;~ tlut light·
an , heating. ait c.'t ndlltonin~ equ1pment, .md
Wltl:r ~re u..~~ eronomlall u po.sstble.
needed, a member ,,f t
A ~ke pregdeOC}
or n · igMd high C'oundlur ma ('aU t1 hike
bullt.Jin~ ~~.-d.lli"t for w~t ·r 01nd f'netgy co~~
vahun for ...,ch ma•hnghou • nd tecredtional
property tn th~ stak~ . Thcsup«Hr worJ.. u:n·
d"' the dtrt'Ction of the !lt;a~c ph ·.. j . 1 facthttt!1.
representl b ve
Lead ·~ are ill'>o encouraged to follow the
i.>ner8Y and ".tter "~bon uutiatm3 of local
go\:4?Mml!nts.
8.3.5 Safety and Security
Pn t.~.>~ lhoud 1 •.!d~P· llllttruct mcrn~. espe-
cially wum"'" ond ~outh, 1\0t to~ alont! an .m
unlocl-l·d Church bualwng
ll!ade sht.luld t; n.1ble m~asurcs to
k r
k~ ·r h.allway , dl.!l. ~ it doo~. util-
lArD, t '"
lty room , and h.il'Walkl free of o t ructionund
other hd:.cculb. Lc d rs l~l cnsun:o that hnMd
ot~ materials or llamm;,hl ·at ·m.-.~tuch .u l'qtup
ment fud hol} 'traw~ •nt.l torru.ulk.s are not w:.t.'d
or stored tn meetif\Wlou.scs (see also 8.4.2)
ll' den ontrol ~ cJil>ttibution and estabh h
t.!Cil'(tl\~ build11\glod:up pCO(c.-dUte5 The!)· also
that tnlcn rclo1 room and c1th ·r room'S t.Nt
do not ron tam \"IIIWihl aterns ilr\! k/t unlocked .
t dc~ m ure th4t IIX l emt"Tgency tele--
rhon • num~~ (or lh poli • fir •d ·pa:rtmenl,
and mbul.lrl'-'-! are ~~ J on or n• a.r ach tete-
phon wath bnd lR! tructioos. fh.cv report rntrud·
en; to the JX'la'"' ai'I\IT\Nuttel).
8.3.8 Accfdent Reporting
Church actlvatlo 5hould mvolve minmtal nsk
ol injury or alln to pnrhdpanr.. or of dam·
age ta propt!rty. Dunng t~cUvitics, leaden. ~
every eUort to msurc s.1fcty. By planmng e!tec-
tl\ ely •nd laUnwing .tft..·ty pn'<'nuhon.., leader-;
'-=an nununu.c th • ml< o( ucddcn
Th • bt hup or t l~l' pi'\! ldtmt ..hould be nub-
flt.-d prompt!)' if~
1. 1\n CCidt-nt,U1Jlll')', or lllm• · ocrun.on Church
propert) or dunng .1 Church· pol'bOred c-
Uvtty
2. A person who ~as pMttdpah.r~g l.n a Church-
sponsored acth·aty IS m1 in
3 Da.nuse to priva~ pubhc, or Church prop·
crty occurs during o1 Church- po red ac-
b\'lt)'
83
 II a person has ~ <;enousJy inJured or is
nu mg.. tf property ~ betm senously damaged
or if legal action tS threatened or anticipated. the
61~1<~ president (or a t'Ji<.hop under his ditl'ction),
promptlv takes one of the following actions:
I In th · Urutcd States or Cnnadn, he notifies thP
Rtsl. Management Divtslon At Church head-
quarter!> (l-80l-240404q or 1-800-453-3860,
nlt!J\Slon 2-4049; after bustMsll hours or on
w~ ·kend , calll.at)l-24G-1000M I~
J&iO, .U\d the operalt'lr will cunlilct !iOmalfle
tmmt..>dtately)
2. Outside the t:nJted Stctles and Canada, he
notifies the area office
Leaders also report injuries .md d.unage m-
volving Church facihhl"' <lr property to the facil.
itles a1anag~r.
Leaders lihould revl(•w the applicability ot
th<> Church Activity Tnsuntllct! Program II an in-
jury occUJl't'd durlng a Church-sponsored actJV-
aty. event or .lSSignmcnt. For information about
ln..,unmn~ ..,e,? HuuJbool. 1 13 b q
The 't<tke presJdent (or •' b1shop under hl5
<.lireclion) refers questloru; Jb<1ut !i.lfety ~ ues or
cLmns against the Church to the Risk Manage-
ment Oi\'i~cm or to the area office.
See Hnrulbook 2, 13.6.20, for additional mstruc-
hnns on how to pn~ 1n ca'le of an ilccidenl
or emergency.
8.4 Pollcl es on Using Church Buildings
and Other Property
Church bwldings And oth..r property are to
be u !d for wonshlp, rdigiow. uutruction, imd
Cllht>rO\urch-tel.tted DCtJ\'Ib . 0\urch property
should not be used for commcn:la.l or political
purpose1t. whic'h would vinl.th•l4ws that permit
its tax exemption. Nur rn.ay propt-rty be u:.ed for
other purposes lhi\l would violate these laws.
1111.~ following li!it provid~.: cJCnmplt-b o( use5 th.lt
are not approved:
I Renting or leasing Ch.urcll facilill("'; for com•
merdal purposes
2. Prumoting bus.tnes:o\' entu~ Or tnVt.'Stment
enterprises. lncludlng posting commercial
adn~rtlsing or PI'" nng commen:ial enter·
Ultnrnt'nl.
3. 6uy1ng, ~lang. or prom<>ting products, ser·
vtces, publlcauoru.. ur rw.sttw work\ or dem·
unt.lrating wares.
I Juld.lng unauthorized fund·r~tng ClCUvihc.;
(~ Hnndboo/1 2. l3b.8)
5. Hooting speakers or mstructoi'Ji who are p1tid
a fe;;o, who recrwt part:top;uu... or who sohdt
customers or clten11. whtl~ gtnng t.en\mars,
lessons, aerobics classes, and o on. Exa-pbons
mny be made to use meetinghouse pianos
and organs for patd private in.... truction (54!'e
H11ndboo~ 2, 14.7).
h I folding organized athlebc event<~ th.1t aTe
not sponsored by the Church, wluding prac-
ltct..'!>
7. Holding politial meetmgs or c.unpatgns A$
an CJ<ct•phcm, Chun:h f.snlitu'"> m.1y be used
fnr votl'r regll.lratit>n and .:t!' polltng ploces
at the rcqu~t of voting oHlcJul6 If
n. There Is no reasonable 4ll~mlltive
b. Inc officials and voters mttinlnin <.:hu reb
standards in the buiWJng
c Tile event will not pose physical cfnnger
to the buildmg.
d The l'\ ent will not hamt the image of the
Church
The u.e of Church property -;hould not pose
a &lgnlficant nsk of harm to pMhclpant!. or to
the propt•rty Nor hould tt unduly cl<poM! the
Chu~h to llilbibty or dl!>turb 11utroundmg nt!lgh·
bors
Fur mote detailed ln.'>trucUon" on u'ilng and
Qrtng (or Church bwldings ill\d other property.
aee Focrlifles MDnag~mmt G11idtlmr for Mrrl
mgllor~ und Otlrn Church Propt'rly or contact
Church headquarters or the as.sagned admuus-
trative office
8.4.1 Artwork
ChW\:h-approwd nrtwork ror rnlo'elinghouses
Is ohllllncd through the facilities marHI~er usmg
th~ Clr11rclt fncilitia ArtttXtrk rn talog. The mciU-
tiet. manuKet may aho ob1nln. <trlwork that l!i
approprtilte for mcctlnghousC!I through Church
Di"tnbutlon Scrv1ccs.
Pictures and other arrworl.. m.t)' be pl.lced in
appropriate locattons m the m~tmghousc Haw·
ever, the} may not be placed tn the ch.lpel or ~r
the baptismal font Statues, mural.s, and mos&ICS
are not authonzed Tlus policy may not .11pplv to
worl.:i. o£ art that have been on dbplay for m.my
YC?<lfl> in the duapels of existing mcctinghoo:.es.
Artwork tn meetinghouses shouJd be pmp-
t'rl) fnmcd
8.4.2 Decorations
IA'cor.lllon<~ for Chr-btrnas, other holiday;.,
and C\thcr ~;imUar llCC.ll>lon~ m.1y be placed tem-
poraril m tht: foy\'r or culturnl hall of a meet-
inghouse. u approv~od under the d1redlon of the
take pre.1dl!flcy. With the e repUon of Oowers,
decoraUon5 may not ~ ph~~.:rd m the chapel area
ot the mcetmghouse or huuld the ~tenor of
tht: mt-etmghou~ ur the growlds be decorated
lA'Cornli<ms 'hould be m.odat and rn.expen-
o,ave and mu~<l not be a lire haz.ud Hay, straw,
palm fronds, otht>r dl!hydrilt~ rruttmals, and
ll~hlcd candl ' mn\ not be u.'led. If Christmas
IT<.oe .1re lbcd, the) l>hould be arttfidal or prop-
t!rly fifepi"OC\foo and dlsplilyed without electric
llghb or candle!. locJI fire .md 11afcty <'odes and
(.1tdlnllncct> iJluuh.l bc ob.'>c.tvcd.
8.4.3 De d icating BuOdlngs
AJJ new mectlnsi\OUSC"', as well as major .1d·
ditions that cont;,in <~ chnpt'l, il culhmll hull, or
an area targt!r than the exl«Ung 'ltructure, sbould
be deruc.tted as soon ns possible afl~?r the project
15 completed
malll'r bulldlngs such .ls mtsston homes. ~
litutcs. 5('rnlnaru....., and ci4S"toOm or office ad-
dttlt•ru tn mt •hnghouses may also be ded.tcat:ed
if locall~ders Jeslre.
Fm;,l appro\' a I for dNJcalton as gJVen by a
mo>mber of the Pn-'lhicmcv of the! ~cnty or the
Are~ P~ldcncy m C'IIOrdiNh(m with ~ din!ctor
for lt.ompor. 1.affa1n. A mt•~ol the rres:1dency
of the S<.'vl'nt) or the An>a l'rt'Sldm<y works ~,th
the stal..e or mt~StCin pn"t,ltnt and indica I~ who
IS rc<ipnnsiblc f<>r ded1cating the bwldtng.
The program for • dedicatnry ~cc should
be in ~ccping with the purpose of the event. It
11houh..l not be lengthy or i.ndude extensive mu·
slcnl pres<'nlAtioM Suffictent hmc should be
provided for the a.. •gned leader to speak and to
dectlcah: !he building following the dedicatory
prayer, there shuuld he oil\ appropriate hymn or
musillll ..c!..'CtJon .rnd a hort prayer to cl(lse the
!ll'tvlrt•
lAodlc4tury pray~r., of bu1ldlngs may be re-
corded wtth pemu.s ion from the presidmg au·
thonty.
8.44 Emergencies
Dunng an tnnt-rgency, U1e stake presidency
det~muncswhether or not to hold reguJar ward
meetmg
1n a commurut) -\\'Jde etn\!tgcncy or disaster,
the stili president may a i'<tltgltin\illt' d•qster
relief "geoo~ by 011Jowmg ml't•tlnghou.'d to be
used as emetgcncy sheltl•fS, The Chun:h rctatn:.
control. Stake and wilrd lc.ldt'n> t'l'l<.un.• th01t p.."'-
pJe who u:;e the build inS!> ob~rvt! Church :,t,a.n.
dards of conduct, ancluding the Word of \\'"J.Sdom.
while they aN m the buildtngs For mort' infor·
mat:Wn about cmergcncu!s see S.J.J.
8.4.5 Areanns
Church1.."S .ll'l? dcdlcatoo for IM '""orslup of
Cod 1nd as havens from tho rn~ and con«>ms
nf tht- world lno ~:nnylng or lethal weapons,
conceaJed or olherwlsc, within their walls LS
inappropriatc l' '"-'PI as rcqumod by offiC\!~ of
the l<~w.
8.4.6 Fires a nd Candles
Open n.ao1cs ou1l.l Ugh ted c..mdJcs may nt.'t be
used Ln Church butlcUng!i
8.4.7 Flags
I'he nutlun.1l ILtg may be Oown <tn the grounds
of Chuteh property at any hm~ as long as it con-
forms to 101:al cw ICim and con\'l"lltion. JOe na·
honal flo1g may be di plily~ inside Chwrl\
buildmg,s on P'-'dtll occ;uao~. such 4S patriotic
progral'lb C\:.-numt'! patrlntl'm d(X'S not requue
d•"Pbrmg the nAtlonal fbg Wl\llnu~v at plac-es
ofworslup.
848 Groundbreaklng Services
Alter • new butldmg p10)ect tJ. approvt'd loatl
leader$ m.1y conduct., groundbre01ltng !>el'\'lce
in pn!parauon for the construction. This ser\'10'!
as not to~ held on Sunday.
8.4.9 Historic P reservation
All qu!.'stions 11hout plndng Church-Qwned
property M bui lding& on no1Uonnl or local historic
preservaliollli'lt~ or n•).li'ltrh~ <~hou)d b~ directed
to Church hcad!.Juntt{'rll through .t mt!mber of lhe
Presidency of U\e Seventy or U\c Are.\ Pres1dency.
For questions about marking, commemor.1ting.
or plt"'e1'Ving other 'IJt\•-., artifact:. works CJf art,
or documents, contad lh~ Church Hi5tory De-
partment all--801·240-2.272 or l 800 53·3860,
exten-.lon 2-2272..
U .10 Meetinghouse Con.trucUon. RentaJ,
o r P urchase
For poli~ about ~lnlchon, rental, or pur·
cha.;e of meetmghou ~ Flttiii~L-> Mnrwgmuml
85
 CmJrJmt'$ for Mt'ftfngholtJn twJ Oll~r Orurdt Pnrp-
trty or contAct the director for tempcmd affairs.
8.4.11 Meetinghouse Plans
1'lu! Church has prepa.!M a variety o1 standard
mC\'tmghou.-.c pl.m let fit the orcumstimces and
n~.od~ of members throughout the world. \\'hen
a new mrctinghouse is to be constructed, a ;wt-
.1blc 'l.lndard pl.'" 1~ ~lectL-d That pl..m outlines
the polky for th · rtJOtm, feottu~. and l"<{Ulpment
lh.lt ar~ ancluJcd tn the mt'ellngho~.
8.-i.12 Monday Night.
Sc:e Htntdb 2. 13.6.!0.
8.4.13 Overnight Lodging or Camping
Church mL-etmghouse properties may not
be used for overnight lc.ldgi.ng, camping, or slum-
bcr p.uttc .
8.4.14 Paft(fng Lola
U • ,,{ Chun.h p~rkmg lo~ hould comply
w1th tht.> guldcltnl'S nt the bcgmrung of section
8 J ln addlri' n Chun:h p.arldng lot' .,hould not
be u..'4!'d (or commuter p.uking "ithout ~
slon from the dln.'Ctor for tl'mporal At(illi'S
84.15 Photograph•, VIdeo Recordings., and
Broadcasts In Chapels
Taktng photogrop~ or making video~
1ngs tn ch•pels is not permitted Meetu'lgS and
other C'\'C'J\ts that .1re held in th~ chapel mi\y not
be brvad.cil<~t O\ ~r th~ Intem.t!t or by any other
mean~ (~ 18.3 . 1 In Hnndboc,fc 2 for an ~XO!J>­
tion).
84.16 Pro~y Rlghta and Ownership
All property .wlgned to or held for the ben-
efit of locnl unit& belong~ to the C..hurch, not to
the unite. Nev~rthclcM, local unit~ have brond
autonomy In U!tlng O'urch-owned property, in-
cluding bu lld.lngs, land, and other property. sub-
ject to the ownership and pohcies of the Church.
8.4.17 RecreatJonal Property Administration
For lnformataon about administenng recre-
•tlon;'ll prupcrtv, ~ FacrJIItr:; Mrma~~mmt Guid~­
u~ for MttrtinghCIIU~ and Otlt~r Clwrrh Pro~rty
or ront.1ct the Jl~tor for tcmporaJ affairs.
86
8 4 18 Servfng Areas
The rvlng olte., 1n Chul'\:h en.: "Unghou~t
i~ not int~nde..l for food pr 1'3ration or cook-
mg un1~ It 1 p.u1 <,( • lc$son. dt>mon:;trat10n.
or other instruction When food lS to be sen•ed
m the buildmg or on tlw ground~. it should be
preparal ebewhere And brought to the meeting-
bouse. where it may be kept warm or coW until
it is served
a.•.19 Signa
The nam~ of ll1e Church 1 to be di played
on all mct1tlng)'louses ~d other Chu.t(h blUld-
lng in th • .1f'1prov ·d J.u~gu~se .and logo. ll is
to b~ muunh.>tl l)n th~ butldt.ng. Under certottn
COI\dltions, the Mm~ ot tl\e Chwc.h mcly also be
rnoun ll'Ci on th~ gn>Ultd& 001 ~ttnnd alone sign.
8. .20
4 Storage
The only storage allowed an m ~tlnghouses
is for mamlenan«' tli!D\S and other approved
supplie~ and tquJptrwnt. W.elfan.. commodiltes
.md other :fUch l~m·. may not be stored in meet•
tnghouse
Materl.al. ucl1 g.t50lint! propan ·. matches,
and camptng g .lf hl)u!d bt? ~toted in buildlng!»
th.u an- ...,.trot~ from thr meetinghouse
Cars. rccttahon.11 \' hidl'S, i.nd other per·
sana! equipmo..'t'lt mo~y not be tc1r ~ on Church
p~rt ·.
a4.2t Using Meetinghouse. outside of
Stake Boundariq
AU meetmghou.scs '' lthrn re.oasonable d.istancr
of a ward musl be OCCl.lpied to their d~ignt!d
capadty before additional facilities will be p~
vidcd Wh~."tl nee\' '4ry, ~take pr~~udendes, in
consultation wtth a mtm\bcr of the Pn:sidt!ncy of
the Seventy or th · A~n Prcstdency, mdy assign
words to u~ meetinghouses in on adJ.tccnt stakt-.
More than onl• s tJke may u~ a stotke center if It
ls conveniently locah.>d
9. Creating, Changing, and Naming New Units

9.1 Creating, Changing, or Discontinuing 919 Single Adult Ward\ • • • • . • • • • .. • .. .. • 92

Church Units •••••.••••.••.•.••••.••••••.• 88 9.1.10 Special Net.>d.s WnrcL. and Branchb ••••. IJ2
9.1.1 Stalces and Dlstncts . • • • . . • . . . . .. • . . . 88 91 11 Church UnUs at MaUtuy lnstallations • . 92
9.12 Wards and Branclu!s m SQkes . • .•. •. .. • . 88 9.2 Naming Church Units ..................... 92
9.1.3 Brandws in Ma tons .. .. . .. . .. .. .. . . . • . 89
9.1.4 Group m tission.s. Stakes, and Areas . . . . 89 9.2.1 Stakes and Di trict!! .................... 92
9.1.5 NOnn.lti\:c l..lnguage WMds
9.2.2 Wardsand Branches • . .. .. .. • • • .. • • .. 93
and Branches • • • • • • • • . • . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . 90 9..3 Basic Unit Program •....• • . . ••.•••• . ... •• • 93
9.1.6 Young Slng.lc Adult Wards and Br.mchcs .. 90
91.7 Young Single Adult Sr. kt>'l . . . . • . . • . . . . 91 9.4 Growth of Church Units . .................. 93
9.1.8 M.lrri ~Student SLlkcs, Words,
.tnd Br.lnch ;.; . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

81
9. Creating, Changing, and Naming New Units
9.1 Crea11ng, Changing, or Discontinuing
Church Units
Church unJtR mclude stakes, dlsnirts, wards,
and branclu=-. lney an.> crea~, changed, or dis-
continued only when the need is dearly dem-
onstrated.
The followtng guidelines are intended to
help ensure that Church umts are divided only
when they nr\! 'iuCflclently strong. Dividing a unit
prematurely cnn weaken It ~fore lt becomes a
renter or ~tTI.'ngth. Premnture divisiOTlS am also
OVt!rburdcn members.
9.1,1 Stakes and Districts
Stakes are crec1tcd from dlslrlcts or by divid-
ing existing stakes. In the Unlted States and Can-
ada, s takes genernlly should have a minimum
of 3,000 members and Bve wards. In all other
countries, stakes gcnernlly should have a min·
imum llf 1,900 members and fh e wards. There
1S no ft:ooed mulimum number of members or
branclles nl~dt'd to crc.>ille a district.
All new stakes mllSt have at least 24 active,
full-lithe pa)'lng Mekhi1edel. Priesthood holders,
in add1t1on to the requtn.'<i muilinum of 15 such
brethren m each ward m the stake. The5e brethren
should be cap<~blc ol serving effectively in stake
and wllt'd pnesthood, administrative, and auxil-
iary pos&tions.
To propose creaung a :.take or d!stnct, chang-
ing its boundaries, cllangmg its name, o r dis-
continuing it, tht> stake or mission president
completes a Stake and DlBlrict Organization Ap-
plication form and marks any proposro bound-
nry changes on a map. In the Unlted States and
Canada, stake and mis<~ion presidents can ob-
tain an appllc.l tlon form a1ld a unit map from
the Boundary and Lendershlp Ch.,nge Commit-
tee supp(lrt staff at Church ht!adqunrters (1-801-
240-3500 or 1-800-453-3860, extensjon 2-3500).
In other countries. stake and mission presidents
can obbin applJcation fonns and unit maps from
the ass&gned adnunistrati\le office. IC unit maps
d~ I lUI ttVcilldblt- frulll t)edl uf1ict:, lt:'otUlmi :dwuJd
obtain two standard, detailed maps wHh street
or town mdexes and use them to clearly identify
unit boundaries
A stake president who Is proposing a stake
change SlY<'$ lh<' romplrted application and maps
88
to a member of the Presidency of the Seventy or
the Area Pre:.td~·ncy. A mLSouon president who is
pmposmg the creation of a stake from a dtstrict
fuUu"'::; t.lw :..un~ pnx".Jun:. Tit'-' IJIVpu:>td utus1
have the written ~daf'Cmcnl of the presidents
of each aff«ted stal..e or m1s~1on.
A member of the Presidency of the ~venty
or th~ Area Presidency revsews all applications
to ensure that Instructions and guidelines have
been foUowed Before cndor..mg n proJX)SillJor
a district to be mnde a slake, a member of the
Presidency nf the SevW1t)l or the Al'ea Presidency
ensures that the unit i!l well above the minimum
guidelines and has bet;ln ftmctioni ng at the d t:-
slred level of maturity nnd strength. [f the mem-
ber ()t the Presidency of the S~.tvcnty or the Al'(!t'l
Pre!lid!lncy endol'!>es the proposal, the applica·
lion and maps arc stsbmilted to the Boundary
a11d I eadt'rst11p Change CommJtlee. Approval
is given only hy the first Presedency and the
Quorum of the Twelve
l..ead\'N who have qu~h~>ns about nonnative
language stakes may contact a member of the
Presidency of the Se\'enty
9.1.2 Wards and Branches In Stakes
Wards aml brclnche · in stak~ are created
from elClSting wards or from branches U\ stakes
or miSSIOrl! The mke pres1dent uses the same
prOCt!dures for creating a branch at- he does for
a ward.
In the United State~ und Canada, wards gen-
erally should have at lcnst 300 members. In all
other countries, wards gcmcrolly should have at
le3st 150 members. All new wards must have at
least 15 Mclc.hiV!dc!... Priesthood holders who
nrc active in the Church. full-titho pnyers, and
c:apflble of serving In a priesthood or auxiliary
positlon. NormaUy ull new wards must have at
least one ilctlvo, fu ll· Uthc paying Melchlzedek
Priesthood holdt!r per 20 members. Therefore,
new wards wiU\ more thilll 300 members must
have more thi1n the required minimum of 15 ac·
tive Mt-lchi7.edck Prie~thood holden.. Requests
for e>.cepuoru; may be &ubmlth:d m c1.1eas where
this mil)' not be ro Jble.
To create a brnnch in a stake, generillly there
should be a minimum of 20 ml!mber.; <~nd a t least
4 to 6 full-tithe paymg Melchizede.k Prie:.thood
holders.
 To propo.,c crc.Jting a ward llr branch in a
ch.tnging 1ts boundaries. changmg its
l'lt.tl..e,
name, ur dlscon1Jnu1nl' 11. the- Make president
rompll•t !!I a Wnrd •.md 8rant.h Orga.rtJuticm Ap-
plication form and mark<o 01ny proposed bound-
ary chang~ on " map. tn-.truction for obtnimng
the apphcatiun form and maps •~ prov1ded in
'11.1
The stake p~-stdl-nt giv~ the completed
apphcativn and m.1p to a member ol the Pres.t-
d\mcy of the Scvcnty or the Area Presidency. The
prop<>"&ll mu ... t ha\ e the written endon.e.ment of
tht• pt =-•dt>nb ur l?ileh ..tfected stake or mission.
A member nf the Presidency of the Seventy
or llw Art.>.t Pre:.idency rt-views aU upplications
to ensuro that tNiructic;m'l <~ncl guidelines have
been followL't:J Beron! c:ndm~lng a proposal for
a bmnch to b~ n~&ldc o ward, n member of the
Presidency of the Seventy or the 1\rea Presidency
eJ\S\.Ircs that th<' unit i~> well 11bovc th~ mm1mum
guideline<> and has been fw\l.IIOntng <I t U\e de-
<>tred JC\·eJ of rruuurlty and strength. If the mem-
ber of the Pt"eSldt•ncy of the Seventy or the Area
Pre:.tdency endort.eS the proposal, the apphca-
Uon .and maps are submitted to the Boundary
:md !Aotdcf'lhtp Change Commtttee. Approval
I" glWn cmly hy lhP firl>l Pn.-.. tdency.
Wh ·n ~ wanJ are erca~ . the take~
tdcnt rompMi.' a Rt>commendauon Cor New
Bu.hop (orm for l!c\Ch btshop who tS bring recom-
mended Tnl> form 'h~ruld bt- ut>mt~ Wlth the
pro~l Stalt>s t.hJt w...• Church rec.:unl-Uepmg
softwilre can pnnt the form loally. Other stakes
can obtain it (mm thl' a <igned admimstrabve
office
91.3 Branches In Missions
1llerc I& no fixed minimum number of mem-
bers needed to create a bmnch m a miliB.ton. Hmv-
evcr, them.' new brunches generally should have
at least II to fJ ,,dive priesthood holders. At least
one should bt' t1 full-tithe p;,ying Melchlzedek
Prit.>qthond hold1.•r
fu pmp<'!~ crcnhng., brnnch in a mission.
changing lhl bounllarie • Lhangl.r'g its n.une.
trcU\Sferring II or dlscontinulng il, the mission
presldt-nt compll'tc.~ ., Ward 11nd B111nch Orga-
mzabon Applicahon form and mark:. any pro-
po!M!d boundary c:h.lnges on a nup. lnstrucl:iOl\5
for obtoltning the applic:allon form and nlilp> are
ptovtded m 91.1 . Jne mlMiiOn pre&tdent gives
the completed application and maps 10 a tJU!J'l\-
bt!r of the Pre.id~C) of th~ Se\•t!nty or th~ Area
Prestderl\.'}'
A rnentber of lh~ P~ldi.!J'lr;y nf the St!vent)•
or the Area Presidency may g1ve fu'l.,] appro ...•a!
or de:roal of a propos.1l to (I) create and nAme.,.
new bnmc::h in a mu.:.ton, (2) dtSCUntinue It or
(3) change 1ts boundaries U the chMgeo docs not
affect .,.n adja~nt diStrict, mt S10n, or take. A
member of the Presidency of the Se\ enty or th..-
Are>~ Presidency muslscnd copies of appro\--ed
•pphcations and map to the Boundary and
U.ldt!,...hip Ch.a.ng~ Commmeo- at Chun:h bead-
quarters betore a unit number an be .usigned.
A mt>mber ~lf thl• f'l'i ..idency o{ tht! Seventy
or the Area Pres!d(!OC) mny t'ndOffl(' but not gtve
final approval ll( a propo11.11 to (l) changt! the
name of o branch in il ml<.slon, (2) trttn rer 1t to
another district, mission, or s lilkc. or (3) change
its boundaries if the rh;mge would a(ft.ct an ad·
jacent district, m ~!>tOn, or :.Ia ke, lf U\e ll'lt!mbt!r of
the Presidency of the Seventy or the Area Presi·
dency en dorset. the propo!oill, the appli(11bOn and
maps arc submitted to tht! Boundary nnd tnder-
.shlp Change Committee. Approval Is given only
by the fin~t Pn'llldcncy
A member of the Prt'tldency of the Seventy
or the Arc01 ('re-.tdl'nC)' m.t) t.>ndon.e but not ghre
final o~prm ... al uf a prupcb4111,1 ue..~te or change
a miSSion branch for young stngle ol.lulb, smgJe
adults, mcrnbt.·~ who 'JX'<~k nonnJbv" lo~nguases,
members whl) M' I!' p«I.JI nl.'~, or ml!mbers
in the miht.a.r) . II the rtu'D\bcr of tht' Presider~L~
of the Seventy or the An-A Precttdcncy t'ndo~
the propo-c;al. the appUcation and ma~ are !tub-
nutted to the 8ound.uy and lcadcrshJp Change
Comm.ttle(' Approval is grven onlr by thl' First
P~-sidmt')
9.U Groups In Mlaalona, Stakes, and Areas
Wlu!K' D\~mb<!NI cannot a&semblc m a ward
or hrnnch, grttup!l m.1y be C're.~tcd . Group may
also be created lo uruiNUill drcum<ito.nces, such
as when a small nurnbor of ward or branch mem·
bers Spt!il k il diff,•rcnt lnnguagt> ur ""'deaf <lnd
there is not " ward or branch that C'<l.n accom-
modate thetr needs Croups mlly nlso be created
for members in the milit.lry 1.101 nuthn<'d tn tO 4.
For a group to be created there must be two
or more mrmbcrs in a locaUt}, and one must be
a worthy priest '" the Aaronic Pne!othood or cl
worthy Melchiz.l:!dck Pril'Sthood holder. When
a group is created no urut numbet- is assigned
by Church hel'dquarters
tn ml..,.,ion the mt~tm pre!.Jdmt may rec-
ummend oe11ltng a group to a member of the
 rrcJdt!ncy uf the Sev~nty or tm- Area Pre:;,dency.
With their approval. the miss.ion president may
nrg.-anu<' .t group, or he m.-.y 01., tgn 01 br~ch
pr~idf'nt to orgAniJ'~ and 'IUpt'f'\' IJ>e it
In \41~, tht! 'lt.akc J" 1d nt mo1y J\'<'Oit\J'J'I~nd
tn.Jtmg a group to member of lht:> P~idency
ol the Senmty or the AN<~ Pn5idencr With their
approval. tht' tnkc r~admt 0'\.lf OlSSign a bishop
or brAnch presid~nt to o~nlze and upervise
tJ group
Tht.! ~ton pre!oitdent, bishop, or branch
presidml. atUs a group le.1der and 5Cb h.im apart.
A group l~der org.mi.t6 group m~tings, which
includt! the aJminastroltion of the ~crament
He docs not have priesthood keys, so he ts not
authorir.4-d to n-ceivt.• tith1.» and off•lir\g , coun-
, ·1 mc.mbtrr-. about wrloW' tn\nSgrt.~ Ions, odmin·
'"'t(.•r Chu~h discipline, or perform other duties
th:tt rcqufr~ l..ry!l.
Typkt~tly, group~ U!SO the 8 SlC UnH Program
(~9.3)
:fembcn.hip records ol group memllers are
kept in the bromch or wMd that supen'lSeS th~
gNup.
A., groups grow in Mle and matunty and il$
drcumstancb pemut, pnesthood leader.; m.t)
apply for thl" ~roup to oo made a branch
9.1.5 Nonnattve Language Warda and Branches
Prlt>sUlood leaden. .!lhould carefully foster
the welfare of mcmben within t.hetr boundanes
who do nol 'JX'OSk the prcdommant lunguage
In circum ton :.. whcre the conventional ward
c.mnol provtde ror the need& of a nonn.ati\e lan-
gungl' group, and whl' n a language barrier ex-
i"tts among a !>ufficu:nt number of members m a
&lrlk~, lhl" slake pres1dent may recommend that
,, nonnattve language ward or branch be created.
Such" wMd generally should hJvl! at leilst ISO
members The st;1ndard requut:tment for the
number of Metch17cdek Priesthood holders also
<1pphes (sec 9.1 2) There I" no ftxcd minimum
notnbt>r \If membt!n. net'<.h.'tl to creJtt! d br<1nch.
NonMtlvc l.1nguagc ward nnd brilnches nre
c;reat~d or dMnged u~.tng thl! proc~dur~.!. out-
~-d tn 9.1.2. Approval is siven only by the First
Pr ""1den y.
9 1.8 Young Single Adult Warda and Branches
Crvallon
~lost }'Oung single adults (<t~ 18 to 30) hve
m conventional ward , ITW\)' with their parenh;.
90
llowcvt'r, .1 :.tAkt- p~'t"ltlcnt m:1y recommmd the
en>.abon of a young \tngl~ <~dult v.rard or branch
if a st.tJce has a su£ficumt number of active young
mgle adults who want to attend such a urut and
if the t•n:um-..tanc:e$ m.:tke \tus desirable.
Yotm,g mgle .ldult Wi!rds nonnaUy require
a minlnuun of 125 acUve ..ingle m.em~ I~
standird ~uu\!mcnt for the number of Melchi-
U'del Priesthood ho1dfl1> ar-.o t~pplit"' ('ol-e 9.1.2).
Branch notmaU) n.-qui~ a mtntmum of 50 :~c·
hvc stngle member.;. ~·ncr<llfV, a young Mngl~
oldult ward should not h<lVl' mor'· than 22S acliw
ct\embtr<~ , \'Vhc.>n cb\e m~moor excet.'<f 225, the
stake pn."Stdent rec:ommt'nd~ the creation of an
oddltit~n.,J ward.
11., staked~ no! h.we enough young single
adults tu C~il te a W\lrd or br.mch, stake presi-
dents may rec.onu1\end creating e young single
adult unit with membership from two or more
adjacent ·takf'b. The umt will be the ~~;ponsihlt­
ity of ont! of the partiopating ~rnk~. as n'lSigncd
by a ow~r of the Pre:.td~nc) oC the ~venty
or the A~<~ F'TMldmcy. I hi"'" • WIDllmt, or nny
chant;es to lt, mu-:.l M\.'t• tl'\f' arprov.al nf the Fi~l
Presidency.
Young slngl'-' ndult ward:. and brnnche'l are
cn:.\t~ or ch.mg~d ttJitlg the proc:OOure-> out-
bntd tn 9.1.2. ApprovJI I Sl\'cn only by the first
p jd'->ftC>'·
M embership
Member5hlp m a young smgle aduh ward or
branch is rbtricted to young ..mgle dulh; who
live within the boundaries ot ttm si.:ll.e(s) autho-
rued to parhapatt"'. Both ~tud ~land nonstudent
} oung tngle adull't aTe ellgiblt> to be m~mbl>rs
of the unit. Eligible memb~ may, sn ron~uJt.a­
tion w1lh their parenll!l, chooM- to be memlx!rs of
thAt un1t or to w.rnuln m th~ir conv\.-ntt<mal \\-arJ.
M~bcrship records should be in the unat the
per-.on i au •ndlng.
Young stnglc adults who are students living
in hoU.."'lng th01t t!. located on campus or owned
by a uruve:rsaty or coUcgc hould be members of
a oung single adult unit ti one e ist:s to ~rve
the! mshtution. tC there Is more! than one ward
toen mg the institution, ward membcr"'hip b de-
temuncd geognpltically by the loc:ation of '3
person' living quartttr..
Single p.uc.nts \\ho holvc chlldn:n at hom.e
nonnnll n!m•m in thi.!tr conventional ward so
lh~ chlldn:n wilt have the b •ncf1t of Primary
ttnd youth progr.uns. Hnwe ·er, che parents tna)
 attmd the activitit"S of the }'Oung ingle adult-
~.. rd
In coruuhnlion Wlth b ~o~. ~ •t.llt! p~i ­
dmt may oluthori:w tro~ru.femng tht: mcmberslup
records of design.ned I -~n young single
adults to the young mgle dult unit for ft~llow·
l'lhippmg and activation. However, when th~se
rru>mben, becom.e acti"-e, they mny choose to be
a member o f either the young t>Jn~e adult unit
or their conventional ward
Mt"mbership in a young !l>ingle adul t unit
'"temporary Leaders help }OunS single adults
prepare lo return to a convenbonal ward when
they m11rry or ro1ch ,,gc 31
Leadonlhip
BIShop!> of young singl<' ndult words should
bl• marriC'd men of m.1ture judgmt•nt. lllshops·
counselors may include ml\rrJcd :.tud~!,nls or
other young married men. O thr r wo~rd officers
and ICilchers art' called from llnwng U\c.- mem·
bcNup of the ward.
Cou~lors to bishop<; of young tngle adult
W4Rb rn COO\'ent:ional stakes must be lugh pnes15.
Counst!IOrs to bishops of young 1ngJr aduJt
wards In young smgle adult '>il!~ may be htgh
pn ~or elders (see " Ll!adt•t"<hlp i.n 9 1.71.
91.7 Voung S ingle Adult Stekee
CtMtlon
Where! large numbcrl\ of young ~angle o1duJb,.
n:s1dc in o concentrated area, \buallv near uni·
ver~atic!S or colleges. one or mon- young tngle
adult s tales m~v 1M! orgouu~ {.;;(orl("rally o mm·
imum of 1,500 young smgle adult m~bers ts
n«~ry to justify creating such a stake.
A conventional stake wath boundaries that
ovt!tlap tho.se of a young smgle adult stake does
no t n ormolly have lts own youn g single adult
wnrd o r branch.
A young single adult unll that is in a eotwen-
hvnnlll tnke may be included In a you.ng single
adult st.ake only U (1) Its boundc1nes are wittun
o r adjaCCflt to the youngllr~le .,dull stake and
(2) the pres1den~ of both staki 1'\~c·c.utunet~ the
tra~(er
Young -.mgle adult tal~!> are created or
clwlged usmg the proccduics outlln~ tn 9 1 1
Approval is gavm only by the l'il">l rre.adet'\C}
Memborahip
Membership ln a young single 4dult stake is
restrlctt'd to young sa.ngle adult<> who 11\'e within
the bound:sri~ uf tht- '>taiw Nt'lrm.tlly, both stu-
dent and nonstudent young single <1dults are
elJgiblto for membership All yaun~ <~angle ttdult"
Wlthan the take bou.ndane:. who arc not II\ ang
,\t homt! wrth lhclr parents, both acuve .,nd less
acllw, w•ll bt.- coru •dered members of th.u takr
unleo. th~\ ~dvi~ the bishop of the young smgle
01duh Wiln.l U1at they are attending the conven-
tional wom for thc.>tr place of re idencc!. Young
mgJe aJultJ. whu ltw at hume with th&.>rr p.uents
uay tn consultabon with thesr pal1!0ls, ch()OS('
to be m mbenJ uf lhe com·entional want t'lr tht>
young ~tngk 11dult w01rd and t~'- M~moo- ...
hlp rtocord~t should be U1 the w•rd the person
is att nding
Membershsp ln a young single 11dult stake
Dlil)' be limited to student~ whC'n )\l"hfic-d by
loc.ll drcumsronces. as approved by a ml<mbt•r vf
the Pri.!Sidency of the Seven ty or the Aro.1 Pres I·
dtmcy.
The olhur Dlembcl5hip guidelines in 9.1.61or
young 'linglr ildult wards m conventionalstnkrs
dl~t apply u'
't'Clung :.rngle adult stakes.
Loodof'llllp
1lw ..t•l..c- pmndmC)'. hagh rounc•lon, ' tilk4!
piltrsarc.h btShoptrG, and ~>talt: R.ellel Society
pressdency U1 a young Sltl&le adult s t.1J..e are to
be married Jl('flple or m>~tun: judgment a...h-
ops' couru.l"lor-. may anclude m .srrwJ tudunt:.
or other \'oung married own As iln ~ccptlon,
bi ho~ counselors in ward~o that art.> 1n yaung
'ltnglco adult ~t.llel> do not need to 'be orda•ncd
h1Ah rnests. However. at least the Hrst counselor
ts usually a more expenenced .md mature pcr·
n than th~ af the typical unive.r-rt) or collegt:
~tuJ~mt ' iltjt!
Th • stake p~lcJency, high ct1uncilor-., '-italt.>
p.llritll'(h ... bishoprics, and st.lk~ ~Uef Society
pr<.>Sidency In ., young si nglt' ilUitlt ~ot.lkt! mily
be c.1lled (nlm ''broader gt-~Jgrolphic., l llten than
the boundill'les o f the s tnkc, as dctconninl.'d by
a member of the Pr-esidency af th~ St•wnty, tht'
~ Pn-~dency, or •m as lgned Arc.:t Seventy
Those who extend such calhngs first ClblAl.tn
aulhortz..ltion by consulting wtth tht• presldMI
of th pcrwn's conventional take. for gutdc.....,
~~~ M'e Hnn,1b«Jk 2. 16.6.2.. 11te appro~,: a} of the
FIP.it Prestdcncy .s also reqwred before Olllinft
• btshop l'he ~ppro,.11 of the Quorum of the
1\\•t'lvc· !11 rt:qulh'd before calling a patriarch.
Other "tnkt· ond ward CJffirers and t~acher:.
art" "''Ucd from ..among the nwm~hip of the
st.tke .md wsrd5
91
91 8 Married Student Stakes, Wards,
and Branches
A "take pre ldt"nt m.1} recommend that a
married ... tudent take be created whl!ll 1,500 or
more m.UTted members o1ttend a universil) or
college locnted m hi,; tnke
A stilk<! president mA) recoJX\ml!Jld thilt a
mam~'d tudcmt ward ~created when 125 or
more m.nrrted m~mb~rs atti!nd a university or
college l0Ci1tcd tn hi~ stake .1nd want to attend a
lrnlmtd student word. Th wards 01re O"t'ared
using~ procedun.>s ouilineJ tn 9 U Approval
Is ~t' en only by the Flt5t Prcstdency.
Member. who are elig1ble to attend a married
6tudent Wilrd may choose to be memb~ of that
wnrd or their c;onvt'nlionol ward . M~mbership
records should be In the unit the members ate
attending.
9.1.9 Single Adult Wards
Creation
Most older single adult members are best
served i\S mcmbc~ or corwent•onal wouds. As
an e>.cepnon, wh•·n a ;.t~kc ant•lude 150 or mor~
'-ingle adulu. ag...s '31 t'ld C'llder wh~e needs for
. en•ice, leaderslup, and s.oclal tnteraction are
not mt>t adeq\lately by conventional units, the
tale president ma} ~Ctlmmtmd the creation of
a single adult ward Such a wacd tS created or
changl'd usmg l~ procedure:. outlined in 9.1.2.
Approv•d ~ gi\:m only by the first Presidency
If stake le4rlcrs dL"'lrc to C"re'~le a single adult
word but do not hav~ ~·nough member; m one
~I.Al..e, t.h~
sli.lkc presidents m.t} recommend c:re-
Dhng a ward with m •mbcr..hip from two or more
adJacent !!lakes. r he word \~ill be the responsibiJ·
lty o( one of the parUdpaUng stakes, as assigned
by a member of the Presidency of the Seventy.
Th~ il"-"Jgntnt>nt, or any ch.mges to it, must hove
the opproval of the FtrSl Presidency.
Membershtp
Membership m d ingle adult wen-d ~ Umited
to single adult~ who hv~ wtt.lun the boundaries
ot the stuke(s) authoriY~.>d to participate. These
m~bt!l'S may ch~ to oo
members of that\otard
or to remain ln their conventional ward. Mem-
lx-rshlp records hould ~ In the w.-.rd the person
is attending.
Single parentbl who h~ve children at home
normall)' rem.am m thl"l.r con\'e.nbonaJ ward so
the childn-n will have the benefit of Pnma.J')'
92
and youth progr.uns. How~ver, the parents mar
at1 nd the aC"bvthl' of tht' sin~le adult ward.
9.1 10 SpectaJ Needs \Yards and Branches
War'\6 or br.mch~:& may be ~At~ f~r gmup"i
of members who h.1vc speonl needs, such as
member · who .trc> de..tf or llrt' an ear~ centers.
residential ~.atm~mt programs#or pnsons. These
units are created or changed using the proce-
dures outlined m 9.1 2 Approval is given only
b) lhE' Fu"St Pre:.tdenq.
9111 Church Units at Military Installations
for inStruction:, on O't.'ilttng wards, branches,
nnd &Crvlce member groupo; that m~t on mili-
tary irulallation.:,, 'itl~ 10.4.
9.2 Naming Church Units
When new units are created, local leaderlJ
m~y submit unit nOiml'S to .J member of the Pres-
idency of the Seventy lU the Area Presidency.
These leadE.>~ r.?Vtew thE: nan'e to ~\!iure that
they comply with Church guidelines. If these
leaders ~nd(lr<>t- the proJX'" !'d names, they are
submitted to lh~ Boundary and Leadership
Change Commill e for review Approvals for
naming C,.llurth unat.. arc modtt by the First Presi·
dency
92.1 Stakes and Districts
The nam~ of • stake or district shOuld umque.ly
identify it from oth~r -;tak~ or d trlcts. GeneT-
ally, nil.m~ o( t!.)..~ting ~takes and diStricts should
IIUl W ~h..afl~~ .
The first word or
lh~ !>take or districl namt!
is the nrune o£ the city whore the headquarters
of the -.roke or district 1s lociltcd
In the Unit~d State:; and Canadn, the second
won.i h. u. ually th · fitate or province in whtch the
stake or district tS located 1n other countries the
second word is usually the name o{ the counlty.
Any occptions to thi roltcy must be approved
by the Office or th~ Fir!.l Pre idency. (One such
exception is that sta.k{'S m Salt Lake Gty do not
include the word Ullllr.)
When the nilme of o d ty is rcpcatro in th~
ruun.e of it!. :jtili.C, province, or country, the: n.1mc
of the state, province, or country lS not used as
p•u1 of the ~takt or di trict name For example
Colorado Spnngs f.tSt Stake, ncrl Colorado
Spnng~ Cnlor~do ~st St~ke

CWttcmJI, C:tty Cl:nlral tal.:'-'• twt G\.llll
tnnl.1 Cit)' Gu.,t ..motl Ct"ntr: l ~t.tke
ldahu I all!t Ea 1 Rod: SUlk. rwl ldahQ Falls
Idaho ~gl"• R · •pply·
Me teo City Aztc - tllke. tHtt M~wco C.tt)•
Mexico ~~ take
Wh~n more than une take or d&-,!Tkt u in
the saml' ocy. thl" thard wunl &S an tdenti.C)'lO.g
c.h.lr.1cten:.tk. uch a compass ditecti:on (North,
Soutlt, £A t, or \V~t), th n<tml' ot .1 commuruty,
or lh • nam • of grogTaphtcal feature that b
withan or dJ. c nl to Ut\Jl boundilrjes. Other
dIn·~ II una) t 'ttN ( uch 4< ~utl•wr.~t), names of
ptXlpl•, numb..~ • t\r t gregntii1K tci'11\S (:,uch a:,
SJMitfs1t (lr llnmug lmptltr •1f) huuld not be used
9.2.2 Warda a nd 8ra nchoa
nw t\cunc or a w.1nl or brn.nch ocltaulu lU\Iqud)·
fdentafy it ~'Of'l • In the turnmunlty can n!C-
ognizc and loc.-Ml' al fheo n.un~ should be cho-
n C'.arefull)' It wlll not n"'t'd lo ~ cho1nged
later. C ncraUy. the n.1mcs of eA t ting w>trds and
br.mch havld nut be changed .
94
·
The ward or branch hould be named after
1 c1t •, ubd1\ 1 1 n, nt.!a~hbod ood, <>tteet. or geo-
gr: ph•al f • tun: th.lt lJ with1n or ;adjacent to
wut bound art l'ht• n me of onl · one cit), u~
dl\'1 on. n!!t~hoorhuod. t t. or grograprucal
t~.;ature 1 W!C\J ln lht: unit nAme. I( them:.'" m~
than oo WArd or br~OC'h \\ Hh the me na:m~.
a numhcr a tdded o part of thf' aume, \Kh as
Monte adeu l~>l Wilnl. :font~\'ldco 2nd Ward,
<llld \ tontwldl'O "\rd W.ud fh· n. ~ oi the w.ud
or bram:.h e.hould be m the langu.J~ of the arc.1.
If th~ IMguc\gt! d()ll'o not \15.\! th Rom.1n ,1lpha·
bet, n lranslatJon using Rom.1n ch.lrocters ~hould
~ mclud ~ C Clmpo~ dtreetkul~ ('uch il!. £nsf or
't/l.)rt/rwt·~l). n.Jmt."- uf p oplc. and segregabng
lt'rrru. ( uch us !:>pmu lr or Hntri''S lmpniTed} are
not indul.l'"d an th!! n~mc.
9..3 Basic Unit Program
B<x.su..(; units ol ~h • Chur h I"@ .u different
tag of d whlp~t nd hav diH1•rcnt n !Cf,.,
Ult- Church h.1 de' I pro th & •c Lnit Pro-
gram to~ us ~ b • ,,~ maD brolllches and b •
gruup..
,,, , C.:illftl lu,g, ••t.f N r~~t"•lNiw Urd:t
An Area rn:s dc:oncy mt1)' ;suthonl..l: th ~
of ~ &. JC Urut Progr1m m c;malJ branch~ or
U\ groups wh~ any of thl" followmg condahon.ii
1. The Chun:ft b in 11.$ bt-ginning b~ .
2. M~ are~ lt red.
3 The numbt.>r uf ml'mbcls r.miill and leader·
~p Just bcgmn,ng to dl!Velop.
4 temb-.~ •~~ · p iaJ l.mgwg~ nc.-005 or other
speo In m
With the uppro\ Ill o 01 mt 'nbcr oi ttl.: p,...,j.
den.cy of the <",evenly or th A~a Pn5ldmcy. the
8.1<;'ic Umt Pn>gr.1m mo1y tl o ~ u J tn Wkt><.
"here tmd•lr condlt:Jons eldst
Gurdell n~ for the Bar.tc Urut Program n~ pro-
vidlo!J l.n lhe Bnslt Uml PfOlmm CrwMuk. Other
helpful an/ormation if' provided in the Br11ncll
Gm~ltbook. Pn~llr ~el ot1J Aruilwry Lrudm' Gllide-
bc)IJk, F'umrlv Curdtl100A, nd u11clung Guidebook.
Growth of Church Units
The t 1');4\mT tton.. u rl n · , nd program~
ot • hurch unu hould KfOW onl"· .,,. fast ns
tllt" ' '~ enu matunt of the unlt ~nmts ~Jd­
~ should not try to orgaruz ~II th programs
outlined tn th hanc.lb\lCl unl theoy have the
trerlgth of lcad~ ip nd tN.> numb.::r of mcm·
be~ n L"dN to do Tl) ing to develop the hill
progr.1m of tht- Olurc.h prematureh· can O\l.!r•
burd n membero; nd mav lt:.1d ~ to \nth-
dr.aw fNm Chutd\ <1 uvit :.
Th. ductrin uroan~~• •md pr.tcnces that
ilte l~bhsht.>dby the ·rap t u~ •s .1.nd the teach·
In~ of th • IMn • proplwtt. ,,nd 4po...tl~ .ue to
bt> unhorm throu~hout th.- Lhurdl 1rowever.
und~ tJw dlr~ ton ol pret.ldlnK .,ulhontl !S trad-
ers may adilpt the Ju1dlutrt~, ll'.ldl.!r.htp meet·
ang'>, and . chvltit •ll ·un.Jlng hl locnl net'd and
capaot)'. FClr gwdclancs about approrn.1tc ~d.,po
tations, see H~111ill()(Jk 1, ch1.1ptc.-1 17.
(

(
10. Military Relations
101 Stake Military Relations Leadership ••••••.• 96
10.2 Ward Military Relations Leadership ••••.••.• 96
1o.3 Pre- Military Service Church Orientation .... 97
10.4 Church Unita for Service Members ..•..•.•• 97
10.5 Q,.oup Leadera In Remote Areas or
War Zones •. . . .. . . •.• . •••..•••••••..•... 98
10.6 Missionary Service and Mllltary Obligation . . 98
10.1 LOS Chaplains • • • • • • • . • • • • • • • • . • • • • • . • • . 98
10.8 Wearing the Garment In the Military • .•• . ... 99
10.9 Other Information ••..•••• •.•• • • ••••••...• 99
95
10. Military Relations
Stake prestdents and bashops help make the
ble angs of Church pi\rticipahon avatlable to
member:. who ~oerve in the military. A!> outlined
In th1s <..haprer, the Church's mllJtary relatlons
progr.1m con .. tsts of:
1 Support from s takes and wards.
2. Church onentatton fo r members who enrer
aulitnry service.
3. Orgc~ruzation of w.uds, branches, or Latter-
day Saint service mt'mber groups.
4. Endorsement o{ LOS mllltary chaplains.
10.1 Stake Military Relations Leadership
li mllltary lm.tnUalions or members who
64.!rvl' in the miUtnry ore in a s take, the stake pres-
ide ncy has the responsibiJHies oullined in lhis
section. IJ s uch lnstallalio:ns are locaiM in a mis-
sion rnther than a stake, the mission president
fulillls these responsibUilles.
A member of the take presidency over~
the pre-military service Church onentation in the
stake. He ""'kes surt? the orientation IS offered to
illl mcmbeT"' entering military ~ce. The stake
executive secretary may coordinate this orienta-
tion.
Where na>ded, the prestdent of a stake where
" m Utlary m s ta llilt ion IS located organizes a
ward, bronch, or scn •tce member group for mil-
tLary personnel and thelr (am.ilies (see 10.4). For
~ach of these units, th'-' s take president calls, sets
~part, and ovcr<;ees n bisho pric (when autho-
riLed by the First Presidency), branch presidency,
or service member gro up leader and assistants.
fhc !>take prc~idcnt gives con met information
for these lenders to the Church's Military Rela-
lion.s Division. He may designate a wnrd to sup·
port e<Jch scrv1cc n1ember grC~ up .
Where one o r more Chureh units are estab-
lished for mflit11ry personnel, the stake president
gives end' bishop, branch presjdent. o r group
leilder a CertiOcatc of Appointment and a letter
that outline. hL.'I ret;ponsibilihc:!S and authorizes
tum to presade O\'er the urut and conduct meet-
Ings. The Church s \1thtary Relations Division
can p rovtde n ccrhficate and a !>.lmple letter.
A membc.•r of the stake presidency develops
a worlong relationship wtth the senior chaplain
96
at each mihtary installtttton In the s take. H e en-
Slllei that btshop of wards whose boundaries
encom pa!>S a military installation d o the sam e.
11\es(! leaders Inform the chaplain of the ward's
meeting c;cheduleo, meeting lOGJtion, and contact
person 1>0 the chaplain CilJ\ g"'e l1u!. mfonnation
to members a t the mstallation,
The s taJ..e president condu cb an annual inter-
" iew wiU1 each LOS cllaplam who lives within
his s tilkc bound:mes. The purpose of this inter-
view 1.. to d ete rmine the chnplain's well-being
and worthlnes.o; to serve. The stake p resident also
interviews the spouS<' of each chaplain annually.
li there is nn octJve-d uty LOS chaplain in U1e
s t<Jk{!, ttle slake pre<~klcnt mc1y call h im to serve
on the high l'Oundl. Being called n~> a high courv-
dlor helps the chnplaln serve mort> effectively as
a liaiSQn between militilry leade rs and the stake
pre~>ident. H a chaplain 1s not Cllled as a high
roundlor, the st.lkc prestdent invttes him to at-
tend sl<lkc priesthood exl'C\Ittvc committee meet·
m~ regularly to report an the activiti(S of Churdl
uruts and .1cth at!on efJorb at the mstallation.
The mtht.lry require. that 11 chaplatn provide
admini.strallve ovct'Sight to any rcltgtous service
held on a rruhtary U\St.,llation U there rs an lOS
C'haplilUl on the insLlllation, the miJita:r) nor-
mally asstgns tum to provide such on~rsJght to a
Latter-da\' S,,int <lmt thilt meets there I! the s take
~dency caiJs a chaplam to sc.>n·e on the high
cou.ncil, he could fulrul this mill till')' ~ignmcnt
and serve as the stake ptl'Sidt>nt's representative
to the Church unit.
The slake president moy call an LDS chaplain
to pre ide over a militnry ward, branch, or ser-
vice membcJ.' group as long as this calling d oes
not conflict with lh~· chaplain's militl!lry duties.
All LOS chaplains i'lnd thl'lr :~pousc..c; sh ttuld have
s take or ward colllng.s, but cl1aplains may not
serve in posictor.s that req,uire proselyting.
10.2 Ward Military Relations Leadership
A member of the bishopric interviews ward
m~mber:. befo~ they le.tve for m.t.htary servtce.
He makes sun.> they have an opportunity to attend
the pre-military scn;ce Church orienmtion.
When a member enters military SCtvlc:e or is
transferred to a new loabcm. a member of the
hishopn c helps tum o r her sdenbiy the Church
 unit nl'&~rest th.l' n<'W dutv tatlnn fnform01ti0n
on mt'Ct1ng tim· end loeohon... for L..at~r-day
Saint Church s.entces on military installahoru.
is availAble from the Chu~h·a Mtllt<Jry ReiAhoru.
0.vl510n
Priesthood tetlder5 in thl" home ward hou1d
COJ.'J"e.$POOd ~larly with each ward member
who is away in auht..uy sen'lce. They also encour·
llge {amUies to msure ~t theu- family member
in the m1lit<11)' 1\'C."Cj\'l'S the En:.1g71 or 1 inhotta The
Oturclr Nrnos ._.,aha 3\'tlU.lbtc (or those who read
English.
Each bishop IS R!Sporu;ibJc ror Church DU!ID•
bemasSJgned to a maht.ny instnll~ttion Within hi">
ward boundnn~ Hi! ~tnbll.slit?.:f a \vork.tng ~
lation! hip with th~ S('nim chnp1nin nt th<! snc>t,aJ-
laUon (see 10. 1)
-------------------------------------
10.3 Pre-Military Service Church
Orientation
At the pN-ttulitarv service Chu«:h orienta-
tion members entering nlilltary toeN1ce team
wh.1t to "PC'Cl ft'giltdlng Church erv1~ and
a h\·iti m the mllitdry 'The oril!ntabon may be
hdd on n st.dcc or ward level A member o( the
stakt: p~idenq. or bt~ht,prk ~all, .m instructcn.
pMkrably liOml'OnL• w.th n.-cent miliury t!\petl-
""".ce, to provide th(> orlcnt.ltlon.
Th~ ori~:ntotion 0'\3) in Jude watching the
\'Ideo recordtngs Strvmg Your Cout~lry 01nd vt
Nol Your Hrorl 8t troublt'd. Th~ mcm~r should
~ve .1 milit.-try ~riptuf'l! set. an LOS tdentifi-
cabon tag, and the Servmg Yoa~r Country brochwv.
lf .l member djd not rect"ive this orientation be-
foTC amvmg ut babic training, the btShop, branch
pr~idm,t, e r ..ervlc"' member group leader who
is rcspon&Jblc for those m trainmg pro...ides 1t
•l'i '>000 '"' pos~ibl~ tfter tht.! rnt!mber arriVC:!!- on
the base.
10A Church Unlta for Service Members
M~mbcrs in the miiJtary normal!) p<l¥lidpat~
lll wards or bmnc~ IOCllkd nl!'.n th<'lf miHtllrv
tnstaJJations. However, in the following citeum-
stances, the stake or rru.ssion president may or-
ganiu a ward. branch, or *rvKle member group
for military per<iOnnel and theu families at the
U\Stalla tJ on:
1. flwre tlt not an org~ Church unit within
a rcolSOnablc dist.lJlcc of a military tnStallabOn
to which Chu~h m~mbett;. rea ..,;SJ"l'd
2. MiUtary pl~r onncl Jrc in .1 country where
the)' do not undcn.t.md the language :.poken
U'\ lhe local ward or branch .
3. M1ht.try pei'SUn~J are Wl.lble to le.l\ e a mlli-
t.a.r)• installation because of trninlng requ.ite-
ments or otht"r n...,trichon •
-t The Church mcmbcr5• mlllt.uy unit h d~·
ploy""-' or w111l~ deployt.-d ft'lr nnngcncy
operabons to a location whc"" lN. Chwcl\ h.
not orgaruzcd where th loc.1l <.:hurc.h unit
nmnot acrommoJate the members bce>luse
of a diCferent l.'lnguage, or \\here atb!ndanet!
ot local mootin,qs lS not teasable.
5. Members b long to Reserve or :National
C,ul\rd unats •md partldp.ll~ an wccl.end drills
ot unnu,lllr<nnmg elU!rd~.
Ward.s llml broncht-., ilt milirnry lnc;tnll<ttlons
nru crc•ltcd ue.ing tJw procedurt•t. outlined in
chapter 9.
Generally 4 ward or brnnch as e~t.1bll~h('d ,
rathet than .1l ~rvtce mt'mhcr group, lE U1ete Ls
a need to support both mihtosry mf.'mb~rs tmd
their mmlhe!> A w.mJ or br.an<h m.:~y abo he:
established for m.i.liQry members" itlloutthelt
families It there is a tong~t ·rm n ~ to pro\1de
Church 1tervice:t an.d progrnms for mt.'lllben at·
tending btiiC or ad\ anced training or on a re--
mote assigJUnt'nL rhe maUtary d not normaUy
.liJo\\ Churcll mcmb rs ' ho are not a '«lated
with t.hA! mllitu) to belong lo il ward o.r brancll
lh.1l u ~ installation (.lalili
lf cm:WJUit.tno. do not Justify croaung e w.ud
or branch .11 .a m1htary in tall,1taon, lhll l~ke or
mt'>o;aon pre:<idcnt m.1y e.t.1blL h d rvtcc m •m·
bet group. A ~J'\ kc m~mbcr group I " ..mull
Church unit th:lt hold<~ Chur<'h ml!etlngs i\nd
lookb .tfter mt:mbe~. Howt!vt~r, the group leader
does not have priesthood keys, so he Js no t au-
thorized to n.-ceive tithes and o(fcrings, counsel
member llbout scnOUJ'i tran.<tgteSS10ns, admin·
Isler Church disc' pline, or perform other dutie!>
that rcqwre key'S Por information about SCIYJO?
member groups, cont<1c:t the MiUh\ry Relations
01\'ision or ''Milit.trv Rel.1hons i.n lluo Serv-
tng tn th<> Churdl sc..lion uti DS.org.
Leadt.>r-. of :'WM,ke member groups m !M)-
lilted .u~as 11U.1) obt;~in a Group l.e.,dcr Kit Md
addirian."\l Church mnt~rilll b)• c:ontartmg the
Churcl1' Mihi.Ary R~lnt1on.s 01\.'c. on
~dmg on tht! nt.'\-.d of~· ce membe-rs,
Cluuch programs tn a \~atd, brnru:.h, or seniu
member group that meeb on a military ln.stalb·
bon may be limited in scope and oomplb.ity.
 When a Church unit ~ ot:abhshed at a mili-
tllry in... tallation, coordination with lhe senior
installiltion chaplain is ncn"SSnry to arnmge fur
mteoting times and u~ of b.sse f<lcilitil'S. If there
is not an m.stallation chaplrun asstgned to the
base, the stake president consults with the com-
manding offi'er.
to..s Group Leaders in Remote Areas or
War Zones
While stake or missJon presidents normal.ly
call .1nd set apart SCJVIC't' memM group leaders,
this may not be possible an remote <1reas or war
wnes. Since a group leader &S not given priest-
hood keys with his c.-.lhng. it is permissible for
him 10 bf> appointed without being . (!t apart. The
priesthood leader who JS responsible for the area
con appoint a worthy Mclchi:t.edek Priesthood
h"lclcr to serve iUi the group lender after verify-
ing his worthiness with his bl.shop and stake
president. Or, il there is an LDS chaplam in the
att'a, the priesthood leader can authorize him
to call and seL apart a group lead a
When a group leader lS called. th~ Church s
Mslttary Relations Dwisson should be notified.
A letter of appointment will be S('nt to him. 1his
letter i5 required by the military before the group
l~:ader may hold Church service6
10.6 Missionary Service and Military
Obligation
ln countrtes thOlt have mandatory militMy
con:~enption (dr.,ft}, ~A&.c pl"dident:s and bish-
opr. must consider how these l.lwl. apply to in-
dividuals who desire to serve tnilmons. ln the
Un1ted States military, a person who join:. the
octi\ e-duty militarv before st!rving a misston
must complete hjs enlistment obligation before
:;crvmg a mission. 1hosc in RcAvrve or National
Guard unlts may be able tu s~rve missions af-
tl!r they complete basic o.nd advonced training.
For more information, lcadt'l"' may contact ~e
Church's Military Relations Division.
10.1 LOS Chaplains
ln the United States, th.e !XpArtment of~
(cn5~ ilnd Department of Vemanl\ Affa1n requue
lhal ~:~U applicants fol' chaplaln positions in the
mihtary or veterans affairs be endorsed by their
religious faith groups befure they are con.'lidered
for appointment. Applicants mu&t also meet cer-
tnin educational and minist~tial requJrements.
98
Members who ate interested lJ\ .,ut'h pos1ti0n
should contact the Churchs Military l(clations
OJvic;ion for "J>ecific Uu;tructions alx,ut rt:quire·
menb IU\U endorsement proc~ures.
The Church does not provid~ centt41h:ed
endor.lement for those serving as c.haplams in
hnRpltnlc;, hn~flk" nrgani7.al io1,;;, n~,_i-.tvd liv.ng
centers, prisons, or police OT fire departments.
mdividuals :.eek...ng these positlons &hould ob-
tain a lell'et from their bishop or stake prestdent
mdicating lhat they are members in good stand -
ing and that their Church standmg .snd worthl-
ness are revi.?wed every two years They should
al110 contJct the Church's Military R.clations Di·
VJ~ion for guidance.
L.OS dmplain'i serve people of nll faiths, in-
~1udlng Latter-day Saints. They !:>trive to accom-
modote the free exercise of individuals' religious
b~lief to the gre-atest extent possible and to
eJ"'Sure that individuals are afforded religious
freedom.
LOS chaplaJ.nS servlllg JJ'\ tile milltal') at~ au-
thorized lo providE! nondeno:nunarional v."'rship
services. give priesthood bles..c;int,., pmorm civil
man-tag~ ("t!t! 3.5.3), cooduct funeral and mtmto--
rlal services, name and bless chllcirell, organize
ervice member group~ as approvt.-d by priest-
hoc>d leaders, nnd counsel servlct! membt:r!'>.
A ch01plaJn does not have priesthood keys as a
JUdge m Jqrnel unless he ic; c;crving as a bishc1p,
branch p~ldent, or stalte presidenL Chaplains
may asstst Church members in the repantance
process under the. direction of their priesthood
leaders, but members mw.t resol1.e ~ow. traru.-
gres510ns with their bishop or stake president
to compleLe the process.. Chaplain~ .1Sslgned to
Re<>erve or National Guard unl~ must n .--ceiv~
Approval from Lhe Church's Military Relations
Division before performing ctvll mnrri~ges.
LOS military chaplains observe Olureh units
.st their military mstaUations <1nd report on the
:~ctlvlties l)f lne units to the stak~ presi,lcnL Tht!y
help local Church leaders Locate members in
the mllit<~ry and direct tht:>m to the appropriate
Church unit. flley may also help the !ttakc presl-
de.nt 1dentify members ln the mlllt.-.rv lo call as
s~rviC'C member group feade~.
LOS military chaplains U1 a war zone or iso-
l•ted ilf'C<l may fulfill additional responsibilities
under lht! dtrectlon of their priesthood leaders.
For example, they may call and et apart service
member group leaders whet~ authori~d. They
may atsu interview a service member Cor bap-
tism, confirmation. and Aaronlc or Melchizedek
 P'rt ~thood ordin.llion H condition" pre"\ t!flt ac-
e~ . ' to full·time miMion•tn or to the service
member' bb.hop or tnk pN ident.
I( th(! dutJ ~of a ch4pl..tin prnt!tl.l him and
his (.unity from .tttcndmg t~ii own wo1rd meet-
mgs. he M.>eks appro\'ill from his ..tAke prcs.id~t
to ilttend Chut~h ~n~tc~ at ltlolher ward.
lo..& Wearing the Garment In the Military
I( members who enter military service have
bt•im endow~. bashops make; su~ they under-
stnnd thf' foUQwins gutdelln~
When p .. ab1~, endow ~ memberf; who are
1n tlw mlht.'lry hou1d w '.lt the ~arm~nt the same
l)S any olhM m(•mbc!r. However, members should
a\'Oad exposing tht- gnrm •nt to the vtl.'w of tho-;e
who do not understAnd IL'I !tlgnHicanc:e. IA'hen
condition make Uus unavoldul,le, members
should seck the guldanc:c of tho Sp1rit and u!'le
lt~ct, discreh(ln, and wl~um It m11y be beSi to
lay lh~ garment >l5tde temporMlly ond put at on
again when conditions pi.•rmtl How~t"f nwre
incon\'<!nk·ne<e m wearing th.: garment doer. not
JU'>hfy fa ing at .t.<ildt!.
When nulatnry n..•gubnons p:rt:"Vent a member
from "~aring tht> g.lrm~nt. the m~r c; n?li-
~tou st.Jlus Is not aftt'Cted, pTO'+,ded he or she
n•nuun worthy If members an milit.lt') ~J"\ tee
Ill'\' uMblt- to wtt..L.r tlu~ g.um0nt b«ause o(mili-
tary r">gulauone> or dm.tm t.1n beyond their
control. it ·~ tht:lr pnv11cg~. ttght, and duty to
we.u it iiKaln •'"' oon 4>t dn.-um..c,tAne\5 penrut
Membt-1'!1 m the: m&lal rv hoold consult with
on
lh~ individual~· .. :.pedlk rcquiromcnts
that undergarments must m ~t. 5\lch as color or
nl"t'kllnc stylt.•. ,\ ~'Cia! mtht41') garmW't thllt
meets the bJX'CUkations of the Church and the
Unllcd States Army ~nd Air l·orce can tx.> ob-
liHned through Church O&~tribution Servu::es.
Thi~> two-pi\><'l' gamh.>nl i!t Je$ert tan m color and
ha& u T- hart top wath a crow neck. It should be
wom wath thl" comb."tt , moun 1!1•· uniform wht>n
reqll.lttd b-r mWt.1ry regut.-.Uon . Since the T·shirt
is cof\Sldef\.'ti p~rt of th.- unlft'lrm. th • mMks are
stenrill!rl instde th~) 1M\! not' 1.; able to olhera
u1M T~ is worn waU\out the c:amoun.,~ .. um-
form shirt
Wh ·n military S(?rvlC:t' requires ~ different
color o( r~hirt than d~ tan. appto\ed militaJ)
T;hifb m.ly be purch4~ Jnd ~~to Distribu-
tiOn 56\'JO:S to be mMkcd lnd.h,du~h·. White
or d~t'rt t<.~n gornwnt bottom" m:t} be worn
wath th~.: ·rvlCMp •clfk c~)lored tops.
Ccr1.1m woth ·~lc: fjber w m ne);t to the !'ksn
ma}' crt.>ate '>t!rtOurt h~ 1.artb for armcn .tnd oth~
wbo rna)• be ~?.ll.pO:.('ti to fir •. All nylon llnd "'m~
polyester bltmd mnh:riitl!i#,,ll tnto thu. cntegory.
Military a uthorllie have lndtC4tted that rotton
as a much safer fabric tor thcs' lndtvuhtals to
WI!Llr. A lOO,.perct•nt cotton g.mnerH -.hou ld be
worn in these )jtuation&.
r(l plilce spc.'Ca.Jl atderi for garmt!tlt , mem-
bers m.ty contact 0 tnbution Sen tees
10.9 Other Information
f-or Worm taon bout me~CI'ohlp records ol
servkt> mPmh.: ~. ~ 13.6 8.
for U\lonnat on ~bout piltrian:hal biC!SSUlgs
for servtrt' me!n\~, 'it.'\.•16 12 3
for Wonn.1tlon about ord.1lmng "'Ire mem·
bers ml$0\at.ed a~•. sec 16.7 4
for anfonm:1tion about gwing tt'mple ~m­
mends m a l.1ted .ue~ ~ 3.3.3.
li Church lrildt'r ha\'c que.c;tion~ 01bou1 mili-
tary relatton!<, they m.1y contact:
Mllat:try Rrlotton-. Oivillton
SO F..t~t orth Tempt~ Street, Room 2048
Salt l....c»;e C ty, UT 84l50 0020
T~l·phon"' 1-801-240·2286
E-mail ptt-ntilllllry(llldschurch.~
99
c

(
11. Church Educational System

11 1 Responsibilities of Priesthood Leaders • • •• 102 11 .4 Institutions of Higher Education (ln the

1U1 Stake Presidency. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . 102 United Stat" Only) ....... . ............. 106
11 .1.2 Local Board of Education . • .••.. 1()2 11.4.1 Endorsement to Enroll.1t Orurch
11 .1.3 lnstituteofReliglon Ad..-lo;ory Council .. tOl Univennbes and College" 106
11.1.4 Bishopric . . . . . • • . .. . . . .. . • . . . . . .. . 100 11.4.2 LOS Stu:dents .. . . . . . .. .. .. .• .. • . 106
11A.3 Non-LOS Students . . . . . . 106
,, 2 Semlnarfes and fn.stttutes of Renglon ••. • .• 103
11.4.4 lnstructicms for Endon.emt!nt
11 2.1 Scmlnanes •• • . ..••. 103 interviews. ••.• _ • . _....•• _.. _ . • • . • 106
11.2.2 Institutes of 'Religion . • • . • • . • • • . • • • . IC»
1t2.3 c;.nerallnfCirmatian . . ••.. 105
11.3 Elementary and Secondary Education
(In Some Areas outside the United States) •• 105

101
11. Church Educational System
The Church Eduation<ll System (CES} con·
:.1\~or
1 Scminane5 omd inc;tlt\llc:. of rclig~on.
2. Elcmcntuy i\1\d S<.'CQnd,u y cduc:ahon (in SOille
M't':IS crutsidc the Un1tvd Stat~'S).
3 lruututJonsofh&ght'H-ducnln.1n (in the Lmted
ta«-s o nly).
11.1 Responsibilities of Priesthood Leaders
1111 Stake Presidency
Members of the stake presidency encourage
and monitor the particlpntion of eligible stake
members tn CES programN. lllgh counciloTS a.nd
thl! stU.c executive e.ccretory may be asked to
a..~i!';l. The stake presldcncy regularly includes
Church educalion mnttt"rll on th~ o1gendas of
t' l<c lcadersh1p mt:~ring~ ~mu\itr) and insti-
tute per..rumcl m.1y be 1nV1tt'd to all~nd the par1
of th~ meeungs when Churt:h t."\\u~tion m;,t·
rer. are dLc;cus:.ed
The stilkr pre:.id(•nt or .m a'st~-d rounsclor
o r high rounolor 01lb, -.e~ ttpart. and releases
stake seminary and iru;tltulc teachers. The stake
p resident 6rst consults wtth the pt-r;on's bishop
and m ay consult with St!PUI\IU)' and inlrt:itute pe:r-
!>Onnel Teachers should be caJled early enough
to aUow timr for seminary and tn"titure person·
nl.'l to tra.an them before d.a:.SeS begm
The! '> take pret;ldt:nt ' ' l'rJfi(>S thl'lt ~ach CES
empiO\'L"t!, itlake :!>eminary ()r •no;;Utut.: teacher,
nnd upcrv•sor In h.is slaM> tS worthy to hold ll
trmple recommend Thl.! verifi(lltJnn 6hould OC'-
Cllr b~fo.re the beginning of the pi!IS<m', CESser-
vice nnd annuaUy lhercllfter.
A me n1ber of the s takt! pn.>sidency presides
at seminal)' and institul(' ~rilduot ion cxe!rdses.
The s take pres1dent or one of his counselot'S
mtervtews s take membe:rs who seek approval to
enroll at Church umvers1hes or cc.1Deges-.
Where the~ are no bept1rate seminary and
iru.htute facilltle:., the t~ p~idency ensures
that factllties are avallabw .u out.li.ned in 'Fadl-
ltit"'' In 11 2.3
The sla.ke president apprtwn members o r
the k min11ry student counCtlafter verifying their
worthiness with bt.shoJX He or n priPslhood offi·
ccr under his dirt'('t•on cnlls .tnd ~(I tS apart thest>
student..
102
11.1.2. Local Board of Education
A locaJ board of educat•on is t>St .lblls h~d
where multiple stakes worJ.. together to provide
released-time bemiruuy programs.
A loc.1l board of educ:abon mnv alc;o bees-
tabliShed where severol stakes with diuly sem-
m.uv cl.tSS("S, homr-5tudy diJ • or both are ln
ctoo.e pro~rruty and have common CC'ncem!'l and
dwlltngl"~ Th~ bo.uds n( educ.ahun nuy m<.-ct
in conjunctinn w1th the lnsthulr of reh~lon .ld-
w.ury coune1l (sec 11 I 3j
A me mber of lhe Pr~idtmcy C'f th~ Seventy
or an nsslgned A reD Sl.'venty may u.,'lign eme o f
the s takes to be responsible for the bo., rd ' rhe
pres ident of lhis stake mny scrvl! ns chairm an
or assign one af his rounsclol"' tn do bO. ·rhis
chairman oversees seminar) programs that are
located wltlun the geographiC il.re<\ of the board.
Eoch st~J..e that i5 ...._~rd by the !.Cmmnry pro-
gram m.1y be rep~ntN by 4 member of the
tnke prt:bldencv or 3 h1gh councilor.
LN:.U OOard of educ4l10n m<.-ctlngr. may be
held one(' or hvt<'t.' D )~.1r
M~mber:. of the board
m.lkto pl.tru fur enrolling youth In M.:minM)' •nd
lrtstltute, o1ppro' e and correl.1tc calenda r 1tem.,,
rt>port on enrollment and ollt~nd.lnCC trends, ro-
ordmat(' grndu.ltitlns, and thscuc;<, nny d'-1lll•nges
fadtlg the~ programs The ltlC41 boord
may also discuss items of inl('rest walh regard to
local ansbtute prognms
1t.1.3 Institute of Religion Advisory Council
An insUtuJe of rebg1on advisory cound.l is er
tnhhsht-d wherever the~V is an institute program.
fne !>t.ilc pn!'lldt!nt may serve as choirm~n of the
coundl or ilSStgn one of Ius counseltlr:. to do so.
1f an lru.Htutt! ~>erves mort• thnn one stake, a
member ollhe Presidency of the Sevt'nty, ., mem-
ber of lhc Area Pn>sidency, or nn 1\SSIJ.,rned Area
Sr' ent) a-. •go~ one of the llla"'l!'li to bt• tl'"ponsi~
ble tor 11\J! ad vlsorv roundl The president uf the
ilSSlgned cot.lke may serve as cha1nrum or ~1gn
one or h~ coun:.elon. to do so.
Thr msbtutr of rehglon adv•S~.>rycouno1con·
10U.b ofthe chairman, the msbtut~ d!rect()r. and
thl' msht\Jh? of religion student council presi-
d~'ncy. The ch.lirman may m v1tc represenrnbon
(rom othe r sta.kes as needed
1hu• Adv•sory council Or).)"8niZA.."S .lnd dn·ecb
the tn.-.tttutc uf re!Jgion studtmt council It .1bo
 eru."''unges mstitut\!' enrollment and attendance.
In addttion. the courtdl approvt.'S the annu.U stu-
dt"nt ~ctivat) ~l endar and thl-' c JX'Ilditure ot
funds for student actwitiC"' lnduding uny travel.
11.2.1 Semlnarlea
11.1.4 e rshoprtc
1'he bishopric oven.ees tht.> enrollment of th~~
who are eUgible for seiJUnary and institute. The
bibhop and his counselors encourage:
1. All youth of the appropnat" ._gl! (gener.\lly
14- 18) to puticipatt- m ~nary
2 All sing.le postsecond;uy studttnts to partie-
pate in institute The tm.hopric may abo tm-
cournge m.trrit'd po5tseeondary students. a.s
wdl as young single adul who ore not stu.
1'"
dentst to p<H11cip.Hc th~r ncc-J!i nnd mlt!r-
est!, m.sy be 'ieJ"Ved {~ 11.2.2).
The bishopric regularly lnclud Chun:h ed-
ucation matter.; on the agcml.l.l t)r wotrd I oader-
~hip meetings
The bbhop may recommeno to the take pres-
ident "hom to call as .stakl• semtnlU'\ und in~h­
tute teachers, as weD a<> ure,rvi. ' '·
"The bishop detemunes whether n J"~1n is
worthy to gr<tduate from ~tn.inaty or tfbtitute.
The bishop interviews nnd n."'Ommcnd'i ward
m mbf'A who ere s<.ocking approv.tl to enroll or
continue t>ntollment t.ll Church universities or
colleges (see 11.4)
1he wr.rrd executivC! ~tM)' m•'Y h tp the
bl.shopric with scmin;,ry •nd uutitut~ matteTS,
such a!> ~gtstranon for cia
Seminary and in~btut~ JX'ThOnn~·l H\~ o\utho-
rin>d to request appropnate anformntlon t1bout
potential c;eminary and institute studc.:nt\ trom
w.ud records. Seminary and il'\.,tituw rYpre.;en-
tahve5 provide priesthood leaders wl\h regular
cnn.ltlm~t information and attendance reports.
11.2 Semlnartes and Institutes of ReiJgion
Thi! purpose of ·mln<1ri ilnd institute> of
religaon L to help ) outh and young adults un-
der:otand nd M) <m the te;u:hlngll and Atone-
ment oJ Jesus Christ. quallfv for the bl~'M8§ of
th~ t~mpl~. and pn:pare- tl-wrru.t.•lvt'>, tlk-lf' £ mi-
hes, and others for eternal U!c wtth thL"Lr father
mHea~en.
under the direction of the Church Board ot
Educ3Uon. fuJl-time seminary and ln.-.tJtute rep-
m.t'nftltiv-cs are assigned for each stul. e. Leaders
d1N'Ct requests or questions about seminary and
ll\Sblull! programs to thc!SC reprcscntativ~
Scmm.uv and mstilute clas~ are not held
on Sunda W\1 the Chul'(h Uo.1rd of Edu'- •Ifon
h3s given llppro\"DJ.
Thl? :.eminary program provides weekday
rellgious mstruction for yo~ath (gconerniJy 14- 18
yc:.n. of ngc) There i:. no fee fur ..._.minary cnroll-
ll\(!11\.
~ manll')' ' m()Sl effective when:
l . fhe en vuunm :nt ts <'Ondudvc to the infiUc!nC'e
ol the Sparit
2. It includC) d~tly rudy <Jf the nrtul'e'i
3 Teach rs t\re capabl~ ill\d w •11 trntned, with
mmamlll turnover.
4. Teachers ;md tud~n~ h.w~: fr~1u~:nt fact•·
to-face interaction.
S. Expcct.ltiOn'\ and student QCCOunt.!bahty ~tre
re<l~rutble.
"fYpee of SemfnatY Programs
factor'l. tor tllhlishing a :.emtnary prOgT.Jm
includt> tll~ numbt:.r of LOS youth, ilVc1U<lbilil)
of Church filc:llilies, d1.St111ce, trnvel and ~f~ty
,._.,u...,, l(>gill ron tnun • t\nd loeJI school policy
~nd crutmdars Based on these iolc.tors, and t.ru..-
utg into "'ccount the five guld •lin :-.ll.stcd above,
stake pr('!';adcncic.--s and seminnry pcri'IOnncl dt."-
termme which o( the followmg rwgram~ .... ~·
suited in a particular stt\.10\tion.
Stakt Sttuittary. Stake sen\Jn.ary i offer~
through (1) ihlly classes that m ·t outside of
school houn; when local sc:.hools .tre in ~ -;ion
or (2) h.o~tudy classes.
1. O;uty dti!.b Me organized where tud~ts
an rnc 1t togi!ther each weekday a:n the mom-
tn~ ft~.:moon, or evening. C~ should be
app«,"(Jma\tcty 50 minuteS lrtng. A an excep-
tion, tllc e.tak~ presidency and the a~ cit.rK-
tor ol &!mi.nnrlcs and lnstltut of Rdiglon
mily recommend daily clu ~ h!!ld for 60
mlnutl·~ four d11y a W\: k . Appro~ AI from a
member o£ tlte P'rt!Sldcnc · of th Seven tv or
the Area Prcstdcncy mu-.t be "b~.n :d bt•fare
implemtmling this ~~hon.
2 IJ()mt stuJy cl~W6 are orgc1n .uod wh~n- ... tu -
dents U1nnol meet each ~eekday because
of distance or other factors Th~ tud nt~
p.uhcipalt' in d.nly religious anstruction by
attending one or more cl~ each week and
by complebng homework asqagnmCJ'ItB each
wc-t•kd.ty that cla as not held. 11\e tc~chet
103
 assigns homework from appro,·cd scmmary
r'l14tl•rMI~'>.
1n talc scmannry program<~, -.rudcnts from
~,·er4J w;lrd!> <>r nn t.'fttir" t-t:Jke can me<-t to-
gt?ther OCCilSiOn.J1l~ for U\StnKtion. Under the
dir«tlon of t.1~~ Youn Mt-n and Young Women
ll'.ldCft', lln activity rna) bt.• held in conjunction
w1th thh ln"truction
Rrlt• ojf'tl· Timr Stmwnry. A!# approved by the
Church &.ud of Education, rcl.eased-time sem-
U10r) t ("Sti!bli hed in ..ome areas of the.> Uruted
Stare:. ~nd Canadil. 1l1ese dll are held duri"S
school hourr. accordJng to the c;chool'c; !>cltedule
The IOC&ll Church board ol ooucallon mav ap
prove offe-ring additionAl dM.. ~ be(t)re or aht"f
sc:hool when the nee.dt~ of 9tudents JUSbfy tt.
Semtrwy Chus Offlcett
A t'flliMry 1••,eh 't mny nppoh\t 11 class pres-
Ident, OM OI more vice presidents, and a sec-
tl't.uy J.kef\)tl' tn<lking th ~ appointments, the
li!.l(h ·r con~e~ tht• blihop(s) for approval. The
t~?.lc..ht.tr oon tders c11l worthy student!> for class
officcn, tndudmg th~ who hav~ disabilities.
The t~.\Ch~ nnnoun es officer in c:la s, but th~
are not sust.l.U1ed or set clp.lCI. These Offi<'etS as-
sist the tt>Kht>r a_;. n~l"d .
Sermnary Studont CouncU
As.;rrun&l'\• stu~ent counc:D tntlY be otgc\N.24~
wht'n.o more tmn one muurv class meets m a
building. Thi cuunc:11 nuty co~ast of a presiden~.
one or moro v1ce p~•d~l$. ccretary, and a
limttr<J num~r of counctl mem~rs as needed.
Member• of th coun(ll are recommended by the
(J~;.ulty .1nd .-.ppro...ed by the local bodtd of edu-
cation. 11\cy •re called and set .apart by or under
lhe diM:tion oi tht:ir take p~ident..
Members of the seminary student coundl
h~lp t\!ach~rs (1) maintai.n a.n appropriate spirit
in the bulldl.ng, (2) e.ncourng~ enroUtnent and at-
tend•mcc in b4.'mino1ry cl~ses. (3) ~tablish posl·
bve lr.'lditiun<J, and (4) pl.m 1nd conduc:t hmth~d
acUviU!!S thot Involve morl:' th.tn on~ da. s.
11 22 Institutes of Religion
ln.<rttitutl...... of religion provide weekday reU-
giou in.!flruchon for Ingle po5t~erondary stu-
dent.- M~mcd po~tsccondory studenb and their
'pou.50 rna · pMhdpare in institute as their time
and cirrun'uiwnct::. allow Young ..,angle adults of
the approprl~te age (generall) 18-30) ~ho are
not 'tudcn~ moty .1lso partkip.,tc in institute.
In addrtion to religiuw. instruction. institutll5
give students opportunltief. to grow ~plritually
104
through service, ·oclalmtera(uon, and leader-
<~hlp tninin~Th4!rc l.s no lee lor lnsUtute e.ruoD-
mcnt.
lmtitut o( n.oligion proparns are cst.abUshed
under the dire-ction of pne:;thood le.1den. 01nd
sem.inary and U\StJtute pt!JS<>rutel when there ~
_u(ftci nt numbef'5 of LOS postsccondolr)' &tu-
den~. Wtth approv<1l from the &tok~ p«-sidcnt
and the area dJrcctor ol mmllJi.~ and tn::.ti·
tutes of Re11gum. 'ttl~ ins.titute classes ll\ay also
be orgdnut"d.
Jn,titute cbs~ gmcrally meet hvfcc a \\ceK
for "0 nunuk~ ''r on..: · ll wt.-ck for 100 tnlnutes.
Independent study cout'S.i' c.an be made awnl-
ablc Cor student who ore una.bl\! to all~.1\d regu-
lar insbturc dru !iCf; Under ccrt:ain circumstnn~,
credit for ln~tltule cla!>.'>d may be transferred to
Chttrch Institutions of h1gher education.
Location and contact tnlormation dbout in-
s.htute progr.. ms worldwide ts .tndnblr on lhe
lnlemet at institute.Jd~ org .tnd through l.t'min'lry
and .institute rC'presentative:s
Institute ot Religion Studtnt Council
The lru.Ul"Uh: of n..Ugum tudcnt coundl moay
consbt or cl presid-."Jlt, one or mo~ \'let pr~1-
dmt'i, a '>«'l'!'l.lr)', <lnd.., hmtk-d number of coun-
cil mem~ .~~ .nt>t>tl~ Mt:mbcrs of the council
are c.illcd <lnd M'!t apart b)' or under the dllec-
tion of the chainn4ln of dw advisory council (see
11.1.3}. nut chllinl\Afl houtd consclt with each
mem~ ·s stake- pres1dtmt.
Members of the ~otudt~nt coundl m.c:ou:ruge
eruoUm\!nt and attendance in insUtute cln!>~
They also pl<~n and conduct institute actiVIties
approved b) thl.! advi.r,ory ~oun.ol
Lattet-<lay SaJnt Studeot AsaoclaUon (LDSSA)
1h~ l.nttc>Hli\y ~illnt Student A'>wciahon
(LDSSA) can be orgMtzed wtwre it wul givP Lat·
t~r-dnv S.'int collcg~ studunts formal recogrution
on campus to f<l llitiltl' ~>crvice opportunities and
campu' lnvolvem..,nt OfficN'J for LOSSA are
called .md set op.vt in the same way as the insti-
tute of tcUgion tudcnt council members
lnstrtut& Men's Associatiot'l (lMA) and
lnstrtute Women~s Association OWA)
In the lJnsted Stat~:. and Can.ad.a, th~ Insti-
tute M("J"'• A socilltivn (IMA) and the lnsthule
Women's A,s,ociation (IWA) t..'ln be orgamud to
meet local n~" · The lnsutut" a~\ fsory council
<tppTO\' C:S •11 chaplt>n 3.nd chapter advis6'!rs tor
the-.e organW\tiont . Chapter prcc;Jdenct~ art'
caUcd. set ilpart, .md rdeased b} or under the
 dit\'Cf ot the chalrmbl\ of th adVL"'ry council
( 11.1.3). Addittonal tnfonruat1on 4bout ~lA
l1lld IWA t a\ allabl from th·· ln.-.utut dar«tor.
~uaiEducationFund
In ~ounlries whe?rc Perpetu~l Edu .Jtlnn Fund
(PI!F) I OMs al"@ nppmvcd, in utute pt!l"!oonnel a.s-
"ihl in thl' proce:-.-. acconhng to established glllde?-
llnc:.. Applicants must meet PEF gUidelines for
anstitute enrollment otnd attmdanc~ to be eligi-
blr for PEF loans(~ ~ruspte.r 12).
112 3 General Information
Orientabon and Training
xrrunary and tn~b tutc personnel onent and
triltn thoo;e who have hem ~o..aU ~ 11~ tead\ers and
Upt'r\' I.SOr5.
Ct11•• Materials
Scminnry and 1nSbtute d must u.s ap-
pnwt.'\1 ""'~and in utut~ COUI'"'It' rn4tt•n ·
11'c St!m(Nln and tnsbtut~ repr •ntatt\.~ pro-
VIdt5 c1 , ~ti!nal... fur lt>Jchcrs. Tt:'Ad ers and
students re to obtain the1r own ~ptun...,.
ActiVJtlea
~miru.ry acti\ all~ should be hmit\.'d. ActtVl-
lt 1'\:!normally conduct\ d nn 'minMy cia s
pr •mN~s .1nd during norm I cl,, ., hours. Any
r :-qut...,t for exceptions hould be approved wcll
1n a~.h ance b\ the loc:al pri lhood I '4<.h .•rs or the
t~ll bo.11d of eduQrion.
fn Utut~ acti\'lhes ar~ plannM by lht- in ti-
lull! ur rcligton tudc.'Jlt council ·•nd mu~t ~
01ppron-d bv the ad\ i-.ot) counc.il. They h uld
~ au~fully.cootdin.ltcJ ~ lh''Y do not tnt'erfm!
"tth 11Cllvihl!5 Sf'On'iQ~ b)' IncaI young ingle
adult org~nu:ahorut in th Church. They mwil
com ph \\ ath Church poll des Md guJdelin
No mon~y !>hould ~ colle.:: d rrom students
for ·mmary or i.nstitut" ath\,1
f' cOitiH
Where possible, semtnary and U\Stitule sites
01nd f.1etUt ~o.•s an? to be 'h3rl'Ci wHh other Church
untl3 or drpartments- Whe!'l• thi.!r~ M~ no sem-
inar · &nd 11\jt.itute facilities the 61Ah pl't'.S.ldmcy
msuret> that lacilitie:o~ uch ,," m~ •tmgt\(m~
o r m ~beTs· hom~ .1~ a\alllible for rrun.tr)'
and msbtute da.sse.. Renting facilit lor stake
~mmary prograrru. i not authorircod However,
f01cihtH!S mily be rentL-d for in..tttute c.l.1"~ when
authon~ed by tht! he.tdquart r office o( Scm
anM'ic and u\stitutt"S of Rth M
TrlW91 Expenses
Where lndi,;duaJ OPed WlrriSnt • -l:!kt· ~m­
muy and In lltute teacher-. ;and upt>r\ &M>r'!\
m.l) hi.· reunb~ for lra\ el e pen the _in-
cur In rdatton to teaching cia S(.>s .tnd 1tt ·ndmg
monthl)' in'>t"rvu;e meetings. Such reimbur
m~nt.s c,1mc from St>m!Mry c1nd in:,Ututc funds
wtth the .-.ppro\al o{ priesthood le;aders.
Audlov1suaJ Matetfals
When semtnar} and tnStJtute cW.scs are held
ln • mcctlnghouse, udio\ ..un) C'UTTiculum ma-
tmi'll are tored in the ~tn'\ghousc hbtru')'. Tht!
mt.>t.•tinghuu$e librazy abo uppll the audio-
Vh\l.tl cqmpment ntedcd for elM: thllt Are held
In lhr m•'t•tmghou...e.
Matenata for ThoM with OlsabTIItles
Sp«i.ll rt'llglou .. e-ducl!tion m.ltcna~' tor tu·
dmt' with re~dins probl~rns or other <lli.lbthtl
art' ava.d.Ab le h> t:.t 5eJ'Nilal)' and tnStit utr tu-
dents The semjnary and arutitute ft'J)ft5l"ntative
n pmvtd · lnformahon about ~ring th~
m~tenals. T~rs may also find helpful mfor-
mation 31 clisabiliti Jd .o.rs.
Grnduatlon
~lud ·n must romp let c~rtrun ac.1dcmlc .md
attcndanc\: ''"<JlUrem nb and h<l\l' n Wl1rlhin .,
dt. ran to gT4dual'e from St!mmary tlr UlSbtut~.
"minil!1' und utslllute persoM~I v('fif) lh<U the
tud nt ·hll ml't lh • academic and ottendi'li'\C'
requ1r m ·nt: The b~-.hop \ittl"tfies lht!' tud..-nt'
"orthant .,
A menlbcr of a l>lake presadtmcy ptt!Stclt>
at c.emmt)') and 11\Slltute gr.~duatton exet'QSCS,
ThC!St:! exercises 01re pl~mn\."d by mt.-mber of ''
til~ pn.-..id ·ncy or a htgh councilor, a.''ilstt."CC by
,, ·minary and in~titut~.? rep res~ ntah\ c and by
... minary and ln!>tll\Jte ~cud nt" ror ndd1honaJ
anfurmation. see '\ Gmd~ to 5tmmllf11 an Jlmht11t~
Grwlwttl(l/1 E.%acl56.
f1.3 Elementary and Secondary Education
(In Some Areas outside the United
States)
Tht Chun:h pn'l\id elemental") or o4.'ulnd-
ary \!dUt..JhOn Ot 3 (~\.. long-established loca-
tions tn Mc'dco nd the Paafic I hmd., Nn new
Khools a~? anhctpatt'd.
Under the di~t1on of th • Church Bo.trd ot
Educahon md the Commi lont!r of the Church
F.du atlorul Syc;tt!m, thCS<' hool itrc directed
105
 b full-ttme Sem.inaries and In tih.llr. Ri:>Ligion
administrators. The schools pro·vtdl' !>CCUW and
religious m.~truction Studen~ who att :nd these
schools must receive an ecci...St3 tic.tl ~ndorse­
menl to enroU and to conltnul' enrollment e.1ch
ye:~r.
11A Institutions of Higher Education
(In the UnJted State& Only)
The Church spon.son. four in tilutiuns of
htgher ~ucation . Bngham Young University,
Brigham Young Umversity-1 Jaw<lii, Bngham
Young University-Idaho, and LOS 8\Jbtne»
C.:oll .-ge. Under the dirt'Ct1on of" Boil.rd of Trust·
~and the Commi:...Jon •r of th ·Church Educa-
uonal System, each ot th~e school~ ll> dlt\."d:ed
by a fuU-time wt.h--ersHv or coll~ge pr!!stdetll
lnfat tl'lation about tldmi!llJions 1'nd. <~cademic
programs can be obt..1lm.>d ilt duc.ltion ld&.org
or from the schools' .ldmis.$toru> ofrict':9'
Brlgh.1m Young Unh· ~nlty
Admissions Offic,•
A-41 ASB
Provo, UT 84.602
Telephone: 1-801-422·250'7
Bngham Young Lnivcrsit - Howaii
AdmJssions Offi~
55-220 KuJanui St:r"ee!t
Laie, HI 96762-1294
Tt>lephone: 1-808 675 3738
Urigham Young Univt?n~lty-ldoho
dmt sion Ofli"'
120 KJmball Buihlln •
R~burg. ID 83--160- I 615
Ttlrphon · 1-208-496·1036
lOS Business College
Admtss\ons Offire
'lS orth 300 W~t
Sillt Lake Oty, UT 84101 -3500
Telephone· l-80l -524..S145
1l ,41 Endorsement to Enroll at Church
Untvenities and CoUege.s
The Church's i.nstitut.ions of lugher ~duca­
rion are founded on th,-. go-tp<>l of jf!Sus Chnst
nd e~ti t to pn>\'tde o1n •nvironmcnt of faith in
wtuch young people can. throu~h scnow; study,
pu~uc both ~ritual and iltJdt.. mic preparation.
The Church Educational Sylrtt!m would Uke to
o1ccammodate all who dee;ire to t~tlend . Howe\ er,
cac.-11 iru titution hns a limltc:d cmollmenl. A stu·
dent who is admitted without betng fully worthy
i~ not prep1111!d spiritually and displa.ces another
t~t udtnt who I quo1lifi~ to Jttcnd
106
T<> ht lp emuw that ~ who <1ttl'nd Church
tru.tltuhons of higher (.oducnh<ln are living by
Chuf\:h standards and will conbnu~ to do l>O, pro-
pt'CtaH• ilnd continuing stude-nts must recet\'e
~·ndun.emenb from eccla.1a. tical leader. ·1!. out-
llned in U1e !ol.l:o"'ing pamgmphs Students \vho
do not h•we this endorsement may not ~nroU o r
register for the next acaderruc year
t1A.2 LOS Students
J OS &tudenl:s who c~pply lo Bngh.Jm Young
Umver.-lty, Brighom Young Uru\'~Dity H..1waii,
Brlgh.1m Young Univer.tty- ldaho, ru- LOS Dus!-
ness CoUi!ge must recel\' ~ tmdOriemi:ll from
tht'ir bi hop OJnd a memb :r of ~a.r 5la~e presi-
dt·ncy to bt.> t!ligible for acl.rnis ton. After bctng
.,dm.lttoo to a Church ~lih.ltiM ut higher edu-
ct~nt.·m .. tudents must receive ;m annual endor.;e-
tn•-nt from tht.' biAhop of tlte ward they athmd
whil~ tn :.chool
11.41.3 Non-lDS Students
Non LOS students who wi.sh to apph to a
Chun:h Ul btubon of higher t.tduc-.ltlOn mu:.t re-
<-c?•VC n cndo~menl from clcrg} of lht!U' own
l;11th or ft-om .m LOS bl.!ihop A non·LDS studenJ
mu>t r«elvco an annu.\1 mdor".o('mmt m order to
1"\.'glst~r forth nt' t academk ycnr. lic ur -.h~ ma}
ohtain th ·ndorsement from (1) the Loeru eccl~
lo-.tJc:,,l l~.lder or his or hct own faith 1C the stu~
dent l9 an active me.mber o£ the congreg<Jbon
or (2) the bishop of the LOS wrud where the stu-
de-nt re:,1db while tn school.
11A.4 Instructions for Endorsement lntervtewe
'fht> bishop and a mem~r of the ,,,J,..c presi-
dency eotch conduct;, pri\•Dh.•mtcrvlcw Wllh each
LOS tud~nt. lnte-rview mstructlons an- on the
appUcat10n pro,•id.ed by t.ht.> school.
111~ Stutfent Cummitm~.mt .md Confidcntio.l
R(lpart r.ubmittoo by ecdeslnbtic.11 tendt:n; ill c1n
nnport;.ml r~lclor ln the admlbsions procesb. The
l~.u.ler completes tl'us n.•port dunng o1n lntcrvtcw
wllh lh'-" apphcanL 'Ill.:> h:.ldi!r abo discus.t~~e.:. the
llonor Cod!! and the dn5s ;md groonung stan-
dnrd-. in detail with each prospectivto student.
Lead~ are asked to certify that each .spplicant
Is worthy to attend. has t>een and lS now c~b1ding
by the requirements, and Wtll conhnue to ab1de
by them while a student at a Church ~hool
lndtvtdual& who are les uctiv~, unworthy, or
under Olurc.h discipline should not bt> rndon.ed
for udmi"i5ion until th ·~sues hilvc been com-
plet~ly re~tolved and the ~ull\ltc '>l<lndnrds o(
worth'" o; an met.
12. Perpetual Education Fund

12.1 Introduction •.•••••• •• •••••••••••••••••• 108 12.5 Area Perpetual Education Fund
Committee .• ••. • . •... ••.•••...•• •••• •• • 108
12.2 Opportunities for Part:Jclpants ••.• • ••. .. .• 108
12.6 Contributions and Questions •....••. .. . •• 109
12.3 Organization and Coordination •.••••. . ..• 108
12.4 Responsibilities of the Stake Presidency
and Bishopric . ••.•• .• ••.••• •.• ••• •....• 108

107
12. Perpetual Education Fund
12.1 Introduction
Th PtTpetual &luc:atlon Fund (PEF) a.nd the
Church's r~tuaJ EduLatlon Fund Departlnent
hilve ~n tabhshrd to asslst worthy young
,,dult>j w1th ('duOthon.\1 net'd In areas of the
ChuKh wtw~ th~ PEF progr.sm c. appro\ L"d, it
pro\ tdt'!; th ' members w1th support and With
some of thf' resoum.... J1i.'Ct.">"-Bry to 1mprove thCU"
hves through odd1hon.st education and better
(!JllplO\'Dll!nl
The PEF embraces etc mal prindples, mclud-
mg the importance of education, integrity. hard
work, anti twlf-rellnncc. It ~ncourages members
to become "one," as oll ar~ invited to give of their
aw.1ns to bultd the fund . In ~h1s way, an ever-
•1'1Cf'C·1~111g number uf young 11dults m.ny besetVed.
(~ O&C 18:24- 27, 104: 15-18.)
t2.2 Opportunities for Participants
Through the r£r program, returned miSsion·
ACICS .md otht>r young adult- - mm ilnd warne\.
married and •ungle-an.• ln r•red
to depand the
'won of thCU" possibtllues and to~ prom-
ising CDlftrs that are needt.>d tn therr own com-
muni be- They lco~m to ..ell'd nearby schoob that
wall h~lp th~m quallfv for lheu chosen occupa-
uom; They also discover how best to use their
own ftnan«., and other local re.ot~TCes to attend
thos..- ..dluols U a student needs add.Jilonal help.
he! or .sh' MiiY apply ror 3 rEF loan to ray a por-
Mn of the !XIucllllon"l ~tr. The PEF participant
leams ln honor commltm~n~ by repaymg the
loan so others may be blessed through the fund
12..3 Organization and Coordlna11on
The PEF work11 thro1.1gh the ex'JSting organi-
zation of the 01urcl\. In areas whe:re the program
is approved, an area PE.F committee, chaired by
11 ml'lTlbcr of the Area Pl'l'SidCJ'cy, ctirects it. PEF
efforts are cooniiMted with~ Church Educa-
tionaJ System. Church Employment Resource
•rvJCe.,, nnu tJ'<' PEF SeiVlce Center (where
available)
I"PF pnrbclpants ·~ tntctVlcwed and en-
rouragt..>d by th U' local pnea.thood ~add'> Par-
ticipants <tlsc n'Cl'lve 11\Stnlction. gwdance and
~pport frum th~ l'Ohtw~ li'ltrd m tht- pre\'iCiu>
paragr.tph
108
Det.uls of the trauung .md application pro-
cess, as well as spedfic requirements ;and poll-
des. are available from the Area Presidency.
Responsibilities of the Stake
Presidency and Bishopric
In counlrl Y>h •rc PEF ICW\S are approved,
the sU\ke pmu1 nt admuw~trn~ thc• l'f F progr.un
for the mkc under the din'C'IItln uf th~ area PFF
committee. He.> dlte\.L., cHorb to ),. out worthy
young >"~dults. lndudln~ r~tumttd mibslonnries.
to teach 11nd il'\bplrc them, to .,~.... &1 them with
the application process, clnd to sustatn then1 as
they achieve thoir career gon ls <tnd honor their
commitments.
A member o( lh<> bishopric and il mt>mber
of tht.' t.tkc prc:-.idcncy each interview a person
who request:. a Pt:F lo.m. lf the person quall.fies
ba5cd on worthm~. n1.'Cd .md ambi tion, the
mter. !ewer m4)' gtve an t.'ndtlr~·mt..'f\t to parti-
Clpdte ln thl' program 'fhcrea.ftet, a member of
the bi.shopnc inll'I'VJ<!W puuopolllts <U needed
to gi-.e coun-.el nd cncourngemcnl
If n ~~ . t.tk p~1dCJ1t anJ bishop! m.ty
c.ill 11nd tram fll:P ptoci~h:>t:t to help them te.lch
PEF pnnaple-. and proc~"'S, prepare rEF ap-
pliCilnb ;and support PH pi!rtkip.lnts Bc.nuse
the work of PE.F 5pcoalisb par3llcls the work
of stake and "a.rd employment speoahsts, the
same person(s) rould fulfiJI both responsibilities.
12.5 Area Perpetual Education Fund
Committee
In llrt!dS wlwtt· I'LP lnnn'i urc 11pproved, a
member ol the Arc" Presidency l.s designated to
orgnnl11.' lht• an•;t fJEf cnmmftt<·c ,1ncl be its c:hair-
11\.Jn. 'I hi• ct)mmtttt!e C'Ontol'itii of llw chairman,
the Church Educational System area director
(who may hi: the v1re C'hl\lrman), lhe a~a Plif co-
ord..nator (who Is thE- ~r~tnry)1 U1e director for
temporal affaJtS, the area welfare Jl\IU\.lger. the
emplo)'lJ\mt resource service managt-T (where
available) and the area controller An area legal
advtser may be invited to jolll lht> conuruttee as
n(!C'cflod
~ arra rET comnuttce meets regularly to
revJt..•w the prosrer. of the: PEF program in the
oli'\.'O. n,
m tin an? us...J to coordinate! ef-
12..6 Contributions and Questions
foru tu instruct pri thood I adcr5, support PEF
part u~1p
nts, n·t< PEF I n • nnd expand ef· Jor mform.ation about contnbutions to the
fort! to ·k oul oth ~ho nt- ~ "!>~tance. ~ P'Ef, • 14.4 6.
commttlec pro\ •db a mian.nu.tl report to t.h.e Qu hon about lh~ PEF pr nm may be
EAecubH• Din.'dor ot the PEF Ckpartm...'!lL dinxtcd 10 lhl! rrr: offitv:
In ut>~ wtlh mulbple count:rit!s that have r..-rpetual Edu lion fund !Rpa.rtment
~ appro\ ~ for l.ht PEF program. a local cxrun- SO East North fcmplr t
try commattc IN\ be Conned Tite chairman is Salt lak~ <.aty, Uf &Uso-oootl
d tgnatt'd by th • M P~ ,Jd nt Th..lt comautt.;e telephone 1-801·240.0541
m • pcraodJC.illl}' to '1\! un~ that the country !!·mall:
pmgram I opcrnhng propt>rly. llle commtttee pcrpctuillcducanonfund ldschurd\.org
chairman r :port to lh area Plif collUJ\ittce.

109
(

(
13. Records and Reports

131 Overview of Church Recorda •••.•••..••• . 112 13.6.10 Records of ~lt.'mNi rs Who H.we
lntd.kdu.tl D!soabtlttl~ .... , .... , . • • . . 119
132 General Instructions for Cle rb . • • • • . . • • . . 112 13.6..11 Remrd.sof:\.1~rs Who 1\re Oe&f
13.3 Stake Recorda and Reporta . • • • • • • • . • • • . • 112 or Hearing lmp;ured . , • • • • • • • • 11q
13.6 l2 Recordsuf Adopted Children • .. • • .. • 119
t3 3.1 Stake Prcstd ~ 112
13.3.2 Sta I.~ Oerk ............. ~ . • • • . • .. . ll2 t3 6. t3 !tecord.s uf ~lcs Who WtrQ Bom
13.3 3 ~&tant St.lke C1eri.s • • • • • • • • • • • • • .. • 113 out oi \'\ edJod. . • • .. • .. • . • llQ
13.3 • St.1 k(' ht:cuti\"C Secretary • • • • • • • • . • . . . 114 13.6.14 Rt.'Conb (.'!/ Chalur •n of Divorced
~Af\'1\t$ • .. .. • .. • .. • • 119
13.4 Ward Records and Reports .•••.••.•••• •• • 114 13.6 15 Kl.'Cords with Annol+'hOn"i • • • • • • • • • • • • 119
13.41 Bts.hCipn c . lH 136.16 Records with Sped"! Comml"nts ••••••• 119
13.4.2 \VArt.l Ut-rl.: • • • • .. • • .. • .. . .. • . • • • • • 114 13.617 Rl'<ONS with 8hhnr'" Rcqu t
13.4.3 A~<;f~t.Jnt W.ud Cler~ • • • . .. • .. . • .. • . • 115 for Cont11c.t . . . • . . • • • • • • • . • 119
13.4.4 Ward E>.~utl\e ~>erei.U) • , ••.••• 115 13.6.18 Mo1. ~ R lrirtlon~ nn M1•mbcr&h1p
13.~ Pr~ihood .md AuxlliMy l c:.1d('rt~ • . • • • 116 Records • . • • . • •• , • • . • • • • . . • t 19
13.619 Rt-rords from lhl" ·~ddf1..'fi!t. Unknown"
13.5 Reports on Member Partlclpatton • . . • • • • • • 116 File • .. . • .. . . 119
13.5.1 CompoO("nl.s oi Rc•ports 116 l3.6.20 Recording and Correctmg Ordln.lllC'l'
13.5.2 Membc·l'$hlp l.l..ll .. .. .. • • • • • • .. • • • • 117 Tnformntion • • • .. • . • .. lJ9
13.5.3 Usmg the lnl<'rm.ltlon • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 117 13 6.21 Prep.uing Ceruhalcs for Ordtn.ma:!'
and ll~<ting... ........................ 120
136 Membership Recorda .••.•••••••••••••• • • 117
13 6.22 ~cordang 01nd Correctmg Ov1l
13.8 1 'dn'\e.::>
~ in Church Record<> .. • • • • 117 lnfonnetton • • • • • • • • • • • • . • . . • • . • . . • . . 110
13.0.2 Ml"lllbe.r. o! Record . .. ...... ~...... ll8 13.&23 Spt.'Ci01l S1tu.1hons •••••••••••••••••••• 1'20
13.6.3 R«otd5 of NtM War\! Member'$ ..... 118 13 $2" Audit uf Mern~'f'&hrp R«ord~ ........ l2D
13.8 4 R..-curd o( ~ •mb l":i Who Mm-e or
Aro lt!mpor.sril) Aw.,y trom Home . •• . 118 13 7 Historical Records .................... 120
13.8..5 ~rch of M~mbcrs n 1ng oukide
13.8 Confldenllallty of Recorda ••••••••••••••• 120
Tl\dt Hum!! Ward ................... 118
t3.8.8 Rec:orc.h of Young 54ngl~ Adult • .. • . . 118 13.9 Records Manesaement ................... 121
13.6.7 Record.., o{ Ml'mPcB Who ll\· m 13..9.1 Prot"'Ction .. 4.. • • • .. .. .. lll
t lu:.pit.;\6 or Hurn ' for th\ A~ • • • • • • 118 13Jl2 ~tentian • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 121
t3.8..8 Rerorili ul M mbtr' In Miht.uy 13.9.3 Olspostbon • • . . • • . • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • . • U1
Ser\fJC"e • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 119
13 6.9 Rl.ocords of Mcmb<>n; Whn Do Not
Hlwe a Permafl('nl Addf\ • • ... .. • • llQ

111
13. Records and Reports
13,1 Overview of Church Records
Accurate records help Church leade~ know
members and identify thear naodt-. Por example,
record can help leader<. adt.'nhfy who may na>d
spOOnI care to become more ilctJVe ln the Church
or to bl."COme worthy of tcmrle blesslrlgs. Accu-
rate 1\.~ord also help le.sden r\·aluate progress
.md make plan (ur impro\ement
Another important p~ of Church rec-
ords ls to adenill) whtch .5.1\ ing ordmances a
pc>T"''n has reccav(od.
The following types of records are l...epl in
Church unit.s:
Rey10rl5 011 member pnrltnpallmr include infor-
Ot.lltaun about meeting attendance, home te<tc:h-
ing and vislt:ang teachlns, acUvlty And pnesthood
office of new members, nnd I(!O)ple !'\'Commend
status of endowed mcmbert (~>«' 13..5)
Mrrn«,...Jufl rttorl/5 lnclud(' members' n.a.tneS
and addn! s.t':S , as well ruo orchnanre information
and other' ttal a.nformallon (~ 13.6)
Ha:.hmuJI rrcords lndudt' anlormatJon aoout
accompUshmcnts, challenges, faith-building ex-
~rtcnces, a.nd otht>r nomblc events in the unit
(M!C 13.7)
finanCIJJf rrcortb include information about
tltht!S and other offen.n19> und CO!Ib. for ilctlvities
and supplles (see ch.Jpter H)
132 General Instructions for Cfert<s
All clerks "hould have unqUl'!ilionable integ·
rity and dt•mon.,tr.tle a wilhngn~ to foUow the
Lord 's comsrullldancnts They should be honest
nnd rnr~ful rccord ket.~r.. They should also be
copnblc teachers and ndmlnllltratonl. The clerk
who U. assigt1ed to fin.lnCt!S ohould be qualified
to hl'l.ndll' financial matters. Calling decks who
mt!et the~ qualifications will help ensure th01t
they have the Splrit of the Lord "ith them as they
work with Church fin.l.ntts and l'l'COlds
Clerks should cnre.lully folio" current poli-
Cies and procedure"~ to wfl"RU.2rd Church funds
and to ensure that Church f('COrd9 a!\! current
and accurate Clerks should lmmed.i.ate.Jy notify
priesthood leader.; of ony impropracties affect·
lng Church furu.b or recorth•.
Tht' durabon nf d1·rk11' ~·rvia! should be suf-
fichmt for them tu lc.tm U\t!lr dubes, magnify
112
lhell' c.llling!>, and pre.erve coohnuaty m their
wot.._ Because they are not mem.be.rs of the staJte
ptet1dcncy or bi hopric, they do not need to be
rclt-ast.>d when a stake presJdency or blo;hopric is
~rganlzed.
Responsibilities or stal...~ and ward dct~ oro
outlbled m 13.3.2, 13.3.3. 13.4.2.llnd J:\.4.3.
133 Stake Records and Reports
13.31 Stak e Presidency
The Milke presldtml ovl'rse<.~ stal..e record
kooping. I le may llSSign hi. counselors and clerks
to do much ollh.is ~"ork Ut\tler his dlrection He
l'tllllll't.'fi that they follow Church polldes and
procedures in fulfilling thelr responsabilitic:s.
13.32 Stake Cleric
Every slue should ha\'e a quaJlflt.>d, function·
ing take clerk.. He IS called ~nd (14.'l apart by the
stalo.e presjd~nL He s.hc>uld hold th\: Mdchue-
dek Prie!>thood ~d be worthy to h.lve il temple
recommend
Ow sto1ke clerk is trained by the stat..e presi-
denq• and works under the1r du'«'tmn 1ne stake
pre:.ldcnt may as lgn him ~pon:.tblllties suc.h
:~10 lhow (lutlincd In this &Cctlon AssiStant stake
clerk.• may be atllcd to hclp (see 13.3.3).
Recotd·Keeptng R.e sponslbifrtla
1N! ..take dcrk pro\"Jdes admuustrabve sup-
port to tl\e stake preside.nq He: ~c ·~ n 1\.'Ctlrd
of ~ss1gnments and deosaons tn t.tle leader·
""'P meetings. He also reminds lhc st.a.ke pre:sJ-
dency of atems that nt!ed folluw· up or (urther
consldcration.
The stake clerk (nnd assistant 'ltllkc clerks as
as:.igncd) prepares sti\l.e records and ~ports.
These Include hnonci<tl n.-c11rd,s (5(.-c chapter 14),
report un member partictpution (!'i<-e 13.5),
membership a.nformation (~ 13.6), and lustori-
cal n:.ronb ("W 13.7) The 5take clerk ensures that
T\' or~ and reporb are accurate, complete, and
on lime.
Tite stake c.le.rk (and ~l!>tant stilkc clerks dS
assigned) meets regularly with the sl.lk~ presl-
dent to reVIew records and reports Thl! clerk pro-
vides Information from~ tnateraoltl to help
leaders Identify (1) the needs uf members and
organJ(,nticms, (2) the aviltlolbihty of resources,
 uch n" finances and pnesUu>Ud bttt.>ngth. and
(:l) trends, !ttrengths, and wt'a'-tlcsscs
Thl! take clerk :.hl.luld bt't:ome lamUw with
the record-keepmg p~ on Church comput-
ers where they are availabl~
Other record-keeping duties lh" stnkl! presi-
dency may give the stake c.lt!rk or an assistant
'ltnke derl.. include:
Fn uring that certificates for Melchizedek.
Pnesthood Otrllnat1on iU'e prepared and d.ilr
ttlbuted and tb.lt the ordi~hon are properly
;md promptly recorded.
2 1«-cordu\g templ~ lt'Commcnd mfnnnalicm.
3 Preparing the Officer& Sustamcd form for
s take conferer~ce.
.a. Designing and printing boundnry models to
use in proposing reallgnml.'nl of <ltake and
ward boundaries.
5. Qvm;eeing the tran..,fer of ward records, cor-
~ence. and accoWlb when a new ward
b created, a ward. is dtSCOnh.nu(•(:t or a bishop
as rcl~.a~
6. ~-ording informilhon ror t.b~ di,Ophl"lill"f
counal (see6.10.l and b 10 11).
1 M.unlaining and updntmg thl' tilk\:' \\eb
1tc if the stake hn " Chun:J1·t~pproved site
(&ee 17.1.24).
RavlfiW or Ward Records 81\d Raporta
The -.take clerk (and a!.SiJ.W\l~tt.lM.> clerk:. as
as tgned) rPYiews ward l'l"Cords and reports to
1.!1\Sure thai they are accurate l\nd complete. He
reo;oJveo; record-keepmg problem:. before giving
n!pOriS to the stake prestdenl He works cfuect1y
with ward dfiks and assis ttlnl ward clerks to
n.'5Uh•c minor problems. He discu ..-.e. *nous
pr~>blems with the stake pn..'Sident or, i\l Ius re-
qucst. the bishop.
The fltake clerk .m.cet5 with ~nch ward clerk
twice CilCh year;. liw Stl'lkc c:lurk or •\l>.,iblD.nt Stake
clerks may also meet with u;:.i.stant word clerks
o\5 needed. These meetings i1l'l? held to ensure
INt.
1 Membership records ~ updat~'<l prompUy
and accurately to mclude all bapti ms and
confirmations, p~thood ordmauon.s, en-
dowments.mamage, and deaths
2 Certilicates of blessing, baptism and confir-
mation, and pri~thood o rdlnallon are given
to ward members
, ~ wanl s nnnual history is kept cutrent and
ts 1ubrrutted to the sWte at the end of each
)'t'ilr (~-t·13. 7)
RecOrd·l(oeplng Instruction
As rcqul>sled by tht' stake pl'l~ldcnt (lr n
bh,hop. the tilake clerk instrucb a~o>i&tant r,tn kl'
clerlct, word cletks, and assistant w11rd derlo.s
to ensure thnl they receivt' all the trAmlng they
n~d to accompli h their rec:on.i· kt.>t'ptng re·
sponsibilltles.
ln.strucbon on record keepmg 15 e.pedally
lmporta.nt when clerks are newly ca.lled, when
a Church record-keeping progrmlt mtrodured
or upd.ltl-d, and when records are not completed
properly. New ASSIStant stake clerks wnrd clerks,
.tnd llsslsl<\nt word clerks should be instructed
"'' ithin 30 dny of when they are cullt>d.
Audit•
The ernlr..c clrrk hould bt' Lnuwll-d)tl'•tbll• uf
nudtt pmcedures and r11X>1'ts As istllnl take
derl.:s should also be knowledg~ilbl~ of audtt
pi'OCCdures ~md reports ror theu ilNil of re-.pan-
•bihl} For mf(JTJ'nation about audJt:. uf m~:mbcl"
&hlp records, see 13.6.2-1. For in/ormatio'' about
iludlb of Cllurch finances, see 14.9.
Stoke Historical Records
Set! 13.7.
13.3.3 Aaalatant St ake Clerks
The o;t3lw pre::.ldent or an a"~IKl'lt!li (OUJl':••··Jur
may call and s.:t .lpil.rt one or more ~ .. lsta.nt stal..e
clerks as needed \sslstmt stalw cl~:rks should t>e
\tekhi.zedelr.. Pnesthood hold era who~ worthv
tu ha\·e a temple ft'COQ\lnend. Titcy worl.. under
the dlr«tion o( ~stake presidency and the stake
clerk
Lf i\&sistanl stake clerks nrc called, the stilke
pret~h.lcncy mny a~ign them to various pans uf
stake rt>cord keeping. such as financial records
(lk.~ ch.tptcr 14), reports on memlx-r p.ulldp~rion
( e 11 ".i), mt.'m~rship information ('-1.'\' 13.ti),
and h turic:al ri!COrds (see 13.7)
Church Materials
nw ll\k pn!:>ldet~cy mil)' as:.lgn 40 ,, ,l!!.tAnl
stal...: ~rl. hl become fam.Uiar with Church re-
soui'C\' matenals and know how to ordcT th m
from Church Distribution Serv1ce!l Thilil cl~rk
coordinates efforts to help st<~ke members be
mfonned nbout these materinls and know how
to ('lbtain them.
113
 Computers and Toe~
11w l~C rMtd 'rnA)' ot gil on ll!o-.tSt.l.nt
l.tJ.;e clerk to be the takt> t hnology pccialist
Th tal-e clerk could be gJ\ n th a•..o;ignment a1
nt'Cc _;\l"y. f'he ~tal-c t«hnolug) spedahst ~ the
following n.."iJXW·abalitjes for manilgmg Church
compu lt!r~ In the ~tlake, including th~ in family
htStory centers:
He takes dltecllon from th~ stake pres~denq.
bout placing. harang, J1'a ......igninR. and schedul-
mg all take computers.
Hl' 5eT\'et as tht- pril'rult)' contact lor t ' hnol-
UKY nice and eltc'ctrontc d ~ • in all Church
m \!'ttnghou~ an the t.1ke. A 1'\"qU" -.ted, ~e
pro,,do support for It w}'a() u romput,•rs an
Church m,-enngh<luc,t•o;
l ie mnintuin~ •' curr :-nt 1n\ l'f\IOty 01 .lll com-
put•r hllrdwure with -..•rtal numbers models,
c.1p.ldttcs, and physJcnliO<'atlons.
tie t!nsures thn l ( 1) '")mpuler.>, software, and
confrdcntLll in!onnatlon arc sec:ure, (2) data files
art• bacJ.;ed up reguJJrl)~ and (3) b01ckup tiles
are tored a,.. 3) from the bulldtng (~ 13 and
13.9).
II~ hould be familwr ,., it.h t.h~ gL-neral poh-
cl for Chwch computers m 1?.1.12. He ould
al be famth.n w ath guld, tint• lor <lbtaming
and managing Church compuh.>rs rh a;uide-
lincs ore ;wailablc from C.hurch h ;tdquarters or
the a IJlned admma tro11we o fhct'. They prov1de
inform.ation about m.tlt~r .. -.uch as h.udw3re and
.software, dol'\,;ltc<i computcn., lnternet connec-
tion... ""P.;~irs, dao;pos.ll or c()mputcr!., o;tolen or
dam~ 1.-d compurers. ~"CUrlty, and ~ by mem-
~~ .
13.3.4 Stake Executive Secretary
The bke prestdent or oln .} ...ignl'<i coumclor
call'\ and sets apart a tilkt! ~xe lJ hll~ seu'etary.
The cxccuuvc secretlry should hold lh Melc.hlz·
c•<h•J... Pnc thood and b\! worthy lt1 hove :1 tl•mple
~ummcnd
The c ccuti~c ~tar)' an admanbtrativc
~l.,..,J .. t.Ant
to the t•le p 'd~n(}' I It> m~b with
them and prepares agcnd.u u assigned. He is
also a membe>r of t~ ta • pn~ thood ~"<c.."CUtive
commit!~ and 1M tak munril As directed by
the tllkc presidency. ~ follows up on assign-
mt•nt made in the.-;c mcchn~.
Ht' coordinates stake busm~ between the
take prestdency. high rounol. n.nt.l other stake
Jcac.Iers He also sc.hedul~ ;appointments for lh~
114
tal>: ('!N 1dency. He di tributi!S copie. of ChUKh
publal"'..ahun and com pondcnce prompt! ':.
H n:-v~t.'WS th status of h~ teaching in the
tal;e with th mlo(e pteStdency.
If A ignc..-d by the s take presidency, he cn-
CQW'age-. and~ 1 ts ward e~ecubvc ~t;tnrs
wath Chwch magazm~ subscrlptton efforts.
l it may Jwlll the takt> pre-.idency cn<oura e
and monitor the partiop~ tlon of cliglbl Lllc
m mbt-1':" an C E!) program (SN! II. J ~nd 11.2)
H ... oo1d\1 · the take proidcncy of members
who n~ l·nh:nng the mtlit.ary m iln!' aln!ady in
maUuuy ~~ ~. Unde-rthedirt'Chl)n of the take
pr\: Jd(.'nt.."\~ he 1M • help coo(dlna lc Chun:h ori-
l'Ol•lt10l1 f;,t "ta.keo membeT"' \vho ill\.' entering the
mllltarv c~~ 10.1 and 10.3).
I tc Orlt'nl-. ne\~ ward cxecutivL• S<.'<Tetanes as
&OOn <b reasol'ldble after they ~n? called He pro-
vades ongomg instruction ro them as nc~ed
t3 4 Ward Records and Reports
13 4 1 Bishopric
ln · 1.o hop O\' vard record ~ccpltlg .
11• tn:'l\' Mgn h&S counsclo and clerk" to do
much ~f this work und r his dirt:eti n lit> eti-
!IUt th t waN cll"T'ks and quorum, group. and
~u,ilLuy ll.'.tders are taught their r«ord·kl.'cp-
mg responslbillttes. l ie also en....wes '!'-at they
(I)IJow Church pol ides and procedure; tn fuliill-
ing the.~ rc:,pcm!ribilities
13.42 Ward Clerk
Every ward hould haw a qua.lifi....>d, lunctkm-
ing waro rlHk.. Ht l!> l"l!COrnml-ndt'd by the blsh·
e;1pric nd cal led .tnd c;et ap.11t by a ml-mb\·r or th('
s t.tl c pret.1dcncy lie bhould hold th • M ·khile-
d ·k Pr1 ..,thood l\nd be worthy to have G l~mple
It'\: mmt·nd
ll\t ward clcrl. 1:. tnint>d by the tu.Jlopnc and
by t.\~\.' derl.! . He wor~ under tht' dtn'Ction of
th btshoprtc. The bishop ma) assign him ~pon­
ibtltti w ch as those outlined in this sa':lion.
:r. !\tant ward derlcs may be all~ to help (see
13 ~ .3)
For additional rtSponsibalwc.: of the: ., .ard
clerk, c Htmdl'toolc 2, 4 6.1
Recotd-KHplng Respon&lbl u..
The ward clt•rk providt!S admiru..trah\t~ ur-
porl 10 th ba hop ric He kc ~ a r"-cord of asstsn·
m ~L' an..J ci''Cl"tan~ mnde an w.ud lcosdt"t'Ship
 ml'Cllngs.. He also remmdK the b~hopnt:> of iteim.
that rwed follow-up or furlht!r con aderataon.
Tht- ward clerk (and a t'ltont ward derls as
a slgnt!d) prepare. ward record!> and reports.
TI\ese include financial records (sw ct1apter 14),
reports on member participatJon (11(.'1! 13.5), mem-
bership records (see 13.6), a11d hi~ todcal recotds
(see 13.7). The ward clerk ensurc.>s lhnt records
and reports an accurate, complete, and on lime.
1he ward clerk (and il!>S! toni ward clerks as
AS!Ilgn~<d) m~ regulArly wath the bt<~lmp ta ~
view re<"Ords .tnd reports. TI1e clcrl.. P"'' ides an-
ft~rmauon from these millcn;,15 to hdp leaders
tdt>nti{y (t) the needs af mcmbt',.., llnd organi-
l.ltlon>, (2) the ava:Uabillly of n.>o-ourcl!f., such as
fin.m\.es and pnesthood s trength , and (3) trends,
strengths. and weaknl'SSeS.
When compiling reports on mt•mbcr pnrUci-
pation, the clerk reviewslnformntinn -.uhmitted
by w.ud organizations to ens ure thal it is acru-
rate iltld complete. He resolves record-h-eping
problems be(ore gwing the repan to the btshop
I te works directly with ecrdarib to resohe
rruoor problems He dtscus!!eS rious problems
wtlh th~o• blShop or, ill ht l't'q\U.'.,t, the orgoaniz.l·
rion lc.1do!r.
Th4- w01rd clerk o;ho uld becom · fanullar with
the rcrord·keeplng programs on Church comput-
a.>rs wher~ they an avaUnble H~ or M Mf>lSiant
ward ciNk provides membN~hap J irt>ctones,
hst~, and rolls to the b~Shopric, lo otht>r pn~l­
huod le.tders, and to auxiliary leild<.'rs
As requested, the ward clerk or an assistant
wilrd clerk provides member.; copteS of theu- In-
dmd\UJ Otdinance Summar) for theJI peNmal
r«<rd5 .t.nd for help In aLO!SSing f.smil) history
and other Church servKes. H~ prants these swn-
rMrlb U!>i.ng Chu-rch rtcnrd-l ccptng -.oUware.
ln arc0l6 that do not hav~ thl ..afn, ilre, he may
rt>qu~t copies fron\ the assagnl!d adrnuuslta tivc
oHico.
Other record-keeping duht'$ the bishopric
may gave the ward cll.'rk or an ll.,5i,tant wnzd
c lerk include;
1. Ensunng that cemficatt."S for blt$..,mg , bap-
llsm and con6rmabon, and pn thood ordi-
~tion are given to Wllrd m~mbcrs and that
these ordinances are properly and p romptly
I\.'COrded.
2. Prep.uing the OEfk~ Su~talned form fo r
word conie.w1ce.
3. Recording information (\.\r wnrd dlsclpllnary
c:ouncllB (see 6.10.4 and fdO.Il ).
.& Mam~mang and updating th~ w;ud'., Wt'b
5Jt~ if the ward has a Church-appmH-d ite
(~ 11.124)
Record·Keoplng Instruction
The w,ud clerk coordhwli:!ii record·~t>eping
irlstn1Ctlon for assastant clerks and lor quorum,
group, nnd nu,.,llillry secret.lne1\ I fc milkt.>B sure
lht?y rect>ive instruction when lhey a re newly
calll!d. whM a Oturch n!OOrd-ket>ptng program
t(, mtmduced or updated. and \\hi..~ n.ocords an•
not completed properly.
When InStructing a:>Sistant clerkt. Clr secre-
tilraes, the ward clerk helps them um.ler..tand
how lnlormntaon from n!'COrd aa1d rl.'ports can
help lc.,dt•""
Word Hlatorfoal Records
Sc' 13.7.
13..4.3 Assistant Ward Clerks
One or more lb.Sistant ward clerk. may be
called as net.'ded They are recommended b) the
bl!lhopnc .and called and set ap.m b) a ml'mber
of t.lk '-lal..e pnsidmcy o r an ibSignt!d htgh coun-
cilor Thes;.; bn!th.rm should be priesthood hold-
OI'!I who.,~ worthy to ha\'e a tempi~ recommend.
l{an II'W&tMt ward cle.rk is assigned to Rnances,
ho should hold the Melch.izedek Pries thood. As-
e.lr;tnf11 wnrd clerks work u11dt'r the direction of
llw bhhoprk .tnd t:he ward clt'rk
If iWil-.t<ml ward der~ Me calllod, th • bi!!h-
opric may a •gn them lo various part vf wan:f
recon:i kcepmg, sum as finilndal 1\.X ords (see
ctt.Jpter 14), ~rts on member pi\rhopiltion (~
135), memberslup records c~ 13.6), and h ton-
cal records (see 13.7).
The bhhopric may also assign iU'I a'> liitant
wanf clerk to become familiar wtth Chu«h re-
our<l' mntcnills artd know ltow to order them
(roan Church Distribution Services. 1bt. clezk
coordlnntos efforts to hclp word members be
mft,rmt'd about these materia IIi and know how
~n ablidn thl'm
13.4 4 Ward Executive Secretary
~ward oecuttve set:re'-11)' as ~-omm :nd«l
by ~ bt..Jtopric and called And K•t ap;u1 b\ a
mem~r of lhe stake presidency M an as-.1g11ed
high councilor. He should hold tht Mckhlz4."<1clt
Priesthood and be worthy to hove 11 temple n.'< •
omm~nd .
115
 11w cx«Utiv Sl~tary 1 lln • dmrnistrotJve
..s..h.rnnt to th bt~npri I teo m~t:. \\ ith the bish-
opric and prepares agendas 01s assigned. He is
also il member oC tM WUJd pnc:r;thood ~:xecuhve
comnuttc..'l.' and tht! ward coundl As direded by
the btShoptic. he follows up on assignments made
i.n th~ • mcctmgs (set' fLmdbook 2. 4.6.5).
HI! coordinate ward. busmess between the
btJrohopnc omd otht'r lc.ld~. lie may also help
provitk C\ltlhnuJt •bt"l\'1 ~n the ward round! and
the priesthood \!Xccutive committee
I le h~uJ appotntm.ent for the bishop-
ric. He abo d151n"but Chul'Ch publications and
com:.,pondt.'T\cc promptly.
He I'C\'tew th • t.t\1~ of home.• t a hing in th~
ward with th~ bi hopric
tr n~igned by the bishop, he coordinates the
Wilrd 'tl Church magazine subsa1ption efforts,
helping member& receive lhe blessmgs of hav-
mg Church magazmcs in thetr homes. He may
~ J btt>d by tht.> ward magn1.mta rep~tativt!
.md othm. ·'rpomted by the bishopric.
Ht.* mil}' hielp th"' b1shopric \.,tth serrunn.rv a:nd
instJtutc matlcn~, auch as registration for clilSSeS
c~ ll. l ..and 11.2)
tiC' k~ps o cum-nl h t of tht' n;un~ ,,nd ad~
We. of w01rd m ·l"lllx.-n. who an: m the mtbtary
and circulal thil; U t to the,,..,~ counal . He
also ut.foJlJ\S the stake e:~.a-ohw R'C~tan ~~rnm
members plan to enter the m&ht.!ty • in the n:port. The clders quorum nnd high pncsts
t3.4.S Priesthood and Auxiliary Leaders
Pn !Stlwod .and auxiliary le~de.ts ovec;ee rec-
ord k ptnR in th •lr orgaml4lUOCb. They m.,y as·
''SJ' M"C'J'etlml' to do much of thts work under
their uJr.!ltlOn Tilt!)' mi..~l n.-gula.cl)' with secre-
l.ln~ to l!n..surc thnt n.'\."'rds .lre accurate, com·
pJetc, 11nd on tim~:~
13.5 Reports on Member Participation
Report:. on membt>r p.trtlctp~tion consist of
weekly. monthly, ;md qullrlcrly information that
hd~ leaders fOC\I-, on the progre"i and needs of
mesnbers. All members of record (as defined in
13.6.2) are included in these reports.
13.5.1 Components of R..,ol'l8
Attaod nc. RepotU
Sncrnmmt Mtttir~g. Attend:tn ·e at sacrament
mrf'ting i ft"('(''rdt'd by the W<lrd clerk or an as-
bblnt ward di>rk J'ht <oltl~nd.1n e count ,., tlle
116
number phy t('.;ltly present In the meeting. even
if they are not mt'mbers ol the ward Ward mem-
bers who an: not pl'l'S(>nt bccolu e tht-y ffilve an-
other a &gnme-nt nr Ol'l.' 4tlt'nding .mother ward
are not counted
SunJ,,y Pru. ..tlsood a11d 1'\urdwry Mmmgs. At-
tendance at htgh pn~tfl group. elders quorum,
and Reh~f SoCJ~ty meeting" i!! I'C'COrded b\· the
~up. quorum, or Reher Society ~IM) At-
tendance at Aatoruc Pneslhood quorum m~t­
mgs imd Young Women clas •" n:"Conied b)·
quorum and cltt ~tarie. and compiled by
the ward Young Men and Young \'\'omen secre-
t~rlcs. All ndnnet- at Pnmary is recorded by the
l.e.'ICh\:r nnd compiled b} the Pnmary ~cretary.
Horne Teaching and VIsiting Te ch ng Reports
St .. Na11tlbcok ?, 7 4 4 and 9 5.
Quarterly Roport
The Qul\rterly Report lnclud lnlonnation
for only the J, . t month of t:ach quilrl.er Hnwever,
the stake presadent or bishop m.1y request this
tniormation monthly
The watd clerk or an ASSl.Stant ward dcd, pre-
p:ue the ~rt under the direction of the b1. hop.
By the lOth of tht.• m ,nth tollowmg the end of
"" h quortt t quorum and iluxUtal:} leade.rs or
S«l"elad gn~ .-ttt'ndancc information for the
pl'\.-vtou month to th(l de.ri. ~ he can include it
~tvup lllso giv home t .1chlng information for
the pn.~•ous monlh. and lh • R..-llcf 5ociety S''~
\ asiltng te.1 hing infonnaUon TI\e bL..hop revk"Ws
the report for :tcu•rKY illld makes sure the clerk
submtts it on cim •.
Units 'n1o1t ll~ Clwrcl1 Rtc(ltd·k~t'illg So tutr~rt.
A clerk from each ward pr~parr~ th~ ft1X)rt on
the computer and transmits lt electronically to
Church h('.ldqu:uters accordillg to instruction
on lht• report, Clerks pnrtt1 distribute, and retain
C'opit.-s • needed
u,rflo; Tltat Do Nol ll!i4' Clturclt Rmml-Kerpmg
Softu"r~r( .
E.1c.h wnrd r~c~lvcs ~ pJpM copy of
the QuMI •rly Report from th~ 01 I~)'Tk.-d <~dmin­
IStrala\'e OffiCe l\t the end of ~.1c.h quArter. 11us
copy has m mbership ''"d cnrollrn<'nt numbers
preprinted on 1t A C'lerk flvm c.1ch w01rd fill tn
the blank pJc ·~ ond St"nd tht> complt>ted re-
port to the s~'lka .t«<rdlng to the irurn.actlons
on the repcrt Clerks di mbut..e nd rot tJ\n copl
as nl!eded.
The take al~>o recei"c."S a paper copy of the
Quarterl) Report from the adm.lnistntive office.
 This copy has membl'rsh.ip and enroUmmt num-
bers preprinted on it for e.1eh Wi'trd in the stake.
After ~ivmg 1'\!p<lrts from tht! ward • the stake
clerk or an d..G.S&Stant stake clerk comp~etes Ute
st01lce report, rev1ews it wtth the st.lke president,
and s:endt. it to the admini:.tratiw office wUhin
30 days of the end of the quart&
19.5.2 Membership Lists
Membenh1p lists nre produced by wm:l com·
pul"er:t or ~y the A.'\l...igne<.l lidminbtmttve office.
These lJ.sts proVide important supplemental in-
formation to t~"pott on member participation.
They help leaders identify which members are
of age ror ordmances, which young men are o£
m~ionnry Qgc, whkh m<'n hold the Metchiu-
dek Pnesthood, which members art! endowed,
and which youth need to be scheduled fm bisll>-
opric mterviews. Quorum and auldliary leaders
should have access to lists of those who belong
to their quorum ot organ.lzRtion.
13.5.3 Using the Information
Every number <1nd $lahstic in a report rep-
resents an tndi\ !dual member \\ ho has unique
needs. Leaders should seck direction from the
Lord a.. they c:ONidcr who mny need their help
and what help to provide.
lnformahon from these reports i ~pecially
unportant for the bishopric and ward coundl to
w.e in tr"'cklng the progress oi ward member:s
iltld deciding how to bless and strengt)wl them.
For example, the repor~..:> can help leaders de-
termine wruch members ilJ"e nu.ssed regularly by
home teacher.. or vi. iting teachers-, These reports
can also help leaders determine which adult con-
verts did not oHend ptfusthood o:r Relief Society
meetings during the month.
Pel"Ccmrog~ in pnrticipation reports may be
u:.ed to sh"w ttvnd , S'-leh a whether activity is
increasing or decreasing. However, percentages
should not be used lo compare one wa~·d with
another, one quorurn with .mother, or one person
wlth another. WArd and lndlvu.lual drcunlStances
nre unjquc.
13.6 Membership Records
Membership ~,,a,. include members' names
and addresses, ru; well as ordinance and other
131i1 Nsmes Used fn Church Records
vital anformation 'The w.ud should have a mem-
benJUp record (nr e.Jch member living within
the ward boundaries.
M.l!mbt!n.hip records flte to be kept m the
ward where the member lives. Exceptions, whJch
should be tew, require the consent of the bishops
and stake presldenr.(s) uwolved and the approYal
of the Office of the First Pre:.1dency. To request
an exception, the !>.a'ke president(s) end. a let-
ter to the Office of lhe First Pn.~idency for ap-
proval.
Membership rt!cords are the onlv means of
recording ontinance5 3nd other offic:iillJction.s in
the penrumenl re<:onh of the Church Therefore,
the bishop makes sure that clerks keep accurate
recor<b Md ~nd updGted information promptly
to Chwch headquutei'SI or the .o!>signed adm.in-
.strative office It i; e.,pcci.,lly important tore-
cord ordinance mfonnation, promptly request
records of mto!mbers who move into the ward,
omd promplly lransler records o! members who
move from the ward.
Before a member iB interview<'CI for a Churt'h
calling. ordination to a Melchil..t!dck Pri~thood.
office, or a temple recommend, the bishop ensun.--s
th.at the member hlp record dOt.'!! not lndude an
annotation, il comrnent about n sealing or ordi-
nance re.ltktion, or a cotnment about unresolved
Churdl discipline.
Official Church membership records should
not be shown or ~wen to mcrnbcrli. or may they
be copt~d for member!t. lJnder no dn:um'Stances
may membership n.">Cords be gh•en to anyone
other than the bishop or a clerk
Meroben. ~encouraged to have coptes of the
lndi111duaJ Ordinaoc;e Summ.uy for themselves
and for any dependent children living o1t home
Each year, clerks or bishopric members revtew
these c.ummari~ with membcn. IJ\ ao:ordance
with the data privacy pol.Jdes i..rt 13.8 and 13.9.
This re"iew could be done as part of the annual
tithing settlement I( errors .ue found, a clerk liD·
~11n><> tha t I h., an> r nr~lt>d on llw mf'mhl>To:;hip
records.
In units that use Onu'Ch record · k~ping ~ft­
waro, clerks can pnnl each member' s Indlvldual
Ordinance Surnm ry. ln other units, lenders or
clerks may request copies of these summaries
ftom the assigned administrative office.
The Church provides handbooks or other
instructions for C'n:-1ting .-~nd updating member-
ship record . Some- general principl~ are out-
lined in the !oUowm.g paragraphs.
A pen.on' · fuU legDI OiUT\C, .1" defined by local
law or Clbtom, should be lli>Cd on membershtp
re~ords and ordimncc ccrtlfkates.
117
13.6.2 Membera of Record
For sr.t ~hcalcsnd reporltng plll'pO"eS, the fol-
lowing lndt11iduals are mem~rs of rocord. Each
of the-m hould have • membershtp rt.>eord.
1 1'hosc who~ been klptized and confi.rrned.
2 Tho'>\" und~r age 9 who h<1ve been blessed
but not baplizc!d.
3. TI\Me who afl.: n"t accountable because of
Inc ·lh: tual cll'Qbahht , regarolt.~.. of o1ge.
4 UnbJ~ dillclr~o.1\ under 8 wh<m (n) at least
om· I'· n·nt tit A mc:mb •r of the Church and
(b) both p.nel't~ gtve permlssaon for a rerord
to be c.t\!.lled nll~ inc:Judcs chlJdn>n of C'OJ\•
vert . (If one pan-nl dOC! not hcrve lcpJ cus·
tody of tht: child, tht- pvntt.!>Saon uf the parent
who has custody i.s sufficient.)
A ~r~on ttgl.' 9 or older who has a meol-
bcrship record but hos not been baptized and
co"fimwd i not C\lnr.ldef\.A(! a m~:mber of rec-
ord. How \ er th • ward In which the person lives
retain~ tlK membership n.»<:ord unbJ the person
ill\ 18 1\t th.lt ~1m~, tf the pcr$0n ch~ not to
be b.lplttl.'d c.lt .pl l~ lwlng giv~n every opportu-
mt , the bishop. wllh written pt!rmisston from
the b~ p ld ·nt, c.,n t>l the ml!'lllbe~hip r~o.••c~
oni. HO\\ ev •r, ntcords of unbuptiA.od members
who are oon tdqn.'Cl not acxount.1blc bca~ oC
inteU«tuaJ d1Stb1hll~ re not can dcd
13.6.3 Records of New Ward Members
Tht! ward clt-rl.. or an &SS\St.a.nl clerk meets
wHh new ward mt:>mbers soon after theu mem·
lxf'hlp ~r\'J-. orriv~ to revaew the Jndh'idual
Ordtn 1nce Summ ry for acrur.,C)·.
For ifl!.truct&on; nbout intmduong new m~­
b.i!rs after their Mord .ar n-c~tval or afttU they
~nd conHrml-d , ~e ..Introducing
are baptized
New Mt•mbcM" In Hnmfbwk 'l. 18..2...2..
13-6.4 Record& of Members Who Move or Are
Temporarily Away from Home
Wnrd Jeod •rs, home t~ach •rt~ or clerks obt<~in
the forw11rdmg nddrc.-sse~ of membeno as soon
a they become aware that members intend to
move. Leaders of the new ward shou1d contact
memNr'! " soon pas ibt after t:My move in.
H. ilhl'r -.ufftcit.-nt C!ffort. • d<'rk Ci'lnnot find
out wh~tt! m~mb~r.. h<t\~ mon~d . he obtains
the bishop's approval to send the membcrship
l'«\)rd to Chu~h he. dqu.srtef!; or the ll!Signed
admlna,trath t offi •, wh •re cfiorb to loc4lte tht>
mcm~ will COI'hnuc
118
Whm a pt-n;on m.ovf"'' from ward for more
thom thl'ft monthc;,., dcrk mov~ tht• m~mber­
sh&p rt"\:on.l t() tlw new ward N. an .:xceptioo.
the record Is not mo\ec.J H the nwmb\!t l.ntcnds
to return a(tt>r lt>.,vtng fort mp<'lr.lry or asonal
employment purpose,-> that may Lt t Jong.er tho1n
three month"
When a person mo\'et hom the wArd lor less
t.tun three months a.nd plans to~ the mem-
bership rPCord is kept in the home ward The
hoaw ward also maint:a~n--. ~ ~·s finan-
cia.l records.
lf lt:.tdt-l"t are unc:t rt..lin .1baut \vh~re a rnt!n'\-
bcrsh&p r~.-cord hould be ( uch .n for it member
In prf-.on), tht•y m11l.:e ~'>lU'C It l<i kept m ttw WMd
tlt31 um bt~~l rru:et Llw p~l':'iOn'-. needs
13.6.5 Records of Members Serving outs ide Their
HomeWard
MIS$1on Presldenta and Tompto Preald nta
The membership records of a nusslon presJ-
dtmt and lli., wif<> an.- kept in their home '"''ard
unl~ their children a(I;'Ompany them in tl\e as.-
stgnment U childr"'n accompany them, the rec-
ords of th~ mis ion prc!>idmt, his wile, and his
children aw mowd to th " ward whi•re ther hve
durmg tht•1r nus..-.lon.
l he mcm~ hat' ~tdt uf ·' h•mplc p~Jdent
and his wllc hould st>\ tn th~lr home ward.
Other Church Asslgnm.,ts
lf members lu\ e Churcll a . tgnment:s out~
Stde of their home ward, their membership and
fimmci•d ream:J., •n • kept tn the home w~trd If
assignmetlb requi~ metnbel!« to muvt.! fr1>m tlwir
home ward for three months or more, .md u their
chlldrE"n accompany them, their mcmbersh1p
n'CON& are moved to the n~w wari.l.
Fuii-Tlmo M salonanea
~' 1.910.
13.6.6 Records o f Young Single Adult.l
See llnudb..IO- ' · t6.6.b
13..6.7 Records of Members Who Live In Hos pi tals
or Homes fof the Aged
T'he rec"Ords of mt1nber.; who li~ ~ m h~ptt.!ls
or homes for the aged and infirm should be m
the ward th.n c.iln best <:c:rVt> them. ln m ;t ca--es
tht!ii .. tht> ward wht!re the ho!:.ptt.tl or home i.s
loc..k'd . W:trd I ~dcr.:. make su~ these members
 recetve th,• full protvnm of the Church to the c>.-
tcr1t pos:.tble.
13..6.8 Recorda or Membera In Military Service
Wh ·n 1 me.rnb..·r ~t~r:-. mtllta~ ~~re for
trnsnlng. the mcm~Rhlp rt'Cord t.s kept m the
homl" \•.. rd 1.1ntal the member L" rui<tgned to a
mu~ lt'nJ) ll•rm dut t.ltton. At that time the
member hould contad tlv home ward and p~
\ide U\c name and addfl'S.;. of the new ward so
,. clerk c;1n move thto membt-t3hip record.
U a men1bl.!r Is at sea for an extended time,
IS deployed m n w•u zone. or 15 not withill the
boundari~ of" Stol l..~ o r ml"> i""·
th~ record is
usually kept ln the ward that supports the duty
station
13.6..9 Recorda of Membera Who Do Not Have a
PennanentAddreaa
ML•mbcrs who tr;wel eX"ten.'l&velv and do not
hovt• a pt"tmolll(?nt .tddre s 'lhould consult with
the bal>.hop al thclr plae~ of prlnul"}· residence
and dl!'ltgnate a hom!.! ward Th.lt watd keeps the
me:ml>ef"'hlp 1"\"('Cirds, and wnrd l~de:.rs should
mamt:am contuct with thv memberr;. f'mandal
rontribuUons and uthing d~ations are made
to tNt wud.
13.610 Records of Members Who Have
Intellectual Olaabllltlu
It th..- bt'-hop determines that a per..;on w.ho
il> at le~t 8 \'t',ltlt old 15 not dCcount.,bl~ he Ln-
~tru~:t5 • dc.'Tk ttl mdu;ollc " Not Atcnuntable m
the btolptt!lm sc tit,n of llw Jkn.on ·:. mt!O\ben.hip
~~ord (see It~ J.S) Th clerk wnds the update
to Church hc.tdqu llrtl:l" Pr thr Db:>tgned l!dmin·
l&lroUvt.• oCfic:t!. The memberihlp record shuuld
not be cat1cclcd
13.6.11 Records of Members Who Are Deaf
or Hearing Impaired
M embers who \ll>l' sign language. c1nd their
families, may chOO'Ic tu h.wl.' thctr Church mom·
bcr:~hlp rcc''rd" In one of th<• f()llowlng plllces:
(I} llteir home ward, (2) a ward th.lt is det.&gl\ated
to host .t group for meml;lcl'1 who ilN deaf or
hc.-anng tmp.ured wllhin 4 "f't'C'Ifi~-d gloogr.tphtc
~tnM, or (3) .a w;ard or branch tJ\Jt l organized for
mem.l-ers who tlre deiJ or hl'umg Impaired.
138.12 Records of Adopted ChUdren
Record of 3dopt...d chaldR!I"I may be cnoated
or updated only atter an adopb.on 151inal The
nnm on lh ft'CORJ hould conform to the decn•·c
of .tduphon R<-rorda of ,,duptivc.> parents may
~ upd.ued only aJtt•r .an 1\doplion l.s fuwl
13.6.13 Records of Babies Who Were Bom
out of Wedlock
See lilmdbook 2, 20 2.3
13.6 J4 Records of ChHdren of Divorced Parents
U a ch&ld s p.u-ents al'l' davoi"C'Cd, Ius or ht!t
legnl n<lmt', a& dd}ncd b) localli\w or custom
should ~ n!Cordrd un the men\bt!n,htp I'I:('Ord
and on certaucat~'S of prat':'thood otdln.'lnces and
b iCNitng<o
13.6.15 Recorda With Annotation s
See6.1H.
13.6.16 Records with Specllll Comments
See 6.13.5.
13.&.17 Records with Bishop's Request for Contact
See6.13.6.
13A18 Move Restrictions on Memberahlp Recorda
H ,, rncmbeJ muH:. whJil" Church di.soplin-
ary action or dnoth\-r 'K'ntlWi &;\ll\~ 15 pend mg.
the b1 hop. or the ward clcrlr.: wath the b&o:hop'"
authorizatil,n, m.1y 't'lnlact Church h •.Jdquar-
l~rs u r tht• as-.1~\-d ~admtnt!>lrahve olhce and ask
for .1 move r tnctton on the membc.ol";htp rec-
ord A movt? 1\.~tnchon may also bt! rt.'Cl.ubted
in C<J$«!S of wt-Uilre ah\lSe
A ret1)rd that ha:. a move re-tnction will not
bt- moved to il new unit unttl the prtesthood
leader who requested the 1\.'t>triction •1Uthor t£es
it to be r\!tl'IOVe<:f
13.6.19 Recorda from the "Addrese Unknown" File
When n mambl.!r 111 hxut ~·d 11 ft~r hi!. or her
rycord hili bct'n in the "add~sunlmuwnu fill•,
the mcmben~hlp re«~rd is scnr
to lh ward \vith
o mt-"-<..1gr t'nt'ou ragin8 the lnshopnc nnd quo-
rum l~aden. to VI! It the p!!M.On a~ soon as pos-
sible and to pro\'ide fcUowshlppmg Full-time
miss1onnries m.,y 01lso ~ ft ·J.;cd to viSit .md fel·
lo\' ship these mMnhers
13.6..20 Recording and CorrectJng Ordinance
lnfonn.a llon
Sec H~JnJl'(IC•I.: 2. chapt~'l' 20
119
13.6.21 Preparing Certificates for Ordinances
and 8le11Jngs
Pn~thood lc.-~dcn Cn'l-uJV th.atdc.'Tkspwpare
nnd d1 mbute ordanance and bl~ 01g ~ficatb
as soon as posstble after the blessmg ot a child
a b.1phsm and ronfirm.stion . .1nd a priesthood
tlrdirmuon. rheJ..e Ct!rtit1cates a.re a member's
onh 0\urcl'l un::c for the names of those who
pcrfonned the ordinanre or blessing Leaders
«:JlC()urage mt.>mbers l<, -.afeguan.l these certifi-
at , ~ plaining that they may be U"''eplaceable
aJ thcv are lo!>t or de." troycd.
13.6.22 Recording and Correcting Ctvll lnformatlon
Mcmbcn.h1p n.'Coad'i Include a person's ci\-11
iniarmation (nnme; parents' names; date of birth;
mMriagt.• mformnlion; date of divorce, if applica-
ble, and plnc·c<~ where thc.'lt! events <XCWTed). rf
memb~rs , t!t' th<1l this information is incorrect on
thC'IT lndlvidunl OrdlnilnCl' Summary. they may
n!!k th( dcrk to hnvc It corrcctL-d on their mem-
bership recorJ s If oHic1al documents are avrul-
tlblc, " bl hop may wnnt to rev1ew them ro verify
the accuracy nf D n.-qucst..-d correction.
13.8 23 Special Situations
ror r ul ltuJtions that eire not addressed
tn lhis section• .MJch as records (or common·law
mam:~ge"o, lt·01d '1"5 hould ..ec memberc:hip rec-
ords iJ\sLructions or contact Church headquarters
or lhe ., ..signed .1dnunbtratrve oC6ce.
13 6.24 Audits of Membership Records
E.nch yc.-r the -.t.:Jke clerk or an assiStant~take
clt!rk nmduets an audit of membership records
in each ward. rhc stake prcstdent may call otheJs
who ar~ exp<•rit•nc<.'{l ln m~mb~rship reeord ~p­
Ing to M.~ist with these a.udats. Audtts should be
completed by Jun~ 30 of ~ach year
ln addihtm to these audits, the bishop as-
sign.o; one or morl' cll•rks in the ward to conduct
an annual r~vlcw of the: Individual Ordinance
Summary with m12mb~rs us explained in 13.6.
II error arc found, a clerl.. ensures that they are
tnr~ct~J on the mcmbe,...hlp r1..-cords.
13.8
13.7 Historical Records
Th • -.t.U.~ pr~td.:nc) directs the stake clerk
or an a.sstSlant stake clerk m prepanng the stake's
;~nnual ha-.tof) . Th~ take pn:-.tdcncy 1'1\lY elso caU
a history pc.-cialist to prepare the n&.ory under
the direct on of the a tgned clerk.
The bishopric directs the ward clerk or an as~
.,btant w rt.l clcrl< in preparing the ward' ilnnual
hlstorv. The blShcpric may also call a hlstorv spe-
cialist- to prepare the history undeT the direction
of the gncd d~>rk . Each word's annual historv
1> !;Ubm1tted tel t~ take and is \bed in preparing
the st.U:e's annual history
lrutructions ror prepanng .md submstting
these htstories oll't' provlCft'd on the.> Anna• I Ht.s-
tory for St.lkes and D1!1tncts form.
Annual tu ..lorie!' pro\ ide., means to gather,
preserve. and a.hare eAperience. as they occur
throughout the Churdl Those who prepare thet.e
Just ones should providl' enough detail to give a
clear understanding of ev.:nt'> and the.ir effec:ts
on those who have been mvotved. The histories
s hould be compd<'d throughout the year to en-
ure that they conttun accurate information.
Annual hi turi ~ ·hould not include informa-
tion about Church discipline. finances, membt.~
who have re<:clved weltare .1ssistance, or the
worthsncss of and1viduillB A6 an •xce-ption, tf
uch anformation L., e-senti.al m documenting the
h.J.story o( the un:.t, ll may be included m a sepa-
rate section of lh" annu11l his lory .1nd Labclro as
confid..m hal.
For informati 'n about anotl or country his-
tory an1ti.1bvcs, (ontact the Church History De-
p.utme.nl (5('(' contact lnformation below). Such
uuttatinos could mclude wnting a history, im-
prtWJng hs,toric'al content on a country Website,
collecting records establishing a local records re-
pository, or celebrating a hLStoncal onniversary.
The Church Hl5tory Labra.ry selectively ~
talns other h1stoncal rccord11 .. for the good o{
the d\un:h. and for the riblng generations'" (O&C
69:8). Questions about the histoclcru value o{ rec-
ords mily b • addressed to·
Church History Librnry
15 E.ut North T\•mplt> Street
Sail Lake Cilv, UT 84150-1600
Telephone l~l-24Q-Z272
E·mail: churchhl5torylibrary@ldschurch.org
Confidentiality of Records
The records of the Church are confidential.
whether the)' ex.ISt on paper, ln computerS~ or tn
other electronic mcdi.l . These tncludt! m~
ship records, fi:msnaru r«ordl», no~ of meeb.n~.
offid.al Co~ and documents (tncludlng records
os dJ.SClplinary councils). omd notes made from
pnwat~ intervu:"A
 u. dcr.r; and d~f~"' re to fttgu•rd Church
record by handlmg. "toranK,. nd dq>~ins of
th~m in a \\a that prot lh privacy of in-
davidu.tls. Leaders l'~IU'C lh~t infor11\4ltJon that
ls gatht~ ~ from membc~ ti ( 1) limlttd lCI "hat
th~ Church reqwres and (2) used only !or ap-
pm\ cd Church p~
Jnformanon from Church records and reports
nt.ty 00 ga~en onlv to lh who MV authorized
to u • at.
lnfonmtian tNt ·s ...t nxt cl tronioallv mmt
l.;~pl re and prof"l>(tt'd by pn woid (see
13.9.1) Lr dt!ri eN>ut\? thatsuch dati I.S not ~'Ci
for personal. poUtic~t or C\lmm •rdiJJ purpo.sc5.
tnrormahun trorn (hur<:h record , including
h1 tora . I mforrru~Uon, m.1y naL ~given to indi-
\ iduaJs or as;cncic~~> conducllng re~arch or o:ur-
vcys.
Stilxc and wllTCI directories that arn distrib·
utcd hl mcmbe~ mu t follow the guidelin~
in 17.1.16. Membership lists tNt h.l\'c more in-
!orsn; Uon, uch .1 01ge .1nd mcm~~h•p t.Jtus,
ma ' t'C S" ~n only to iluthoril...d t.lkc and ward
1:19 Records Management
Stalt •. nd ward lcndcl'5 hould mak • cltt.oc·
hve record managt•mcnt 3 part ''' tiwar record-
k( t!pang prnct.•dur ''- Thr~l· '"'J)\lrt. nl 0\reas of
rea:> rth man.1gemcnt ar~ outluwd U\ tht• toUow •
a.ng paragraphs
13.91 Protection
AllmfonMtion should be prota:ted aga.inst
unaulhorued accec;s, chal\ge. destruction or
d!KI u~ Church fh'Ord , report$, 01nd bad.. up
C1lp tlt c:nmput~r "UftW4N programs und data
~ouJd be kept m a fc pl.\re. HJghly sensitive
tl'('ords, ancluc.lfng comput ~ printout 01nc.J clcc-
tnmac stornge media, hould bt> kpt in n lod·;.~d
drawtr or c:abmetln th •lc.td 'r' office \"'hen they
are not being u l'd
To prol..: t confidenti01l mformahon on com-
put\'lli, lt. d r5 and clerk.' hou&d UJe the p
"'"rd ( tum nf Chun:h rccord·k~ pa.ng :.terns
r. wurd ahould be ~ntt n down nd k pt in
Jocl.;c.od tl~: DW•l\ from lheC'Ornput r. Thcy"hPuld
be changed pt'Mtxlac.tlly. and th~ ' hould alw.
be ch.tn~l~l wh n lc.'ldcn or cl ·rl-..o: nC\! n:lr.1'>Cd
If mcm~r" usc <;t."lke and ward compute,... for
famaly hlstt~ry \\ ork. ~} houJd not h.l\e dC'
to membership or financial inform.atton.
M n countnes ha\"t? ~cted data prot«tton
law!' that regulate the proces mg ot ~rson.1l
d.tt, , ut'h us tht.• anformahon th.t i£ contaaned
m mtmbcrshap records and other ra-ords that
ad•.-ntt£y andJvldu.tb To dl"tcmninc: the e>~lt>n t to
whtch 'uch l11w go\'em local managemt!nt of
C:..hun:h r ord~ or to obt,un din: hon in spedfac
instnnC't'">, I lld~rs mov cont.lct Lh Church dnto
priV<~' y uffle\:r i1t the ·fnllowing t."-milal :uJdn..,..,
dnt.,privd Y<lfftcl! ldschurch org
t3.9.2 Retention
R~rd houJd be lcept onl a' long n th r
ttre n ~ed for dnurustrilb" ... legal, llnd hi tori·
l pwpo Leaders who han!questton.. bout
how long to kl'Cp n"C''rd.c; should con..o:ult record·
$..t•eping 10 tructions or cont.tct Chur'h head-
qu rh!J'S or th-.: gnt.>d admmistratJv~ office.
13 9 3 Olspos iUon
Rt utd~~< th~t an': outdated or no longl.'r rn.'t"dr~
shtluld bl· dlT0)4.'<i an uch e wuy th. 1 th in·
formoh •n CoU\not ~ Nln<!vcd or 1'\.--cOt\Stru~.;l\.-d .
Wh<'n dclt'lmg m-.-mbcr!'htp or f1no1n tal mfur·
m.ataon th.ll& lored un a h.lttl drl\'t• ~r another
t'lt.>C'troniC l rag\.: dC!'\'ice, el p<?TSOO mu:.t t.>t\SUI't'
thlll tt cannot be rea>vered lhmugh <ln) tr.:chni·
cal me.tns.
R(: ord ~~ h;wc potentinl historical 'alut'!
hould not be diSCOrded, debtroy~u. Qr pia !din
th m ~tin~ouse Libmry. Questions ilbout the
ha hnic.tl voslue of record., mil)' be ilddr • 5Cd
to th • Chun:h HI"tory Libr.uy (~ c:onr.. t infor-
matton an 13 7)
121
(

(
14. Finances
14.1 Use of Church Funds ........ . .......... 12.4 14.6.8 Reccivil'\g and Milnilgang Budget
Allowon«' Funds . . • . . • . . . 129
14.2 Stake Anancfat Leadership •.••••••• • •••• 124 14.8.7 M;~n;,ging St"~ and Ward
14.2.1 Stake Presidency . ••. . •. . . . . . . 124 Chcddng Accounts ................. 129
14.2.2 Stake Clerk (or ~nt St.llcc Clerk) • , 124 14.6.8 Managing Stake and Ward Funds
14.3 Ward Financial Leadership ••..•••...••. . 124 Not Held in 11 Checking Acrount 129
14.8.9 Keeping Financial Records . . . • . . . . • • • 130
14.3.1 Bi&hopric. . • • • • • . . 124
14.3.2 Ward Oe:rk (or Assistant Ward Oerk) . . l25 \4.7 Budget and Expenc:litures • ••••• • . • ••. ••. 130
141A Col'ltrtbuUons .. .. • . • • • • . • • • • . . • • • • . • • • . • 125 14.7.1 Stake and. Ward Budgeb • • . • • . 130
14.7.2 Budget AUowance . • • •• • 130
14 4.1 Tithing • • •••••••••••••••••••• 125 14.7.3 Fu..ndmg Specit'\1AcU\'lties Clnd
14.4.2 Fo1st Offerings • . . • • • .. • .. .. .. .. . . . . 126
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . •. •. 131
14.4.3 Missionary Fund ........ .. ......... 126
14.4.4 Human.itanan A1d . . . • • . . • . . • 127 14.8 Fund-Raising •.•....•...••••.•.. • ...••. 132
14.4.5 Temple Construction Fund . . . . . . . . . . . 127
14.4.6 Perpetual Fducation Fund . . . • . . • • . . . 127 14.9 Audita ............. .. .................... 132
14.4.7 LOS PhillU'lthropies . . • • . • . . • . . . . 127 14.9 t Stu~ Audat Com mitt~ . • • . 132
14.4 8 ln·Kind Do!Uitions, Including Tithing. 127 14.9.2 Stake Auditors .. .. .. . • • .. • . .. .. . . 132
14.4.9 Contributions Not to Be Rcfundl"d . 127 14 9..3 The Auditing Pt'O(t>Ss . , . . . . . . • • . • • . . 132
14.9.4 l.bcal Umt Art!a AudltOt/ Trainer • • • . 132
14.5 Confidentiality of Tithing and 14,9.5 Loss, Theft, Embezzlement, or
Other Offerings .................... .... 128 Misappropriation of ChLlrch Funds • 132
146 Handling and AccounUng tor Fundi •• • ••• 128 14.9.6 Stake Clerk or Assistant Stake Clerk
Assigned to Finance!> . . . • • . • . . . . 132
1461 Rl>celVirtgTithJng ttnd Other 14.9.7 For More Information ...•....••••• , 132
Offering$ . . . . .. .. • .. • . • • • . . . .. . 128
14 6.2 V~rify!ng Tithing .1nd Other 14.10 Taxes .... • ••....••.••••.•••• • ..... • . • 133
Offerings . • . . • . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . 128 14.10.1 Tax-~empt StatlU •• • • • . • • . . • . . . . 133
14.6.3 lkpo ltlng Tithing and Other 14.10.2 Sales and Use Ta~t • . . . • . . • • . . • . • • . . • . 133
Offcrmgs .. • . .. .. . . .. .. .. ....... 128 14.10..3 Property Tn,_ • • • • • • . • • • • • • • • • • • • • . • . l'n
14.6.4 5.1feguarding Church Funds . . . .. . . . 129
14 6.5 Receipting Tithing and Other
Offerings . . . . . . . . . . . . • • . . . • . . • . • 129

123
14. Finances
t4J Use of Church Funds
Churcl funds <1n.- )<laed and must be care-
fully otc~-ountl."d for and protOOed. These funds
may be lbt'd only by authoriu!d members for au-
lhon.zcd Church pu~ Church leaders must
protC'C't •g•tn.'it the t.'ftlbcttl~mt.'tlt .snd nny other
mblht' of Churc.h funds These funds may not
be used for persomkl purpose or "borrowed ...
Nor may C'hurc:h funda ~ mb,"'tl with peN>MI
fund:. or dl•JXhitt!d lnto lh11 .tceount n( an indt-
vtdutll. These and other mlsu.se:. of Church funck
are serious offrnf.c<~ th.• t moy result In Church
discipline (S4.'<l6.7.2, 6. 10.6, o.nd 111.9.5).
14.2 Stake Financial Leadership
14.2..1 Stelce Presi dency
ThJo; ..alton outlu\es the slake p!'t'S.ldent's re--
spons•biiHH> fnr ltlk<' Hn11nc !S, He may delegate
wm~ ut tht wC'Irk tn h•" c-ouru.t"l<'~ and clt!rk:.
He msul't'3 th.lt o;t:.lo.c fund., are proper!) han-
Jied 11nd a count11d for(~ 14.6)
H~ er\S'U1n th.Jt dt•rl.o.'i, tak lrod~ .md want
l~der; are taught their re;.pon..'iJbtllbe-; for 6-
nanc:tS and th.lt the) compJct., <1\-aililble training.
He il1so ensures thJt thq follow Church poltae.s
and procedures in fulfilli.ng these responstbill-
ll~. He reguJ.uly cou.nsels with Je.1den; and
derks conct'ming thc1r personal temporal cir-
cu~tann~ and th~rr ~ponsrbllities for sacred
Chun:h funlls
H1• tl!ac:hu:. rlh'm~rs ta pa\' a fuU tithe and
give generous o(fcrlngs (Sl-c 14 4).
Hu rn.trM8t!!> th\! ~oto ke budget 11nd expendi-
tures (sec 14.7). Hl' regt~larly reviews budgets
n.nd expend lturcs wtth b~ hop11, ~t11kc cler~. and
stake Jeadl!rs. I Je ensures that budget aUowance
guidehncs are rollowl?d in tht' stake (see 14.7.2).
lie ensu res tha t the sl:ak.e and wards cam-
ply with all appUcable t:cu. laws to preserve the
Churc:h'" tax~xcmpt status (see 14 10.1).
He en'lurn th~tt the stake audit committee
Ia ur~"m:rt>J and funt'bonmg pn>perly. He also
revle\' audH' of §tale oltld ward financial rec-
ord He t'n~r\: that audrt co~-. are n:solved
( ~ 14.9).
124
l-4.2.2 Stake Clerk (or Aaalatant StJike Clerk)
The .,taJ..! pn:,•d~ nt 4S.Sl8M th.. sla~ clerk or
an assistant stale clerk to help Wtlh stn~ finan-
ciaJ m-ord k(.'('ptng 1 h :sc duh~ are outhned in
thb :.ect:lon and explained ~r in utSt:ructions
from Chun:h headqu.rtcts or thl' nsigned ad-
rrum'>trahvc office
With a member or lhc stak(' presidency. this
clcrJ.. prope-rly recol\1 .1ny funds recewed. He or
anutht:r Melc.hi.%edel Priesthood holder accom-
panies the member of the :!>lake presldency who
depo-.lts tlll.l fund .... Ot\ly ITictnbt.•r. uf the sbke
presldt:ncy-not cli.•tJ....-..otn) receive funds for
the stake.
This clerk rnnl..ea !lUre l:tke fin.mclaJ obU-
gatlons are prud promptly. 1-f<' pwpares ch~cks
or, in loclltioM where check.., "re not u<~ed, pay-
ment approval forrn!..
He help the stilke p~dcncv prepar11 lht.!
annual st.a.Ju~ budget .md keep track of the stake
budget aUow.m~ (~ 14 7.1 .1nd 1ol.7.2). He m-
lorm the -.tal..e p~tdent of the status of stake e>.-
pendature. m relauon to Ow budget allowance.
I fe f\.'C'Merh.":> thr talu- d\L>dung attuW'It each
numth a> tru.tru,1t."'i U\ 1' h.7 M needed, he helps
n.~ond.lc ward checl.lng \lrcounl'
I Te ensures that l1w •talc compLies "ilh all
applicat>le t.n l;aw ()("('! 14.10). He ill$0 partio-
pates in pcnooic: .1ud1t by t~tllkc aUdltOI"$ and
takes corre\:h\ • actluns U nl.-edcd (see 14 q).
For informat1on about calling stdke clerks and
assiStant st.lke clerks, sec 13.3.2 and 13.J.J.
14.3 Ward Financial Leadership
14.3.t Bishopric
Titis S4.>cllon O\Jlline& tlw btshop's re;ponsibil-
•ti~ for Wilfd hMnc..,. l ie mny ddcgJt~ 'lOme of
this wurk tn It! t:uun...elut'5 :mtf c.:h!rks
l l r ensun... th.1t w11rd fl.U'lds are properly han-
dled and DCCOW'IIe<.l (or (set! 14.6),
He en.. urcs that all clerks an th~? ward and all
ward l~clen. are taught their rcsponstbllill~ for
finances and thJt lht<y complt're oJ\i••lablc tr.un-
mg. Ue also ensure that the) CuUu\\ Churc:ll
polides ond procedures i.n fulfi.ll..ing thew respon-
Sl"bilities He l"l')(Ularly courucls with l.&ders and

d~er.. conctmtng lhctr pcn"'nal tempor.U cir-
C'Umst n and the1r 1'\ poru.Lbilities for sacred
Church fund
He tt-ach ml.>mb6s to pay a full tlt.be and
8''~ g lrou.s offm.ngs c~ 14 -1) .
He m.lN~ lh wan! budgt!t Md expeu:Li-
tures (sc.'e 14 7) He ~ul rl}' reviews budgctsand
~atu with ward clerk'> and ward Lead-
144
er.; , H~ mwN thAt budget aUow.mc"' guldeltne5
are !oUowed an th w.ud c~ 14.7.2).
H ouakt~ uN tlw ' nrd complies w1th all
apphcolbl!! w ltlw to preserve tht• Church's tax-
cxl'mpt litarue~ ( 14 10.1).
lie ,.huuld be *'''ail.1bl • to answer questions
dunng tJudlt.~ of ward fiNn~ I records (see 14.9).
14.4.1 Tithing
14,3 2 Ward Clerk (or Aulatant Ward Clerk)
Th~ bl hop ao,c;tgns the wcltd clerk or dn as-
sistant ward clcrl to ht'lp with ward (inandal
n."\:ord kl.>eplng Thes<! dutic art' outlined in thi
sechon and e~plalm>d further an instrucuoru.
from Chun:h hc<~dqu.ut "rs or the assigned ad-
nuru trabvc ofnr~.
l:«h w~ k thts c1 rk h Ips ~ mmtbcr of the
b h,)pm count for "II tith and other otfcr-
tn ( " l-1 b.2) lie normally accompanies the
b hoprtc m mb\.-r who dt>p · 1ts the funds in a
tmn although another MeJchiudek Priesthood
holdl.'T m.t)' do o. lie al .. ubmits or transinrts
the l'l'l..ltt'd doniltton reports to Church he.ldquar-
kr.> OT the lb. tgncd admtm~trilhve offi~ Only
mctnbli!rs of the bi!>hopric-not derksr--nu) ~
CClV" funds lor the w.ud
This clerlm.tk~ •uro ward fuu.nd.1J obl..&ga-
bons are po1td promrtly He prcpilrcs checks or,
in locaholl!l whel'\" ch\"C'k. 11re not uo.eJ, p.1ymcmt
appro\ 111 f, rm!t,
He help the bt!lh,lpric: prepare the ilnnucl
ward but.lgl: t md J.;., ~p track of the ward budgi!t
allownn e ( 14 7. ) ;md 14.7.2). He inlom15 the
bil'hop of th • I.Jitts of ward t:q>t."'ditur~ tn re-
lation to the budg t allowance
lfL• r< !('()n(iiLos the ward thl-cking account each
month ib tnstructc-d an 14 6.7.
Each year he prerares nd organi7,es records.
to help tJxo bishop conduct tithing ~tlement He
pmduc and di rnbut the ye.1r·to·date tith-
ing d.lld off: •nngs t t~t>n and y~r-end om-
maries to mt-mbcr_. HI! al.o helps the bishop
pn-JMre a )C.u nd f'e'J"lft of t1th1ng tntus ln the
ward.
14 (111111101'1
He partJclpalet> an finand.lt audab by tak~
t ._ COm."('tiv~
audaror!'> and ttons il ne\'ded
(~ l4 ,q),
Fnr tnlurrruttlon bout c:.1lhn w;ud cl ks and
1 istant "anJ clt>r • 13 .a 2 and 13..a.J.
Contributions
Churc.h INders should teach members the
princapl of hlh ~nd other offerings ~ ~n­
COUJ'3ge I'N!mbc~ to live pnnoptes 'on-
members may .:also makt? contrabullons to th~
Church. Howe\'Cr, a pt'I'IIOn who h.1s ~ cxcom-
mW\icated ma not P•'Y tithing r other c1Hcnng,.
to the Chu~h.
OefinltJon of Tlthlng
The l al'bt Pn• ldcncy h3 writtm.: "'The sim-
p! t swtcm !tlt w~ know of 1 the s tatement of
th • lord h1ms ·If, nAmely, that the members of
tJw Church t\(luld p4y 'tlnl.'·tcnth of all their in-
terest ~uaUy,' whkh is undt.:rstood to mean tn-
rom •. •o on i JU llfied rn making any olhcr
tatemmt th.tn t.hb.. ( m;t Pn.: id~ncy lcHrr, Mat
19. 1970; .see al)() D&C 119:4).
Who Should Pay TltNng
All men'~~ "ho N\" in omt hould pay
bt.hing, \\'ath the followmg c t:epuons
1 M mh<-r "ho r n~ly depl:'ndtmt on
Uuuch wclf~ re lstancc
2. rull·t.une mt 1on.ari . (llow~vt!r, mis.ston·
arle5 houJd pay tithmg on ~rso.nal income
beyond th~ amount thl')' receive for thetr
e.upport)
lf mis,..1on pres1denl$ have ancomc that should
be tithed. they generally p..sy bthins in the ward
wh~re thelr mcrnbcrship n:'C'Ords ~ loc<1ted (sec
13.6.5) llowcvt.•r, I( th ·rare !i<."rving oul!\idc their
own country and thdr rnl.-mb~p records are
in the ward where th •y are N lding. they gen-
erally rontnbutl' thcu tithtng dn~tly to Chul'Ch
heaJqua rlt>r..
When and How to Pay Tithtng
l dL·r t'n oumg~ mt.>mbers to pay bching
tru! • re«1vc lhct.r income. Ho\' l!\'er, members
who wi5h lo p.1y annually may do so.
fembcr5 gtw thci.r tithing and .a complet-ed
1ithing And Otht-r Offering form to the b~hop
OT ane o( his counselors ( ...e 14 6.1).
125
 Use or Tlthlng Funds
6tshops n\a} not U" tithing fund• £or ;sny
purp~ All hthing fw\d~ tntUt ~ remitted to
Chwch headquarters or th otssJgntc'CI adJninis..
tratiYI? offi~ (see D&C 120)
Tithing SoUiement
The bishop hold Uthmg '>(.'ttlcnwnt near the
l'nd o( l'.t<:h t-ar ln urgent en · • wh~m the bi'ihop
1 A~t. lhe t..ke prtbidcnt may authol'ize one
of the bishop s counselon to conduct tiltung sct·
tlt<m •nt... f fowe~er !\\Kh il n ~'1.1 would be rare.
AlllT\Ctllbers hould otl~nd tithing Rttkmmt
to make sure tm~r contribution rt..'C'urds an- cor-
to declare to the bishop thctr status as
l't!'Ct and
tithe payers. Ii possible, ~II ml·mtx<n of A fam1ly
should attend tittung .;cttlemcnt.
In addition to reviewtng records of members
tithing. ia.c;t offenngs, and o ther donaHons, dur-
'"8 tithmg settlement the biShop can discuss the
pnnorlt of tithmg w1th thcm, eO<"Ourage them to
gh gmd'OUS fa!it offl!nnJt_ ~nd cJ~ other
~~~ nt matters At Utl' dmt" of Uthing ~t.
a d •rk or a member of the bi!lhopric rould .1Jso
rt'~'lew the Individual Ordin.m • Summary wtth
ml'ltlbt.% (~ 1.3.6).
ln.o;truction~ for Hthing " •ttlt!ment are prc>-
vlded b) Church headquartcn or the ass1gned
admirustrntive offlcl'.
14 42 Fait OHerlngs
0\urch leaders encour.tge member$ ro live
the lJ. \\ of the fast. TyptCil.l.ly Uu5 Includes (1) fast-
mg tach fi!Sl S1mday lor two com«tlbve meals
tnd (2) gt\ ing a fabt offenng that 'i at lea t the
t-qwval•nt v<tlue ot the me.tl'> not &lten. Mem·
bl-rs o1re encou~gcd to be twn rou .'lnd give
much more than the 'c1luc of two m~:al!> if they
re ill>J~.
\.Vht!re a ward tS geognphic:all> WnC't'ntmted
and where safety condil1on." pcnmt, the bishop
may di rect Aaronic l)rlesthood holdrr ·, l'I3P ••
c1aUy deacons, to cllntOl(t member hou~hold~
l'ch:h month to give rnernbers the opportunity to
contribute fast offerings. F.ven if members do not
contribute. pri~thood hold~,.., hould continue
to g;ve t.M.m the opportunity to do boO. U distances
or other drcumstilnces m<~ke It necessary, the
b1!lhnp may limtt or elimmate fa~t-offering col-
lt!tlloru. from homes.
Pncsthood holders shoulcJ go in pau-s when
g.tthertng fast offerings. Mclthl.eecle~ Priesthood
126
hoJdm m ~)' ft«<mpany Aaronic rriLsthood hold·
ers if nt! t s.try.
M ~ben. hould not gh ~ otht!r contnbunon:o,
~uch cu tJihin~ to those who collC(t fa&t ofier-
in~
Th~ who gilther fast oflerin~ deliver them
promptly to a member of the be hopric
Some members may ch(')():)C to contnbute f.1bt
offerings by using the envelopb for tithing 0\nd
other offerings and givmg them direcU)• to th
bishopnc.
Me~nlx!rs should contribute fast offerings
wtltlout designating ho" the funds should be
u~ Bit~hnps rn.l}' not enter into arr.mgemmts
or mnle l'ommitments to gl''e <t mem~ ·s f. t-
ofi Nlng contribution to an individu.ll or famil)·
or to u~ 1t for<~ s peoaJ purpose tho:~t the donor
de'>l gtH\1 eo>.
Misl>lon Md temple pn!Sidcn~ contribute fu!tt
offerlngs to the ward \.,,there their memb~rc,hJp
records are loc:1ted.
CuideUnes for using f.lSt-of(cnng fund are
pro,·idl-d m 5.2..4
\4.4.3 Mlsalonary Funds
Cur\tributlofb to~ Y..ud l'J\1£- ionary fund
o1t~ uscti ~olcJy to support full·tiJne missJ_onar-
lc~ frnm the w •.ud or c;Qkc, a!; Identified ln 4.6.2.
WMu ml.sslc.uuuy fund:. :.hould not be S(!nt di·
r«tly to individuaJ mlssionnrles. Nor ~hould
ward mJ .,ionary fund!> bt- u~d for ~ny miss•on·
o)f}' .!Ct:J\' Itie'~ in the \\ ard or !>til kc.>
Contrtbution... to the- General Mlssumarv
Fund help spn!.ad the gru:.pel m W:l) ~ .,uch ~t:.
providing partial hn.andal support for m.l.sston-
o:rics who need it to supplement contrihu«o~
from th~rru.elves, their families, nnd the vo.'ard
mlsstonary fund
Contributioru. to the General Book of Mor-
mon Fund are used to provide coptes of the Book
uf \.tormon for full-time mis._q~t>nan~
Stoke presidents and b1shops should send
mi '-lOTWf)' fund111 th.1t exceed re:t n ble ..take
o1nd ward needs to the Generol M on&l) Fund
el Church headqu<trtl'TS or the! igned adnunis-
tTath·~ office. Bio;hopsor indMdu I rNY conbct
Church ht!.ldquarters or the admlm,.tr tl\·e of ICe
for further intorm.ntion about contnbutions to
the General Mwionary Funo
For 11dditional information nbout m1ss1on,,ry
funds tmd financing ausslonary <;ervice, ~· 4.6.
14 4.4 Humanitarian AJd
Church humanuarlan Wllrl>. ll'>"i'its people
of 0111 fa1th ... thruughout lh~ world who are in
dire need ll\cbc \vho destre to contnbutc to the
Church's Hum.1mtana:n Aid 1 und m.1y use the
lithing and Other Offerings form The ward re-
auts th~ contnbution.s attording to mstruc-
tions from Church heldquarters o r the a signed
administnh\·e officr Donat:lons may also be sent
dlrect.l)' to Church headquarters at the following
add~
flNMe and Rerords Department
1 n•,;'l'\ury Sf-fVItt-4 DIV!!>iOn
Alll!l\tlt'>n I rumunhurion Aid
50 E<bt North Templtl Street
S.1lt· !..alie City, UT 84 150-l521
Online don1111ons may bP mDdc.> by going to
givc.ld&p.org/ humnn it.1 rinnscrvices.
14.4.5 Temple Construction Fund
Memben. who deshe to contribute financially
to the construcHon o( t mples are mvited to do
110 o~ tht•ar cin:um.'>lar1ce~o permit They may con-
lrlbUtt' b~ u .. tn~ the 11lhl.ns and Other Offerings
torm The) lndlcatl:' the donat1on tn the lemple
can!'iiTVC$10n t oll ~;llry or b) wT1 tang remple ~ in
lhe · otht-r · c ll~uty. IJ members want to des.-
lgnoJte lh donation for .1 Spt'Cafic temple, lhey
m~v note tlf on the fllfm ,
Leaders should not conduct fund·r~l!'lng cf·
forts or ~tabll .. h a ~~ments or go.~ Is for ron-
tribubons to lht- temple construction fund
14.4.6 Perpetual Education Fund
In arei.U o f the Church where the Perpetual
EduCAtion Fund program ll> approved. it assists
worthy young adults who need hclp m qualify-
ing for employment opportunibec m their own
rountnr~ by providing loans for c.1reer traiJ'\jng
nnd t•tl ucllll()n. t'hu.ow who de&ire Ill contribute to
this fund mny usc thr nthlng and Other Offer·
lng form. l'he ward 1\'mlt the: ~contributions
.tc~·Mdl ng to in1otruction!> from Church head-
quarters o r the i\ssign~d ndmimslr<~tlve office.
Donntion..c1 mny al!iO be ~~ d1rectly to Chu rch
headquarrers d l the foiJowltlg address.
Finance and Rerords Dt."Partrn~t
Treasury Setvtct::. Dl' tSJOT\
Attention· PEP
50 Last North Tcmplt' Street
Sah l...lke Cat}', UT 8-llS0-1521
Onhn~ don.atu.ms m.t)' bt! arwde by &011\8 to
r,a vc Idsp Ol')\ I pt: rpct u.\1 education fund.
In approved countries. appU'-1tions !or PEP
loans a.ro i\vaJ.Inble through lnsbhlte.s of religJon
("ft chaptn- 12)
14"' 7 LDS Philanthropies
LOS Philanthropltc I a d p.utment of the
Office of the Pre!~ldJng 8LJ.hopric th.11 correlate&,
mcnumgeJS. faollt.stc.."i, and ac -p~ "oluntary
philanihrop1c contribuuons t.., the Church and
its affiliatt'd charities and .1ctwmes. Asststlll'lce
m making contribuhons m.sy b~ obtuned by
contacting LOS PhUanlhroptes at Chun:h head-
quarters ,,s follows:
LOS PhJianlhropies
15 fost South Tempi~Streel
S.llt L.1k!! City, UT 8-1150-{).&02
Telt>phon~· l-801-240-5567 or 1·1100-453-3860,
extensJon 2·55<>7
Ot~ l inc don.lUons mu 'lx• mode by gmn g l<l
glv(.',ldsp.org.
14.4.8 In-Kind Donatlona, Including nthlng
fhe Church normally d l~uuri\ge.CJ fMYu"'g
tithing and o tht!r don.ttions III kmd It Is pref·
erable for memhfon to dio;po~ of the property
themselve. and then pay btl\ing and other dona-
tions tn cash However, tn·kind donallons may
be attepted an rert.am r., and may be a rom·
mon p rattle&! In some AneAS of the world.
l1le Church iliXI!Jit' ( 1) locks, bonds, or other
~'t\Jnh'-"' that 1111!! rn.srlo..~t.,bl~ lmmediiltcly and
(2) '-Otne m.ui;.ctable real ~1:\lc Bclore ..cceptmg
th~ contnbutlons, loc.JIIt•Jdt'N i-hould lt.'('etYeo
a.ppccw. I from Church headquarte.., or the as.-
stgned admlnistrauve afhCt' If members wanl to
contnbulr Othfr ilmiS, the bi11hop 'W<'ks npprovnl
from the take p~ident. The ~take pres1dent
rontacts Church headqu<trtcrs or the adminis-
trative offic" for approvnl before authori7.lng lh~
bishop to accept the itemr..
14.4..9 Contributions Not to Be Refunded
Stnke presidents and bisbops should infoiDl
those who contnbute lllhC!! :md other offerings
that th~ conlnbutions cannol be refunded. 11lis
policy appll('S also to mlsslon<U')' contributions
l~l 01r~prepaad
When uthcs olnd other o fknngs are gwen
to th~ Church. they lx>lang to thr lord, tC'I wham
~) are collk'Crated The c:.sence of ~1 ~uch
contnbunons as that the\ ill'\' tn't'wilJ offMngs,
llYtde w1thout ~'l'V.lhon nf pu~. I"C!It'lltion
127
 of .control. owncm;hip an any fom,, or e>.pecta-
tion of any benefit by llu! donor other than the
Lord's ble>.'>a.ngs It tS therefore improper tore-
fund contributions giVen to the Church Doing
w.o would \'iolat~ Uue pant of freewill offenngs.
ln some countries, rclunding contributions could
,,lso c.1u le~J and &nC'Omt• tnx comphc.1tions
for both the rontrtbutor tmd tht! Church
14.5 Confidentiality of Tithing and
Other Offerings
The amount of tlth1n~ nnd other offerings
p:a1d by o1 m~mbt>r is c:onhdcnhnl Only the blc;hop
and tho.:.e who or~ authorized lo handle such
contnoutions should !..now the amount. Stake
p~iden~ i1nd bi'lhOp!i lll'e not to announce th~
total amollnt of uthlng r~eived
lf necc~ry. the bishop lllilY tell the elders
quorum pr~idtmt or high priet.L<, group leader
whether l.ndh idunl members o( the~.r quorum or
group o1re fuU-tith~.• paycl"'', conlributo,... to the
tithing tu.nds, or exempt Quorum p'l'e11denbt and
group l~adcrs must keep ths!il Information ron·
fidmwt.
14.6 Handfing and Accountlng for Funds
The st.1ke p~ident and bishop en...u.re that
aU Church funds are properly handled and ac-
counted for according to current 6n01ncial in·
<otJ\1ctl(JJ'\S Gcncr.1J principles are outlmed in the
foU0\~8 parag.-aphs.
14 5.1 Receivi ng Tithing end Other Offertngs
Th Lord h.u ttivcn bl'-ho~ the 5acred trust
of ~"ing .'\nd .l~o"Countlng for the titht!S and
other offcrlngfl of Lhe S-tints (M-oe O&C 119; •&2:.30-
33). Only the bbhop and hl5 counselors m<ty
rcc:cavc tithe!\ nd other Mfennp. Under no Clr·
cumstanees bhould thetr Y.1t\\?S, other members
of their fanuU<.>s, ckrks, or other ward members
rec:civc these contTibuhon the only exception
IS when Aaronlc Pri~thood holders are assigned
to coUI'!Ct fast offerings (see 14.4.2).
Ward member$ give contnbutions to a. mem-
bt!r of the bishopnc m a sealed em·elope with
pi'Opi:rly Ct,mpJ•ted nthtng <!nd Other Offer-
ings form enclosed Church mt:'mbers should
not le.w' thl'ir doNitons u.noattcnd"-d• such as
b}' pi dng thtm in a rontrtbution box or under
the IJOt\r ot the bi!ihop' office.
Owe~ hould l>t! madr pay~blc to the wan!
not to Lhc b!shop or thl." Owdt ln units where
128
members mnke p.lymenl!'O l'it•<·tronic.lll)' (!'luch as
direct dep It «>r .1utorrunic ball p.ty), p.1ymcnts
.should be dep0$ltl'd tn th ... Church' banlo.. ac-
count as U\Strucled br Church headquilrt •rs or
the ~gned admanlJ>trative offic
Onlv the s:tUc pm.idcnt .md ~counselors
-.hould rereive funds fur t:h.t" take. They hould
mamtrun cuslod)' of the funds until the funds are
n.'C'Ordcd .1nd prep., nod for dq at by oa member
of the stake pr...s1d~nn and clnl..
14.62 Verifying Tlthlng end Other Offartngs
ContrlbuUcm envelop · should be opcn~d
:IOU Vt'rlfied on Sunday, C.~C'l,t uurtng tithin~
settltml(!fll, Wht!n they. re o~n~ nnd verified on
Ute dny they ~l'C I"CC(!j\'ed Two persons- a mem-
ber of the.' bl hoprlC' ond 11 derk, or two mcmb<ln>
o f the bl<~hoprir--open eil~h envelope together
to verify that the funds enclosed arc the same
•1.s the .Jmount wntten on the Tithing and Other
Offerin~ form. U the funds <1nd the w ritten
amotu't dJffer, U1e contributor should be con-
taelc.od .lt. con 01 po.-...able to rc:.olve tht> differ-
""';e
t4.6.3 Oepotltlng T1thlng end Other Offerings
A bishopric mcO\bcr nd Mother Mclch•ze..
dek Pri1.-:-.thood holder. u unlly tht' c)('rk who
hdped "erify the don.tti ns. prepare the deposit
Th who depc»tt fund: <;nould usc, wh<'re
availab~. (1 ) depos1t bags th.lt are locked when
funds ~ U\Serted md •~ opened only by the
bank or (2) othrr wnpc:r·rcsi.stant deposit tmgs.
A clerk or member of the bLShopric checks with
Church heildquartcrs, the assigned admirustra-
tive c-ffice, or the local bank for avail.lbility of
such d~J>05U bags
Where 11 24-hour b.mlo. d<.-po&itory i avtlU-
41ble, the bishopric member, clCC(ImpanieJ by the
other pncsthood hold\!r, deposits the funds in
the bank on th~ ·.tm~ day th~ fund~t arc opcnl'd
and venAl't-1 .
When: a24·hour b.11l1. dcpo-;itory itt not av.1tl·
able and the b.uU. is closeJ on Sunday, the bLcJ\op
designates a Melchiz •dck l,riesthood holder,
normally a member of the bi!l-hoprk. to m.:ske the
depo:,Jt at the banl. the next bus!n~s day The
penon who makes the deposat is accountable
forth fund., He 'hould·
J. i:nsuTC that the Junds are kept secu~ until
they are depustted t the bani.
2. Obtoun" ba.nk-«rtinoo dc.'J'C'l"'•t ~'Pt -how­
'"3 tht' d~t~ and the amount of the dt.'J'05it.
 Fur~hermore, a bl<,hopl"k: tnember and a clerk
o;hould complt>te th fullowmg procedure on the
ne\t Sunday before proc -mg .tny donations for
th.1t di'ly:
1. Cotnpatt> th~ banl..-<:er11fied ~it receipt
to the pANIOU$ wcck·s d~l mcords to ~~e.r~
if} tl1•1t tlw corn'("t Amount was deposited.
2. S1gn the ~nnk ccrllficd deposit receipt and
file tt wtth the previou• week's donation m-
fonnabo.n..
14!4 Safeguarding Church Funds
Member.. whu il re responsibll' for Church
funUs must never le.we them m the meeting~
house ovemlght or leave them unattended at any
time, .,uch Ill> dunng meetings and activities.
14.6.5 RecelpUng Tithing and Other Offerings
Chureh he.tdquarl-.'1"5 or the assigned admin-
lstrDUvc office 6Cnds instructions to stakes and
w11rd for ~o;ulng ~t'apts for tilhmg and other
nffenngs
Rea~pts h.J mmlhcrs who make donations
m lind {nonca_.,h uthmg and other offenngs) are
IS:>Uedonly b}• Church headquarters or the as-
signtd admmistr~tlv~ offu:t- The.e ri!Ccipts show
no monetary value fur the aterru; contribur&
14.6.6 Receiving and Managing Budget
Allowance Funds
St.~ 14 7~
1• 6 7 Managing Stake and Wlfd ChecJdng Accounts
Each stake normall) has one checking ac-
cuunt. The sbk~ pres1dmt manages it, lhough his
coun.~~elon. and clerks 0\ol)' as~t him. The coWl·
selor who serves as chairman of the stake audit
cornmittue generally should not sign checks or
oth~rwise be involv<>d in stake finandlll record
keeping.
AU watd funds 1\re handll-d in one checlcing
account Tite bishop manages the acrount, lhough
hts counselors 11nd clerks mily a sa.st him.
Each check must have two authonzed S:tgna~
tu~ u~o~Uy the- 'lta.kto prt idmt his counsclon;,
and the clerk assigned to fin.'lnre. are authorized
tc• ign checks for the slAke account Usually the
bt!>hop hl8 COUJ\St'lor:., and th~ clerk assigned
to finance> are authorlad to !>tgn checks fur the
w.trd account An authorlz.cd check. stgner should
not ign a check II he is the payee or the fast~
oUer:IJ\g beneficiary
Although coumelol"' may be authorUed fo
~tlgn checks. !.My should not do so unless the
.,taL~ p~dent Ol' bi,.hop has approved the ex.-
pencliture.
A check should not be 'lignl'd until1t IS filled
out completely.
Each month the t.1!..c pf\•-.•dent or b.shop
promptly l't!\ ll!W!I 1M Church unit nnanoal state-
ment or the bank st.ltemt>nl and gives 11 to a der._
to bto recondJed.
E.1ch month .t ~tt~M- clerL: rerondll"f the stake
chedang a ~'Ount and the local depo!tlt banlo. ac-
count (tf one C!XISt.s) .md fund In the "Other"
c11tcgory (If any). Each month a ward clerk rec-
onclli!S lhi! ward cht~dc.Lng .:~ccount, funds in the
"Other'' cntegory, and any other financiel records
required. The clerk signs thl? recondll.1tion. The
sta ki! pre~>.! dent nr bishop then reVitMS and s:lgrts
the reconciliation.
Checkbooks and blanL. ch~lr..-. "hould be
stored in a locked file or cabuu:t They must not
be left unattended when they .uc not locked
c;ecurely If any blank Chl>i:ks are rnis ing. the
stake prt'Sldent or bishnp uruned~atcly reports the
nurnbt!r-5 of th~ chcclr.s to Church heo~dqurners
~r tlM! A !>tgnt!d otdmintsltiU\Ie offtce He alst, re-
que5ts a stop payment on the missing checks.
Stal..l!llt and w.uds that luve cha:king accoW'IIs
mily not have sa van~ accounts
Quorums, au'-.ilianes, and Seoul organiZa-
llons m.1y not have chi!Cking accounts, savmgs
accounts, or petty CllSh fund.. llletT budgeted
e>.perLc;e. 3.11! .til pa.ld through the ~talu! or ward
checking nccount.
14 6 8 Managing Stab and Ward Funds Not Held In
• Checking Account
TI\e followtng in'itructlons apply to uruts out-
side tht' United St;tlel.l nnd Cnnnda that do not
m'' "•'t;e th~·•r fundi! throu~h il cht.>i:king account.
lnste.td, tlwse uJ\lt.s hnve cash working funds,
'l;wings accounts, or bnnk llttounts accessed by
a debit e~~rd
The ass1gned administrative office provides
speafk guldelines forth~ uruts to foUow. Some
basic principles are outlined below
l. A umt hould have only one cash worktng
fund, savtngs account, or debit card bank ac~
rouna.
2. Th funds ~hould be cuntn,llt'tl by th<" take
prestdmt or b~hop .
129
14. R1111 ri(;!S
3. Money from cash working funds, savings ac-
counts, or debit cards should not be used until
two authorized people havt signed a payment
approval form. They should not sign this form
until it is filled out completeJy.
Supporting documents such as invoices, bills,
or rtlceipts should be attilched to the payment
approval form . H funds are advanced to a
member, he or she signs lhe form, acknowl-
edging the receipt of the money and noting
the date and the amount. The member then
(n) provides supporting documentation for
the funds spent and lb) returns any Lmspent
funds.
4. rf tflere is a bank staremmt, it should be d~liv·
ett>d d~Uy to the stake president or bishop,
not to the meet~house or a clerk. He opens
eaC'h blUlk statement promptly, reviews it,
and gives it to a clerk to be recondled. The
cle.rk signs the reconciliation. The stake presi-
dent or bisJ1op then reviews ancl signs the
reconciliation.
5. The s take president o r bishop reviews any
other financial reports and ensures that they
are reconciled.
6. The stake presideni or bishop mauttains cus-
tody of cash working funds.
7. Cash worldng funds should be separate from
pen;onal funds. Church nmds must IX' phys·
ically safeguardec:l at all times.
8. Ca!:>h working funds should be counted each
month by two authorlu!d signers. The counts
and signatures should be docwnenled on
fonns provided by the iiSsigned adminis tra-
tive office. Any fund shortages should be r~
ported immediate] y to the area controller.
9. All disbursements s hould be promptly re-
corded, and a!J bills, recoipt.s, or other docu·
ments s upporting the disbursements sh()uld
be retained.
14.6.9 Keeping Financial Records
Each stake and ward should keepcurrMt, ac-
curate financial records. 'l'h~ reo;)rds help s take
prestdents and bishops account for and protect
saC'red Church funds. Accurate records are also
necessary for preparing budgets, D'anaging the
budget allowance, and providing information to
members on their financial contributions.
For information about the use and retention
of records and reports, clerJ<s shottld refer to in-
structions from Church headquarters or the as-
signed admi.nistrative office. Financial records
130
s ho uld be rutamed for at least three years plur>
the current year. Local laws may require longer
retention periods.
14.7 Budget and Expenditures
14,7.1 S1ake and Ward Budgets
Every stake and ward prepares and operates
on a budget. The stake president manages the
stake budget, and the bishop manages the ward
budget. though each may assign a counsek1r to
supervl5e at under his diredion.. Eacl' m.'ly also
assign a clerk to help prepare and monitor th~
budget.
Nu stake or ward expensc8 may be inCll.TT'ed
or pald withoul the presiding officer's authori-
zation.
Stake presidencies and bishoprics begin pre-
paring budgets well before the beginning of each
calendar year as follows:
1. Review the amounts spent during the prt!vi-
ous year to make sure that re(UI'Tingexpenses
are considered,
2. As k organizations to estimate their budget
needs in detail.
3. Compile the budget, using wise budgeting
prilctic:cs, beLng equitable, and ensuring that
projected expenst$ do not exceed anticipated
budget allowance funds.
It is not n~ry to call for a s ustaining vote
to accept the budget.
The stake president reviews ward expendi-
tures aspart of his interview with each bishop.
14.72 Budget Allowance
The budget allowance program provides gen·
eral Church funds to pay for lhe activities and
programs of stakes and wa.rds. It eliminotes the
need to receive budg •t contributions from mem·
bers. Paithful payment o f tithes has made the
budget allowance possible.
Allocation of Budget Allowance Funds
ChuT'Ch headquarters or the assigned admin-
istrative office allOGit:es budget fUitds based on
nttend•mce in the foUo\Ving c:-ategories:
l. Sacrament me<>ting
2. Youngmen
3. Young women
4. Primary ch.i ldten agel> 8- 11
5. Young single adults
 The stak~ ptC:$tdCJ1t determines how mud\
of the nmds are- ~!located to the taJ..e imd to th~
wards He eru;ur~ that the stake a.nd "ards are
hmd«"d trurly and Adequatcly as permitted within
th :oe guideltn
The <IJ\~ prrstdcnt works wtth bl.Shops m
unafil"d , roopc.-ratiH• manner If unfo~n
chan «eur tNt MAY JW.tl( · allering origiNJ
bud d 01lt taon , he m:abs ure that [;urad-
ju t:men 01re m d
thto b r (\\.L• th idlt't".1tion of buds:: t
Uowancc rund .. an lht WMd . I [C t.'I'\SUI'e th.lt
organt~1tions tn the w.ud ar~ funded !.tidy a.nd
adequat-=1)'·
Priesthood letldc.-rs mal.e every e.fiort to c.n-
~ure that the lev~l of blldgl't CliiOOltionc; and ol<"·
h\'IUcs (or the Young Men and Young Women
or •01nv.ntion~ nro l'qUitablc
Genontl Prtncfples ond Ouldoflnos
me budg t aUow.lnCi" w~'> created to reduce
the finAnC:t.ll on\.1 ttmt.' "urdl'n on mt!mbe~ lf
n ry. lc-.-ldt•r hould r ~u • and ~implify
MtwltH.•s lO -lily wlthln lhl' al1~.>wa.nce. 1~t ac-
bvabt~ hould "' sfmpll• ~nd h." c little or no cost.
I!Apenditurt· mufti~ 4ppro' cd b) the takeprt'!S·
tdiMC}' or bL.;hoptu; ~ft,re the are incurred.
Stake and wlll'd bud~t tund hould be us.cd
to p11 • for all actJVa • progtart\5, ma.nua.b, and
pph~ Members hould not pay {l!'eS to parnc-
•pare ~·or hould they provide matenal , up-
ph . ~ or a~ on fees, OT Iong-dtstance
tr•nsponation tlllh"ar own expense Activities
U\ ' ' hu:h m.mv mt·m~ p10v1dc food ~y be
h ld If doing qu l.lt ,._.. not pl. ce undue burdens
on member
ro lblc ~"' puons to tht! lunding poLicy a.n
the preceding P•U4groph m11 · be m.:~de for iln
nwl camp!> or ..tmiiAr a h\ itu..os (see HumlbcJok 2,
13.2.8). optionaJ acltviU~ (6CC Hllndboolc 2. 13.5).
nnd occa'litmttl y(•ung ...a.ngk odult 61cti\•ilies (st-e
Handbook 2. 16.3.7).
Member.; who want to contnbute addattonal
funds to the ChuKh ll'lcl)' not de.tgnate them
for the stake or ward bud~. Instead, leaders
enMu rag~ them tn contrtbun.- the fu11ds to fast
otfcrlng.s, n1l lt.'naJj (W\ds, or other authorUed
donittlan C.llt>go
til~c pr~ tdt:n and b hop.s lllllke ~ture
budget alll.l" n« lund oare ..pmt wisely. Funds
hould bt.• WO£'d t bl r«'Ple t~nd to furthrr
g pt>l purp< l..c; d •tj a ensUN that .It 6·
pcndltures il~ within th allo"·•n~ The 6UCC\.'
ot lh • budgt•l • llow. nc • dc~ncls on the effort
of loc.al prie!>thood I >ad'-"f'S to monitor and con-
trol Church Cin.1nccs and c pcrtse:S
Unneeded bud et allowllnc:e funds should
not be ~t. Unnel'dl"d w•rd tu.nds Me mumed
to the stake. Unneeded tJU..e funds 3re returned
to Church he, dqu rters or the assigned ad·
mtnistr.ttJ\'l! offic Ac:. An ~~bon. stotkes Jlld
\'-1lrd mily rcta n me un ptnt funds if tht:)' are
needed for speciflc eli~ sta that are planned (or
thc n •xt Vi.'Jt, uCh a a youth confl!rence. How·
ever, igniflcant purhon of the take or ward
b udget ltowJnc • ~huuh.l nul b~ retaltted from
one year to thf' m· I to ron·r tr.wcl C).pe~. Nor
hould fund-. (rom th • U 1:r • c., h.-gory be u :d
to suppll!mc.nt the HBut.lgd cOIL1lOI'}.
for the budget allowan • to ucc~. it is tm-
portant lh•t the Qu.u-tcrly Report is accurate and
on time.
The budgM allow.ance does not mdude «!)(•
pen fnr buildmg con! truction. mamtenance,
telt>phone;;, utUUt , computers or pri~thood
l.e.1der tra\ el. Th e'lpcnses .u-e paid !rom gen-
eral Church fund" «<rdlng to current gwde--
hne
14 7.3 Funding Spec al Act ivities end Equipment
StaJ<e and Mul'tistake .Acli\ltlles
l.ooll lc~d rs re cnrouragl:'d to hold "I.Al.r
and multi-.ai.;e ti\ Ill that provid~ opportu·
niti to dl'\-clop UnifY 0\l\d frlmds}ups, especiall)
among youth and young tnglc ildu lt:s le61dcrs
ensure that the?y budg~ adequ•1te fund to sup-
port n appropri.1t number of stake and mu1b·
st.:~ke ncth tti . Th<.osc htn<.l 11hould come trom
th~ budget. tl()w.ln(
For mor(: inform.thon .:~bou t acbvthes, srr
t:haptcr l:l in Htmdttook 2.
Youth Confwene••
5.:-e HanJbc>.>k 2, 1:\..C,
Annual Camps Of S!mUar Activities and Equ pmenl
~Handbook 2, 13.2.ij nnd 13 2.Q
ScoutinG
Harulbc:W: l . 8.13
OpUonaJ Ac1tvlt10S
Ham/book 2. 13.5
131

14.8 fun~Rafsing
See Han.1booi: 2 13.b.b.
14.9 Audits
14.9.1 Stake Audit Committee
Tht> stake pwsldcnt .appoints a stake audit
conunittee ronsi<.ting of one of Ius counselors
as d1airman and t\'170 o~r stake members \vho
understand fin.QndaJ mi.ltters. The counsel"' who
serves a~ chai.nnan g~ncrnlly ~\luld not 8igrt
checks or ot:l'wrw1se be involved 1n stake 6nand.tl
record ke ~mg. Commilt~ mmbors shouJd not
be stake audl ton> and iholtlrl not perlonn l.tke
or ward finllll.C.lal record k~'PinS.
14.9.2 Stake Auditors
l'he stake pn.'l>ldt'nl or }u~> counselor who Is
chauman of the st.tke audit c:onunlttee call& at
least two stake> .1uditors. These auditors should
be trustworthy brethn-n who h(lld current temple
reco11l1.1lend& If ~ible. they should be ~I*"
rlcnced in accounting or auditing.. They should
be approved by the mke presidency and high
council, but th4:y .tTl! not ~u!ttnined and are not
usually set apt~rl .
H.igh COWlC:il~ tn!l)' also servo: i!B stake a udi·
tors. HowcveT, th(' · tlJkt> ded: iiDd assistan t stake
clerk$ may rwt be c:.i lltd •"" .tuditt,rs. ThO'II? wl1o
wrve as auultoa m~ty ruqo hold other Ollllngs.
t4 9.3 Th• Audltlng Proceu
Stale auditors iiUdit fitwldill records ol the
'take. ward~, branches, ..1nd family hisiory ren·
ter.s twiCl' eacl\ yeu. Auditor::s also audit lhe fi-
nancial records a( rccrt!ational properties once
each year.
Auditors constHe th.,t tithing and other ron•
tnbuticms are properly re<:ordl?d, 01ul'(.'h fund~;
are properly accounted for .1nd protected. and
6"a.ndal tKOrd.s art' complt·l~ i\nd aC'Cllrnte The
untt's pre."iding uf(itt't artd Ul~ cled. assign«!
to finances .should be .tvilllable to answer qul!l!P-
lions during oudit5
Tht1 stake p~ld.mt . stake audit ootnmittee,
<.~ndstake dl!rk as:;igned to finilnres l'\?\·iew fin-
1shed audits. nwy \lig" the audit report!. and
ens~ that the originals are sent to Orurch head-
quarters or ~ assigned administrative office to
arrive by the due dat~ They al o tmbure that any
exceptions disclosed by M' audit are promptly
corrected.
132
t•.9.A Local Unft Area Auditor/Trainer
A member of the Presidency of the Seventy
nr th~ Area Pres1d~ncy call~ a local unit area au-
dltor/ i.rai.ner for each area. l:n the Uni~ Stares
and Canada, he reports lo the Church Audit-
ing Oept~rtment. Outside the United States and
Canada, he reports to the member and statisti--
cal records manager. A o\ember of the Presidency
o f the Scvcmty or the Area P""Jd •ncy may also
call a5Sistant auditorI tmlnen;
'nt~ primary respon!olbuny of local unit area
audUor/tramers (and lbe1r ~i'>t.tnb it called) Is
to provtde training on audits and financial poti·
rit"Jt tu pri1$lh01'Kl lt.r.tders, dcrks, audit rommit-
tees, ctncl st.tke audJtors. They also fnllow up on
missing oud.Ils and hJgh· rl5\. audit exceptions
and perform speriru .1Udl ts M as.~ignC'd .
14.9.5 Loss, Theft, Embezzlement, or
Misappropriation of Church Funds
U Cluuch funds have ~n lost or stolen, or
rf a leader has embcz.:tled or miMpprctptiated
Church fund!., the s tnkt! p~id~nl ur chainnan
o( the stake ilu.d it oornmilt('c !ohould be noufled
pmrnpdy He nntt(iu..-; tlw Chur"Ch AudJting De-
pt1rtment (or the~ cont roll~r it ltle unit is out-
side the Urutcd StatAo!S <1-nd Cuni1('1.A). n~ Auditing
Dcpnrtmvnt (or •m.:..1 ~un trollcr) sends OJ loss re-
port form to the stake president Qr chairman of
the .sudlt (.'(lllUJtittee. Under the direction of the
Auditing Department (or the arv.a contmUcr), the
1>Mke president or chaimtan of ilie audit commit-
tee ensures thal the matter is properly investi-
gated ond the loss form is properly completed
and submitted.
If a major mi:suse of fund> is di.sawered, the
stake president or chairman o! tJw oudlt commit·
li!'? aho notifies a membel' of the Presidency of
the Scvcmty or the An.•.t Prc~idcncy.
14.9.6 Stake Clerk or A.esl.tan1 Stake Clerk
Anlgn.ed to Finances
Tin• s take de.tk or the USllist.'\nt stnke de.rk as-
liigned to 6rumces t"f\Sl..~ that other cleda; in
the slakt:> and ward~ .tn! properly il'b'tnu:ted \n
fmnndal rerord keeping. He should be aware of
uudrt findings. The stake president llSSigns clerks
to follow up on any probletm di~do:.ed by audits
wtthin 30 days of the audit.
14.9.7 For More Information
More lnfonn.1Hon on ;1udlt romn'\ittc~s, au~
ditor'!l, and audit procedures 111 Included on the
 stake and ward audit report touns and instruc-
tions. Stake audit committee<. ilnd auditor~ may
duect questions to the Church Auditing l>cpart·
menl {or area controller):
Church Auditing Depanment
50 Eilst North Temple Street
Si!Jt lAke ( ity, U r g4] S0-001 b
Telephone: 1-.801-240-1018 or 1-800-453-3860,
extension 2-4018
14.10 Taxes
The tax information rn this section applies
only in the United States und Canado1 JC prie.t-
hood leaders in the United States and Canadd
need additional mformqhon. they c:hould con·
tact;
Tax Adminit~~tr.,tion
50 East North Temple Street, Room 2225
'XIIll~lo.e City, UT 84150-0022
rclcphonc: l-fi01·24().JOQ"i OT 1-800-453-3860,
e).ten:.ion 2·3003
Priesth<.'IOd leaders outside the United tates
and Canada should conh1ct the assigned ad.m.l.n-
i.str.:Jhve office to resolve questions on taxes.
14.10.1 Tax-Exempt Status
The Church not'lrulUy is e'cmpt from JY.lylng
sales, property, tncome and other tel xes b~au 1.'
1t tS a reUgious organiation. Church buildings
and other property are to b e used for the pur-
poses of WOI""hip, religious instruction, and othex
Church-related activities. Stake at1d ward lead-
ers ensure that Chwdl facilities are not w.cd for
poUtical, business, or im•estmt•nt purpo~ ft!'i
outlined in 8.4. To do so would violate laws that
pemtit tax exemption of Church property.
It is lDlportantlhat :;take and ward leaden.
follow lhe5e gwdclines to preserve the Church's
tax-ex~mpt ~talus lf one .. take or ward mism.es
the Church 's t.lx·eAempt statub, otht!r Church
unit5 could~ JUccted .
1410.2 Sales and Use Tax
Sales and use tax l~u"s und how they apply
to the Church vary b} country .md by state. Lead·
crs should contact the Church's Tax Adminis·
tration Divis1on or the assigned administrative
office to see whether the Church is exempt or
must pay ·uch taltes.
1410.3 Property Tax
The Chur~h 's fax AdmmJStr.ltu>n DiviSton
flit'S alJ property lax cxempiJons and pays .tU n'-
quJri!d prop •rty toxc~t. 1\lo ilC'tton is requm.>d by
local leaders
133
15. Stake Patriarch

151 Calling, Susta nlng, and Ordaining a 15.6 Returning a Patriarch to Functlonlng
Steke Petrfatch • • • • • • • • . • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 136 StatUI ..... • . • • • . • . . • • • •.•.••• 137
152 Calling 1 Second Stake Patriarch •.. • ...••• 136 157 Patriarchs Who Move to • Different Stake . • 137
15.3 lnstJVctlng a Ne'Wiy Caned Stake Patttarch •• 136 158 Patrtlrchs Who Are Called to Another
Church Po ltlon ............... 137
15 4 Supervl&lng the Work of the
Stake P1triarc:h • •• • • • ••• ••• •• • • •• ••.•••• 136 1S9 Confldentlallty of PatrlareheiBIHslngs •. • • 137
16 5 NonrunctJonlng Statu a for a
Stako Petriarch • • • • •••• • ••••• • • •••. •••• 137

135
15. Stake Patriarch
l'hi., I:'Npter ouUines the sta.ke presidents re-
.spun..,ibilJtib for the stake patriarch. ft includes
gwdcliru.>s tor c.lJlmg. ordauung. instruct:tng, and
<'' Cr;eot"in~ th~ o,takc patriarch. For infonn.ation
itbout pi~tnarch.ll bl~mgs, !tee the lollo''"ing
sou n;t.'ll:
H1.12 m th1" h.1ndbooJ..
111111;11.101•~ l . 20 12
ln(llr/111Jitm1 11111l Su.~~rstimr!l frJr 1'11JTU1rrh~
Wurldwlll< Lrndmlllp Tr•rirr~m: Mtttmg:
Tltt Pnllmrclr
15.3
15.1 Calling, Sustaining, and Ordaining a
Stake Patriarch
TI1e Quurum or the 1WeJve Apostles directs
the c.11Ung of stilke patriarchs (see D&C 107;39),
To rc.ocummt•nd a rniln to be calJed a:. a smke pa-
trt;m:h. lhe lak~: pn?Sident rumplet15 a New Pa-
trMrch Recomm\!ndilUon !otm and submits it to
the.- Qunn1m nf tht! lWclve In malo;mg tht'l" rerom-
n\i'f\~Hun, he• huuld rru.t and pray for the Spmt
to d1n:<:t hlm The t\.'1.."011\mendation should be?
apprO\ cd b\ ht rounwlor-.
15.4
A man whom tht' ~I.e pres1dmt recorru:nend.s
.:1.., !otake patri.1rch hould be a worth) ~1elchiu-­
dek Pn~ hC"IdeL He :.hould be matute itt
the gos~l <1nd Ihe Church. a worthy husband and
patnarch m hL"> own home. and sensiti\'e to guid-
tulO? from lhe Spirit. lie should have .received his
own pi~l rinrchi\l blessing. 11nd normaUy he should
be.' agL• c;c; or older I tr muc;t t>e married.
I( t hl' Q~rorum of the Twelve Apostles ap-
pruVI'!I tho n.'C(lmmendntlon, th11 stake president
mny be l1Uthod-"'d hl .nlemew and c,tll lhe pa·
lrlnl"<"h 1 prcbl>nt his name for t1 sustaining votl'
In the genl.lrn I St!S JOn of stnke con ference or in
n stake genL!r.~l priesthoud meeting, and ordain
Jum. fll'('oJUSt.• lhl:' cniJfng of p<1trilli'Ch is an o(fice
of Ulc Melchl7edC!I.. Pnt.."Sthood, a patriarch l.s ur-
damed not set apart.
A ~.ol<lkt! pn::.ident may not assJgn a counsdor
to ordain a pillttiuch Nor should he invite oth-
t<r.. t(l \land wath h1m dunng the ordination of a
~ltiarch.
15.2 Calling a Second Stake Patriarch
The Quorum of the T\velve normally dOb
nul 11ppmv(' calhn~" S«'m''d pntniln:h lor a stal..e
l;:\6
unl\>:t., the p~nt funchoning patnan:h ~ un-
able to gtH~ 4ht.> numlx-r of bla5ings requested
Nord~ lhe Quorum ot the Twelve nonnally
appro"c o1n addttion.Jl patn.lrch qmply because
c1 st.'lke is g~aphicall) La.rge o r includes mem-
bers who do not speak lhe maJOrity language.
If n 'ililke mclud~ mem~ who spe<tk different
langu-'gt!S, b~ups and stake pre:.idencies may
outhorizc them to go to a patriarch in a nearby
11ta~e who cAn ~t•v~ the bl~-;ing in the member 's
()\\ n langu.lgt'
Instructing a Newly Called
Stake Patriarch
Tile Slilk~ pre ldent lnstrucl!. n Mwly c.aJied
pntrharch In the s.-scred, revelatory nature of the
oJ6ce be(oreo lhl! patnarx:h begins givmg bless-
ings The stake prestdcnt carefully reviev.•s with
h1m the in.,tructitm~ in l11formnlio11 anJ Sugges-
l i iJIISJot Prrtn.arrlts aruJ Wot ldwid~ l.r.uUrsllip Trom-
mg Afrt"l "'8· n~ Patri•'lrcll.
Supervising the Work of the
Stake Patri arch
Ole tal.~! pn.~Jdl·nt prcs1de.. \Wer the !ttake
palriArcl\ •nd supt.'rvu eo. ~ work a.!l outlined
in lufornudkm .,./ Sll~'{«'~/um~ for l'ntr~>~rclt' He
.-.hould nut dcolt-gutt' thu1 r PftOSibility to one of
~ cuunsdon. A p.t11'UJXh bt!nefits from a dose
relarionshlp wrth hi!O take president
The stake president Interviews the patnarch
at least twace a yet~r. He also reviews the blessing>
t~ patriarch hJl> given ilt len:.t twice a Vt\ar. As
needed, the ~>tak.~ president may make.general
sug~esllons .tbout tho conhmt o( the patriarch's
bl\'-.sing&. fhc 11m ke president aiBo disrossL-s the
p.1tri11rch' r, f~t.'llngs about lhe wod.;, Ute health
lind wcUiln' of hl~t family, i111d any olher matter&
on~ hkh th'• po~ trinrch t.eeoks or n~·t..'d!> counsel
The !>lnkc prc!!ldc.•nt l'n'l\11'\.., that copies of
traru>cnbed blt•Mi.ngs are given prttmpU, to re--
(:JpU:nb. JI~ 11lso t!n5Ures that at l~t e-.·ery two
years, the onginab of olll blPSSittgs are sent tu
Churrll hl".,dqu3rtcr.. at the followmg address:
PatJ"Wch&)l Blessing')
15 f!.1.,t North Temple Stre.?t
Salt Ul..e Caty, UT 841~ 1600
1s.s Nonrunctlonlng Status for a 157
Stake Patriarch
fhe ordmation ofa patriiJTch is for a lifetime,
so he is not released. How~ver, he may be given
nonfunctioning staros, excusing hl.m .from gtv-
ing ble!>Sings.
lf a patriarch is incapacitated by age or ill-
ness, as det~nnined by the stake pnddent or
the patriarch, the stake pn!Sident wri tt!~t ll re-c-
ommendation lo the Quorum of the Twelve that
the patriarch be given nonfunctioning 6latus.
If the recommendation is approvt!d, the patti-
arch's name u; not p~ted for" sustninlng vote
1n Ule ni!Xt stak~ l.On(el'\:nte when Chun:h uffi-
cers are sustained The slake president notifies
bishops not to send members to that pall'iatch.
The ~tnk~ pre51dent also ensures that aU the bless--
ings tho patriatth has g1\Jen are sent promptly
to thcnedpients and to Churdl headquarters al
the address In 15.4.
15.8
A patriarch is also given nonfunctioning sta-
tus lf he leaves to serve a miSs-Jon. ib ab ent from
his home !or other reasons, moves to a different
stake, or is approved to be called to a position
of Church ;~dm inistmtion l&C\' 15.7 ;md 15.8). In
sudl clrcumstot1ees, the stal<e pre~hJtmt nohfi~s
the Quorum uf th~ lWcJve in wrhU'\8 and follows
t.h~ lnstruction~; in the plt.'vtou p.1rogroph. A
patnarc:h tS not autornatu:ally returned to func-
tioning stntus when ht~ comp!Nes bts miss•onary
service or other 01urch assignments (see 15.6).
15.9
A p~ttrl.lfch who is given nonhmctioning sta-
tus may continue to ghre patriarchal blessings
to his lineal deseendants only (child.re.n, grand-
<"hlldren. and great-granclchildretl) if the stake
pcesidf!llt determines that he lS able to do so.
The stake presld~t review!. tl1t:N! bl~in~ and
make.c: sure the origmgls are scmt to Church head-
quarlen:t.
156 Returning a Patriarch to
Functioning Status
To return a patraarch to functiorung status,
the lrt\1ke president in terviews him carefully
and sends a writtt!n recommendation to the
Quorum of the Twelve. If the recommendation
I approved, the patriarch's name Is presented
for a sustain.ing vote in the gene.raJ ~:.ion of
stUe conference or tn a stake general priesthood
meetmg.
Patriarchs Who Move to a
Different Stake
lf a patriarch moves to a different stake, his
statuS automatically become nonfunctioning.
He contacts the president of the new ~tnke lb a
courtesy to lnfoml him ol his re>•dence there If
the stake president wants him to scn't! as A pnlri-
arch tn th~ new stake, he CPntActs the patriarch :;
forml!r stake president to cotUirm the patriarch's
worthmcess .md past serviet' The nt·w stake pre:.-
1dent then follows the procedure m 15.6.
If the ..tnkc p~idcnt decid not to n:!Com-
mend having the patriarch ~rve mthe new stake,
the patriarch remains onnonfunctioning status
as e~plainoo in 15.5. However, the stake presi-
dent should notify the Offfee of the Quurum of
the Twelve of the patriarch's new address m the
stake.
Patriarchs Who Are Called to Another
Church Position
A palrtarth may nul be c.1Ued to a post lion
of Church administr«lion, such as bishop, high
councilor, or -,t.alo.e pre~ident, unl~s l}w First
Prestdency .tnd Quorum of the Twelve approve
the caU ltl advance. Such a request is rarely ap-
proved. Lf tt IS appro1.red, tnc patriarch is g:iven
nonfuncborung status as explalncd in 15.5.
CoofldentfaJity of Patrlarchal Blessings
To protect the confidentiality of patnarchal
blessing , the stake president ensures thot the
patrtarc'h undemands that after the printed cop-
jes a.re prepared (or the redptent and the blesll-
ing book, the <1udio rt?cm-ding of th~ blessing
.should be t:ra'ICd . Patriarch!-i ho uld not retain
audio 01' elKtronic cop!es o( any bles'"ling once
it hns lx>cn archived at Church headquarters.
[[there is an electronic ropy of the text of a
blessrng, it should be dclctcd from all computl>r
storage, including an} storage devices to 1.-vhich
it may have been copied.
If the computer is to be tumed over to any-
on~ else, either by sale, for salvage, or for use
by others, tht> patriart'h should ,.n~>ure that pre-
viously dt,lleted blessings cannot b(' recovered
through any technical means Thk should b~
done by dthcr w-IOT1Thltting the hord drive or
rurming a deanang utility that will c!lamlnate the
possibUlty o! recovering the text.
137
16. Ordinance and Blessing Policies

16.1 General Pollc:les ••• ••• •• ..•• •••.••.. •• • 140 16..3.11 Persons Who f-In"\? Seen Cohabiting
16 1.1 Worth.mess to Parhcipate man out of Wedlock ... . .. . . . • .. . . . . . • 145
Ordinance or Bless~ng .. .. . . . .. . .. • • . NO 16.3.12 Persons Who Hav~ Bet!n E.'CL'Ommuna·
16.1.2 Tr.\n ..tatmg ,,nd Interpreting cated or H ad Their Namt"S Removed
Orduunc:c.s and Blessings ..•.....•• NO from Church Records . . . . . 145
16.1.3 ~'"Ords of Ordinances . . . . . . . . 1-10 16.3..13 Persons Who Have Been Involved
1614 Performing an Orctlna noc or Blcs..<ilng In an Aborhon .. . . . . . . . . .. .. . . .. .. . 145
tn Al)()th~ Ward • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • 140 16.3 ,. rersons Who Have lk>m CoO\'tCted
161 5 Recording the Words of Ol'c:llnancc<i of ClimQS .. . .. .. .. . .. . .. • .. .. . 145
and Ulcssings .. . .. .. • . .. I•W 18.315 Persons Who Rave HIV Infection
16.1.6 Photograph~ and Video Recordlnss or A IDS • • • . . . • . • . . . • • • • • . . • . 1-15
of Ordinances and Blessings . . 141 18.3.16 Person!' Who Art? Con<~idcMg or ll.lVe
16.1.7 Ordinances for Adopted Children . . . 141 Undergone n Ttnn~~ual Operotlon • . H 6
161.8 Orchnances for Persons Who R;we
16.4 Sacrament • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • . • • • . • • . • 146
Intellectual Disabilities . .. .. • . . . .. .. • 141
16.1.9 Ordinances and Blessings Performed 16.5 Consecrating on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
by o.nd for Persons \Nho Have
Ph)'l>lc.11 Oisabilitit!$ • • . . • • • • • • . • • . . • • 141 16.6 Administering to the Slek • • • . • • • • . • • • • • • 146
16.110 PI"C.la'durl' When an Ordmance 16.7 Conferring the Priesthood and Ordaining
ls Not Valid • . • . loll to an Offtce ...•.....• - •••... ...... •..• 146
16.2 Naming and Bleaalng Children • . • • • . • • • • • 142 16.7.1 Melchizedek Pril!!>'thood Offices • . . . 146
J6 2.1 Ct>n.m~l Cutdehn~ . . 142 16.7.2 Aaroruc Pnestbood Office:. . . . . . • . . . 141
16.2.2 Babtl?::. Who Were Born om of 16.7.3 Prospective Elders ..... . ..... , ...... 141
Wedlod.. .. . .•• • ..• H2 t6,7A Unu...ual C:.rcwru.tnnces . . . • . • . 147
16.2.3 Babies Who Are CrltJcaUy Dl . • • . • 142 16.8 Father's Blessi ngs and Other Blessings
16.2..4 Bableb with a Nonml!mN.r PM\!flt • • • • • N2 of Comfort and CO\Inael • • • .. • . • .. • • • • .. 148
16..3 Baptism and Con1lrma1ton •..•..••. . ••.•• 142 16.9 Dedicating Graves .. • .. .. .. • . • .. • • .. • • • 148
16.3..1 Children Who Are Members
of Record . . . . . . . . . . • • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142 18.10 Setting Apart Officers and Teachers • • • • • • 148
16.3.2 Co11verts • . . • . . • . . • . . . . . • . • . . . . . 143 16.11 Dedlcatl ng Homes .•• • ••••••... • ..••••• 148
16.3.3 l33pti$JJ\ and Confinn.ttion IntErview~ . . 143
16 3.4 Bapti<.lmal Services and Baptism and 16.12 Patriar-chal Blessings ••••••• ... •••.••.•• 148
Conftrmati.on Lu.idellne!> .. . . . . 1-14 16.12.1 General Guidelines . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . • . 14B
16.3.5 Persons Who May Not tJe 16.12.2 Civing Patriarchal Blessingt. to
Accountable . . ••. .••• 141l Members outside the Stake . . . . . • • 149
16.3.6 Minors .. .. • • .• • . 144 16.12.3 Patri4lrchal Blessings for Member.;
16.3.7 Children Who~ Parents Ar~ Ent\•ring the M•llt~try . . . •. . . . • . . . . . 149
Divorced . . • • 14•1 16.12.4 Trnn<~l4l:aon of Patri.rucllal BJ.e~>&ings ... l30
16.3.8 AcluJtr. involved in Pl\tl'lll Mat't'lage . 145 1612.5 Sign l.tl\gu;,ge lnltrp~t.1hon of
16.3.9 Children Whose Parents I law PracHced Pttlnilrchal Blcssmgs , . . . . .•..... 150
or Are Practicing Plural Marriage . 145
16.3.10 Ptm.ons Who Are .M amed 145 Chart of Ordinati ons .. ................. . 150

139
16. Ordinance and Blessing Policies
Thi!> chapter outlines priesthood ordinance
and blessing policies for s take presidents 11.nd
bishops. Instructions for performing ordmance:.
and blessings are o\Jtlined In the following pub--
lications;
Hmulbook 2, chapter 20
F11mily Guidl'book, p11ges 18- 25
Out~s 11nd 8/essmgs of tire Priesthood, Ptrrt B,
pages42-47
Policies thal pertain to temple ordinances are
outlined, in chapter 3 of this hMdbook.
16.1 GeneraJ Policies
16.1.1 Worthiness to Partic ipate In an Ordinance
or Bless ing
Only a Mekhlzedek Priesthood holder who
i& worthy to hold a temple recommend may act
as voice in confirming a person o member o( the
Church, conferring the Melchlzedek Priesthood,
ordaining o1 pt!rson to an office in Lhal priesthood,
or setting aplift a p~:rson to serve in a Church
calling.
As guided by the Spirit and the instructions
in the next paragraph, bishops and stake presi-
dents have discretion to allow priesthood hold-
ers who are not fully temple worthy to peTform
or participate in some ordi.n.ancei and blessings.
However, presjding officers should not allow
such participation if o. priesthood holder has un·
resolved serious sins.
A bishop may allow a fa ther 'vho holds tJ,e
Melchizedek Priesthood to name and blt:S:. hi$
children even il the father is not fully temple
worthy. Likewbe, a bishop may allow o father
who is a priest or Melchizedek Priesthood holder
to baptize his children or to ordain his sons to
offices in lhe Aaronic Priesthood. A Mekhize-
dek Priesthood holder in similar circ:wnstances
may be allowed to stand in the cixcle for the
confirmation of his children, for the conferral of
lhe Melchizedek Priesthood on his sons, or for
the setting apart of his wife or children. How·
ever, he may not act as voice.
16.12 Tran$lating and Interpreti ng Ordinances
and Blessings
If necessary. a presiding officer may ask a
priesll\ood holder to translate or interpret orally
140
an ordinance Or blessing into a language that the
recipient understands. 1f a priesthood holder
ls not avai lable, a presiding officer may ask a
woman to do the translation.
A presiding officer mny also ask a priesthood
holder to interpret an or&nance or blessing if the
recipient is deaf or hearing impaired. II a priest-
hood holder is not available, a presiding officer
may ask a woman to do lhe interpretation.
For information about translation and slg11
language intetpret:ation of patriarchal blessin&s,
see L6.J2.4 and 16.12.5.
16.1.3 Records of Ordinances
When a person receives a saving ordinance
or priesthood ordlnation, a clerk from ~ ward
where the person's membership record is held
(1) obtains information about the ordinance or
ordination and (2) ensures that this information
is reco-rded on the person's membership reconl
and on the certificate.
The complete date lhat the following ordl-
nances were performed should be recorded on a
person's membership record: baptlsm, confirma-
tion, priesthood ordinations, temple endowment.
sealing to parcntl;, and temple sealing. For Mel-
chlzedek Priesthood ordinations. the name of the
person who perfomwd each ordination shouJd
also be re«~rded .
16.1.4 Performing an Ordinance or Blenlng in
Another Ward
To act as voice when na.rrung and blessing a
child- baptizing or confirming a person, ordain·
ing a person to a priesthood office, or dedicatirlg
a grave, a prieslhood holder who is outside his
own ward shollld show the presiding officer a
cUJ'rent tee, pie recommend o r a Recommend to
Perform an Ordinance form that is signed by n
member of his bishopric.
16.1.5 Recording the Words of Ordinances
and Blenlngs
Patriarchal blessings are recorded and tran-
scribed. The exact wording of other ordinances
and blessings is nol recorded in writing or by
recording device. However. a family may record
father '~; blessings.

16.t6 Photographs end Vldeo Recordings of
Ordlnanus and Blessings
No ont !-ihould tab photograplti, motion
ptctuO!S, or \I ideo reconiings o{ priesthood ordt
n.1nc(H; or blessings or of bapn :moll "iervtces.
161.7 Ordlnances tor Adopted Chtldren
Aher a lt•pl adopbon ~ final. adopted dul-
d~n m:ch ~ ordin;mces tn llw surname of their
<~dophvc parent An old r child who is adopted
.tfb·r btlphsm j, not \'\Jpti:ct'J a!Satn A w.u-d clerk
ch.1ng tht> membership record to conlorm to
the dl"C~~ of ~dopbon.
ror tn!on:n.;ltton about the sealing of 01doptl-d
or (oc-t~r ch1ldnm, ~ 3.6.2
16.1.8 Ordlnane&a tor Persons Who Have
Intellectual 01aabilltles
When coru.iderlng whether to perform ordi·
nant'\ for a ~r"iin who has an intelloctual db-
nbllatv. pn thood lt!aders and parents should
pr.,ycrfully consider the person's wishes and
degn."t.•llf und '1"\t.mJing. Oruinanc~ hi'>uld not
trt' walhhdd I( tlw per:,un is worthy. wants to
1\.'Ct!l\i~ them, and demonstrates an appropriate
dt-gn:' Clf re;,ponsibillty and i1CC'OUnl:abthty
Living persons whose dis.1bilitJ~ c.1u.se them
to have thr mtC'II 'C"tunl rap.10ty of lattl.:' chtldren
&~ nut ncoounttlbll! ( ~e O&C 2q .J6- 50) The
s.wing oniinanccs do not n.ced to be performed
forth • individuZJ1s. A bi'lhop coNiult:s \~th his
«llll.e pres1dent if h tw. quesnoru. about spedbc
pcrsoru Titi? stake president may d.i:rl'ct ques·
11on~ lo the> Olf ~ of the Fir-rt Presidency tf nec-
t."'l<.lty
tf k·~d~n. uctt>rmine thai a rerson :,hould re-
U'IW .111 ordinance. tht>) help ham or her wuier-
!.h,nd lind pYl'pare lor tt
lnform~tbon about individlhll ordinances (or
persons who have lntdll'Cturu dir;.,bllities 111 pro-
\' idcd M follow .
1. For b~ptism, see 16.3.5
2. Por pn~tllood onii.n.lllon. see "Brethren Who
J-hlVe lntl'llec.tual Ol"<<biliti~" in 16.7.4
3. For p.1trlarchal blessings, see the fifth par.l·
graph tn 16.12 l
4 For tempi ordirtanccs, see " Members Who
Ha\•c Di b11iti • tn 3.3.3; see al.;o 3.7.6.
16 OrJmiltltt lt•toi iJkiJtiiJ Polit:.ws
16.19 OrdJnances and Bteulngs Perfonned by and
for Petsone Who Have Phyefcal OisabUiUes
P ns who have phy •\;at di9bthties, uch
as t~ I of nn or both arm . p~r3ptegia. quad-
rip!~. deafn~::o, ur 4. ht!artng lmpa.itment. may
perform ,,nd rvcetvc ordtn.anct.os and blosings
Lead •f'i m kc tht" nl'C'C',,..F\' ~rr.lllgtc>ments for
the<e per;ons to par1klpate in \\il) S tholt tht>ir
dts.lbllilies allow If lcadt·~ h;we qut"'tion.t:. ttl.:)
cannot rec;olve, th~ ..take president rl!ft!tS th.e
que:,-tlons to th • Offlc~ of the Fir..t ProstdcnC)
Penons who •rrc del!( or heanng impaired
ma} communkate through -.ign language when
pedormlng or recet\ing an ordinance or bleS~t­
lng. 1\ prics.lhood lcadt•r who ove~ an ord.i-
1\MCC cnwre<~ that the recipient can understand
lt through on lntcrpreter or by other means (see
l6.1.2).
16.110 Procedure When an Ordinance Ia Not Valid
Ordlnancea fOt WhiCh Tl\ero Is No Volld Record
for record ·k~ptng purp , an ordin<Jncc
is not c:on.-;iden>d vabd uttl~~.... ~tt le.bl Ule correct
y~ar 1t W..i:t perfcrmed b n.."\:orded on lhe mcm·
bership te\:Ord H th~ d.1te is mi.;...ing or in orrcct,
lh • ordinmtt c;m be v.lhdatt:d by the member
>hl)w ang thf. blshop till! original certificate that
was u. ut'd \\ he.n the ordinance wns performed.
Th · bf.. h p Lht•n 01 k., ,, clerlto re ord this infoc-
m•ti&>n an lh • rnembenhip r«n«l.
If th~ mcmbct a1ntwt provide the cert.ifu:ate,
.1 ward dcr~ CAn k fur a se.Jrcl\ of Chwcl\ rec-
ords (avai1.1bl • onl)' for 1 :ocord uhm1tt00 btfore
1 84) by compl~ring :.1 Reyut....t for Ordin.'nce ln-
funnation form.
If the informtltwn Ci\nJKlt be fount! in Olurch
record!>, tht! bl'-'hOp or derk ~w II) to 'en!y the
ordln.mc:c by obtilining the te-tlnlony of two wit-
nesscs.1'he two witn ~~~ ~hould·
1. Have been 10 years of <~gc or older whc.-n the
ordtnancc wt~s performed.
2 Hav<' ac1:n .1nd hc3rd the ordirnmce.
J Be 0\urch mem~r.; ol recol'd ill the tune they
gtvc their tl.-stimon)
4 Gl' l thcu h.'!.lllnony '" writ11'\g, stAting ~lther
M the.• compll•tc d"'te ahe orclsn.lnc-e was per-
form~ ur (b) the ye;u- It was performed a.nd
the pctSOn who ~rformed It
5. Sign their wttttcn te>l1mon) an ~ pl\~C\1 of
a me~ o( the bishopnc or a h1giwt Church
authonty.
141
 If lhis testimony is obtaineJ. the b~hnp may
authorize a clerk to record or correct the da t ~ on
the membership record. 'The! written t~timony
may then be dls<ardcd.
If the ordJ.nanc~ f.s not ve_ri!ied by an original
certificntt>, a eiltt-h of ChUJ"cl\ records. or the tes-
tunOn) of wltn~, it must be performed again
to be ronstdered valid
II the member has rec:eived other onii.nances
clfter h.1vmg received an Invalid ordl.nanc:~. they
must be ratified by the fusl Presidency to be con-
sidered valld To request roHfica tion, tlle stnke
presjdent sends a letter to the Office of the: F1n.t
Presidency.
Ordlnances That Were Received out of SequenCle
An ordinance is not vahd tf a person rerewed
it out o! sequence. For ""'mple. the endowment
of a male member'' not vahd 1f he rec:ewed it
before receiving the Melc.hl2edek Priesthood.
However, the First Presidency may railly such
an ordinance. To request ratification, the s take
prt...idcnt sends " letter to the Offic.e of the F'n-st
Presidency.
Ordlnancos That Were Perfonned before the
Appropriate Age
An ordinance is nol valid If it\\ a!. p •rformcd
before the appropriate ago. Par example, .s b.lp-
lism is not vahd tf it was performed before the
person was 8 years nge. [f no other urdinnnC\!S
nave been NCCiVed bused un th~ invalid Ordi-
nance, it l'hould be performod ilgaln. 1£ other
ordinances, <.uc.h a pn thood ordination, have
been rettlved based on the mvalld o rdinance,
tho~.e ordtn11nces .tnd lh~ imalld ordinance must
be ratlfJed by the Fu~>t Presidency to be vnlid.
To rC<llll'l:. l raliflcatioo, the stake president ~>et~ds
itl feller to the Office of the First Presidency.
Records of Ordinances That Were Performed Agdln
If an ordmance was perlonned .tgru.n to be-
come valid, a clerk records th~ date ll was per-
(omll'd again on the memtM!rs.h1p record e\-cn if
It wiD appear out o( sequenc:e with the date:. of
other 0Tdm.1nces on the membership record.
16.2 Naming and Blessing Children
16.2.1 General Guidelines
"Every member of the church of Christ h<lV-
lng child ren is to bring them unto the elden.
before the church, who ~ to lay their hand$
142
upon them in the name of Jesus Chribt, and bles!>
tht!.lll in his name' (D&C 20:70) . ln conformity
with this revelation, only Mekhizedel.. Pri~thood
holdeT'S may p<~rttdpate m naming and bless·
lng children Prie:,thood le.1ders s ho uld tnlorm
members of thls 11\Struchon before their children
arc n:~mcd .\_nd bl~d . Wlule preserving the
sacred natur"i? of the bl~sing, leaders should
rn(lke every te.lsonabJe effort to avoid embarrass·
mcnt or offense to mdlviduals or families
Chlldr~m are normally named and blessed
during fast and testimony meeting in lhe ward
wht!re lhe parents are members of record.
The following poboes apply to blessmg ba-
btes m special circumstances.
1622 Babies Who Were Born out of Wedlock
Children who were born out of wedlodunay
h\! blessed during fast and testimanr meeting J!
a fau\ily pre(t!l'b, the bishop may authorize Mel·
du.zedek Priesthood holder~:> to bless the child
in th~ nom~. vt'ith t1 mcmbt>r of the b ishopric pre-
su.Hng
16.2.3 Babies Who Are CriUcaJty Ill
I[ a newborn infant JS aibcally Ul, tt Melchize...
dck Prie:o::thood holder lllilY perform th.e namlng
and blessing in the ho!;pitOII or at nome without
previous authonzation from tht> bishop. A per·
son who does this noti6e:; the bishop promptly
so necessary record~ con bl• made.
162.4 Babi es w ith a Nonmember Parent
When eilhor of c1 child ' p.uents is not a mem·
bcr l'l( thl' Chmch, the bishop should obtain ver-
bal p<!tmi!Non from both parents before the chlld
ls blcsscc:i. f<le explains that a membership record
wiiJ be pn.,~d tor the chlld after the bles:.ang.
He should also teD them (1) that ward members
will contact Lhem periodir:ally and (2) that when
lne child reaches age 8. the bishop or th~ W<lrd
rrusssorurries will Vlsit them and propose that the
child be baptized
16.3 Baptism and Confirmation
16.3.1 Children Who Are Members of Record
Under lhe dlrecbon uf the pr~iding author·
ity, chlldren who are members or record should
be bapli?ed and conftrmed on or a oon after
their 8th blrthcla • cl5 wasonable. The~e are chil·
dren for whom Ouu-ch membeiShip rec:on.b al-
ready ex.ist (see 13.6.2).
 Bishops give . p«ial attention to 7·yl'ar~ld
children in the wani, ensuring that their parents.
Primary leaders and teachers. and home teach-
ers help them prepare for bdptism and confirma·
tion. MelclUzedek Priesthood and Relief Society
leaders also enrou:rage parents to teach and pre-
pare their children for these or<l.i11<rnces. When
ehlldren reaeh age 8, th~ bishop makes sure they
have every opportunity to accept the gospel and
be bapti:r..ed and confurned
16.3.2 Converts
11\e mis..ion ptl!!!lide.nt l'lolds the l..~!ys fur bap-
ti.ztng and confirm.ing cottverts. Under Ius dl~
non, full-time mi-ssion.uiee; conduct a bapti~-m
and confirmation interview for t!dC:h candidate:
and authoriZe 11\e ordinnnces to take place Ute
mission preSident also oversees the r«ording
of the ordinances by the m~iorl staff :.o that a
membership record can be created.
The fuU-titne missionaries coordinate closet)'
with the ward mission leader, who is responsi·
bl{' for $Ched u ling nnd o rganjz ing baptismal ser·
vkb Bi hop t'nsure lhnt converts an! con finned
tn a sa~ament meeting.
Conv~rt baptisms are dt:Rnlo'd cl bapllSms
of (1) petSOnS ages 9 and older wno ha"c nevl!T
~n bapti;tcd and conflrml'd .tnd (2) children
age 8 wh()S(I paren~ are not members or are be-
mg baptized and confinn~d at the same tune its
the children.
former members who a~ readmitted by bap-
tism and confirmation after excommunication
or n.1m1: rumovaJ are not considered convert!>.
Missionaries may not interview them for bap-
tism. For information about readmittmg (or-
mer members by bapti5m and confirmiltion, see
6.11.12 and 6.13 3
16.3.3 Baptism and Conflrmetlon Interviews
An authorizt.>d pric:-.thood let~dcr or mi,.~inn­
ary interview!. ~lch petson beforo baptism ot1d
c:onfirmabon as outlined in th1s sectJon.
Elght·Year..Oid CNldren
The biShop or an asstgned counselor oondul!ts
interviews for the baptism and confirmation of
8-year-old childT2n who are memben» of record
.md 8-y~.!r-old children who are not members
o( record but hav~ at least one parent or gunrd~
ian who is a member. Th~ full-time mw lonaries
teach and anterview 8-year·old children whoM?
parents are not member .md children who wtll
be 9 years old or older at the time: of bapti'4m
A bl..hopric member who interview> a child
fur' b11ptbm en~ure..'i that he or she understands
the purpose:. of b.1ptism. He also enSUN. that
Cilc.h child understand the bapbsm.ll CO\ enant
and b committed to live b} it:. As guided by th~
SplrJl. he cot.tld ask q\lestJons similar to th~ first
twn th<~t ill'\7 a:>kcd ln convert bapti m lntervit?Ws
(see ''lnlervlew Instructions ~ on page 14-l.). In
asking other questions. the interviewer hould
bear in mind that children are accounted as sin-
less before God until the age of 8.
Converts
The full-time missionary dlstnct Leader nor~
mally interviews convert bapttsm cafldidatcs (om
defined m 16.3.2) The zone leader condt~cts the
int~rvi ew il the ~n w~ taught by the district
leader. M1~ionanes are authorized to cond\cJCt
tl:tese int~rvicws by delcg11tion 4.1( 4u thnrity from
thct nUSSJOO president
Ench prospective convert should mt.l-Ct wfth
the bishop bdore b;~ptibm and coMirtnaUon
However, the bishop does not interview such
candidates for baptism. nor does he derennine
their worthiness.
Aulhol'i.zafion from the nussion president a:.
requirL-'d ~fore a prospective con vert may be
baptized .md confirmed lf the person:
I. Ha<:> ubmitted to, per-formed, arranged for,
piUd for, t onsentoo to, or encouraged an abor-
hon.
2. Has been convicted of a serious crime (~'C
16.3 U ).
l. Has COmm.tlted a homosc:<ual trllnsgrc JOn.
In these mstances, the rn.ission president con
ducts a searching interview and t""u~ a B3pt1Sm
.md Confirmation Record if he detemun~ t.h.lt
the person has repented and is worthy.
If necessary, the mission president may au-
lhori.c.e one of his counselors to conducl the in-
tervmw in cases of a bortion. Each mtaviewmu.st
be authorized pa.rMely. The coun~lor who
co.nduc~ it rt!porls to the miss1on prestdcnt, who
may then aurhori:r.c or deny the bdpti~tm and
confirmotton.
The mission president must conduct an in·
tervtcw and receive authorimhon from the First
Pre.idency befor e a prospectl\'\' con''l'rt may be
baptized and confirmed il the pc.rwn.
1. Has committed murder (see 16.3. H).
2. Ha!> been rnvolved in the practice of p lural
mruna.ge (see 16.3.8 and 16.3.9).
143
 3 I Ia undergone n ~lcctlvc transsexual uper-
lti n ( 16 16).
4. I" CUM't'nll · on lt"g~l probation or parole (see
16...1.1 ).
lntervtew InstructiOns
Tiw p n who conducts a convert baptism
and confirm4lion tnt n •it!w u~ th~ followmg
qu. nof\ • ""llh the gutdancr" C\f the Spint, to d~
td'm.ine wh~l'T the c.tndHlat~ met• Is the qu.-.Wi•
cations di?5Crtlx'\lm Dt<C 20:37 (~ al'O \1o...i:\h
UJ 8 10; Moroni o.l ) lltc "questions appl)
h) all~ .lf\dtd.ltc-. but huuld be .tdapted to the
~rson'a agl .tnd m..1turity
1. Do vou b~ll~·\ ~ th. t (.tKit1 our Ft.ema1 father?
1)o you b~bl've that ) t.>'!tU~ Chrit,t 1s the Son
of Cud ltnd th~ S.wior ,tnd Redeemer of tht!
world?
2 Oo you bl•h<-vt> that the.> Church and go:.pel of
jesU' Chrht h. \ c lx'en r~tored through the
Prophd J~ph Smtth' Do vou bebe\e that
lcurrt>nt ChurC'h Pr~""ldcntl ts a prophet ot
God? What d~ tht ml•an tn ) ou?
3 Wlut d~ h m ~'" lo you to repent? Do you
tee) that ~ ou hnvl• ~rented ot your p01~t
tran<gre tons?
4 Ha\~ ou e10 L!f com.mtltoo .a St'n~ mme? II
, are yw mw. \.ln probation or parole? 1~
ruotru hOf\!> ( dte pe~ ;mswers a.Uinna-
tt\ ly, lb.!\ 14) lla~~ you t:verpartici~tf'd
tn n bort n? homase"Wa.lre.lationship?
5 'lou h.l\ e been taught that mt!mbt!rshtp m The
C.hunh ot J U5 Clmst of Latter--day S.ttnt
lndudt.~ lh:in,to; go~p.:'l c;t'lod,ud.s. Wh11t do
you understo1nd about the followsn~ "''·ln·
dard, 1 Arc you wtlling h obtry them7
.1 . Th~lnw of ch.1..Ht~ . "htch prohibits any
~.~~ual rcl~tum~ ou de the bonds of .tlegru
rnotri.tg'-' bel\\ l.'en o m tn and a woman.
b. 'llw l.nv uf hlhing
c. Thl" Word of \V~nrn .
d . Kc ptng tht: ..1bb.1th day hoi}. including
partaking ol th~ sacrament weekly and
t\'ndenng •rvrn- to others.
6 Wll\>n you are baphud, you covenant '"Hh
God that yuu are willing to take upon youn~etf
the name of Christ ;and keep His rotnn'l.1nJ·
tnentl!> throughout your UJe. ~ ~'OU read to
m.tL! lh1s ro\Oenanl.and trivto to be! huthtul
to it?
ftcr d ~ • Uwtt candidoltc: t't pl't'pAmi
f<n b.lphmt4 t lnl m· '\ cr tills out the U..pn-.m
144
and Confirmahcm R.! nrd ccording to 11\..truc-
tions wrlh the (orm AW·r pe~n lS c:onhnned,
the bi hop nnd w.ud clt"d: i:!tUtue that the con·
firm:ttton tnfurmation Is complete and (Orrecl
ror more mlormation obout the &ptic;m and
Confirmnt on R-.•cord, H4uJboo 1. 20.3.11.
163<4 BeptlamaJ Services and Baptism and
Conflrmatton Guidelines
For gwi.ldtnL::t on b; pti m..tl <;en'X"e", ~ Ha,ul·
lwk 2, 20.3 4.
For guidclin on h.,ph!tfl'l end ~mfi rm.1tian,
~ Htmdl\'1QJ.. 2, 20.3.5 through 20.3.11.
16.3.5 Persons Who May Not Be Accountable
r t!I'&O who h.n C lnteiiC'~ IU\\J d ilk1billtll~ and
c.,nnot knowmgl) rt•fwnl 0\i\Y bt• con...den.>d by
the bt hop M nolaC'Count41blc lltese persons do
nnt n ~ ' '' he ~.1ph1~ '"d confirmed. regard-
1 so( thmr •S" Tht-r, ~ ..Sl'ved in the cele tial
kingdom nf ht.'Awn" (o&C 137·10, see a.lso lo-
roni 8·8-12).
Ua per.;an lac •r demonstratt.'S an wlderst.uld-
ang of n>p •ntan and an approprit1te degree of
ccountabthty and dt~tre, h~ ur ht' ma} ~b.,.,.
nzed and confirmed. lf • person Wob b.tptued
but later bec~>m ant lk wally dioo, bled, the bap-
tism and confimut on r~ tJII valiJ.
For adJiltoMI gutdclt~ , 16 l • F1:>r in-
fonnal.ion aboutth membership re..:ord o( Pf"I·
son.' who may n1>t bt• ccounusbl~, ~ 13 6.10.
838 M•nora
A mtnor c:hiiJ ~~.-. d ·hncd by 1CX'al Llws. may
be b.1pltud and confirmed only when both of the
(t'llluwmg cnndiunn1 are met
l. CollS('nt h.us been gl"en b · the custodi:~l par~
l"f\t(~) or l•g.,l ~uardlnn(s) l'hc ~rson who
conducti tht• bapusm and ccmfirm.Jhon mtcr·
\·tew may .l!tlo. fC\r tht.:. ~on~nt to~ an wntmg
if he fa· Is It wall hrlp pti!\'Cnt rrusund r:.tand·
i.ngs
2. ltw pc~n whl) <cmducl:. the b<tptl.Sm and
conftnnaUC1n Interview dao.c •m thal theno
Is clc.u 10hi~n« that tht! thtld understands
the b.lf tl m 1 rov~·nM t and 1.-,;UI mab even
effort tu kt.~p II through obeymg th(! com·
m4lndmt>nh, ncludtn~ f.uthfullv attending
C.hurc.h m tinp;.
18.3 7 Children Whose Parents Are Divorced
A child wh p.ucn are di\'ort't-od m11y he
bJphud and contlrmcd onI) "ath the penn ton
 of the p.::~rent(s) with 1~<11 CU$toJ) If the mother
has CU!.tody t'lnd has rem.:tm.ed, and lf the c.hild
ts not Connally adapted but hAs assumoo the
&umam~ of the <otepfathcr, the c:htld may be bap-
tized and conJirmed tn iM name by w llich he
or sh(! wiiJ be knc>wn However, the child s legal
Mm"', ru. ddinl."d b) locDllaw or custom should
be rtc()rded on th mem~r:>hip record and the
b.lpU.!•m .md confirm-'tiM certtfic:.'lte.
16.3.8 Adults fnvotved In Plural Marrfage
An adult wl\ll ha · pnwlou Jy ~:-ncourc1ged,
taught, or lx"-'ll ~nvolved ln !.he prcn:tice of plural
marMg • must l"l"C~Wc .lpprovJl from the First
l,teildency before he or sh •mny be baptu·4'Cl and
confirmed Th~ mission president may request
lhas approvil.l from l h~ Office of the first Presi·
dency The requ~ t o;hould provide information
about lht! mdaviduaJ's past involvement in plural
Mi\mage .tnd his or her subsequent repentance
And cum:nt fQJJ\iJy situation
16 3.8 Chfldren Whose Parents Have PracUced or
Are PracUclng Plural Marrlege
Chlldrt'n of p.lrel\ts who have pr<Jcbced or
.lre pr.lcbdng plur~ l t'IMni.sg~ c:ontr;,ry to the law
must n.."C'Cive approvl'll from the fir.;t Pre::;idency
bt>f ~ tht!y m01v be bt~ptizA.-d ""d confirmed The
rru.ssion pre idcnt m.sy rcqu t thb lllpproval
from the Orfit'\! of lh~ First Pati1den >when he
is sabs.fied thill all ~ or the following requt.re-
m~l:!!iaremet:
I. Tht' chtldrcn •ettpt the teotclungs and doc-
trln • of the Church.
2. Tht• rh1ldr<'n n•pudiiltt" the teadUJ'lg UJ>('n
Wnkh lt\l'Jr pArents b~ thetr practice Of
plural mBrrlogt>
3 Minor chiJdR;'n drt" not hvmg '" cl home wnere
pulygrutty is betng I.'IUght or practiced.
16.3.10 Persona Who Are Married
A married pt'T'SOn mu t hove the l'Ol'l&cr'lt of
his or hQr spouse bt!fore belng b<~pti2ed.
16.3.11 Persons Who Have Been Cohabfttng
out of Wedtoc k
A bap mwJ Cllndidat:e wno ha..-. been cobab-
iUng out of wedlock with a person of the oppo-
!Ult! g •nder must either rn.urv the person or cease
II\ ing With th~ pe~n bdo~ ~ or she tal\ be
b.lptu.cd.
16.3 12 Pef"'J..na Who Have Been Excommunicated
or Had Their Names Removed from
Church Records
Per.;on" who h.lvc been c mmunic«1tcd may
be t'f! dmiltc-d Into th~ C...hurch h b.3pti ..m and
confirmation. ln..,trucbon:o .ue pro\ tdcd in 6.12.
puurulllrly 6 12 12
Persoru; wl\o have had lhcir n.Jml>s removed
from Church memhe~hip record may be reo
admitted by b01pti-m1 an\.1 contlJlJUUOn lnstrut·
Hons an> provided 1n 6.14 .t .
t6.3J3 Persons Who Have Been Involved In
an AbortJon
Sl.>e "Curw •rlb · in 16.3.3.
t6.3.14 Peraona Who Have Been Convicted of Crimes
Pcrsaru. who have bcc.n convicted of cnmes
and &eM'~ h3pti~m feu the fir..t time or bJpt:ism for
mldmissl n Into tht' lhun:h may not bt.> bnptlzed
and confmned untll they compi t.;o their tenns of
onprl601Unent ~who huvc been convicted of
felonit!s or an)' crimes of immorul c:hur.tct~ m.l)
not be baptiud and conttrmcd until they have
etso con\p1c:tt'd thelr tcmu of pamlc or probabon
rcsuJtmg from the~r cun~ lct:ions (unless the nest
Pre.JJ~n ' has granted an ex~ption) They are
ncoun~ged to work cfo:.dy with 10011 priesthood
I~ lU" at\d co do everythtng they can to OOc:nme
worthy ol b.tpusm and mnfinnatJon.
fuli · U~ m .....Junzui a~ not h> teach people
wh.o are ln p n or jilll
A pt>r.>On who has been convicted of munle.r.
or who h.'s con! :>!-sed to H even in priutt> conles-
ion'> to a pn thood le3der1 m.1y not be baptized
and ronfttmt!d unlt!l.'> the? First P~ldency gi\ es
permission 11\t? r~qucst for pt>rm1ssion must
Include all pertinent dctafiR a<J determiru.-d dur-
ing a ~onalante.rview by U1e mis.<>ion presi-
dent (lf the person is seeking b<tptism (or the
fir;t hme) nr thC' bishop (if n former member 1S
~g ~dml )lon) As u.<oed here, murder does
not include poLk~ or military ,lctlon m the line
u( dut) Abttrllon 1101 definc<l •\!'> murdCT for
th• purp<he
16.3.15 Persona Who Have HIV Infection or AIDS
Perscns who are anf ~:et~ wllh Hl\ or who
hllve AJOS .u~ li'C<lt<'t.l anyone el~ who eA-
p~ f~u th In God, repent , requests bapli. Ol
and con.firmatlon, and is living the gospel of
J~u Chn.,t.
145
!O Ordiltilll!.UJ!d BltWng Poltrin
1G.3.16 Persons Who Are Considering or Have
Undergone a Transsexual Operation
A person who b considering an elective l:rarur
sexual operation may not be bapti.zed or con·
firmed 6.-tpb.sm .md conf.irmaban oi a person who
h.\5 already undergone an elective transsexual
op ration require the approval of the First Prcsi·
den('y. The missjon presjdent may requ~t thb
•lpprovaJ if he has mteiViewed the person. round
hlm or he.r to be otherwise worth}', and can rocom·
mend baptism. However, such persons rna}' not
~elve lhe priesthood or tt teo1ple recommend.
164 Sacrament
See f£mdbt>c>k 2, 20.4
16.5 Consecrating Oll
$.-e Hmul11oc# 2. 20.5
16.6 Administering to the Sick
See llanliboolc 2, 20.6.
16.7 Conferring the Priesthood and
Ordaining to an Office
18.7.1 Melchlzedek Priesthood Offices
Stak& President's and Bishop's Responsibilities
The stake president ovt?~c!ii th~ conferral
o( the MclchiUJdek Priesthood and ordinations
to tht? office:. of elder and high priest. However,
the bishop usually tnitiates ~om:numdations
(or the~ ordinations. With lhe approval of the
stake presidency, the blshop intervi~o the ml?m
twr as Instructed on the Melchl7.edelc Prie.thood
Ordination Record. Before doin~ so, he carefully
reviews the per:.on 's membership t'('C(Itd to v~~
ify that it does not include an annotation or •
comment about an ordini\nce restriction or un-
resolved Chu.rch diSC~plin ~.
After the bishop In tt~rvk•wl:i the member, the
stake presldenl or one of his counselors ronducts
a thorough, searching tntervlew b Instructed on
the Melcltitedt'k Pnesthood Ordination Record.
He also makes sure lhe membel' understands the
oath and covenant of the priesthood and agrees
to live by it {!i<>e D&C 84:33-44).
After the iJlt"rview, the stake presidency r1sks
the h.igh council to sustain the d ~~on to ordain
the person. A member of the ~take pre<~1dency
then presents the person for a su~>la lnU'\g vote
146
in the general session of stnke conference or in
a stake general priet.thood meeting (~ D&C
20:65, 67). rhc person stlould stand while the
con.gregabon give:. a sust~ining vote The mem-
ber of the stake pre:.idency may troy:
"We prop~ thiitlname] receive the Melchi·
Zl'dek Pnesthood and be ordained an elder [or we
propOM? that (name) be ordained a high priest).
Thuse tn favor rnaylJlili\ifest it by the upUited
hand JPause bnefly for the sustaining vote.]
Those opposed. i! any, may manifest at fPause
briefly to allow for a disSt!tlting votl.', if any.)"
The pecson who tS bemg presented should
participate in the sust.lming vote. If more thi.lfl
one person i.s being pre:.ented, they usually may
be sustninccl as a KJ'OUP
If r1 member i.n good st•nding glv~ .t dissent-
tng vote, o mt~mbcr of tht' o;t.lke presidency con·
(crs with him or ht!r privately ilfter the meeting.
The o(ficer determines whether the dissenting
vote W>h basC'd on knowledge that the person is
gulhy of conduct thnt should dlSqDalify him from
bemA ordained to the pri~thood office.
Some brethren may need to be ordamed be.··
fore they can be presented ina general st.a.lu? mt.>et·
mg. When thas occurs, Lhey arc presented in thcir
ward sacrament meetinfr-> for a "usmaning vote.
Ihcir names are then presented in the next stake
conference or stake gcner1.1l priesthood meeting
to ratify the ordination.
When lhc neccs~ory in terviews and appro\•·
als are completed, the!' ordination i& perfonned ac-
cording to the instructions in Hmrdbook 2, 20J.l.
Elders
Worthy brethren may receive the Melrhize-
drk Priesthood and be ordained elders when
th~y are 18 year5 old or older. Based on indivld·
uDl circwnstances, such as a young man s tC'Sti·
mony and matunty, school graduation, d~!>ifl:! to
continue with peers, and college ilttendanc~. the
bishop determlneo whether., young man hould
be ordiWlcd an elder soon after hl.s 18th birth-
day or rernuln with the priest quorum longer.
.In maldng thlt. decision, th~ b1~hop consults first
with the young mnn and his parents. By age 19,
or prior to le.:svmg home to attend college, ser\'e
m the mihtary, Of accept full·time employment,
all worthy brethren should b~ otda.ined eJde.rs.
RecentJv baptized brethren ages 18 and older
a1'e ordained elders after they have served a:.
priesh., developed s ufficient understanding o(
the gospel, and demonstrated their worthine.~
No •;pecific time as a member is required.

High Priosta
Brethren are ord~ high priests wh® they
are caUed to~ t<1ke p~id~ncy. high coune~l. OT
bishopnc or when otherwiSe detennined b} the
stnkc pre!>tdenl. As an exception. bishops' coun-
lors m wards thilt are in young single adult
st.-tk~ du not n~ to t>e ordamed high pri~t:.
(~ ..Lc.ldt.'T8rup· ln c:u.n
Onl y haghpn~ mJ} tandlntheclrdewhen
orda.uung 01 m.1n to tlw olfice of hi$ pncst
16.7.2 Aarontc Priesthood Offices
Bishop's Aesponsib lty
Th~ ba!>hop OV\!1"'\t!l'~ the conferral of the
A<JTONC' rocslhood ond ordimtion to the offJC'e<l
of deacon, teacher, and prie&t. Worthy brethren
!>houJd ~ ordruned at Lhe following minimum
•lge ·
De-acon. age 12
Tt!a(her .lgtt 14
Pnt.: t: 11ge 16
lhc bishop or on assigned counselor intcr-
vacw br~thn-n ~ho nn• to bt• ordained deacons
or tt>ilchers to determ~ if thev ace worth The
bi hop tnt~n tcws brethren ~·ho ;u-e to be or·
d4Jnc.tod pn~t5. a~· fore inhm'1t'\\ ing young man
(or priothood ordinau.on. a rrn:mberof the bi!lh-
opnc obtatns pemusston from tht- young man's
pa~nb or guardia05
U il mA!mhcr is found worthy in an mten-iew,
the pt.'T&an who l"Onducts the inten·iew complete>
til£ Aruonlc f'riesthood. Ord.i..na.tion Record. The
b~hop or one ol his tounsetors presents the
m ·mbcr m "'-lcrammt ml"Ctmg for the susta1ning
voll! of uwml>l't (::.n• D&C 20 bS). TI)iS should
follow the pattern lor p~ting brethren for
Mt.•lchi.tcdl't.. PriC'ttlhl~tld ordin.ttlon (t-ee 16.7.1).
Jf t1 mcsn~1r Jn good e.l..u\dlng gtVC!Ill da.ssettting
vot<!1 n member of the bbhoprlc con(c~ wtth him
or her privntcly after the mC'f'ting.
Aft~r the '>U5tMning vote. the otdin>ttion io;
performL-d by or under the d1roction of the bishop
according to iru.trucnons m HJmdbook 2, 20.7.1.
Young Men Whose Parent. Ale Divorced
A young mJn who.:>e p<1rents are dtvorc~
tM}" be on.lain~d to Aaronk r-ncsthood offices
t'MI) wdh the pcrml .. 10n of the panmt(s) wtth
l ·s~J L"'Witody. If the mother has custody and has
retnilm ~ . and lf the young m:ln is not formally
o1dopt d but has rum4.-d t.lte ..umame of the
lt.'pf tht-r, ht! ln:l)' be orJllint>tl in th • Mme b\0
Jo om,,I.CIIl ,. "'1.1 Bltnl"g Pol~C~t$
which he ts known Howc~ver, the }·oung man's
legal n..1me, "" ddincd by local law or custom
should be m.~rdL'tf on t~ ontinabon certificate.
Recently Baptized and Confirmed &eth,_,
Brethren agt"\ 12 and uldt>r '" hoh.l\1~ 1\."-"eettly
been ooptJzcd and conhrmed hou.ld n: ·tve th.:-
\amnk Pric thood <1nd he ord•lined to the ap-
propriate effie~ ~n fter their ®nJi.nn;,Uon,
normally within a ~Ct.-~ ~fort> .re«'iving the
pne-~thood, they must~ t.ntct\ i~:"... ec:t for1vorthi-
ne.s and pre<~ented in sac::r.unen.t meeting for a
sustl'lirung vot{' Brethren ages 16 and older a~
ordnme>d pril'!tt o~th~ <lg~ 19 .md older are
albo t\)llbtic..lervd pn.><.pct"tiv~ elder.. c~ 16.7 3).
BeC'l\U'IC brethrt>n who hllve been .recently
b.lptized and conJu•m ~• need to be interviewed
by th.c bishop nnd sust.llncd bv o vote of ward
member~ befon• tlwy .ut• ord;lincd to nn A.1f(lf1k
Priesthood office the)' are not on.Jam~d on the
day th~y are b:tph7i'd or (Onllrmed
Bapti'inh (I( f.lm1l}' m~s should not be
delayed so the fatht?r (~n r XtttVl" th • priesthood
.1nd perform the b>lpb."m" him:.eH.
16.7.3 Prospecttve Elders
A ptc.b~LI"c elder is a male Olurc.h mem-
ber o1ge 19 en older who d ~ not hold the '-lliel-
chtl.-edt"k f'n thood • .\1nmt.>d br~thren who .u-e
youn~ •r than tQ tnd Jo not hold tht: Meldu.ze-
dek Pni.'Stl\ood an: also pr p ·clan: eJd~n.
Th~ bi,hop intt>n' t'W pn.hpt.>ell\ e elden. reg-
uwl AJ\d wor d0Sl'1y with other prie5thood
I ~.1d~ tn the w.ud to prcpnrc th •m to r~.."«a\le
the M~ldll2aM.; Pnesthood . lC o prospt:div el·
der ~not ;a!kad; "pril!sl. tw should~ ordilin...-d
a pncst as M>On .1s he i'l wotthy. Ill' doei> not ru.'«J
tu \'e urddlnt:d a d~<h. on t1r teacher fi.r.;L He m.a)
be ordained an elder whe.n he has d\!vcloped
uffidt-nl ~·ndl•rst,mdmg of the gospel and dem-
onstr.,tcd ru~ worthiness.
For more 1nforml1tion .tbout pro p«tive e.l-
d •r:., Hnrrdlrook. 2, 7 6.
16.7,. Unusual Clrcumatances
Brethl'lfn Who Have Not Lived tn tne Same Ward for
t ~Aut Ono Yoar
U "' male ml!m~r hns not lin·d in th~ s.~me
ward c:ontinuou ly lor 4l lt.•• \lf\e }eat, tht! bhhop
rontacts the poor bisJ\op to ce:rtify the member's
worthin~ be(or\." •ppro,·ang him for A.;!ronic
Pn~ ordtnahon or rerommmd.ing him for
Melchi.tedek Priesthood ord..inat1on
147
 t{ a person is ordained while he is living :lway
from home temporarily. and lf his memberslup
record is still in his home ward, the bishop of the
ward wht:'re he lS ordained ac.lvlses the bishop
of the home ward so the membt'I"Shlp record can
be updated. The ordination certfficate is prepared
[n the ward where the ordination is perform~d .
Brethren in Young SlngJe Adult Wards and
Single Adult Wards
Worthy brethren ag~ 18 and older ln young
single adult ""'ID'ds .md single adult w l'l.is o;nould
be ordained elders. Brelhren who are not ordamed
elders are affiliated with th~ elders quorum as
prospective elders.
te.a Father 's Blessings and Other
Military Servicemen In War Zonas or lsola1ed Areas
A mJlitary serviceman Is norm;illy intErviewed
and ordnined In the ward that has his member·
htp tec'Ord . However, this may not be feasible
U the se.rvi~an is at sea for an e~tcnded lltnl? 16.9
or is serving 1.0 a war zone or isolated are01. lrt
such cases, the St:'n'.ic~an meets v. ith h~ ~rv il.'t!
member group leader. If the group leader f'-~ls
that the serviceman is ready to be ord.lint'C!, he 16.10
makes a writtm recommendation lo th~ prestd-
ing officer of th~ Church unit th.,t oversees tht>
service meml>er group. n,llt presiding officer
eonmc:tt> th~ bi hop of the servi,e.man's home 16.11
ward ttl d~t~mune &f hl' h.,s any conce.ms about
worthiness
For ordinat-ion to Aamnic Priesthood ofllces,
the presiding officer ma} authorize the group 16.12
leader or., t..111er-day Saint chaplain to interview
the person and ov~ the ottlin<~tion. For ordi 4
nation to the office of eldt:r, tht! stake or mission
president may authori.z.e a Latter-day Saint chap·
lain to lnterview the person und oversee the or--
dination. All ordination !>hould b • ~:.u h1lne!d
or ratified ns eX"plained in 16.7.1 .and 16.7.2
Brethren Who Have Intellectual Disabilities
Priesthood leaders decide whether brethren
who h.we intl'IIC<'tUJI dibclbilitles should recet\'e 16.12.1 General Guidelines
the priesthood. If the member lives with tus par-
ents, priesthood leaders consult with them. To
be ordained, a member who has an intellectual
disability should first demonstrate an appropri-
ate degree of accountability and un w:~dastand ·
ing llf responsibility. Priesthood huld~r:. who
ha"e such disabilities should be assisted so they
can partidpate as fully as possible.
Brethren Who Have Boen Aeadmlttod by Baptism
and COnfirmation
For In ·truclion!> about otdairung brethren who
have been .re.admiUe-c.l by baptism and confirma-
tion after bemg excommunka1ed or having their
name r{'moved !Tom the records of the Church.
!.et: 'OrJin.~tlon after Readmission" in6.U .U .
Members Who Have Undergone a Transsexual
Operation
Members who have undergone an elective
tran..->:.exual operation may not receive the pra«!:>t~
hood.
Blessings of Comfort and Counsel
~ Hfmdbook 2. 20.8.
Dedicating Graves
See Hnudll«tk 2, 20.9.
Setting Apart Officers and Teachers
See Hmulbaok 2, 19 4-
Dedicating Homes
See Hnmfb.Jok 2, 20.11.
Patriarchal Blessings
Wormation about patriarchal bles:.ings is pro-
vided an the following patagraphs and in these
addlbonal sources·
Olapter 15 in this handbook
Hat~dbook 2, 20.12
Tlrformalion alld Suggt>Siiou!l for Pntrtnrrlr
Worldu~tdt U.ulmlrrp Tmmin.~ M~dinR
nu· Patrirm:/1
Ev~ry worthy. baphzed member as entitled
to and should recei"e a patriarchal blessing,
which provides irutpired direction from the Lord
Church l~ad~n• and parenl5 encourage mem-
bers to prepare 'ip!Tituallv to obtain their patri-
archal blessil\8!>.
The bishop or an assigned counselor inter
VlCWS members who wish to receive palrinrchnl
 bles:.ir\g>. lla member i worthy, the inrerviewer
sssues and sagns a Patriarchal Blessing Recom-
mend The re<"ommend must also be stgned by
a mrunber of the stake presidency tF the blessm.g
wtll be &in~n by • patriarch who lives outside
the mt!mbt-r' 'take (such nuthonntton ~y be
g.t\·en only outlined tn 1().12.2). A nwnbeT mlbt
take the lgn..-d tt'(Ommend to the patriarch to
fi en t! a bl ""lng.
Ole pct!-On who i5.5u il Patrl.lrch.U Bles:.ing
Rt-commend ~o·n.--ufi that the memb\tr 1..!> of suffi .
cknt age and m4lturlty to ~otnu~rstand ~ ~tgnif­
icotn(e ~nd sacn.'C:I n,\ture of the bl ing. Ideally
the mc~r "'hould be yoW'Ig cnou~h that m.my
lmportlnt lh.'o!>lOI'b an life lltc till ahead, though
older adults are also encouragc.'Ci to n>CeJVe thetr
patnarthnl blesstnb"· Priesthood leaders should
not ~:.tabti.;h a mltdmum age for a rnembeT to
receive a p<ltrlJI'(hru blessing.
A new ronv~:r"t hould unde~tand the basic
doctrimo o£ the gospel bdon! rece.vmg a pat.ri-
a~hn l blt .. tng
II n m~mbcr hn:. an rntcllc.-ctu.U dis.1bili.tv, the
tn!ihop "'''Y !IU~ 11 re ommcnd only wh;n, in
ron...ult.at1on wath th • p<lren , h.: bc!hc\'e:> ttutre
is a sufft itot lcv(lJ of Ul\derst.lnding Member..
should kc.-cp fn rrunl.l t h~t • p.ltn.tr'Ch<\1 biC5slng
ts for the ~pient o~nd not for the parenL~J .
When poc;Slbl~. <1 nm.~onary ~houJd recel\;r.
a patrt..uc:hal bl mg be!ore beginning ~on­
~ry ~· Icc If this 1s not possible, the mission-
ary hould obt.,ln <~ re«>mmend from a member
or h&S or her bl'l•opnc and rece1'-'e the blessing
whale al ,, 0\JSSIOn.try tniru.ng Cl!nta
If a ml IMoll"\' arm e<> in lhe mis.ston 6t!ld
wtthoul hiWJng rKclVCd .l patriarchal blessing.
the ml-..,iun ptt>s1d~nt jo; .luth<'nt.ed to mtenriew
him nr h\!t .utd b uc a Potnarchal Btessmg Rec-
omml'nd H~: then cont cts thl' sl.1ke president
ln lhc nc.1r ·~t lih.1kc in whJch a p.thillrch cnn give
a blessing In,, l.1nguage the mi~ion.uy can un-
dcTstand. IC lh.ls 1S not possible, the missionary
may ne-W to walt Wlhl he or c;he return" home
to rec~\'e a palri.archal bl~ing.
1612.2 Giving Patriarchal Blessings to Members
outside the Stake
A tAke patrlard\ n()f'tNJiy gjves patriilrchal
blesslfl&- onl) to membe~ in hi& !>lA~ However,
h • m:ay gl' l' bles.slnp m~rs outside ollu.s
l>t~k~ in tht• follcw.ing cltaJmt~tAnn!'l
1. A patrinrcll mtly give p.·ur!1 rdl_at hie:; in~ to
his own llncru desc~d n (childh!n, grand-
children, and gn:oat-gr.andchildren) nogardle-ss
of where they live Tht' penon r«CJving the
blbsing mw.t h1nt> a n:com.Jt\d'ld signed by
a m~mbcr ot the bishopric. II the membt>r
lives in a diff•rcnt t.1kc chan t~ patriarch
the recommend must also be signed by a
member ot the stal;e pres:ldmcy.
2. A mem~r who lt\'b m a take- that does not
h.1n• <~ functlorung p..ltri3rch mo~y go to a pa-
tri.uoch in,, ne.uby Mkc. The m~'mber 's rec-
omm~nd mu!tt be s1gn~ by a member of the
blshoprk and a m ·mbt'r o( th.e :st~1ke p~i­
drncy. A mcmbc•r who hv6 tn ll dl trict may
ill!JO go to palrlar\.'h In u nearby stal..c. The
recommend should be stgJ'eU by the branch
or die.trict prc...,.tu('nl and the m 1 ftiOn pl't'S1-
dent
3. A memb •r who pe4'1kl> a lf'lnbruagt' that l> dif-
ferent from the l<lnguage of the slake palri-
arch may go to • patnateh ma nearby sbke to
recc.we a bl _ mg in hi or her own l.mguage.
The mem~r must have a recommend Signed
by • member of the bishopnc and a member
of th • tAk~ prt>..id ·ncy.
1&12.3 Pattfarcnal Bleat nge for Member• Entering
theMmtary
When " worthy m •mbcr t:ntC'rs rruiiL.tr\ •r-
'icc, pTI thPOd lc:.ldc.'~ """c;uurngt- h1m ur her
to ~•\-~ a patri.lr'(h.ll blb.-.ing ~fo~ '"'porting
Cor acttve duty.
If at Is not po.:.sible lor a m~ber to r«e.' t!
a patriarchal blessing bufore l~•wlng. he or she
Caln roc~av~ u fmm ol p.1trian:h wh~e the tempo-
rary dut} Lltion IS loc.lted To do Lh.as, the mem-
ber presenb n rc ommend l rom n member of the
homt.. w.mi b• hoprk to a member of the stake
prec;lden whe~ llw htmporMy duty ~;tahon ~
loc;ttcd .
Jf • membt!r cntl.!rlng the nuhla.ry d~ not
h. ve. ~omm •nd Irom th~ hom\.....WDrd bishop·
rk he ot ..he m.-ty rc:cdve •l ~ommt!nd from a
member llt th bi,hopric of the wa.rd where lhe
temporary dutv station is lcx.lted. lNl bishopnc
mimlber tntl.'rvu.·w~ the mt·mbcr ftlr \"orthincs..
and contacts the hom~"'· rd bishop OO!on! is.!.u-
ing .a te<'ommend.
ALter a member of either of th(!S{' blShopncs
has 5ig;n ~a I"C.'((mmend, a membn' of the ..take
149
 pre.c;idency where the temporary duty station is
located mtctvtcw'! the person and s igns the tee·
ommend t! he o.r she is worthy.
16.12.4 Translation of Patriarchal Blessings
The Chun:h docs not provide tr-ansla tions o(
the text oi patriarclull blessing.;. Nor arc mem·
bers encouraged to ttaru.late patriMchat bll.'$-;-
ings, sinre it is difficult to convey the mspired
depU\ or meaning and f~eling tlf <~ blessing. Ne\•·
erthcless, il a member does not under~t~nd the
languagee of the p<~lrfilrch ancl desires to have a
blessing Lrans!AJte<i into alnother hmgunge after
it hns been n!<X!tved, it u. his or her res ponsibil-
ity to find a trusted and worthy member of the
Church who can provide the trilnslntion. The
translator should be c:arefully ~lectE'd, $kiJicd
'" the lnnguage, and cap<~ble or underst<Lndtng
the 11pirih.tal nature and con.fid('ntiality of lhe
blessing. Translated copies oi blessings nre not
filt-d at Church hec1dquarteTS
1612.5 Sign language Interpretation of
Patriarchal Blessings
U a member requires tnterpretatton by sign
language to understand the blessmg as rt 15 be-
ing pronounced, it is hi or her resp<lnc.1btlity to
find a trusted and worthy member o( the Church
who can proV1df' Uw tnt~rpretiltion

Chart of Ordinations
Offlce Recommended By Approved By Sust ained By Interviewed and Ordained By
Patn.:m:h Smle presfdCilC) Quorum of Members in stln A mcm~r of the First Presldcncy or
wTwclve coo/1\!nr.c or n .. dve, or the stake president with
stakt> gemmll written approval from the Quorum
pnesthood meetmg or the l'welve
High pri<:"St 13i~ hop and $t4kC prt'!'1d~cy M~mben m stake lnterv!~cd by the bishop and by
-
t.tkc prr~ldcr'q .anci hagh rounril conference or the stn~ president or an a..-..,agni'd
st;tkc gener.tl coun~lor, Ordl\ln!.!d llnd~r tht>
pn~ihood m\.>etmg direction of the !>t~tke pre~; Ident
fl~t>r Bashor Stake presidency Memlx!r II\ ~l.lk•• lntl·tvtewl!d by th~ bishop and by
and lngh council conft>res1t't- or the stake ~!dent or iJJ'I 411'ilgncd
~take g~mcrnJ COUJ\SC'lor- ord.'uned undl:'r the
priesthood tn\:CIIng diN"CbOr\ ()(the stakl!' ptesldent

Bishop Stake prosldt!Ocy Fin>t Pre dlmC)' Ward members A Ccnenl Authority or~
and Quorwn u( ln saaomenl meeting Sevi>nty. or lhe slake p~idt>nt
the Tweh..- wtth wntten approval from the
F:itst Presldet'lcy
Pdest Buhop Bishopric Ward mer:nbers lnterviewed by lbl! lnshop; ordauU!d
in sacrament meeting under the dlnxtion of U~e biShop

TtMcher or BIShop Bishopric Ward membe!-5 lntervJewt!d by tht' b'ISbop or Ill\

deacon in sacrament meeftng JSSijp'led couno;clor~ ord~tned undl!t
the ll 11\"i:tion of the bbhop

150
17. Church Policies
171 Admtnlstrelive Pollclee ••.•••••••••••.••. 152 l7.1.<40 Safety m Church W~lfue Operatiomt .. 160
171.1 ActidMI frcv('ntlon an(i Rcspo~ tS2 17.1.41 Sates Agents . . . . . ..... . . 160
111 2 ctivities Polid<-s 1S2 17.1.42 Satellite and Video Eqwpment .•. , .. 160
17.13 Adclptcd Children and Their 17.1.43 Solicttation of Fund.b . • . •• • Jol
8aolog1G1l Pi\ rents . • . •• •• •• . • . • 152 t7t44 s~ Attribu~M to
17H 1\dopuon-and F stcrC:~re ••••••••••••• 152 0\Ut~h L~ • • • • • • • • • • • • • • . • • • • • 161
111.5 udio,·isu.JI Matcnal:s . • • • . . • . • . . . 152 171.45 Support to Membe~ m f'itsons.
17.16 \utograph.s and Photograph of Cmeral !IOJpit.tl!., and Othet lrwitunoo-; • • • • • • 161
\ulhonti~ ~Area Sewntfeo; ••••••.• 152 11 t 48 Sy mpc.~ and Similar Giltl •nn~ , .. .. 161
17 t.7 Bible • • .. . • . • . • • . ....... - .. .. 1S2 11tll7 l &a abl~ Actavibes • • • .. .. • .. • • .. • .. • 162
111.8 Book of \1onnon ............. . . . . • . . • 153 17 t .US 1rilWl u! Mt!n and WlHfii:J\ Toget~ • • . 162
171.9 Onm:h Emplo} • • • • • • • • .. . . • • • • . .. 153
17.2 Med ical and Health Poflcle• •• • ••••• •• • ... 162
17.1.10 Chu:rch Magui~ ... 153
17.1.11 Olurch 'ame 11nd Loguty}X! ......... 15~
172.1 Autopsies • . . . . • • • . • • • . • • • . . . 162
17.1.J2 Comput~ .. .. .. . ......... I Sol 17.2..2 Ctc:n\Jhon •.•.• , ••.••••.• • • ••.• • • • . • 162
17.113 Copyrightt'd M.l1crio t .. • • • .. • • • • .. • • 154 172.3 f.uthanmsia . . . . . . . .. . • ...... •. · · 162
17.114 Cwnculum M.ltcruti.J • • • • • • • • • • . • . • . . 155 172..4 liN Infection and AlDS .......... ·• 162
17.1.15 D<ltmg or (.et-Acqu.,tntl"d BustnP St.'S 172.5 Hypno>~S . . • . • . . • • • •.• • •• • •. ua
(or Single M~" . •• • . . ••• . . • . . . .
156 17.2.6 Medical and Health Prnctices .••••••••• 162
1727 Organ md Tissue Donoations
11.1. t8 Oirt!'ctortes ••••• "' ............ • • · • • • • • •
1.56
17.1,17 E-mail for Priesthood l...t-..ldcrs • • .. • . .. .
156 and Transpl.anhi . • • • • • ••• , • • • • • • 161
17.118 Enu.g.ration al Me:mben • • .. • • • • • . • • . . 156 11.2.8 Proloogtng Lrfe . . • • • • .. .. • • .. • .. 163
17119 Fast Day • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• • • . • • • • • . 156 11.2.9 Sd.f-Aw.uenes:. CmuP" • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 163
f7 1.20 Fund·Raismg • • . • • • • • • • • • . . • • • 156 11.2.10 Uoom Children (Children Who
t7.t.21 Gambling and lot ~ ............. · l56 Oit> before Birth) • . . , , • , •.. , , •••••• 163
171.22 cu~st Speakers OT ln~tructors • • • • • • • • . 156 17.2.11 Word of WISdom .•. , .......... .. 163
17 t 23 (ncotne Taxes . . . . •.....•.•.... · . .. 15'7 17.3 Policies on Morall$8uea ••• •• • .••••.••• • • 163
171.24 lnternet • . •••••••••••••••••••••. 157
1731 Abortion •• .. .. • • .. . . . .. 163
f7 1.25 Laws of the 1..4 nd •••••••••••• , ••••• lc;s
17.3.2 Abu and Cruelty . • . • . . • . • . • • • • • • • • 164
t7 1.26 Legal Matters •••• -~ •••••••••• l58 173 3 Art tiidal tnsemination • • • . . . . • • • . . • . 165
17127 '\tail from Church I f~:.adquarh!ri .•••• 158 17.3.4 Birth Control • . .. . • .. .. .. .. • .. .. • 165
171.28 Mail Sent toU1un.h llt!.&dquarkn. .... 1.58 17.3 5 C}go;tttv and FJdeJity . . . . • • .. .. • .. • • 165
17.128 i ·mb65' Cornmun1Cii1Wn w1lh
173 6 Ho~xu.-tl BehaviOr and
Ouuch H~adqu..lrl~l'!l • .. • • • .. • • •• .. • l5b Sam~er Attrac:Ul n . . . • • • . . • . • . • 165
17\.30 \iem.ben Occup.lttons, Ptolts..:>ums.
17..3.7 ln Vitm Fertilization •• , • , , ••••• • ••• • • 165
:~nd Affiltothons • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • • 159
17.38 Oet:ult AfHliahOn .............. • • .. • ItO
17t31 O lherfruths .................. 159
17,3.9 Pornography . . . . • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • 166
11132 Oo,:crnight ActJvitle$ . .. ........... 159
17.310 S.:tmr-Cend~r \ifurtag~ ••.••••.•.••.. 166
17\.33 Political and Civic AC'hVity . • • • . .. .. .. 159
17.311 Sc~ bduc"'tlon . . ...•.• • •••• •• • • • 166
111.~ Postal Regulations . . .. . .. ......... 159 17.312 Singh! E J"."Ctllnt Parcn~ ••••••••.•• · • 166
17135 Privac} of Membt."''S ................ 159
17.3 13 Sperm Oon.1Uon ••••••••••• · • • • 167
17.1.36 Pnvall>ly Puhltshed Writing> •••••••••• J59
17 3 14 Sukldt" ...•.•..••••• • • • • · • · • · · · • • · · · 167
17.t.37 Recording Talh or Addn'!.~:- o f CL"tWral
17.3.15 !nlrgtt".tl Steriliunon
Authonti~ Uld An·a St!vcnhl • •• • • • • • 160
(Including Va.~my) ••••••••.•••.... 167
17l.38 Relming to theChurcJ\ and
17.3.\8 SuTTOgotte Motherlmod - • ·." · • • •• • • 167
Its l\.1enlber.t ••••• • • • • • • • • • • • • 160
17.138 Rese.1rch Studies sn the Ch\trch ........ 160

151
17. Church Policies
This chapter consists of three sections. Each
section includes subtopics in alphabetical order:
1. Administrative policies
2. Medical and health policies
3. PoLicies on mor-al issues
For policies on using Church buildings and
other property, see 8.4-
11.1 Administrative Policies
17.1.1 Accident Prevention and Response
See Handbook 2, 13.6.20.
17.1.2 Actlvttles Policies
See Hamibook 2, 13.6.
17.1.3 Adopted Children and Their Biological Parents
Questions regarding the oxchiU\ge of infonna-
tion and contact between adopted children and
their biological parents should be handled with
sensitivity. The legal rights and emotional nN'ds
of all relevant parties should be considered. In
the United States and Canada, stake presidents
and bishops may contact LDS Family Services for
guidance (J -801-240-171l; 1-800-453-3860, exten-
sion 2-ln 1; or ldsfamilyservices.org). Outside
the Umted. States and Canada, stake presidents
may oontnct the Area Presidency for guidance.
17.1.4 Adoption and Foster Care
Members who are seeking to adopt children
or provide foster care should strictly observe all
legal requirements of the countries (and their
governmental subdivisions) that are lnvolvl!d
1'hey are encouraged to wor.k through licensed,
authorized agencies. Church leaders should not
become involved in bypassing such agencies to
help place children privately or independently.
Such placements are not sanctioned by the
Church and may violate local laws.
Por lnfor.111atlon about placing children for
adoption, see l7.3.U .
17.1,5 Audlovlsual Materials
Members may use audiovisual materials,
such as COs, DVDs. and computer pre:.entation.s,
in Chu-rch settings wilh the following restric-
tions:
152
1. They may not be used in sacrament meetings
or in the general session of-stake conference
(however, appropriate recorded musicaJ ac-
companiment may be used If a piano, organ,
or .1ccompllnist is not available).
2. 111ey may not be used if such use is restricted
by copyright (see 17.1.13).
3. They may not be used if U1ey contam material
t:Mt is not suitable for Church settings.
Audiovisual materials that meet these crite-
ria may be used in the chapel during meeting-s
other thnn sac:r.unent meeting or the geJ'eral ses-
sion o( s take conference if they are an important
part of th~ meeting.
17.1.6 Autographs and Photographs of General
Authorities and Area Seventies
Church me:mbeni should not seek the auto-
graphs of General Authorities or Area Seventies,
including si-gning in their scriptu.res, hymn a 1~. or
programs. Doing so detracts from thelr sacred
Citlling~ £~nd the ~int of m~tin~- It ruso~ould
prevent them from greeting other members.
Members shuuld not take photogtaphs of
General Authorities or Area Seventies in ch11p~
els.
17.l .7 Bible
£nglish--spe"king members should use the
Latter-day Salnt edJHon of the King James Ver-
sion of the Bible. This edition includes the Topical
Guide; footnotes; excerpts from the Joseph SmJth
Translation; cross-references to other passages
in the Bible and to the Book o!Manrum, Doctrine
and Covenants, and Pe-arl of Great Price; and
other study aids. Although other versions of the
Bible may be easjer to read, in doctrinal matters,
latter-day revelation supports the King James Ver-
sion in preJer~nce to other English translation~>.
Spanish-spealong member~:~ should use the
Latter-day Sa1nt edition of the Reina-Valera Bible.
This t'dltion includes s tudy aids oimilar to those
in the latter-day Saint edition m English.
1n many other non-English languages, the
Church has approved a non-Latte.r-day Saint
edition of the Bible for use in Ch.urch meetings
and classes. Members should use these editions
of the Bible.
 Th~? most reliable wa) to measure t.1w accu~
racy of any biblical trnnsla tion as not by comp~
mg di.fferent texts, but by compari~n wilh the
Book of Momton md modem~d.ay revelahons..
Pn.nted copies of approved ~lrion<t of the
Bible .1re availabl~ from Cnutth OJ.Slrtbuhon
Services. Electronk t •xt ond audio recordings of
Latter~u) Sc\l.n t edition!> art: also avatlable ott
nptu tes.lds.org.
17.i .a Book o1 Mormon
The Church diScouragl:$ rewriting the Book
of Mormon into famlliar or modem English. fhc:
First Prestdenc)' has said:
"'When a sa.c.red text is translatc.'CI into anothc:r
language or rewritten into more ftunihar lan-
guage, there are substnnbaJ risks that this pro·
cess 1l1ay mtroduce doctrinal t"rror!> or obS<.u~
~vidence of 1ts ancient origut To guard agaU\&t
lhesce rlskt;, th!;! Fsn.t Presidency und Council of
the Twelve giv~ do~ per;onal superv.sion to the
transltl!lon of !>Cnptures from J:nglish into other
Langu.lg~ •md nave not authorized efforts to
e.>. press the doc.trlnaJ content of the Boule of Mor-
mon In fomlliM or modem English. (These con-
cerns du not pertain to pubbcations by the Church
for duldren.)" (Ensign. Apr. 1993, 74).
17.1.9 Church Employees
Church em.ployees ~ to uphold Church
!.tandards at an
times. To begm or rontinul' em-
ployment, they must be worthy to ha' e a tem-
ple recommend. Tilis includes employees of the
Church £duc:ationn l System ill'ld Cnurch uruver·
SllteS and ('{lllegc!l
Penodically, rcpr~enlativc.s of the Church
Human Re::.ource Dep.,.rtment w1D contact $take
presidents or bishops to venfy the temple wor-
tl1ine:-,) of rurrent or potential Church employ-
ees. These requests may be written or made by
telephone Leaders should respond prompUy
Church employees must comply wtth em-
ployment laws. Church headquarters or th~ cll'\!.t
oifice can provlde mformation o1bout .tpphcabll"
laws.
17.1.10 Church Magazines
The Fan.t P~ld~mey tl.1s consU.tcntly cncour-
agt!d m~ of the Olurch to read the Chun:h
magazines. Local Olurch leaders should e.ncour~
age member; to have the Olurch magazines m
their home>. TIH."St' magarines contain the Lord's
guldance gw~n through Jutter·day prophets.
Church magaZU'Ies strengthen fallh in the Sav-
tor and provld~ lnspl.l'ed direction for personal
challenges.
n,e stake president and bishop may assign
their e>.ecutive secretaries to coordinate Chu~h
nutgazi.ne subscopbon eiforts {se~ 13.3.4 nnd
13.4..4). Bishoprics may also c.ill a -.vard magtttinu
representative and appomt oth~ to ot.ssist. If a
ward magazine representab\'e is ~aUed, he hclps
plan and dart.-cl Church magarl.ne campnigns,
helps members begm or renew sub ~riptions,
and teaches members the bene!l.ts of subscrib-
mg to the 01urch magilZi.ncs.
Members can &ubscnbe to the Church mag-
.l.dnes through Church Distribution Ser"ices. ln
some areas, members can subscnbe by filling out
the subscription form on the Church magazines'
Web pages.
17.1.11 Church Name and L ogotype
The Church's name and logotype are ley
Chwcll idenliflcrs n,ey are rogistered .lS trade-
marks or .lrt' oth...rwi!le lttg.,Uy protectl.!d w()rld·
wid~ They should be u.'led only ll«()rdmg l'o the
followmg gUJdelines.
Local urut:s may U'-c! lht.i wntten name of the
Church (not the togotypt:) when all of the follow-
sng C(lndalions are m~t
1 The acti\ity or function with which the name
i.., ~wciated is officially sponsored by the
urut (for aample, a sacrament meeting pro-
gram).
2. The name ol ~ local unit is used as a prelud~
to the name or the Church (for e).-ample, c.m-
yon View Ward of The Chul"C'h of ]L"SU!t Chri~t
of Latter-day Saints).
3 l'he typeface doe-; not imitate or m;cmble tnt.·
olfici.u 01urch logotype.
Th~ Church's offidallogotype (see the front
cover a( this M.ndbook) is to bt> used only for
ikms i1pprovcd by the Correlation Department
at Church headquortcn.. Exa.mples of these items
Me'
1. Offioal Cbun:h publications and stationery.
2. MLo;sionary name ta~.
3 Meetinghouse exterior stgns.
The logotype may not be used as a deoorJ-
tive element or <1 computer !KTt'Cn 'I.'IVCT Nor may
it be w.ed in MY P"'rsono I, comm •rCl..ll or p~
motlonal way. c;uc.h a.s on famHy hh;tory book>.
153
17 Cltuft-h Pulitla
T-sturts, button!t, or bannE>rs Questions may be
directed to.
lnt.illectwl Propt.·rty Of~
50 E.,!it North Tempk Street, Room 1888
".lit Lal..t- Clty, Ul !Hl5(}.0018
Tdl•phont<· HIIOI-Z-W-3Q59 or
l-&10-453-3860, e:~tt.ens!On 2-3959
f.u l-801-240-tl87
E-rrwil
cur·lntdlectua1property@ldschurdung
17.1.12 Com putera
AJ. authorized by lht' Church's presiding
counol!.. some Chureh unit!\ are pi'OVlded com·
putcrs for pu.rposcs such ns recurd keeping and
family hiMnry, 1 hl' s tal-e president oversees the
placcnwnt .1nd ue.c of ~:om puten; in the stake.
Culdellnet. for obt.llnlng and managing Chureh
comput cr~o~ nre avllihlbll> from Church headquar-
ters or th~ as ignt'd administrntive offic£. These
guid<'lines provh.le anform.atlon about matten.
~ouch os hordwal't' and software, donated com-
put('J"S, lntt>met connectiCJm., repairs, disposal of
computers, stolen or damaged computers, '«U ·
rity, and uo.c.• by ml.'mbers.
Whe~ n~«~ry. stale prestdent:. arrange
to make ward and "'takt' compull!IS o1v.ulable for
members lll USc.' l.mil~ lu;tor) progr.uns. Ward
and <;take computen. 41\! not au~ for other
pen;oMI Uo;c<~ ,
To prot~t conlidenu.ll in!ormalion on com-
putt'l"'), h:Jd~f1. ttnd clerks should use t.he pass-
word featUJ\.• of Church record-keeping systems.
See 13.8 and l3.Qfor add.itionalinstruct:ions about
protecting cMhdt!ntlnJ information..
Compute~ should be placed so memben. of
the bishopric nnJ clerks cnn process members'
weekly contributions in privacy.
For n><.;trittio~ on duplicating computer so(1·
ware, sec 17.1.13.
The stake prcsldl!ncy mny a~sign ..,, assistant
stnkc clt'rk to be the stal.e technology specmlist.
The tnkc clerk could be given this aSl>tgnment if
necessary. n11: t.tu t«lmology spedali:st man·
ages Church compute.r., tn the stnke, including
tho'~<' in famtly history centers TlleSe respon...;l-
blliUt 11re c•uthned under "Compure.ts and Tech-
nology" In 13.3.J
17.113 Copyrighted Materials
01e l11ws govt'TJUng c.realivi! works and their
penni.s51ble ~ vary frcnn 01\t' rounay to ;mother.
154
The Churcll poUcit!S outbned m t1us S«tion are
c:onststcnt with lnll'matton<~l tre:stues that a:re
appbc.1ble in most COWltri~ For Stmplioty; this
section refur.. to a c11.>:~tdr '" nghb as copyright."
However, certo1tn of th~ nght:. may ~ known
b)" di(f('rent notm~ tn some countries.
Copyn~ht 15 protection gtven by law to the
cn.·.slllrl> of ongmal works o( authorslup that am
""'r~"-' 111 • t.angibl,.. form, including:
1, Lit~')~ mu tal, dr.unattc, .md choreographic
wod...'l.
2. Work!. uf art,. photograph), and sculpture.
J. Audio anJ audiuvt.Suill works (sud\ as mov·
les and viJeos, CO.,, and Dvth).
4 . Computer pmgr;ams or ~Jmcs.
«;. lnt('rnt•l nncl olhl!r ll•tlabil""-'S.
Clulrch mcrrtbcn. Fthuuld &trictly observe all
\npyright lawa C.Qnl•r.tlly, only copyright owners
may Juthtltll'C duplic'.,ticm (ropying), distribu-
tion, ~'ubllc J)('rfonnance, public display, or de-
rivnhv.._.. of their wort... U5ing a work m any of
tlw ,. W•'Y" withnul authorization from the copy-
nghl owner 15 tontrary tn Church policy and may
11lso :.ub]«t the Church or the user to legallia-
bilit).
A u.-.er o( a work .;hould .w.u:me lh.lttltS pro-
tected by cupynPll. Publl~ht'd wor~ usuillly in-
clude ,, cop) nght noU<'t', such n "C' 1959 b) John
Doe." (For 5011nd n.~ordmgs. the symbol is~-}
Howl•vcr, a ropy right nolict' 1s not reqwreod for
legal protedJol\. Stn\ilarly, tJ1e fact that a publica-
han ,.. out ot pnnl does not nullify its copyright
or JU"»hty duplit""o~hng dio;tnbubng. perfo.rming.,
displaying, ur making derivatives of it without
pcrmlo;ston
The01un h'<; Jntellectual Propt!.tty Office(IPO)
i\13&ikk. in pro<:csslng requests to use copyrighted
Church mllter!.-,ls or progrllms, mcluding materi·
ills thol Me copyrighted by Intellectual Re.'lervc,
Inc-. (JRJ). IRJ Is a separate, nonprofit corporation
that owns the intoll('Ctuol prapl!rly u.sed by the
Chur.:h. Addatiomll lnformilttOn on rL-questing
the lise of Church-ownt'd materials c.m be found
by followang lhtt " Righb flnd u~ lnform.1tion"
Unt. on lDS.vrg
The followmg qut.'!illons and answers may
h.clp m~ben- understand and •btde by ropy-
right lawa when w U\g copyngbted matenals at
church 31ld 11 ho~ Jf members ~-e questions
th.;ll an.• not an,;wered ll\ these guidelines they
ma y contilct
 lntelJooual Property Offi~
50 ~t orth fcmple Stn!et, Room 1888
Salt l.ake City. UT 150-0018
Tclephone: l..f:i01-2l0-3959 or
l ~3&10, extii!'J\Slon 2-3959
J Alt. l l-2-&0-11H7
r~m.\U
CDr•U\t ll•~IUD lpropcrty@Jdschurch.org
Can I topy picluu from Clwrd1 nrag112mts?
Psctun. m Church publico1tions mil}' usually be
coptt"d for nvncommcrcl. I Chun;h, home. utld
ianuly u · • However, th y may not be copt~ for
commetclttl purpo without specific wrillt•n
~ion from the IPO. I{ 3 picture I~ n:.;tnet~o.>d
from being coptcd, words sucb a.."> •may nol be
cop•ed wUl oppc.u m the cn"'dits for the una~.
Om I WP.V publtslttd Clmrclt materials'! Chutch
publication· m~y usually be copied {o-r non-
commcrdnl Chure:h, home. and family use. No
rommcKI4\l u • mav b~ made of Churchmaten-
al without pc<-lfic wriltrn ~nni6Sion from the
tro
Cm• I COJ'Y must£? Spt>ciat copyright l.IJWS otp·
ply to mu ~. A pt'l~n m.ly rtlpy mu-.Jc from
Hyrmu. th CJaildrt'u Sougbook, .md Church mag-
a1in for noncomnwrctlll Chun.:h. home-. olnd
!4lnlily ~ ex~pt wht>re a rntrl(tlon i e.\P~ ly
noted on the hymn or 'M>tlg. Ouphcah.ng printed
or recorded mu'4ic \vtthout "uthon7Atlon from
the copyright owner ir. contnry to Churd\ policy.
\Ausic t.kst has been dupliCAted contrary to this
poliC) mu<,l not be u..:.ed for Church purposes.
Om l1rlttr, ropy or rgmc:nt Churclt·produud
nu.lt,r•tstml mnltTtnl~ ~ ~ot unJ <.lJch use is spt•·
d.bcaUy au.thorll.A-d by tM IPO. 0'1Utch-produced
.,udiovbu"l rn• tE!nal :-hould ~ u~ in accor-
dan 'W1th ptl'Kribcd sn'trut"hOn& in thl"' man•
uals and ~ln U\t! poel..o.tglng n'<llenals..
Out I COI1Y mntrrlllli IJwt art ttol owntr1 lly llu•
Cluttrft? Generall)' not. Copynght laws govern
tht• u • of privat~ly owned rtl<lterlals. UsualJy
there are restrictic>nli that gtve the condittonb the
public must follow before copylt\g non-Church
mnteri<tls. These res-trictions an? u.suatly listed
near the beginrung or a publication Members
should slrlclly observe aD cop) eight laws.
Cm I "ltow Mmmmt~tl audtotrl,wl produch at
Clwrclt fullclttms? Genttallf not. Church mem-
bt-n. hould not,. ol.1te W4mitl~ and n-strictlons
th.lt an.• plact.'Cl on commemll auduwfsual prod·
ucb. u..~ng comnwrcial audiovi uaJ products
et Church fwtctu:m£ gtoncr.u.Jy ~quires pl?.tiiUS-
"lon frotn th cupyraght own !T:".
Cma I tioullrll>!tt1 or Juplicat~ computer scfhwn
•nd Dthtr progroms (or Churclr u~? Generally nol
Compult>r program l\nd other ~ltwar~ may not
be duplicated or downloaded unl aU licenses
have bet>n .tpprop ilt~ly purcha ed. As .:tn ex-
c-eption. Church f~m1ly history programs may
bt.' duwnlondcd at no ch." rge.
Cnrt I dmcnfoo;l or d~tTibutr ftlillai.tl thllt I ford
Dll Owrch Wtb sitbl The Church ~u~ ... c:reatt!d sev-
eral Web sltc.s, 5U.ch 115 l..DS.org, Mo.rmon.org, and
FJmilyS...lrch org. Unless olht.!l"\vtse mdicated. all
m<\h:rlnl on 0\urch-{lwned Web tte:., induding
vl.su"IJ;, h.)xt, rrons, dbpl.t~, d.atabMCS, .md gen-
c>r.\1 mforn1atlon 11'h1Y he \'ic~t-d. downloaded,
And printed for non~mm~tti31 Church, home,
and (amtly u:se onl)' M.lte.rialfrom these sites
may not bl" po~l •d, tn\n ' l'ibed. or distributed
to other Wt.>b <.lt-es or ~ompuc~r network'! with-
out ptmnlsston from the rro.
Church-owned 'iite .snd any lnfonn..,tion on
these siles, Including the names ond addresses
of thO!>t• who hav"" submtttcd infnrmation, may
not be used for selling or promoting producb
or M'J"Viccs, St'hdttng clients. or any other com-
mt:~<tJ purpo
For t~ddtti n:tllnfonnAtlon. the righb and
a ted with the Web ite:..
\\'la.1 I im1 ' nrr.tr.J to pre-:mt musrall
f'l!l ml
lllld tllt'JllnCJrl rJroductum? I'C\Xiuctioru that are
owned b)' Ch Church or IRJ mil)' be perform...'Ci
In Churth ,~\hngr. without perm issJon from
Chun;:h he.,dqu rtcrs. If n copyttght~ produ -
tion not ownl"d by tllt' Chu rd\, member.> must
obtain I~ copynght O\\fller's permi.sston to per·
Eonn all or p..1rt or at ln a Church :.ctting Ut>uaU)
th~ c:.upytight owner ~uirt?s fees or royalties
'"'l!n ll no chargl' ls m•'lde for the perfonnances.
All pr~o•r.entation hould have the approval of
tocaJ priesthood le de.r!>.
17.114 Currtoulum Materials
11\ Church nul.lc~?~:~ .w.,llnblt> r,aiplul"t'S, mag·
aztn • hMnu.ll .., book~, ,,nd other m:ueri.ll to
help ntt!mbeN le.tm nnd Hve the ~spt!l of Jesus
Chris
Priesthood and ~w Ulary le~d-ers encourage
mt:'m~r.; to obtolln copt of thf.' '<ripture- .lnd
other cum..:ulum m.-Jterial5 to u..e In theu hom~
and at church.
Leader ensure that leach~ use Church·
appfO\'~ outcnnlr. for quorum a.nd class instruc-
tion Th · pubucaHon In tmnwns fO, turricufum
155
l 1. Cluadr Polra ftS
prov;des informntion about how to organi2e
Sunday da!lses and which materials to use for
lessons.
l7.1.15 Dating or Get-Acquainted Businesses for
Single Members
Dating and get-acquainted businesses often
promote their services to single members of the
Church. Churdl m~ting.houses, classes, or pro-
grams may not be u'led to promote any private
business vent ure, including dating and get-
nc;~mintcd businesses or services. Usts of Churdl
groups or other information about members
should not be given to such businesses.
17.1.16 Direc tories
Stake and ward directories may be published
according to the following instructions:
Names, addresses, and phone m1mbers may
be included in a di.re.;tory only if they are listed
in a comm.ercial telephone directory or, i( they are
unlisted, iF the member gives permissjol;\. E-mail
addresses may be included only with the mem-
ber's permission.
Stake or w~rd budget funds .u-c uSed to pay
for dir~ttorlc~. Directories may not contain ad-
vt!ctMng.
L.caders may not distribute directories out-
stde the stake or ward boundaries or permit their
use for commerCial or political purposes.
The beginning of each directory should in·
clude a statement that it is to be used only for
O.urt:h purposes and should not be copied with-
out permission of the bishop or slake pre~oident.
17.1.17 E-mail for Priesthood Leaders
The Church has established IUl e-mru1 system
for communJrnllng with priesthood leaders and
for them to c:ommunicntt! w\tn each other. Priest-
hood leadill'S will be notified when this system
is available to them.
17.1.18 Emigration of Members
Genenlly, members are encouraged to remrun
in their native lands to build up and strengthen
the Church. Opportunities for Church activity
and for receiving and sharing tlw blessings of
the gospel are inc.reclSing greatly throughout the
world. As members remain in u,cir homelands
and work to build the Church there, great bless-
ings wlU come to them personally and to the
Chureh. Stakea nnd wards throughout the world
156
will be strengthened, milldng it possible to shMe
the blessings oi the gospel with an even greater
number of Heavenly Father 'to children.
Experience has shown that those who emi-
grate ofren encounter 1wguage, cultural, and eco-
nomic challenges. resultmg in dis.1ppofntment
and personal and f.unily difficulties.
Missionaries should not ask their pa:rents, rel-
atives, or others to sponsor members who wish
to emjgrate to other countries.
Members who emigrate to any country should
comply with applicable laws.
When coming to the United States or other
countries on student or tourist visas, member&
should not expect to find jobs or obtain perma-
nent visas a.fttlr entering that country.
To be considered for Church employment in
any country, <1 pei'S(ln must meet all conditions of
immlgraUon and naturalization laws. The Church
does not sponsor immigration through Church
employment.
17.1.19 Fast Day
A proper fast day observance typically in-
cludes abstaining from food and drink for two
consecutive meals in a 24-hour period, attending
fast and testimony meeting, and giving a gener-
ous fast offering to help ca.re for those in neecl
17.1.20 Fund-Raising
See Htmdbnok 2, 13.6.8.
17.1.21 Gambling and Lotteries
The dlurch opposes gambling in any form,
including govemment•sponsored lotteries.
17.1.22 Guest Speakers or Instructors
For most Churdl meetings, spe<~hlrs ond in·
structors should belong to the local w·nrd or st<~ke.
The bishop's approval1s n.>quired before guest
speakers or Instructors may participate in any
w<~rd meeting, including awullary meetings. The
!>take pn-sident's approval is required tor such
participation in stake meetings.
me bishClp o.r stake president carefully screens
guest speakers or iJ\St:ruc.tors and the subjects
of their presentations. This may include contact-
ing the person's bisnop. The bishop or stake pres-
tdenl ensures that:
t Presentations ru:e in har.mon:v with Church
doctrinl'.
 2. Guest s~ kl rs or uutructors are not paid a
f , do not n.'CT'Uit putictp.tn~, and do not
sollctt cu~tomer.. or chent •
3 Th<.' travel c~ of b"U t ;pealcrb or in·
lructors ore not paid, esth r with local unit
budget fund .. or by pnv~t contribubons
4 Pt\.'Smtations oompl)' ~,th the guidelines for
u~ng Church tacllities ( 8.4)
17.1.23 Income Taxu
(.hurd\ mt.>tnbels are obh~ted by the twelfth
r.
lrttclc of tth to obc the ~~ laws of the nation
"here tht-)' r tde ( obo D&C 134:5). Members
who dJ<>appru\·~ of M11 1111" m.ty try to have them
c.han~ed by lcglslatlot\ or constitutional amend
mcnt. M~mbt'r., who hove welt-founded legal
Ob)eChoru. nUl) challenge lux I&~W!i in tht! cowts.
Church member; who refu~ to 6lc 11 ta re-
turn. pay ~utred mcome tnxes, or comply with
a hnat judgment tn c1 lou. case are in direct con-
Ou:t Wtlh the: law and with the teadUngs of th
Church. Such members may be ll'\digible for .t
temple recommend .tnd should not be called
co p ttinno; of prtnopo~l r •..pon<tibihty m the
(hun.:h. Membe-r» who o1tl' cOn\'ich'<i
.. of willfuUy
"' t. tang ~x l.twA .tr ultl'd to Church discipline
to the Cll-tmt warr.snlro by th~ circunubln
17.124 Internet
Wl t..>n .trclull) u , ll • ln~ct cnn ht!lp
coordi,n.,tc the wN~ ol the C:hurch. strmgth n
faith, and mmi ter to the nc :J of others.. llow-
~v r wh~re fea~lblt!, m•·mb~r-. should emure
lh•H clcctronac. commurucation does not n..-pl&lcc
OpJ)()ft\tnltir-. tor in·pel'1i0n contact
Off cl4l Church lntom t ~rcoa
'lltc Church provtd & number of offidal Web
lt1.· .1nd t'th r lntcrmt r~lurcc:. for general u~.
Tiu•se si t~ auul nosourc are dearly adentUied
415 offio 1elth •r by the u . e of lhe Church l<lgo
·r
or in me: other WA) . h abo c:omplv '' ith
legal r~qutremt?n\5 and thtt Church '~ intellcc·
tuaJ propert) .1nd pm cy pohCI(
Stake and ward Wt'b sttet. m.tv be created ooly
by U5tng the uffidal Church lntl.>mcl resourcc5.
Sto1k~ ~nd W4rd are not otuthori2ed to create
other Web 1l or blog:, or otherwise luve a li5C lntol'INitl n" p:agt- of an o(fiCJAI Church
Chutth~ red p~-nce on the Internet.
St..U.c and ward W !b ltt!S c.m ~tate c.oordi·
Nhon oand rommumc~tlon within local units.
n ('5e w~ lll"S n tndudt" new~ and annou.nce--
mo..'J\ts, alcnd.tnt, t adt>rslup uui m.c.mbcxship
di~'Cton , and facilities ~heduling U 11 "t&ke
or "ard sit~ 1 ~o1ted . it should be rq,"lllarl ·
mAmtained to fulliU Its i.nt~ded p~
To rcquMl . ppruvtll to USt' offioal Church
f'l'St•U~US tn \;real~ a t.1J..c or ward Web Slte, the
ta!,ct! president ctlnt.lC1 th lollowing office at
Church ~adqu.-rt •t "~
Mt'mbcr ruJ St~t ti I R«ords Oi\"t.Ston
Attn! local Urut lnt ~~ ltt>$ourc
50 East North TcmpJc tn: t. Roorn 1320
Sollt Wlkt Cttv. twl~J3
lelephon< t-601·240- 500 or
1-800-453-3860, extcns1 n 2-3500
F· mllil: m rmttil ld D'All net
AddltiOMI gutddine:. (or 5t.1kc and V1rani Wt>b
Stt~~ rnn b found bv olTChmg for ·r.os Silt!
~vl!lopment Gutd~" on LOS.org.
On oc·c.:\,IUn ufftdal Church Web !.ltes may
be appruv~d for other purposes, such as multi
stake proj~ t , pcd. I e-. nt... .md young ingle
.1dull aC'hVttit and organ•T..ltilm To M.>ek ap-
pro\ o\l (l)f ... uch Jl the ('tgolnJZ.ltion's pnl"St•
1
hood le<tder u~ma • rc lUl t IAting the purpo~
.md n ~-d to • mt mbcr of th • Pr ldcnc of tht>
9evdlty or lhe ~4 P d~:n y.
l~ples, mi ion , and vt'lato~· ct>nl~rs Ui!'
not authoriz..ed to c:re.~ t \'\'cb su~ .
Members' UM of the Internet Jn Chun::h Calhngs
lndavidwt1 members may create Web Sltes
or bl~ or mak u of other appropnate lnt~r~
net moure tn th :tr Church cGlhnp. provided
tht-\' inc-tud d1 l;;tmcr ..u<h "'Thk • not .m
oUJcsal ¥.-.:b site ol The Church of Jesus Chnst
of t Ul't-<iol)' ~ int:r.." M ·mbcr!!t-dlould .:tho rom-
ply with th" fullowang gi.Jiddin~
1. Th • Chul't'h logo m"y m1t be u~ or imJtated.
2. The l''l.lmt. .:tnd cunt..let information of the
m~tx.-r who l!ti
I"Cllpon.:.tbli! for the Web itc
hould be ancluded .
J, Membet!l should not "tale or impl · th•lt their
Web ~it~ or adtvlhes 11te sponsored or en·
doi'S4..'Ci b th~ Church.
l Church.owncd artwor . music, or o ther ma-
terials Nhuuld not b<- rt'po£ted unles. uch
u.~ Is clc~trl y ulhuriud by the "Rights and
Wb tc or by 1M Chur h' lntdlectual Prop-
t11) Ofti~
5. Photognphs or other and~Vtdu.,ls M persorual
2nlormatton bout th m t.hould not be dJ!>.-
plaved \\ tlhout thl!ar coruent.
157
 Personal lntemel Use
Members are enrouroged to be examples of
theu faith at all time. and In all places, tnclud-
mg on the lntemct. I( the\· use blogs. soc:UI nl'l·
worls, and other Internet lt.'Chnologte.S. they Me
encouraged to stJ~ngOum others anti help them
become aware of that which Is lL~iE.fuJ, good, anci
pralseworth). When appropn4te, members ate
~unged to mentton the Church and to link
to and h;ue apptoved Church m<1terials.
When member:. usc the lntcmet (or purposes
nth~ th.Jn (.hurch callings, they should under-
-;Lu\d that the message they give is personaL
They should not gsve the impn!S.Sion that they
repre:.ent or are spunsort'd by the Church.
Additional helps and gu[delines are pro.,'lded
by o;earching for "lntc>nwt Usage Helps for Mem·
bers" on LOS.org.
171.25 Laws of the land
Ml!mtk~ hould ob<'y. honor, and sustain the
laws m an} rottntry where they m.ide or travel
(!>CC! D&C 5811-22. ArUd¢. of"Faith 1:12). This
mclud~ lilwl\ that prohlbat pmselyh.ng.
171.26 LegaJ Matters
When legal help t.S needed for ChUICh. mat·
t.ers in the United States ond Canada, the stake
president "hould contact th Office of General
Coun:.el at Church he:~dqunrterl"t (1·80 1-24{)-63()"1
or 1-800-453-3860. ~tension 2-{)301). Oub.icle the
Unitt.od Stat~., •nd CaNd.l, )tak~ presidents con·
tact the area of6C\: to obtnin local legal rouno;el
f<> .woad ampliC'~ting the Church in legal
m<1lten. to whlch It 11 nut a party, Church leaden;
t~hould il\'Old tcstHymg In o vll or ttuninal caSteS
revlowmg tht' conduct of members over whom
they pre~>ld~. ln the Ul\lted SlllteS and Canada,
n lcDdcr should confCJ wllh the Office of Gen·
ero l co~mscl if he is subpoenlled, is considering
testifying in rl lawsuit, ~ .lSked to communicJJtc
wlth attorneys or civil auU,orities about legal
proceedings, or 1sasked toofferverbalorwdtlen
testunony. Oub.ade the Una ted Sta~ and CAnada,
Je;sders should conlllct the area offtce to obtain
IO(.Illlegal coun!>t!lln thl"'C! !11tu.ll101'15.
Church leaders should not lr) to persuade
all~-d vtctmb ('1( nthrr w1tnr<- eJihrr to ~
hfy or not to lt.'Stify In cnminAior O\'il court prl.'l-
cecdmgs
17127 Mall from Church Headquarters
Some busine5Selo dnd mdwldwls send local
leaders promotional item~ that might appear to
ISS
~ otfirial Church rorrespnndence OfRoal cor·
r._.,rondence Qln be dtstangu&Shed from other
correspondenee as follow:. It Is alwa~ con' eyed
(I ) pt•r..<ln.lll)' by Church leaders, (2) m a lener
from Chu.rch leaders on Churt'h letterhead s!a·
tlonery. or (3) by announcement in a Church ~
heo1tion Only these ate-ms require Church leaders'
attenhon and actlon.
171.28 Mall Sent to Church Headquarters
Local leaders should place a return add.re:s.s
c:m all le-tter.; and other ltt!m!'l of comw;pond~
sent to Church headqu01rt"'ra, In <~ddltlon to ~
rctum address on the cn\elope In whlch the item
1.; &C.'nl
17.1 29 Members' Communication with
Church Headquarters
Men1bcrs of the Church nre discouraged from
mnking telephone calls or wnting letters to Gen·
eral Authorities about doetnnal ~ues or per-
sonal matters With an ever-increasing Church
membe11>hip. responding ~or.;oru~Uy to these in-
quines present!. an almust an... urmoWlt.lble task
.1nd wouJd make It diffic.uJt Cot General Authori-
tie:. to fulfill the dutl ft-r wh1ch thl'V .1lone ..tre
re.poru.ab le . The Gencl'lll Aulhnntle:. love the
members or the Church lind do not want them
tu fl.'d thilt they Mt' without thl! !!Upport and
guadance u,ey need l lowcvt>r, all things need
to be done with wisdom amJ urde:r.
The Lord hru. organi.L:ed Hi Church so e"\'·
~ry member has ac~ to a l>Lmop or branch
pre-.l"ffit and a take. da«trlct, or missjon presi-
dent who serve a:. r,pirltual<tdvl"iefS and ll'mpo--
rol counse.lors. By reason o( their callm&-, these
local leaders arc ent1tled to tht' splril ol disct>m·
ment and !nspirnbcm to t!nllble thl"m to counsel
mcmbezs Wlthin theat )urisdlctaon
Members who nl.'cd ~>plrltuul guldanc~. haw
weigh ty personol problem[!, or have doctrinal
~uet.IIOn'l <~hould make il UUigl.'nt effort, includ·
lng eame;t pr.1yer t\nd scriptur' eh.1dy. m find
solutions and answers thcrru elves.. Church mem-
bt.>n Me t•ncouroged to ~ck ~;uidance from the
I lui) Ghtht 10 help then\ In U'eir pen.onaJI.ives
3.lld an thcU' fauul) and Chutc.h responsibilities.
II members '!>till need help, they should cou.n-
!>rl fint w i th theu blShop. U necessary, he ma~
refer them to the stale prt!<;adcnt.
In mo"t cases, correspondence from mem·
ber& to General Authonbe& W1U ~ referred back
to thCJr Jocall.e adm. St.1ke pr~ldl.'nb who nt!t!d
clnrifkahon about doctrinal or other Church

matters ma) write in behalf of their members to
the Flrst Presidency.
171.30 Members' Occupations, Professions,
and Affiliations
Baptism tnto the Church. priesthood otd.ina-
ltons. ttnd the tsMung of temple recommends are
b~ on the person.1J worthiness of each uuti-
vtdual as establlshed by a careful interview by
that person's local pnesthood leaders. Members
or the Church 'lhouJd endeavor to be involved
in acth Ities and employment upon which they
can in good conscience ask the blessings of the
Lord and whicl1 are consistent with d1e principles
of U1e gospel and the teachings of the Savior.
17.1.31 Other Faitha
Mucl1 thlll is inspiring, nohle, ;md worthy of
the highest rCSpt!Ct is foiJnd in m11ny other faiths.
Mlssionnrles and oth~r members must be se.n -
'litive ond rcsp~tful tow;~rd the beliefs of oth-
ers and nvoid giving of(en.c;e. Stake an d mission
pl't'Stdcnts who have questions about celation-
shtJ>" with non-Chnshan faiths should contact a
m~ber of the Pre:.sdency of the Seventy OT the
Area Presidency. Other local leaders who have
such questions shou ld contact the stake or .mis-
sion pre-.sdcnt
17.1.32 Ovemlght Activities
See Hn11dbook 2 13 6.U and 11.2.8.
17.1.33 Political and Civic Activity
A., l..iiU\:J1l>, Church meml>o!r.s an· encourag~
to pa.rtJclpat~ tn polihcal and go~emmental af-
fairs, including involvement in !be politkal party
of their choice. Members are also urged to be ac-
tlvely ertg3gcd in worthy causes to improve their
communHies and snake them wholesome places
in wh1ch to live and rear Iamilies.
In accordance with the laws of their respec-
tive governments. nwmbl'rs 11re encouraged to
regl'lter to V\>te. t~'l !itudy •ssues and candidates 17.1.35 Privacy of Members
carefully. and to vote for individuals whom they
believe will act with integrity and sound judg-
menL Latter-day Saints havt! a special obliga-
tion to seek out, vote for, and uphold leaders who
are honest. good, and WISe (see O&C 9H:1UJ.
Wh1lc affirming the right of expression on
polJbcal and sooal bsucs, the Onuc.h is neutral 17.1.36 Privately Published Writings
regard1.0g political parties, political platforms,
and candidates for political office. The 0\u:rch.
does not tmdorsc any political party or candi-
date Nor does st advise members how to vote.
11. CJrurdt Pai/Qes
H owt!ver, i.n !>Om~ exct!ptional instances the
Chwc.h wiU ·ake a position on specific legisla-
tion, parhcularly when it condud~ that moral
ISSUes ar~ involved Only the rust Presidency
can speak for the Church or coaurut the Church
ta support m oppose specific legislation or to
t.co!k to snlCJ"\ o!nc in j\ldaei.U matter.;. Otherwise,
stake pres1dcnts and other local leaders should
not organ1:tc mcmbcl"'i to partidpatc in political
matten. or nttempt to influenc~ ho" they parti-
cipate.
Church mt!mbers are encouraged to consider
servlng In elected or appointoo public offires in
local and nationill govemment. Cnndidates for
public of(ice hould not Imply that their candi-
dacy is endorsed by the Church or its leaders.
Church leaden, und members should also avoid
statements or conduct that might be interpreted
as Church e.nd orscmcJtt of any political party,
plntform, poUcy. or candidate,
Members nrc encoura~l.!d to support mea-
sures ti'tilt strengthen the moral fabric of soci-
ety, parUcuJarly those designed to maintain and
strengthen the family ns the lundamentaJ unit
of c;odety.
Church record~. directories, i1nd similar ma·
terial'> may not b\! u~od for polibl;a.l purposes.
Church f~cilitu.'5 may not be UbCCI for politi~
cal purpo . However, facillttes may be used for
voter registration or polling where there is not
a reasonable altemative (see 8.4)
17.1.34 Postal Regulations
In the United Slate:. and som~ other countries,
It is a V1olaum of postal regulations to place any
matcnol without postage ln or on mailboxes. This
re!>lrlction applieb to ~·ord or stakt: nl!wsletters,
aMounccmonts, flyers, nnd other Chu.rch·related
motl'riills. Church le11dcrt. should in~ITuct mem·
bers and ml~shmnrl~s not to p lace such items
i.n or on mnllboxe&.
Church lt~adcrs Mt! obligated to protect lhl'
privacy of mcmben.. Church recortls, ilirectories,
ilnd slmilar matonals moy not be used for pet·
r.ona.l, commercial. or polih~l purposes (see <~lso
13.8).
Mcntbers should not ask General Authori-
ties or Area Seventie!i to coauthor or endorse
Church book.. or other o,urch wntings.
159
f71.37 R6Cordlng Talks or Addresses of General
Authorftle• and Area Seventies
Church member.. should not recurd the talh
or odd~ that Gt.>ncr.U Authorittes and Area
Se\t'ntil'$ gJVc at tnk conferen~. mission<~ry
ml!etings, or other m~hn~ Howev~ member..
m~y record bro.1dasts ol gcnenJ conference on
home t'\f1Upmt.'11t for per10n01.l, noncommerrial
u~
17.1 38 Referring to the Church and Its Members
Arc th~ Church grows across boundaries,
culture., and bnguJgc , the u~ nf its revealed
nil me, The Church of Jesus Chnsl of Latter-day
S.'ltnh> (see O&.C 115:4), i.s increasingly important
ln tht! n.-spt>nl;iblllty of the Church and its mcm·
bers to proclaim the name of the Savior through-
out nJI the world. Accordingly, references to lhe
Church should lndudc Its full nome whenever
posstblc. Potlowing 41\ lnitiol refert!nce to the
full namc of thl.' Church, the contractions Nlhe
0\urth or " the Church of Jesus Christ'' are ac-
ceptilble.
R>ferrlng to thl! Church a.<; ~ the Mormon
Church, · " Ule Lat1~·r-da)' Saints Church," or "the
LOS Church" '" d1.o;rourngcd.
When referring to Chwrll membets, it is pre£-
cr.,blc- to u~ thto phra~ -~of The Church
Of }bU._ Chrut of l.atter-d.Jy 5.-lmts. • As a short-
ened reference. •t.atter-da}• Sau\ls~ tS prefurreJ
and MormoN" is acceptable.
The word Monll(m wW conhnW! to be used
in proper Thlme<i hk~ th~ Book or Mormon and
the Mormon Tdbernade Choat. lt wiD al~ cvn·
hnue to be used as on adjective m phrases such
AS •\1()rmon pionl.'\'~. In nddation, t! may be
N
necCbSilry to Ube thl' word Mormo11 to identify
tht: Church ,.., it l• commonly known in some
rountrlt"JJ
17.1.39 Research Studlealn the Church
The only authorized research agency of the
Church Is the Rcse.uch lnformation Division of
the Correlation Department. Representam·es oi
this department use que!rtionMire:. and inter-
views to obtain t.nformahon on issues of ronc... m
to General Autl\4lnller. Whcm Church.authori7.X.'d
~rchets contact members, they pro~r;de the
Church s toll·rrt"e number and a contact name
at hddquo~~ In additton they always allow
U\c respondem th~ opbon ol not 3nswering any
or olll'lf lht' questions on a survey.
Chur<.h ma!ttnSs may nut be used for coi-
l('( ling lnlormation by unauthorized persons
160
or ag('nd~ 'lor should tht nilrnes of Church
mC¥mbt'n. ~ m.1dt• 61V4ltlible to such persons or
agt.>nd~. If localludl·rs wAnt to \ erlfy the au-
thonz..hon or qu uonn.ures or I.J'Iterviews, thev
o;h11uld t't\ntnC1 th • Rt'$('arch lnlonnation Di.i'-
aon (1 -~1 -240.212.7 ur 1-al0-433-3860, extension
2·2727).
f7140 Safety In Church Wetrare Operations
Milny Church wcliue opcr.1bons ffilve equrp-
ment and machinery tNt can cau....e injUI') if tt b
not USt.>d properly Agt!llt stake operatmg commit-
tees and monagcl"l or welfare operations should
t!nSure the safety uf employe8 .md volunteers.
Worker should~ mstructed n."gulouly In safety
prortlcc'l. rhc work rrwironmcnt should be in-
sp~.>cted J-lt'rl(.)dlcolly, with lwalth and safety haz-
.udiS corrected. Adequate supen•i!iion should
,,Jwnyll be provided to ensure that workers fol·
low lrn.lrucllon~;, ulle tnols nnd equipment prop-
~rly, ond avotd hazardous behavior.
Normally th~ who work at welfnt"e opera-
tionc: should be 16 or older. Thase who operate
equipment ht1uld ~ mature, a~uat ly lramed
and experienced in ustng U\e t.>qwpment. Only
adults mo' operiltc power eqwpmenL
The ope-rabons m"naget rcpu~ acodents
to W•lfo1re Scr\.lc~ (1-801·240-1001 or 1~
JUO, ~u..won 2·3001) .snd the.- R.ts~ MaN.gement
Dh l Wll at Church hc.ldquorlt!r, c~ 8 3.6 fur
cont0lc1 lnformaiJon).
171.41 Sates Agents
I.CIQI ~de~ hould not accept the claims of
snl~ ragcnts th.lt tM Church or a Church leader
has iluthorizcd them to call on local leaders or
memben> to o;ell their products
17.1.42 Satellite and VIdeo Equipment
Church &nt.elllt{' and vldoo equlpment may
be us11d only (or noncommercial, Church-reJnted
purpus<.~ <i!l ••u1Jlorlz4.-d by lhl' c;take presidency
or bishopric TN!> t'tlulpnwnt may not be used
to 1\'l:.ord lei<'\ u.ion, cable., or satellite programs
that ore not !ipQO..O~ by the Church. Nor may
Chun.h satellite eqwpmcnt be used to new non-
(hu:rch progroms Members may not direct the
antenna from one- Si\t{'llHe or transponder to an-
other wiU\out 11uthonzabon from Church head-
quarter.;
OnJ) people \vho an! tratnoo to operate the
equipment mily do so YouU\ m.ly help operate
it onl)' if they are I!Upct'\li~
 All equapment !~ to b.! locked Si..'C\lrely whm
not ln usc It m3)' not~ remo\ ed from the bulld-
ing for hom~" or pc~n.1l u~.
t7.1 43 Solf~JtatJon of Funds
nw tablishi:d progr:uns of the Church pro-
vtdl! finanaal il""'"tanre for worthy individuals
and appropnate au~ ChUTCh assistance is ad·
rrunlstcred by btshops, who are familiar with the
cln:u~tanccs and can pre\'cnt dupltcate assc.~
tance and abuc,e . Therefore, membe,... .;.hould
not I"'Ucit additional fln.1ndal a.~tancc from
Chul'th hcodquarten; or from loc11l leaders or
members
I( nl •mbe~ r«etv~ <JUdl il l"l"qUe!it Cor fWlds,
they eoulu r 'lipond by aying that they hav<.'
contributed U\ lhC'Ir own wdl'ds to provide funds
for .,,."'i'lllnce ilCCOrdLng lo established prind-
pl~ of Church welfare
\7,144 Statement• Attributed to Church Leaders
From time to tim~. statements are orculated
that are anaccurately attnbutcd to le41den. of the
Chut'C.I'\ 1any such tutcrnenb da~tort current
Church teachlrlg" .m<l ar~ ba.~ on rumorr. and
annuendos.. They arc m~v "r transmitted o!flctaUy.
but by wotd uf mouth, .._...m:sil, or other informal
~;ms. Churth m •rnbers hould not te.1cll or
p.1 on such statements w1thout \ erilying that
they are from approv ...d Church ~UittS, such
a otfi I t.lt\"m nt.. comntunkations, and pub-
11 t 01'\5
Anl' notes IN!de when Cenec.U Au.t.hori.ties.
t\rea vennes, or other general OluJ'Ch officers
~pe;,k .tt Jtake conference!'> or other meetings
ihou.ld nol be <lli;tributed wtthout the coru ent
of the spea),.er. Personal notes a.re for tndividual
weonJr
17.1.45 Support to Membera In Prisons, Hospitals,
and Other ln•Ututlooa
'it41ke pn.• ldcnt& .ut• encouraged to provide
suppurt to m •mb(rr> an prison&, hospitnJs, .1nd
other ilhlitutson£ witlun lhesr b()un<.larie . Th~y
hnuld do 100 w1thm priesthood channels and
>lccording to tht• guidt!line<> t."fltabli hed by the
Church and lht! U\ tJtutions..
Th-= ~t.lke pre-.id~ determines the upport
th.lt &S to be pJ'O\·ided al each tnstitution. He also
upen. i the support. assisted by other local
priesthood I aders lf the take needs help pro-
vrd.ing scrvace to instltuuons within lb bound-
llnc:s. 01 member of the Prt-Jidcncy o( the~' cnt ·
or the Area Presidency m.1y aSStgn one or more
nearby ')takt':o to a ~ist.
The ta~e pre-.idl•nt or an a igned bashop
may call .t pnesthood holdd' to oversee the sup-
pon thai b s•vm to m~mber.i at these institu-
tiom. In pruon-., mt..'Tl ~Jhould normo~Uy be called
lO work wtlh mal~ inmatn. Jlc)\H~\ ~r. a husband
:snd ~·tfl' mav .tlso be c.1UC'd to wor~ with male
tnmtll " · At Jl!.l..,t two mt..'Tl two women or a hlb-
btlnd and \vi(~ huuld be called to work w1th: re--
rn.tftt mm•tt•s ~te11 .:~nd women who \\oork wath
mm.at · hould nol bt• .,lon · with them
Wot'!>hrp !>el'\ la!S for mcmbt•rs in pnsons, hos-
p•tali, 1tnd other Jruhtuttons may be simplified
a5 n~t.>d to meet the net'ds of lhose involved.
lht:se services usually follow the same format
.1; "'Jcrament meetlng el<cept thdt the sacrament
is not adm.tmstered to inmates in prisons. As an
C)(ceplion to Church policy, when worshtp l>Ct-
vic are held tn prisons. inmntcs may partJcspah!
by offering pr•yer.. or gaving tnlk.._ regardJ~
o( Ulclr rclt~ious <1fhhatlon or standing in the!
Church.
th •r upport th.1t mny be glvcn to mcm·
bcr in the • an.~titution' mdude:. counseling.
home tc chin~. va~olting te.1clung, Sund.a) School
cl.t~, fa mil} ho~ l.'\"CJ\ing, $Crnirlary or insti·
tute dnP.<~t~, ;and ather pedal program
In collaborilllon wtth the Pnesthood IRpart·
m~nt at Church hc.1dquart~. Welfare Services
ts resporu.ible for mnteri..lls and proless:io.nal re-
c;oun: "' to assbl thOS4! in com-cbonru institutions
and their ftlmili For Ol'> t&tancc, priesthood
lead~rs may c.untad Wt!lfan.o Sen. tee:. at 1-801-
240-264-1 or 1-800453·.38ci0, eAh!nston 2·2644.
Por ru.~tstanc • wlth w ll.are mtJtterl> sn pn~
on~.>, hoNpltals, and oth'-'r an tituUons, the stake
p~ldcnt may (ont~c t a ml•mb~r of the Presi·
dency of lhl! Sc~cnty or lht! Are<1 Presidency. The
stl)kt' pr •sid(;tnl m<~y 01bu contact Well are Ser-
vice!. dircC"tl)' <ll the Mcphom• numbers in the
previous paragraph..
17146 Symposia and Slmnar Gatherings
Ole Church warns its members against sym·
po ia cllld similar g<~tl\enngs that andude pre
sentabon.c; that (1) d.isp.a.r.1ge.
ridicule, m.lk.e Ught
o(, or are otherwise tn3ppropriatc in Lhetr ~at#
ment of sacr<.-d mBth:l"' or (2) rould injun• the
Chwdl. ddract from ab ~ton or feop.mliu
ir- m mb •rs' wcll-bcmg. \tcm~.n should not
allow their po~ttion or t.mding m tht· Church
to be u :o<l to promott• or tmpl)' cndon.ement of
uch g.,tht•rings
161
,7,1 47 Taxable Acthtilles
Ward and stak~ leaders cnstrre that IOC"al
ChurcJ\ k-11\ ltie!> do not Jeapa.tdlz.:. the Churt'h's
t.tx-e>.cmpt statu:. For gwdelu\es, se'-'! 8..1 and
1210.1.
17148 Travel of Men and Women Together
A man Jnd a wnm.1n hould not tra\ d aJ ne
togdher for Chun:h mc"'tang or ilSStgnments
unJ they • 1\' m>1m~~ to l'<lCh oth~r or <ni' both
tngle. F\lr othl'r tr&l\'~l poll~. ~ Handbook 1,
B6.2.t
11.2 Medical and Health Policies
11.2.1 Autopsies
An 11utopsy ma)' be p~rformoo if the famlly
of the dt!(C.l. L'd g&\ e!t con!tCI'\t <1nd if the autop~y
~omplies w1th thl l.H\.
17 ~ 2 Cremation
l'hc lhurch dex! not nonn.tHy l'ncouragc
Crl"'tn4tion Jnt! f,1mJly Ol the!' d :<:ea~ mu'>t de-
ode wht:tlu?r lh~ body !!.llould be cremated. tnk-
m!l; intt1 ~ccount n}' Jaws governing burial or
U'cmatiun In ~t' countri~ . the law requires
~remouon
Where pos.wle, the.- body of a dece1~ mem-
ber who has been endowed should be dre...<>ed in
t"mplc clothing when 1t IS CI'CID<lted (see 3.4.9)
A flln~J <oCIVl~c m.l)' be! held {~ IJmtdb.>ok 2,
18 6)
172.3 Euthanasia
cuth.\na~>ln if' dt<lin d fll> dchbcrntelv pultin~
to d~t~lh" pcn.on who b suflenng from an incur-
ilbl~ rondttaon or di!.~.:\5(; A person who particl-
patt.'-; In t•uthnnasiil, including ilSSisting someone
to commat buicidt!, viulot\!!t the commandments
o( Cod. (See Blso 17.2.8.)
17.2.4 HIV Infection and AIDS
Mt.-mbe~ who are infected withHJV (Human
lmmunodt!flciency Viru!<) or who hav~ Aro5
(Acqu.l.red immunodeficiency Svndrome) should
be ~.lted w1th dignity and compassion. Some
people with l UV are mnocc.nt victims of the ~cts
of oth~~ l'or c ;ample, they ma>, haw becom~
inf .'Cted through .:a c.lrcl(".'i blood transfusion or
an lnf«t~ paront. li lnfl"thon ha fefrulted from
tnru>Sn5Stng Cod's law.• tht> ChUICh advocates
the t!x.tmple Cl( the Lord. who condemned the
162
!tin y~t lovt.'d th•· "iinn •r and cncour.'lgt.-d repen-
1..1net.". Members st'llttlld n·.u~h out with kindness
nnd comfort to tht' afflict-ed, mini.o;t'ering to ~ir
net'ds Md hclpmg them find solu11ons to their
prublto>m>,
Th.- princap. I ~teguard" agamst HlV and
AIDS a~ ~uty ba!lon: matrlag~. total fidelit}
ln mam.,g~. c1bstmcnce from any homosexual
relation.s, .:t\·oJd.mcl." of illegal druS:!. and rev~f'<
enct! and care for tht!' bod)'·
Attendance .st Lhurch m\.-etang~ by per~<ms
with l ltv lnf«t1t1n ur AIDS d ~not~ a M!fi-
OUb 1'1eaJth problem Pubhc h\!aJth ~tuthoritie:,
o.1ffirm tll.lt 111\1 h,,., not bt"t·n tr.m-.mJttcd tnrough
~o1suul conla\".t in horne . achoob. churches. or
pl.. Ct?!> of wor~
ThO'-~ who o<C-.\t\ion<lll)' mo1y n!led to clean
up blood or rendL'r Ur.. t .lid snould learn and
follow thtl rc.-commt>ndtltiont. of local health offi-
d.tl!>,
W1th reg.trd to b;~ptism and confi:rmlltion,
~n.ons wtlh HTV infection or AIDS are treated
i1S anyone else who C!:xpn.>sSCS Iotith [n God. rc·
penh-, and J'l livmg tht- g~·l of jc.su!> Christ.
17.2.5 Hypnosis
Tlk! u · nf h)'pnosi undt.r competent. pn>-
f~ston.tl mcdic.tl supcn·~ion lor lhe treatmml
ot di (.~.lhe, nr mcmt.tl di .. ordt:~"> a& o1 m••<hca1
t.tu tion to ~ drkmun~ b • cump.etent medi-
citl•uthontt 1em~~ should not partlapate
m h,·pn<l.. i (or purpo~ ol dcmon... t:rabon or
~h.•rtamml!nt.
172.6 Medical and Health Praclloes
Members should not use medical or health
practice-. th<1t •rt' ethicttlly or IE'gillly qucshon-
able. Local lc.ldl>n> \hould .ld\ isc memb~G who
have hculth probteolS to comuh with competent
prok'ssionnl prilctlttOI\CI'!> who nre liccnc;cd in
thl! ~"unhil~ whtn• the practice.
172.7 Organ and Tluue Donations and
Transplants
The tiom'ltlon 01 organ~ and ti&!tues i a St>tf~
lC">S act that oftrn ~ulls in great benefit to lrtdi·
'iduah. "llh mt!dlcal conditJorb The decision to
will or donate one's own body organs or tissue
for mcJacal pu~. or the decision to ilutho-
ri.ze the transplant o1 organs; or tissue:! from a
dcet'ased f<1mily mefl\M. is made by th"" indi-
\•tdual or the dcct';l~ d m-..mber·. family

A decision lu r«'CI\: ~a d onatf'd org~ ~>hould
bt.> rn d~ afrer n: etvtn · com~h·nt m~ical coun-
sel and c nfirmaUon through prayer
17.2..8 Prolonging Ute
When \·e-re tllnt'5.. -.trike:., mem.bers ::-hould
t>X~tti~ fa1th U\ the Lord and seek compelent
m :dl :'II assl t~nc · However, when dying be-
com in "\rlh\b~. It houfd be seen as a blessing
Jlnd. pu~tul put of ~~~al existence. Mem-
bers should n t feel obllgilted t-o extend moml
life tty Ml'•tn thnt tln• unre.,~onable. Th~ JUdg-
ments ore best mad" b) (;tnuly ~ alter
receh ing \\be and comp\!tcnt medice1l .td\'ie"e
.mu ~ing dt\'ln • guld..mcc through fustmg and
pray.ar
~ dcf1ol otft'r !lpecu~l oonccm .1nd ble 'iln~
to lho:.e who .1te deciding whether or not tore-
move lli!:! support for a Camily rn.ombcr
17 2.9 Self-Awareness Groups
Many prwnte group'l and commercial orga-
ni.t.lhons h.l\ e program.& that purport to inaease
'lf..aw n: .~If c tc~n)..md sp•nMIIity. Some
gmup" ptomi&e to cnh.mcc tndi\ adual agenq
o r imp row f,unil\• r-~1. tioru hlp. Some offer "ex-
pencntti1l'" or empowerment• tr.Uning.
«;om~ u( th~ groups falscly d.um or unpl)'
ttut the Chui.'Ch or lndi\·idu~l :n tal Author!·
n ha\'~ endo~--d their progr.lm Ho\'t e\c?r, the
Church has not endo~ an · u h enterprise,
md members are warned against believing such
cbuns Thl• fuct th.-lt th.e Chuf'(h h.l.-. not Cormlllly
chaU~nsc:d uch .m !!ftktpnse should not be per-
ceived ll!> 4 tllett endorsement or approval.
Church meml>t!rs are .USO wa.mOO that some
of the , • group~ ndvocate concept~ and Ube
methods thJt Oln be hotrmrul. In addition, many
~>Uth gm\Jp d'Jrgt! ~orbat.lnt fees ~nd encour-
ug~ long· t~nn t:ommitm ~ts Some rntc rmingl~
worldly conc(·p~ wJih g<>ipc:l principle~ in way~
that CM und&mlnt! !tpirlluaUty and fatlh.
l 'hese group~ t~nd to promi~~ quiC~k !>Olu-
tions to problems th.lt nom~'\11 require time and
plii'SOr\411 cftort to molve. Although pnrtiop. nto:;
may ~cnc~: temporary ~otiuthlJ rehef or
ahilaration old problems often retum,leadlng
to ~ddt.-d dlsolppointmcnt and despair
Church lc.tdcn .uc not to pa) for. encourage
r or promote such groups m- prac-
rtletpt~tion In,
ht.:s. Also, Church bdlltib may nol be used for
the: tell\ Ita
L••ad •rs ..hould counsel members that tnte
scll·lmprovcm~nt comt.,; through ta~ing g pel
17. O tu.U. l'ol1t1n
prlncipl~. Membt.-n. who hove sOCial or t!mo--
honAI problems may consult with pne-.thood
le.1deB for ~!dance tn adentifymg sou.n:-es of
help that an- ln h.lrmony with gospel principles.
17.2.10 Stillborn Children (Children Who Ole
before Birth)
C.rt~.>\otng p.mmt wh e child di~ before
btrth should b~ gtvt!n cmouonal and spintuil.l
support.
Temple ordinances .tre not perlormed for
stillborn children. llowtver, ttuo, d~ nut deny
the pos.-.ibility that <~ ~>tillbom chtld may be part
of the family U\ lh~ ~tcmities. Parenb an' encour~
•'Sed to lruat the Lonl to rl'SOive such cases in
the way He knows is ~t. The famlly may re-
cord the name of a stillborn chud on the lamUy
group record, follo\ved by the word sHllbartt in
p<~ n.'fl the~"
Mt!rnorial or gr~v~idt! o;crvJce:t may be held
"'"determined bv the p.tr •nts
It i~ :a fact thAt t1 clulJ h.u lif • before bi:rth.
However, th~re fs no direct revrl..thon on when
the spint enters the body.
11.2.11 Word of Wladom
The only off1oal anterpretltlOn of "hot drinlo;s"
(D&C 89.9) m the Word ol WJ.Sdom tS the sQte-
ment rru de b)' early Oum:h leaders that the tmn
"hot drinks· mC'al\S te'il 01nd coffee.
Members should not use uny subsbnce thnt
contAin •11~1 dl'\t or houJd members use
harmlul or hAblt·fonnlng substances e cept un-
dl'r the C.l~ of :a comp<'lent phy"'ltlan
17.3 Policies on Moral Issues
17.3.1 Abortion
The Lord commMd d. 'Thou h. It not
kUl. nor do a.nythlf'lg like unto It'' (O&:C 59:6). The
Chunh oppos~s cl~tivc abortion for p('rsonaJ
or soc.i.1l convcnhmre. Mem~ muc;t not submit
to. pt"rfarm, orr.mg~ for. P-lY for, consent to, or
~rourdgc em ubor'lion The only possible excep-
tiOns an• whl!n:
1 l'r\.'gn.1ncy · ult'"-d from forcible rape or in·
ccsl
2. A competent ph}"ld.1n det rma~ that tne
lift' or h~.:~lth of the mother l in $l't'lous Jeo-
p.udy
3 A compc.·tc:nt ph)' ac:l.l.n cfutenrunes that Lhe
fetus M5 5e\'eN detec ~~ wlll not allow
the babv to ~urvm: beyond birth
163
 Evt.'n thee t.>X~ptioru. do not justif} abortion
amomaticall) Abortttm t'\ n most serious matter
and ~hould be constdert!d only after the rt!r-
sons re:.pon."tble h.we t'Onsulted wtth thetr btsh-
ops and n.'U'l\~ divine confirmabon through
praytr
Church ml.!mbt!n. who submit to. perform,
Mnnge for, pay for, consent to, or encouro1ge an
•bortion may b4!' ~ubJect to Church <fuciphne..
As fo1r il't ho:ts been re\ eal~d . a f":'rs<m may
rt"pmt and bto forgiv~n tor the sin of abortion.
17.3.2 Abuae and Cruelty
I he Church's po:.ition 1s thn~ abuse cannot
~ tolrfilh.>d tn ony form. Those who abulic or
tlrc cruel to thdr ~opou~>t.'&, c.hlldcen. oU,er fam-
ily member.;, or .myontt eh.e violate the laws
of God and m''"· All members, e!>peclally p.lT-
enb and leo:tder , Jt\.' cncour~ed to be .tlert and
dilig ...nt and do .1U lh~y can to pJ:'Ott."Cl child~
.1nd otht:n otf:iJin l abuse and neglect.
MLmlx-~ who have abw.ed others are sub-
jt.•cl to Churth dbcipline. They hould not be
giv~n Church <.:.illings nnd may not have a temple
K"Commt-nd until the)' tww repented and all
Church disapline N!> been resolved
A person whose mcmbenJup record is anno-
utcd tor h.n i.ng ob~ a child 5{!XUa]ly or ph) t·
~all)'
must not be givt!ll ;my t>alling or assignment
mvolvmg children or youth. Also. c;sreful con·
sideraHon hould he giVl'n to other assignments,
such ., home t~aching or va~ting tc<~ching. These
restnction'> houtd remam in place until the FtrSt
Presidency autnori7e:; removal of the MU1otltion
(sec 6.13 .J for mformation about annot&~tions)
In lnst.mcl>s of 11buse. the first responsibility
of thtt Church is to help thur.c: who have been
abu~d ,md to protect thof>e who may be vuJ.
ncro1ble to future nbu"e. Victims of !:oexual abu~
(mcluding npe) often suJfcr <~crious trauma and
fet!llng.. of guill
V1ctims of the ~~n tltt~s of others are not guilty
o{ !tiJ\. Churrh lr.:~dcrs 'ihould be !.en.Sitivc to such
victims and gave canng attention to help them
ovem.>m~ the dcstru(;ti\:t~ effects of abuse.
St.,J,:e pr~idl!nt~ and bishop:. make ewr)'
effort to coun~l those who have been invol\'cd
In abuM.• I he!,(." le dcrs may refer to the booiJet
Rf"{'<flldm~ to AbUllit"' Htlp~ for Erri~Jasticm UaJ.
c and the p.lmphlcts Pre .._.,,,,.,~ tmd Rtsponding
lo Spt111 ~ A~ and PrCT'f'ntin,~ ond ~pcmdmg
to Clultl Abust• The DVO P,.;tt\ t IItt Child; Rtspond-
mg to CJuld .'\bw;e abo outlino th~ n:sponsibill-
ties of leoadcrs and oth r members l.t\ preventmg
..u\d responding to chHd .1b~. All ward coun-
Cils are asked to view thl!:. OVO and diSCU!>S at
.tccording to the guldto on the b<1 k of the DVD
case.
1n addttion to the inspired help oi Church
lc.1ders, memb..-r.. ma) n~d prof~onal coun-
~hng 1n the United <;tate and Cannd.1, 5hlk:e
pn:.stdcnt~ .nd bishops 0'\.il)" COI'Itact LOS Family
Scrvlc to lde.ntlly re!>Oura>s to provide such
coun:,ellng U\ hannon)' "•th go pel principles
(l..g()l-240·1711, 1-8()0...453-3860. ~tension 2-1711.
or ld family~-ervin: .org). Oubide the United
St.stc.os and Can.1do, t.\kt! pres• dents may c:ont.,ct
the Area Pr\c'"bidcnC) for guidance. If the trans-
gressor ~ an :tdult who hns committoo a sexual
tr.msgresslon J~tlinst ~' t hild, the beha"'ior may
be very d~-cp• _cMed and lhe process of repcn·
tan~e 11nd n:!,u·m.lhtm mny be very prolonged.
ln the Unitt"d Stntes and Canada, the Church
h~ estobllshe~ a help lin· to .u.:.bt stake presi-
dent& ilnd bishops in cases of .1bu.s<! (1-80l-2-10·
1911 ur I-80CH53·3860, Cl\t~ion 2-1911). These
JcO'Idcrs !!.hOuld caJI the h •lp hne af they·
1. S.:comc aw.lre of ph)' k3l or t::)(ual abuse
invoh mg Chun:h m •mbcr...
2.. Bd.l~ e t.h.lt a pt"r!J.On mav ha~e been abused
or is .tt risk of being obu"'-d
3. lk!c\lm · ..w3re uf th • "i~wmg. pu.rch.lstng, or
distnbuting of ch1l() pomognph)
When calling tht• help line, lcadc.rs will be
.1blc to consult w lti, prof~ ·oMI cou~lors and
tt.-g~&l JX'C:Iilh'lt~ who can ht!Jp ans"er qu~tions
and fonnulate tt."P~> to take. -\ ba hor should also
nob~ rus st.U;~ pres1dmt M mstuncts of abuse
In countrio that do not h.wc ~ help line. a
bt~hop who learns of •bu!.e :,hould contact his
st.lke pre:.ldcnt. who wlll 54..-ek gutdM.ce from the
Arcil Pn.>sldency.
If confidentinl infonniltton lndlcates that a
m••mbcr's abutiive n~'ti .. ltics h.we violated appli-
cable law, the bishop or lake president hould
urge the memheor to report these activltio to the
npproprlaw govcmmt.'nt authorities. Leaders an
obtu.n mform..ttion ctbout local reporting require-
menU. through th • help line. Where rl!p<>rting
ll'l requi~J by law the le.sder encourages tl'le
member to k'CUI\! qu.ilifted leg.ll advice
To ilvoid 1mp1ic:attng ~he- C:..hurch in legal
m..1ttcn to which it is not a party, Church Jead-
t.n. should avo1d h; ti{ytng in ctvil or criminal
c:asa or other proct!t.'Cil.np. involvmg abuse. For
pecific suidehne:., St.'C 17.1.26.

t7.3 3 Artlnclallnaemlnatlon
1"h4! Church tron~l~ dlSCOurages artificial
~mahon usmK mm from anyone but the
husband. Hcnvevcr. tha is • per.ocoal matter that
ulbmalt>l ' m t ~ left to th~ judgment of the
husband and wtf • R~pon.,1bilitv for thr decision
rest ~ld}' \lpon th4!m.
Artifi t.tltllSC!mitu~tion of ingle sl rers not
approvl"\1 mgle tn~rers "'ho dellber.ttely relu~
to follo\\ th • counsel ol ChuJ"Ch le3ders m thi'>
matt •r ~r subll'<'t to Church dL'<ipline.
For h'!orm111ion about the aUn.g of children
who wen: con l'tvcd by artificial insemination,
~"e 3.6.2.
17.3.4 Birth Control
Il ls lh~ prl"ilc~l' ol milnicd couples who are
able lo bc.o.tr children to pnw•de mortal bodies lor
Ule par•t childrm of Cod. w hom they are then
responsibl~ to nurture and re.u The de:ci ion
a!' to how many chaldrcn to hnve and when to
N\'~ tltf'm l! elltremel) intimate and privatl! nd
should be left between the couple and the Lord
Church mcmbt-rs hould not judge one another
m tht n\AtU!r.
1arrit'\l oouplcs should also understand that
.. ual n•l.aho.u wtthin awrlage are divmt>ly ap-
proved not OnJ) (or the (lUrpo.!oe of procreation.
but also,, 11 w11 y ol xpressing love and strength-
enmg ~:motional nd piritu.a.l bonds between
hus.b.lnJ .and war •
t735 Chas11tyend Rd hty
Th Lmti l.n of chae.t.icy is <1bstmence from
~ ualrelotion.s ou ide of ldwful marriage .,nd
ftdeUt)' Wllhln marnag~. ~·xun l rcL.1tions .Ut!
rrupt·r only bct\\·~n a man .lnd a woman who
4r • It-gAily and lawfuU~ wedded as hu-.band
11nd w11l'. Adultery, fomiciltion, homo~xual or
le"blan ~latton , and every other unholy, un-
rutural,' r impur • pracUce are sinful. Members
who' iolt1tc th Lord',; law of ch01stity or who
annu,·nct": olhe!rt to do o AN loubject to Church
diK1pline.
t7.3 6 Homose~eual Behavior and Sarn.-Gender
Attraction
HomcbCXuill bclut\ tor\ iolah!S the command·
ml'nl5 uf God, is conlrnl)' to the pu~ of
human sexualJty, .tnd deprives people of the
blc,oo. mg.. th.lt l"an be fotmd m famil)l life and in
the vmg on:li.Jwlces ol the gospel. Those who
pers1..,1 an uch beha\·ior or who influence oth~rs
l l . C1Jurrh Pol~
to do ro arc ~ub1 t to Church discipline. Homo-
k ual bt•ha\·lor an bt! forgtvm through .. mcere
~pentanec.
lf mcm~r eng~gt! in hom exual behav-
IOr, Church leaders hould hrlp them have a
dear undc landing of f.uth in jesus Chric;t the
proce c{ r~pcntancc, nd the purpo~ of We
on earth.
While oppo, · ng homosc ual behavaor, ttl<
Church ch out wtth undt!l'Sta.nd.ing andre-
'P«t to andhiduals who are <~ttrilckd to th
o( th same gcndttr.
I( mt>m~rs ( 1 s.unc-gendt-r .lttrllchon but
do not ~nga~e ln any homose>.uaJ be.havaor,
k.tdl',... 'lhl1uld "upporl and t>ncourage t.ht>m in
their rewlvt! to hv~ the law of chastity ond to
cantrol unrtght<•ouo; though~. These members
may rect'ivc C.:hurch cnlhng'>. U they are worthy
and qullli(lt'd in t!Vl'')' other way, they may aJ o
hold temple r~"Commcnd.-. and n."CeJVe temple
ordin.lnce .
When coun~Ung m~mbcn; who have s.une-
gendt'r OJitraction, lal:t> pr ldents and bishops
may re!~r to the booiJct CoJ l.Dvtlh Hu Cllildrrn.
ln addttion to the 11\ipi..rt'd help ol ChW\7h
l•ad ~. m m~rs may need proh-.. iPnal coun-
selin~. In the United States and Can.ada, st.tle
prf'Sidenl! nd b h may contact LOS family
Servte to dl'!ntt!y !'l'sourccs to proVlde ruch
couru lang tn Nlrmon) wtth gospel pnnciples
(l 1·2·10.1711: l·SOO-lSl-3860, eAtens:ianl-1711;
or ldsbmaly ~rvu:e....org) Out..ide the United
Stafl'5 and C.1n.1da, l'ilakc p Jdt..>nb may contact
the Area f'fto..tdt•nc\' tor guldan~: ...
17 3.7 In VItro FertJllzatlon
lhe Church strongl)' dao;courase m vitro
(crblil..ltion u mg ·m~n from anyont> bul the
hu band ur an t!gg rrom anyont' but the wife.
llmwvcr, this ts a pc1'50n.tl mattl'1' thJt ulbmately
D\U5l b<.> ldt to the Judgment of the husband and
wife Rt..,pon tbihty (or the decision rests M>lely
upon tlltm.
for information about th~ sealing of chUdren
who,., ere conci?h: ed by m vitro fertilization, see
3.6.2.
173.8 Occult At illation
Chun:h mtmh\:no hould not t-ngage: m ;my
form oi 5.:ttan worshap or afftliau.• in an • way\\ tth
th • ex-cult Su h nctJVatio are among the WaLks
of d4rJ..nr... polt>n of m the scriptu~. lb..')' aft'
des gned hl destroy one' fatth tn Christ, and will
165
 jeopardize the salvation ot thf»e who kno\Vingly
promote this wickec:lncss ThiN: thing) hould
not be pursued games, ~ topu;s i.n Ch.urclt
m~tings, or be delvt-d U,to in pri\·ate. personal
conv~tions" (F"ll'!lt Presidency letter. Sept. 18.
1991)
f7.3 9 Pornography
The Church oppo t>i pornography in an}
form. lndulgenre i.n pomogrc1phy &ma~ tn·
dividu..U 11\'t!S, ~mili.: • Md socieh' Such mdul-
gmc~ drives lWay the Spirit of the Lord Church
m~mben. should avotd cill fornu. of pomogr.1phic
matt•ri.U and upro~ ats production. d~in.l­
tion nd US(!.
When stake pn!Sadcn t~ ,,nd b&shops cou.nse.l
members who are involved w1th pornography,
they may refer to the boot..lcl l ltlping Tit&..l! Who
')tn1gglr rvrtJ, Poruo~raplay. nw booklet l.d Vu -
,,~ GumWa n,., nlllU!lht• I o provides roun.scl
on how to 11void mnd onroome problems with
pornography.
[n addition to the: tru.pirt'd help of Church
h~.1dcrs, mcml>&!.rs ma) m.-ed professtem.al coun·
c;ehng In th~ United State. and Can4tcla, ~t.\lcc
pl't'Sident.s and bi hop may conactlDS T.imt.ly
St.'"n ices to ld\!ntHy reM)urccq to provide such
ooun:.eling in hnrmony with gnspel pnncrph.>S
(1-.801-240-1711, l -800·4"3-3860, extcn.sion 2-ln 1;
or ldsfami.lysen lces.orK)· OutSide the United
Stat~ ;md Carutda, st.lle ptt!sid~nt:. ffii\)' contact
the Area Presidency for Kmd.'lnre
11.:uo Same·Gender Marrtages
As a doctrtn.ll pnnciple. b.1st-d on the S(rip-
tures, the Church a(tU"O\S that marriage bch~o~c...'f1
a man and a wom.1n 1< t"'!\Cflhill to the Creator's
phm for the eh,mal desunv of HIS children
Sexual Nl.-.tianJ ..r~ proper onl) bt!tween n
man and n woman who OJ\! lcgnlly "nd lawfully
wedded as husb.md and wut! Any other ~ ual
rdntions, including tho~;e bclwtocn persons ~f
t.rn! SO\me gender• .Ut! slnful.tnd undemun~ the
da' mel) created institulton of the Jamaly. The
Church according!)' .,(finn~ dl'Ontng marriage
.tS the legal and lawful uruon b\•tween a man
and a woman
11.3.11 Sex E.duca11on
Parents hnve prim.lr') n....,ponsibdity for the
sex education of Lhclt children- Teaching thl!t
subJect honestly nnd plainly m the humc will
help young pt.mple avoid ~;crious moraltranto
g~'i\Qn~ ro hdp p.uent~ tt'3Ch this -.ens&tiV\:
166
nd important mfonnabon, the Church has pub-
h-.ht"\.1 1\ Purntt 'I C111df
Where r.chools have underlakJ n ~~ ~ducol­
tlcm. par.ml'> should seek to l"nsure th<Jt them-
&tl'\l('lions g•ven to thelr children .1re c-onsiStent
with "uund moral and ethical v.,Jut.>~.
17312 Single Expectant Parents
Church membe~ who nre inglc nnd preg~
n;mt aTe encouraged to gu to lhcir bi hop. 8; \rir-
tue of his priec;thcx-.d offu:e and calling. he can
counscl with them a<t thev mal<' imporunt de--
CI~;tonc; th;lt affect thelr own well-bclng and that
of th~ chi1d. lie can at.;o help them begin the pro-
CC$41; of t\'~nta~. w~re approprlotc
Becau~ 01 thl' social and cmolion.tl issues
inh ~rent ln such situation-., bi!'hup~ mny want
ta cam>ult Wllh LOS fanuly Sl!rvlc • counselors
(wher~ available) fo help.,~~~ drcumstancet.t.
d -ccrmine the need for profc-. ton.:al courucling,
and icJentilv resource~ Th•- S4,.r Ic1! I free of
charge. ln the United Slate!i mnd Ca.nad:t, bishops
may contact the LDS Pam•l ~es offi~ thai
5CTVes thetr area or caU 1-800-537·2229 Bishops
may .ll ga to tht' Wt>b .,ifl" atsaboutlove.org fur
mono JnfOl'tn.ltion.
Sl..hups ~oult.l Ctlnstder rclerring th~ ~~pl'C­
tilnt purent~ to LOS Fa mil} '5ervic~ (where avaU-
nbJ,•). 1..05 Family Servt«>S provides ct,unscllng
ut no chM~ to the t-xpectant parents and th~ir
ramlllcs, regardles:. of wh~th~r thc p.llt'nls choose
tu mMry, place the child for dl,ption, or parent
the child without gcttcng m.urioo.
Wh m a man and , .. on,.n c..,n,·eive a child
out tde of marriage, cvcTV effort !.hould ~mad~
to l'fKc>uragt? ~ lu mnrr')• Wht•n lhl.' probabil-
•t)' of G succ~ful marriage i~ unll}(t!l)' due to 3gl!
or other ""1mtme.t<'ncc: , the) unmarried parent!.
should be c0\11\SeJed to work with t OS Family
Services to place th chUd for adopHon, provid-
ing an opporrunity tor the baby to be sealed to
temple-worthy pa!\mh Adoption is an unselfish
lnvang d~clston U\l'lt bles.se, both the barth par
t.'f1b ;1nd the duld ln this We and in e;t~rrut)
If LOS Fanuly Sen'lreS ts not D\'allnblc: tn the
illret, l~ader.:. should cnrourage the pld~ent
llf the child lor adoption wllh 3 t :rnpl worthy
c1up!c through a loc.al Ucm.'i4.>d ag~)·· LOS Fam·
al • St.-n'lce> may be o( .:11\Slstancc t.n tdentifying
reputable, l.kensed t~dopti1m ;,g •ncte-". l..iren.sed
Dgcndes are des~gned to protect the mterest of
th\! chald, screen adoptive C'l1Uplc<~ bclore place-
ment, and pruvade n~dl'\.i t,uper\'lsion and coun-
~llng

Birth parent. who dc1 not marry should not
~ coun led to kl't'p th • mf.1nt .u a t'ond1hon of
repent.mC'\' or oul of 1\ •rbt! of obhg.1tion to c..a.re
lot one·s own AddlUonally, grandparents and
other family mc~n $houtd nnt feel obligated
to facilltat~ rarentJnK by unmarricS.f parents,
stnt"e the child would not generally be able to
l't'(Ct\'e the blessmg:, of the ~hng covenant.
Furth1·r, unm.tmc.'CI pan.'fl are ~en.t!t'AIJy unable
to pruvid.: tht: -.LahiUty and the nurturing en vi·
ronmmt that a maml-d mother .1nd father can
pnwld • Unm.lmL.,J po)ren houtd give prayer-
rt~l con~dl.!tl\ Uon to the best interests of the child
and lh(• bl ..ings that ('an com\.' to an infant who
is <'.1lcd ton motht'r .md hither (see foirst Presi-
dt:ncy I •ttt>r, )unl' 26, 2002).
If 110 I."XJX'dilnt rarcnt Jeddcs to PIU'el\l the
child, Olurch le.tder:; .~nd other mcmbi!IS should
!Teat the parent .md child w1th care t.1nd com-
pat>slon .md ~ t() "itrength~n pa~nting t-killco.
LOS F.1nuJy Servaces may hclp m these drcum-
stances l.A?aders l'Ocouro1ge the parent to have
the child gwen., Mme and a blessing (!>ee llarrd-
Nok 1, 20 2).
Fur lnlorm.tnon nbout whether a pregnant
} ouns \VPill.lll ~hould attend Relief Society or
Young ~omt·n rnl'<'ttngs. see Handbook 2, 10.12.4.
LOS r.1mUv ~r" ces has cstabli!>hed a toU-
ftte help lim• for smgk• cxp..-ctant parents and
others to ohtam h ·lp reg~rdmg pregn.maes~nd
rcl.ttl'd m11ll N ( l..SOO.S:\7-22.29) The hclp line
is ilVIil>thlt' in .1!1 ar' or the Umted SutJ and
Canada Mcmb •n; 111nd nonmeomb~rs may caU
it directly or caU the local LOS Family Services
o(fict! H IC'aders do not t..no\\ the number of the
loc.1l office, they m.t}' call the help line or go to
lbi'"lbuulloH• org That Web site prtwides help-
ful infom'•1Uon for tho.sc who are single, preg-
lMnl, ~omd con-.adering t.heir options.
17.3.13 Sperm Donation
The Church strongly discourages the dona-
tion oJ "ifl'.7m.
17 Orurrlt P11IIClB
17.3.14 Suicide
It &b wrung to uk a Ute, indud~ one'!! own.
However, " ~n who commil118uiode 11\3Y not
he respon Lbl~ for h~'< or her ac . Onlv Cod can
Judge ucb 4l matter. '
W.Sd~:rs hould co~l and comp~Jonatcly
~on.:.ole the famil~ mcmbcts of a person who has
comm1tt~ uadde. The ftlmalv, in col'bultation
wdh the bllhop, determine!; the pta~ and Nture
of a funer.tl St.?rvice for.& person who has d.OO
under such om.unstnnces Church faobtaes may
be uwd If lhl• pct">on Wd!l endowed, he or she
may be burit>d 10 t~mplc clothing .
Th ~ bl!lhop shou ld cowuela person who has
~uusly consid~rccl suicide or has attempted
su1ddc. Tilt! bishop rnny al~ cncour.Jge the mem-
ber to :;.e,•k proft.'tlslonal ht>lp.
17.3.15 Surgical Sterilization (lncludtng Vasectomy)
Tile Church strongl)• discourage.• surgical
sterili7Ation i\S nn el«tlvc form af birth controL
Su~ical st~iz.ation 1-hO\lld be con.c;idercd only
if (J) m tdical condjUons senously Jeopnrdil.e life
or hc.1lth or (2) birth dcf~ or -.erious trauma
h.,, e rendcn.-d .-. person mentally Incompetent
and not ~onsible lor hi5 or her ndioru;. Such
condlllons must N- dl."terminNf by competent
mrdiat JUdgtnL'I'It and m accordance with law.
E"cm then. the ~ ns ~ponsible lor lh1s de-
asian ~hould consult with ~ach othf'r and with
th~ar bishor amJ hould t\.'C~ive dh me confir-
mation o( thcit deci!.ion Ulrough pra •er.
173.16 Surrogate Motherhood
The Chun:h strongly di~uragcs "UTI"'g.lte
mothcrhe<>d. If parent8 want a child \\ ho was
bom loa urrogate mother to be sealed to them,
the stake prt:'Sident rerers the m01tter to the Office
of the Fii'Jt Prt''ltd~lcy.
167
Appendix: List of Items Referenced
Handbook 1: Stnkr Pr<'5idtnl, nud BL~Itc>J'> refers
to many other Church-produced mate.rW&, An
alphabetieallisl of U\ese materials IS provided
below. I£ item numbers haw been as~1gnl.'d . they
4re included in this list rather than in U\e text of
the handbook. Most of these materiaJs 01re <~ vall·
olblc through 0\u.rch Distribution Services. Con-
tact informotion ts pro\'ided below~
OtStribution ~'ices
l999 West 1700So\Jth
Sail LAke City, Utah 8-1104-4233
Telephone: 801-24()-3800 (Salt Lake City area)
1·800-537·5q71 (U.S 4111d ClllallA)
l-801-24o-1126 (other countries)
Internet: www \dsc..,t.~ log.ct'm
Aarunic Pnesthood OtdinaUon Rectlrd 3nd Cer-
tificate (in areas that have Church r~ord·
keeping softwa_re, the record .lnd certificate
are printed in local uruts; i.n other ueas. the!
1tem number is 35857)
ll Gwdt to Smwwry rmd lnstttutr Graclrmtum rttr-
ris/:.. (availabl~ online at seminary.ld .org)
Iiiiis S!lft'ly Cntlrererlfn: fmm1y Fmances (0-!00'7)
Allis S!ift!ly Gatlwtt!d l11: Fmnily Hom~ Storage
(04008)
Annoal History for Stakes OUld Ot.Stncts (32.299)
A Parent's Guld£ (31125)
Application to the First Pl'\:!-tdcn } fom1 (ll1
areas that have Chu.rth record-keeping sofl·
ware, the form is printed m loci\1 un.ibl~ in
other areas. unit leaders may obtain coplt!S
from the A~ Presidency; 35789)
Baptism and Confumation CertUkate (in ~
u,at lwve Chwcll record-keeping software,
the Ct!J'ttficate is pnnted in local umts; in
olh"!" .1r a:., the item number is 35920)
Baphsm and Conli.rtrultion Record (jn ilreas that
helve Church re<ord·keepint; !>Oftwa:re, the
form i:. printed In local units, for fuU.-time
miSSionaries and areas lhat do not have
record·k~eping l>Oftw<nc, the item number
il> 3:>"'9n)
Ba:;l(: Prindples ofWelfare a11J Sdf~lib"u
(booklet, OB288; DVD, 08287)
Ba,tc U11it Program Grtidtbook (36117)
Bllinop's Order fo r CommClditie::. forms
(it~m nurnb~rs vary by area)
13rnnch G1Hdrbook (3111'9)
Certificate of Appoi.nlment (33120)
Otfldrnr's Sougbool. (35395)
Orurcll Faalihes Artwork catalog (rontaLi the
fadlities manager)
CotlRdential Report on Proposed Temple
Wotker fonn (04768)
Dut-;r., tmd Bfe:-;.;/ugs 11j the Priestlwod, Pari 8 (31112)
Ettdcnutd fr~Jm ou I Jiglt: r~.mplt Ptt.rparatson St-mmar
rt~lclter's Manual (36854)
Fac:iliHrs Mrmagem!i11f Guldtli"fli for M«lmg-
lum5tS mrd Other Clturdl Pn>pl'rty (United
Stales and Canadn, 35860; out.<;Jde the
United Stntcs a:nd Canada, J6.185)
fnm tly Guide-book (31180)
For tire Strength ofYurtllr (pamphlet, 36550;
card, 36551)
Cod Lovtlh Hts Clrddm~ (0-1824)
Group ~ad& l<lt (08208)
H.-J,Jilf}l Tlw--t Wlro Slrugglt wftls Pomogrnplly
(0046 1}
llyllftr) (31243)
ltiformqt'o" mut «iuggeshmw for Patrmrclts (31257)
Instructions for Clotlrmg tltc D(!fltl Wlro Havt
R.tawerJ Thtir Emlowmmts (31461)
lLt Not Your Htnrllk Trcmblrd DVI) (5-161&)
Ltt Virtlte Gamis/1 Tlly Tiwughts (004ti0)
umited-Use Recoaunend (04138; US(! the ord ·r
fonn in the IeCOmmmd book to order Jdda·
tJon\ll n."CCmmends)
Melcltizcdclc Priesthood Ordination Record and
Certl ncute (in .1,~ that hove Churcl' record·
keeping softwo.re, the record and certificate
nre printed in LOCC)l urut~, mother areas, the
Ite-m numbL7 u. 35858)
Member's Guid~ to Ttmplt tmd Ftmrlfy History Work
(36795)
Military identification tng (or LOS ~>etvkemen.
and servicewomen (331 18)
MilltaTy scnp~set(3ll97)
Misstonarv Hnndbook (35996)
Mi:..·dcm.ary ~mm.endation forms (in areas
that do not usc the online mi$sionary rec-
omm~ndation $y~lt!tn. the Hem n~r is
36549)
 Mt lOll Prrsidntl's I i;JnJOOoJ: {36203)
·~~ ond Resoum.'$ An.,Jy t form (32290)
Needs and R~ u~ AMIVSb Supplement
form (32291}
'cw f'alriar..:h Rt ommendation form (31674)
Olfi(ft) Su,.talnt'tl forms (in areas that have
Chun:.h f\.'Cord-h.>t>pang ~ft\\'"a.J'e, these
fonns are printed a.n loal units; in other
are::~ • the Item numbe~ are as follow'-'
takt•, 32JUO; dt~tnct. l2301; ww or branch
m ~ke, 32..102, branch In mis,ion, 32303)
P4triatthal BJe.,ang R.etommmd (tn o1reas th.tt
h.J\"t' Church rt.'COrd·keepan~ 60ftw~~. th •
form is rnnkd in loc.1l unlls; in other areas,
the i li!m n l1J1\btor h. 320 17)
PrtnC'It My QJSTitl: A Guialr 1«1 Mi:.o:w,rnry Strvic.t
(36617)
f'rt'IJitnllg to r;,,,,., llat Ht~I]J Ttmplt' (36793)
l'rt't'l'llflll~ uwl RtsponJj,rg ro Clnld Altu~ (35665}
Pn·"'nrfm,t iln.l~Vspcmdmg to Spou!it' Abt~ (35869)
flrlt:.flrovd rmJ Auntinry Lt'f1Jrn • CmdtbcxJk (31178)
Pmlr, t /It( CJtild: f«spanJin.~ to CluiJ Alru~ OVD
(06616)
Prcw1.1mg ;,, tlrt• LNJ6 Wu., C.tmrn~ry of
A Ul?drr'• Cuidt to Wr!farc· (08251)
Qu.uterly Rcpott fin art>as that h.wc Church
n.•rnrd · l>.~pang 60ftwa~. the form is
a 5Cd ilnd r.ubmitt~l clccuoni~-all)·; an
other un.-.a . . the """lgnl>d admmistntive
office smd th~ fom1 to unJb.)
R«ommend.luon for Ch~h-~ire ~ission­
•ry torm {evail.lble onllne atld."".org/ m;
orth.>D\ numbe-r 35813)
Rc.-conU'Ilendahon for New Bishop form (m
areas th.lt hav~ Chun-h rcrord-J..eeping
>ftwosr., the form b prinloo in local umts;
lll otheT unw;, the item nun1ber 1s 31747)
Recllmmen.debon for Ne\~ Coul'bclor to
Stake rr\....ldt"nl form (In are<ts thai hdvt'
170
Church l't'COrd·k~ptng ftworc, the
form i.:; pnnll-d in )O(;)J unlt:;; tn other
area.!, the th.•rn liumlx-r I 31746)
Recommend tor Ltvlng Ordinane5 (04102,;
use the c•nJer forrn in the rt.'Wmmmd booK
to <m.1 ~ dditfnn.tJ tt.'Cmnm.t."'ld~)
Rt'Commt'nd to rertorm an OrdJ.nance form
(32.595)
Rt•f)(Hl of Admlnbtrath e Action form (in vr.1s
thAt ha\ e Church record·keeping !toftware,
the fom1 prtnWd in local units; in otMr
~treas, the it~ nwnbt"r b 32427)
Report of Chut(h OtsciphMry Action lorm
(mare.,, thai tuwe Chu.rcl\ record-kceplng
software, tht.' form 1 printed in l~tl units,
in other 1u~.u. th~ Hem number i5 33493)
R"'.oqut.>st for 01\ilnilnce lnfl,r~uon form (32388)
Rt.>ttut• t for <,urrtonwn~t financial Absistance
for Full- Tlml' ML ..i<m~t)' form (31964)
R.t-.sJ~t>trJitJg la.·\lm~: Ht'IJ~Jor EcrltSi4stulll
vn.ttrs (;l224.1J)
Sm."'t~ \cmr Ccwtttt y (brochure, JSQJ7; OVD,
016&4)
Staie and Distt~ct OrgAniz.o~tiun Apphcation
form (3-1.203)
1r.tclmrg Cu1Jtbool (J.JS9S)
Temple ~-omrncnd (04101 : U!oe the.: ordt!r (onn
in the n!altnm mel book to order additional
I'\'C'Omm ~d~)
Jilhmg and Other Off •ring form (Item num-
b\;~ \'.1r')' h)' are.'l)
'Trut ta tire fatrlr · A Co:tptl Rrfcmtu (36863,
th(' Item t'lumbu for uruts lo order t1us
~'ub1iC".lhun "' ,, n()"('ooge 1tem is 37054)
\\'arJ 3nd Or.:sn'h Org~mz.atian Application
torm (J., 202)
WCtrltlttttdt• Lrnflrr~tp 1'hm1111.~ A1t'tli118
17tt Palritlrt/t (bookl~t. 25240, DVD.
15241 ()q())
Index
AMual U\Spt><tlon. meetmghousc:s. tJ3
A Annulnwnt
A11ronlc Pnesthoocl milmllgt" alt~r. 19
biShop's re.lfj)OI\Slhtbtn:s for, 7, 147 temple rccommend.s after, 13
conferring. a.nd ordaining tu of11<e. 7, 147-48, ISQ Aro-.t·'"Y
lntervlt'W$ of tho:.e l'fCI!W&ng, 77 c.Jellnallon of 57
..1.1ke president's rfSpOfUibiltP lor. 3 dl>e~plnury cowx:il for. 57, 69
Abortton Ap&>t.ate groups. temple l'ffOIT\mends for member.;
b.tph!.m of 50meon.: who 1\b Nd, 14 "-dh n:l.sth.e LA 13
Church potioes on. J6J..-.t,4 Ap~ l\ of 0\urch diSCipline, 65-66
d~>C~pltnary count1l (nr, 5b 5?, fit, Apron.~.l~mple, malang, IS
mi~ton eligibility, 27 An.·~ m(•tUcal advuer, 30
Abu!>4' ArN p.,.rpetual f.ducatlon Fund romrnlttl!'(', 108-9
Church Jeadcrs' rt'sponSI! to, t!O, 164 ArH flc 111J (nsemin.il tton
Church s po:.ltltm un. 1M Church policies on, 165
di<;ltplinary rounetl for. '» t;?, 59, 61, 68- 6l1,1l, 74 4\llns; ttftl•r, 22
hclp llni! for, bl. 68, I h4 AnworJ.. in meeLnghoUM!S, 84
LOS FamUy Scrvt("C'', IM Al6as1Ant "'''k d:rl.. St-~ Stake clC'r~ cU!Il!ll&nt
legal matters conccnung, 164 ~tant w.ud c.erk. Str Ward derl... u.tnnl
nw•.. on eugtbllit)~ 27 Atlt>~ nee repo~. U6
t~'mple f'E'('Omm~>nd o1fttr, IM Stor 11lso Rrports an m~ partidpatlon
Ab' and fraud, ''"!Ifaft'. 48, 119 AudiovllJu.tl m.1tntals
A~ent:. on Church rropmir.., 83-~ copvnght gwdel.ints for 152, 155, 157
A~:livabon. 5r' ~.ac\h" mtm~ tbc! In Ouudl settings, 152
Actt\ the<-, Church l.llt' In sel1'\ll'\a~~and IJ'\.Shtut , 105
fundmg or talc and multl-.lil~e. 131 Aud1tmw. ~ Audlls
ta'<-ellmtpl<,l,llu<i and, 84, 133, 162 Audtt..
• Address Un~CI"-'n" fllc. 119 nudatang process, l32-33
Adopllon bashop' respcmsibilitu~. 125
biolog•cal pan.'nb. rontilct with 1.52 l(.)('ol urut area audtlc.>r. 132
of chJidNn of fiinglc "f"'Clnnt parents, 166--tl7 last or stolen l'wlds, 132
hdp line for, 16&-67 of membership m::orcb, 120
legal reqw~mt'flts for I.S2 take oudtt ('Qillmt~. 124. 132-,_13
membersh•r ~rds for, llCl, 111 tal.:~ ouditoD, 132-33
ordl.l\ai\Ct!.S after, 14 t tue derk'.H esponsiblhhes, 113. 120. 124. 112
IICtlllng llf1er 21 stake preident'6 resptm!>lblhlu>s. 12-l
5« nlll.l Single expectant pan!l\ls wat\1 derk·s responsibilll1e., J2S
Adullt>l") Autllpphs of General Authoriti "~> IS2
Chwcl\ pohcies on. 165 Autopsies, 162
diKtpbnary councU for, "6, 63, 66
mt5siooory 10enrtce alief', 28
se.3ling restracUon beal\be of; 20 B
Agent bashop. R2 B.mk accounts, s·.3ke and ward, 129-30
gent~ operatmg comnuttrt-, <t3, 160 B.tptism and confirmAtion. gwdeline for
Agent t3ke pteSldent, 1. u-aJ Inter\-,~ !or, 143~
AJOSorHTV bortiOn, loll-&5
bapnsm of mcrn.bers with, 1-&5 162 AIDS or HlV, !45
ounbtenng t o metnOC't'!t ";t.h, J62 chUdren who An! e~ght yon oW. 142-4.3
mtsslon el1g:ibilit), 21 chaldren who .are mlno~, 144
prospecbve 11'\l:oSWrWie, I OV tbt lor, 29 chlldn:n whOK' parents •lre diwteed, J44-45
....wguaros agilll'\51 162 cuhAblt.ltton, 145
An·port, liUBStWlarles' families 3t, 35 convert!., 143-44
Alcohol addlction, well.tre "~btanre for, 48--49 convictt>d of crimes, 14.5
Annotations on membenotup ~ord:., 70-71. 117, 1<16 dL'klbllilics, 1..()-41, 1•H
Ann"al tustori~ slut> or W1ln.l, 120 excummurualion, b9-70. 145

171
 h&~u.:al tra~~·nru. 14..'\ lcad~rstup poslbonti fOil mh~llfl,tnes m, 33-34
married. corumt of apo~. 145 marned •tudcnl 92
murder, I.U. 145 military IICJ'\·~ m.."mbt-rs. 97- 9
plural mania~ In 145 namJng.93
ll'.~ualoperation.114, 146 nof111.1hvc lnng\aag • !'11
xt ab.D Convcns; OrdJnancrs and blessings 'P'oaal nreds, 92. 114
B.lptio;~ anJ conhrmatiorut lnr the dead young smgle adult, 90 IJI
group vis1b for. 10 Hro~nch prcstd~nt
linutl'<l-U!>{' rerommmds for 12. 14 Church dl.sapllne, Sl-54, 58. 60-61. 67-65
Basl' Unit Program, 90, 93 o' 1li1UUT1llges, perfonrun~ 18-19
BeJ..,ted ccxtltsoioN o1 full·tJIM nw ~ms. lit 54-5~ groups. supemsmg. 'iO
Bib~. wtud\ ~lim w 11M. 152- 53 pjinan:hal blessing n:comm<-n.l~ H9
BloiO!Jlral p.srmb adopttd dUidren md, 152 tempi<! n!tXJIJUlleJ\ds, 11-1..&
Birth coohot 165. 167 StrOll~ BIShop, resporu1biltt• uf
Bbhop, ard.ammg and tUtt.wung. 150 Bndn. dJe5 for t.empko mun.J8"· 11
815hop, I'CSpot\)INhti" ol Set 11/JU Temple marrll'lgl!
dutirs of, 0\ll!tvll'w, s-3 Brigh.un Young Uruvcl"laty, t()t.
Church oJI!K'•pllnt• Md n.lmt! removal, 51-74 8rlglwn Young Unlvel'llity-H.,w;til, II~
Church EtluNt1~1nal S}·atem. 101-6 Urighnan Yt.Nng Uruvertity ·ldnho, Hl6
Church p{lliclrs, 151-67 Budget
creating, ch~tnglng. and naming new Wlits. 87-93 ~·1\"'~ l){)-3)
~123-33 ward 130-31
mtel'\·iews ami coul'behng. 75-BO Bu,l~d 11llowancr
m.anbge, tempto and civil. 9-2.4 alhl(llllon of fundi, 130-31
milituy .mUon.~. ~ gUJddinn tor. 131
missionary <iC.'tvU: •, 25-JII Qull1erly ~11. 131
~ 4nd bb<~ln~ 1JU11C 139-50 t-l.l.M•le<\ders' respc:nsibillbet. 12~
~ t:.dumtton Jlun.t 107-4 Unl>"J".'f\1 fwtd.s. 131
ph~ 1014.'1-hti~. 81· 86 ward leaders repomibillti , 124--~"i
m:onls ~ l\1'0tls, 111-21 Building ~t.atlve, w.ud. 82
-~ potn.uch. 115-..'7, 148-50 BuihJL"~ ~oreaaltstJ. ,t..W!, 8:1
temple; and m;~m.w•. 9- 24 Burial 111 temple clothm,;. 16
welhre,·H-1.9
BIShops' s_tordlouses
agent stain for .U-43 c
Ch~ missiona~ 1n.l8 Lall~ andre~, bt~hop·.. ~tres. 7
defirubm of, .as 47 Callm~ .md wle~""' -lA ~.to pr•"'ldent's responsibili:lles
emergenaes. tM during. 44 bithopt, J
1l'111\Slent:o, Ulilllllltlt tmm. 44 coun:.clol'f in ~ke pl\"oidtnt•y 3
work opportuntll<S ill. -411 l'lden quorum presu:lent&. 3
Bbhops' we!~ cuundl, •Lll.t>, 42, 47, 4.9 ~lake clerk, 3
Bl~mg children Naming .anu bl~lng children llolkl' patriarch, 3, 136
£11b..q,n_gs, 5« Ordln3nces ~""' bl\><:\lngs C..ncdlatlon of seaUng, '20-22, 74
Blind meml11m1, awlltoncel.n lllmplll'S, 13 C..ndl...s in nu.>ellnghomes, 85
See ai1Q Oisnbllllit"o, mc-mbl·~ with Cash funds. st."tk.e n11d wnrd, 129 JO
Blogs, 157-58 Certif:lCDtes fe>r ordiMnCC'\'f o111d bll'"'lnK"', 120
Bo.1rd of t!\.1uc.~bon Ch.ur~fl E.duc.•Uona.l Sysrem,l02 Ch.1pcl' photograph~! .md broodc~t~h ln. 8ll
Brok of Mormon C.hnptms. LOS Cl6, 98 Q<J
Gt!neral 8ool. ol Mormon Fund, 126 Ow.tlty
m miSSion prepa11ttion. 26. 32 1*-hop lftOives a:JI'I("erN about.-,
modem English. not 11!\\'Tltten tn.. 153 Church puUcles on. to.~
Born In the covenant, 21-22 and IU\' WldAIDS.lb2
Sir o/'<J Sealmg cJuldren lO f'MI'115 Chc ~ng IICcutmU., slAke .md wArd, 1211
Born uut of wedlock !ia Stn~ Pp~X~.ant pare:nb Child Grrnt t~mples.. 10
Bnnches Cluldren. ubslm-ing se.1lmg of siblings, 21
Bas1c UnJt rrogram. use of, 93 { 'hrhunas, IJ\1SSIOIUN:S te.lephoni! call~ on, 34
creating ur changin~, 88 -!lC' Ch1m:h Arnvaty Insurance Progro>m, IW
d LSdphn.lrv rounctlln, 60 Chutth build.mgs 5« Meetmghouse.1, Chlll'\h

172
 In.der

Church wsophnc. 53-SIJ for mcmben. not eligiblr for tulJ·txm.e mlSSlC.IIU ,
ddinition and p~ of, 53 v ..29, :17....18
bWlop, 7.>~ opportun•H•· f r. 38
t>nmch rfl'Sident. 54 qu:~hRcauons for, 38
ch!.tod pM•dcnt, 1 t\."COSnl~in'( in Wllrds nnd $ti'l..es.J9
h.igh council, S.l, 00-63 rcl•. se of, 39
mission pn!Sll.ient, 54 tn.nsporutlon for. 39
stal~ pres•dent, 4, 53->l Church unit-.. C'N01t1ng ur ch1ngmg, tia-92. 97-98
dWellowshipmcnt, delininon ot, 59 Church w~fa $« ~·Nfart" ~~~1.1~
t'~('(lmmum.:ation.. definillan o!, 59 Oval d.lsput , (.'hu~h d is iphne not fur, 56
fonnal proNhon, definit1on of, 58-39 Ca\lil m.utiagto, 17- 19
intorTNI pi'ONDOn, dmrullon ot, 58 ~y guidctint'ti, 18- 19
cuniid~uallty !rl, 55. 80 d fmnion of, 17-18
tlocumenb requirtd, 74 for nonmemblm, 18
tnl !nlv·w~ and uw~tig.,bon, 55 temple se.1lin3 .lftl•r, 19 ·20
rt·J>t-nt.•ncl' In, 53 6-4 wht'w to pt'rfl)rm. 18
Yt o/)!l Oi~:tfellowshlpment; ExcommlllUClltian; who mny porlarrn. 18
Prob.1ti(.l.n, fom1111 ; rrob.ltiOn, inloanal Oc.uance of ~.111.ng. 20, 74
Churth dl!-.dptif\,lrV COltnclb, 59-70 Ocrks. gen •r3llnstrul hOtl& f r, 112
l~<ld\1 1'5 who prtrtlt:•P·ll~. 59-oQ S.·~ t1l~m Su~ clerl; W.ud clt•rk
"' h1·n n ~ry. 56-58, bl-!H Coh.l.bimhng. b4ptttm for tho!;c who are, 145
nouce and &e.h~.>dulmg. 60-01 Collegt!S Chu.rcl- StPln.U1lutiM ofhighereduattion
proc\."(hm.-... of council, 61-&3, 66-67 CommMJudge
dC"Ct<,ton., (I rounctl, 63-65 bishop, 6 ·7, S.\, 76-80
app.:.W ''' dt ... mn~ 65-<16 take prt:!.lde.nt, 2. 4, 53, 16
Mlow-.hlpplng aft(lr dhcipHne. 67 Computers
endmg C.hun..h dtll('lpltnr, 67-70 ropynght bws for t~aftw~. 154.- 'iS
n-o;torahon of bl~ ing.o; <lh{ r, 73 prolc..'Ctlon of lnfonna«on on, 120-21
~ 1\'luhng lo 73 sta~~ clerk' n5~ibllil for 114
St,y altO Mtmb l"''lup r«on.h nd Olurch disciplme; u..e of, m Chunn units 114. 154
1.t:ml ·r$h1p n.'C'Qrd,, n>movmg names from ~ 11110 lntrmcl
Church fduco1tmnal S)~tem Con.ktring priesthood and ordaining to ofiic:r. 0'-'"er\ ~"''
bbhopnc. rl'$pon_-. blhtt 'for, JCl'l A;uoruc PriedlOOd olftet-s> '/, 147, 150
eJt!O\CntAr\ and ondltty t'dUC"•tion. 115-0 df'ICOQ, ";, 147, 1!!iO
1MUtuU! nl relt~n .:uh 1sory councl, 102-3 so
t~o'lcher, 7, 147, 1
amututes of rel1gu>n, 102-S pnest. 1, 147,150
ir\llbtubDN alltlghc--r t'ducilhon, 102-3, 106 prcbp«tive cldc-r, 1 t7
loc.ll boord or edu~ahon, 102 M~lc.luade~ Pri~thoocl offtces, 14&-47. ISO
Perpetu..\1 Educ"tlon f.und, J()S, 108-9 elder, N.6. 150
k!J1\iMrles, 2b, 102 5 high prle.t, 1<17, ISO
s1.41kc pr~ldrne) . rl.... ('lt1n~lbllihe1i for. 102 Confl"Tring pn~ ond orda.lrung to oftxr, mstrurtlons
5« ol!..J ln lltutet of relig.on, Semuuri stake president's mponsabtlttles, 3, 146
ChUJ"cll t!mplov~ worthln~ . t.lndards for, 153 bbhop'!> respon.•ilbllltie., 7, 146-47
Church ma~azines lntel"\ Jews fot J.lb-l1
b~p emphAsiZCll, 6 sust.1ining, 14~
copyngh1 gwd~li.nes Cot, 155 brl'thren who h.1v~ not lived tn the same ward for
e~tt'C\Jb\-"C.secrt'lari.cs hclp wt1h. 114, 116, 153 one >e.u, 1,7-48
member., r.hould read 153 dlliabnibe., brelhmt with. 14~1 . 148
lit~ke pl'"dld~nt cmpha.si<ces, 2 military St"n-i(em.en, 14
&ubsoiptton ~!forts for, 11 1, 116, 153 ilflt!t reatlmlttJ..nce by bJpri m, 70, 148
Church maten.s.b, 113, 115 ~"CCmtly IMp ~.it.«~ bn-thren, 147
C hu~h IT\e\!tlnghOUJeS ~ Meennghowies, Chuteh tn smgle adul• wards, I HJ
Church namr .and logo~. 153- .54, lEO aft« trAru.st'XU~1 ope-a lion, J48
Chu~h r\"la' m1 on n~. 37-39
3
young men v. hc-.t" p.1~nts ~ dt\'Oiad., H7
c:~lltng of, 3&-~ tn young"'"~ adult ward... H8
calllngl> for, st ~and ward. 39 Cl11'\fe:-,tons
dclimt1on 17or. bf.Lu\'d ot mli$ion& 29, 33,54-55
eAt•'fboll.lf'l ol mL~a~>n • 39 n<.l Chwth dio;ctphN", $-56, 6l- 62 M
f1n.1ne1ng ml IIWtl')' tot.'fVlre, 31,38

173
 ConJ!denba.lity ~ lndUSltiCS ~~I)~
c:hallenges by ovil authonbcs, 55 egent stake fur. 42
'" Church dlsdpbne. 55. 80 Chlll'Ch·serv!CI! ml'-1..'-llln to, 38
lr\ in~rviews and rontcs»ons. SS. 00 IA!Inple garments Ml gJI/t."J\ to, 16
of patriarchal bles>lnp. ll7 wcl~ assistance trom, 47, 4q
~records and lt'pOrts. 120--21 Dlll!IC'Io.m.cs, stake and wartl, 156, 159
()f lilh~ an~ ofll'rin~;s. llS Dls.>lbiiitiet-, members with
of welfare ossl!ltnnr.:, ~8 bilpb.Sm for. 140-41 14-1
Confirmntion. Stt U11ptbm «nd ronfinn:thon, membership records fOT, 118-19
gutdeli:nes for ~JUSSi:onary 5el'\l'lre fo-r, 29-30, 34
Cun\co!f'UI p.lU:Wrhal ~gs lot, 140-4\, 14':1 ~"11
baptism and conf'irmatfan of. lu-M priesthood orxllruttion lot. 14()-41 . 148
ronv~ b<Jph\mS, dt>Amll()l'l of, 1~ semmuy otnd lnstnute m.Utm.ll~ for, 105
~· ~'f'OI'\6ihilfties fur, 2. 6 ~emple dodung-lllld prmrnt:s (or, IS
p.llriarchal blessings for, 1&9 t.:mple ordinlmces for ll-13, 14()..<11
ll!lnple reromm~mdf; lor. ll li•mple ordtnllno5 foe d~~l. 23
Coordi.nat.IJ\g rotu!CU ml)(!ti~ \vl!\1$ 11nd bnmcbes for, tn, 119
purpose of, 3 1..)1. If' liM'I')' coundl.s. Srr Chu~h dJaclplillllt~· councils
welfare work in, ~2 Di!l<'lpiiM Stt Church daclplln:uy rouncil$; Chuteh
c~pynghted m<~tt<r!l'll!l. guldt'line:f for using dlr;clpllnt.'
;wdiovi:lualrno tllrlnl~, 152. ISS. 157 msf('ll (lwt:hlpmtmt
Church mag•u1nt'Oo, l 'iS dcf'inltion oC, 59
«mtputet st~ftW.)N, 1 ~4-55 d(IC'Uments required lor. 74
mlmc. 155, 1'l7 ('nding. 67-70
theatrial pTOductloru. 15S ~r'ihlp ~lor. :m
C.oi1'1.'CiiorW r~rulltes 5f't rnSMli> when to unpose, 63-65
Ctnmsehng Oilltrlcl prestd~t
gtlldeitm5 fur. 7'9-80 0Md' Uisdpllllt', :U-"'1, c.0-61 b7-'18
«'llffdentiality "'· 55, 80 pa tl141'C'hlll blt.'bsing reoomml'fiCb, w~
~ 1100 lOS r.ut\Uy Servle\c"6 lrmplo 1\!COO\.mend~~o, It
Couples Sn Seruo1 m~sstoJI.lncll Srt at«~ St>~ke p!VIIidl!r\1, n.'IIJXIfl»lbtlibc.'S ol
Creating or~ Chureh unit11, 88-92. 97-98 Oi11trlct~
<'-Nm~ttion.16, I~ ('n":ttlng or ch1mglng, 88
c~ dblc1p11Mry <'OUndl tn. 54, 00
baptism 01 th~
who rnmmlttt.id, 145 namillS. 92-93
~avoid t~A tn cnmlnal caSM, 66 158 Oivurc:r
Cutrkulwn. Chutch. Ute oi, I!\5-50 baptism of chjldreo wh05e parents are, 14-1.-45
cvu.n:;oUng about. by pnesthood I~ 58. 80
m.uri;tge after. 19
D membership records r.,rc:htldl\tfl Cll tll'
[)aj}y S!Jnlnary• cl•· , 102-4 II'US5JOn eliglbillty. 27
Dilhng bu.sln~. 156 priesthood far young ml'n WhOitl" r•ll'tmtJ un:, 147
Deacons ~gllfi~.19-2ll
fu...t offenngs. 126 e.e<~Ung of clec~Med couples whu wcr •,11
ord.ainlng of, 7, H7, ISO templt' oldlnanc."' wpr~r .J({I!t, 2·1
'Dead. 5« Temple (lrdiM~ tor d\l> dead temple l'(l(Ommrnd~ nft11r, 13
Dead. ordinances for ~)(>t'S()n." who .re pre.urned, 23 OooobON of otgn•lll, 162-1\3
Deal~. inte~pll!t.allun tot Drup. Weglll
of ordina~ and b~tnw-. 140-ll Churcl\ disdpllne (or, 53, 56
of patctan:hill bla$1ng.. l r;u Church pcilloes on, 163
5« ~~~ Du.llblllliet. m nnb\.~ ""'' Lh w~ ~ fot those addtded to, -tB--49
Debt
Church diselpltn~ not Cnr. S6
J-ut offe.rtngt not ror. ~7 E
Md missioruuy IICI""~«", '11 Elders
Ot'C'Imticms Jn meoettngho~. 85 ordaining oand sw.talnLng, 3, 146, 150
~dt@ting Qunch bulldinf,$, as pm;q~ljv~ 147
01.-ll.'g"J tian, 2, 6 quorurn prl..~dl!ltt, odlls1g of. 3
St.<' al$0 Mclchn•.-..l~>k £lruol'llhood

17-&
 lndn

Elementary and So!COJ'<bry eduation, Church,. 11}5-i) COI\(Idt!ntia.lity o(, 128

E-rnaiJ
missionaries, 34
pri~thood le.iders, tS6
.,t.lkc and wani directories, 156
Emlx>w('11'\('nt or Chun:h fund~
llUdlt p~. 132
Olurch disc•phnt•lor, 50, &3- 64, b6, 69, 71
le.\ders pmt.Kt .1grunsl, l24
f1n~.:neiC$
guidelmu for response to, li.J, 49,85
bi~p \. ~ponslbditit"Jo for, 8, 4.9
mke pl'CSldeni'S TI'!SpDn.sibiblle$ for 4, ., 14
stake pLm for, 42, 4-l
wan:i pbn for, 49
Emigration o{ membe::os, 156
Emobonal cllallenges
masoonary servur and, 27, 29-30, 34. 37-38
welfare assistmc-e for, 48-49
Employees, Church, worthiness standards for. 153
Employnumt. et>llSi.!itent with gospel principles 159
EndoDetnent tni'('J'VJews, I02-3. 106
Endov.'liU:Jlt. 5« Temple endowmi.!J\1
Enerm' WrL"8V.Ibon tn met!linghou~. 83
Equ.ilized rontrlbuuon fe>r nllil!>lon&rH><;, 3(1
Euth.1nasi11, 162- 63
E.xcommurucAtion
de.fuubon o(, and when l'leet!S~nry,59
bolplism of those who have ~tt b9-7'0 J.t1i
bunal m temple dothillg ~fter. 16
documents requ.ited for. 7-i
ending. 67-70
Diilin1Wning contact with, 64-65
membeulup recorcb for, 64-65, 70
prte~thood ordutaticm alter, 70
rudnu.wcn after, 69-70. 72-73, H3
restor.\hon of t~mpll:' ble»in~ afrer. 23, 73
temple ordinanc~ for dtc~ !It'd ('4.'1"!00nS. 2J
temple rerom.mend5 aJlet, 13
temple ~dling. clft'Cl::. on. 21 12
bthmg .,.,tlofft!rln~ alh•r. 125
5« llf5VOmrm c:il.sctpliNC) CIJllllCl!z.;; Chutd\ ~lpllM
E-trcutive !tecretary
"take, 2.. 114, 153
ward. 6, llS-16, 153
Extension of01ur~ice miSSions, 39
F futin~ asking oth&S to, 3<l
Fnmllles
bishop ~trenglhens. 6
stllke presi.dentstrengtben.s, 2
Pilst. lilw of
b1shop'11 ru!tpOJ\SibJlity to tt!uch 44
mll>.~lol'\.l.l'ies and apedal tasts, J.&
pmperclbservan~ l)f, 44, 126. 156
F1.u;t offenngs
guidc:Unes for bMop> in ~tn~;. ·17
guidelines lor mern.bt>rs In «mlnbullng, 126, 156
tor medl~al caro, 43• .JB
ot-rrusslonari~. 34. 125
o( mission 'nd ~nple presfdcnl5, 126
reftmcl&nOI.tllOwt!d, 117-28
stake president's responsibilities. 4.3
tl'aching to w;m! member;, +t
Fast offerings, h.lndling and arcoun.ting for
golherin8- 126
receiving, 128
verifying, 128
depositing, 128-29
S<~ft'tJU4lrdtng, 12.9
f\.'t:eipts for, 129
~oorcb of, 130
F'ellllwshlppi.ns after Chun:b d.txlpline. 67
Fill<!tii.C5
general gwdelliu:s for use of Church funds. 124
stake pl"'$ident's n!Spon:sibilide for, 4, 12<._33
bishop's respotlSiblhues io~;, 8, 12'1-33
slllk.e clt!rk's responsihthties Em. 112-13, 12'l
ward clerk's respon.'iibllitie lor, 115, 125
Sa nlso Audits; Budget allowance; Olecldng
:.u:rounts; Embezzlt!ment or Chu.rcll funds;
PilSt off-ermg~i; F\U\ds; Tve>; Tithit~g
Flrc01rms in meetinghouses, 85
1411\.'S tn ml."t!ung~. 85
Fln;t PTe-dd~ Str Cenera1 Authoritie:.
Plogs In m~Unghou.scs. 8S
fonf\31 pto~llon. 5d Probahcm. fotmcll
Fomle>ltlon. clisdpliruuy coundJ for. SCI
Fostet care, legal rcqut.reownts for, 1S2
Fo&ter children, SISihtlg of, 21
Pr:rud m weltare assistanc.t!, 48, U 9
Fu..O-time nussi.cnanes
age and term af.service for. 26-27
airport .urival. tamny at, 35
as&gnment of, within mission, 33
bn.nch le.adership positions lor, 3~34
C'c11ltngs .ltend of missltm, 36
Cbwr:h duapb.rlt' tor, 54
dt!ath of fi1mily mt'mber, 34
dlsabllitte5, 29-30, 34
dlsdplutary cound.l for, 60
e4gibl~ those wh.u are not, '1.7
e-mlliJs to l"lmlllies, 34
emerge!\des, ptovlde hi.!lp during. 49
equa.lsud contribution ror,. 10
fast offt!rln.gs ot, 34
Ji:nances for. .JO.-n. l3
health insurance for, 31
health problems of, 29--.'lO, :>4
housing fu.r, 33
lntervtew at t:nd of mission, ~36
meals for. 3.1
Melchi%edt!k Priesthood. receh·lng. 32
membership Ncord of, 34
milit.uy ~rvln• nnLI. qs
lmlrr

llliSSXJIW)' P"-1'"''"kl0 d~ ror. 26 (;ovcmmtr~t

rrc am"alf•mlltt aL 13 asmtancetopoorand ~) •• 7-~
open l'IOUSeS. 32 Church and rnmtbeF mvohmlol!tll tn. 159
ra tria.rch.lJ bii55Uigt for, 149 Cr.lduall(,)fl from smuna.rv or Jmtih.ltt, lOS
plckmg up, alter ausslon, 35 C.I'\M,dbl\'aking SdVcs:as
~auonf~nmslo~ll-32 Croup Lc01der Kit, 97
release of, 35-37 GmuP' tn mls'-sons and staket
~~ ~t!ng talks, ;\2, 36 ft.'l~lc; Unit Pf'Ob'Tilm, use of. QO, 93
~tang ap.m. 32-33 lN..Ihrlg or changing, 89-90
~alb m fll.l1llli• , JO. 34 ddimh!ln or, 89-90
templr clothing for, 15 CUI~ }"\'3l«>rs at Church IIIt'etD'Igs, 156- 57
lt.>mple endowment for, 10, 12. '\2. 35 C.ulde dog . not pennitttd 1n tmtpld. 13
b'mple recum~• for. l2.l2. 35,38 Guns m meetu~gho\L"C. 8S
blhingand ollerinpol, 34, 125
l.nlnsporting 11cnu tom 1un h ld, 33
tmv11l after ret~. 3'i H
tr>1 vclto and lmm hcold, 33 I tandboo~. dtstnbuUon Md uM: t>I. " \I
'it~ ulso Churc.h-sef\·10! ma •onanes; MisSionary llandtcilp St<t Dislsbllltlcs, mc•111~'"' with
funds; Senior mU.Skltu1J"Ie5 I lettlth Md m~.-dlcal pollda~, 1f.2 6.1
Pull·tlme misS1onanrs, w~rthln£SS nnd ability to St.>rvl' .tulopt.les. 162
st.lk~ presidu.t'&raponsibilllles for, 27-J<l n~mnllon. 16, 162

bishop 'a resporw1ntiUc!s for, 27-10 rthk.tU\ q~Uoruble pNct.ICeli, lfl2

area medical advlliCt ·, fl"YI('W, J0 I<Utlw~ 162- 63
confessiUII$, belated, ~. JS. ~1\S ItIV mf«tion and AIDS. 162
tmOtional chal~e. ~· sen ace ;md. h~~1bl
17 29-JO, J.l 37- 38 t!tSJ.n dunauons and transplants, 162.-63
~·l•ctl\'lly 2.8 · 2'9 prolongmg ~ 163
ml<'rvlt'ws for. 2B M11-41W&teness gTOUpi. 163
mtodical problem.t and das.lbtlltv, ~30. 34 stillbom c:hil.dren.. 23, 163
mC'I'Ital cllllll•:n&Cll• 29-~. ~ Word of Wtsdom. 163
f'l'ep.ll'lliUI\ oJ, 211, 32, 78 SN n/<.(1 AIDS or HN
MrlOOS trnnJgtts!oU'l~ Of 28 lll'alth care Jor tik ~y Su ~\hl(a~ .1~sl~t.1n~
wortluN.·~..:.. 28-:N Ht•.Jith lmuntncl' for rJU»Ic:ntnes
functlllf\tng stil~ of lll4ke patriarch, 137 full hllll', 31
Fund!> ~·l\lur, 11. ~'
~Book of Monnon Fund, 126 ll~·.tltl, of mwlon.uies
Genera.~ fu.:>IOMt) F\lt\J, 30-31 , 12.6 Church-krviCl', 38
Humanltanan Akl fund, L27 full tim, 29-XI. 34
LOS PhiliUlth~. 127 ~ior, 36

Templt uJI\Stn.lctlcln
•und, 127
ward miSI'Jon.uy fund , JU, l2b
StT nlso Pc~IUoll Fduc.1HC!n Fund
G for Wl!lfaro tll\U&I! or ffltUd. ~~~
Cnmblln~ 4nd lotterie~ 156
Lunnl>nlli Slr TcmpiL' clolhtng .and garments
t~ncral Authonlles
R<h·i~ from. 79, 15$·~
autographs and photographs of, 15'2
Church books. endorw or co..uthor, I~
st.a.Ke presidentsJNy wn~ llo, ISS..c;q
WJ~, r«<Oding ol, 160
tl"mple rna.rNge.. pmanning ol, t b
unoffidal !>tatt'mmtsiNldl' t.v. lbl
Gtm!ral Book of \ttormon Fund, 126
General wnler~nc\'. tnm\bel'll tn4f l"t'CCrd, 1(1(1
Crne..-1 Mts!!lonary I und '0 '\I 126
Hr..1nng· tmp•u.red me:mben. S« Ot'.tf ~
antl'rprvt.ltiun for
Help lm~
for .lbuS<', 6J, 68, 164
fnr •nnglt' el<pechmt parent~>, 11>6 6'1
Htgh council. In Church dl.!iapllnt!, 5 1. 60 03
HJgh pnc''"
OTtlalnang 1nd )U.Stilln.lng, 3. 146-48, 150
J.U~ h~ prit>!>b quorum, 3
StY 11l.to M"ldurt'del. Pnothood
H..torial 1\lCI.l'fd.s
h\a.torl f'pl'Cl.ilist. 120
..~i.e cln"k s re.ponstbtlitu.•:. for, 112, 121)
~.at.c·~ annual hbtory. 120
,_ 4td d~k s respo!Wbtlitiel> for. 115, 110
wlll'd 's annual history, 120
tfutonc p~·ation of ml>ctinghnuSt'll. 85
1-UV 5« AIDS or HIV
IIO!l'Wmds, IN.'Il'lbc>rs l'I'IWur.agl'<l to ttay m, 156

17h
 hufn.

Homcless or t:mn.."lient people, 4.2- 44, 48-4.9 not replace in-pers.on contacts, 157
Home-study semmary classes, 102-4 official 0\urc.b resource:. on, 157
Homosexual behavtor and same-gender attraction personal use cf. 158
bapbsm of, 143 stll.M and ward Web si l~. 113, 115, 157
Church policies conoeming, 165 Srt alsu Comp.1ters
disciplinary council for, 56, 63, 71 Interpretation
LDS Family Services, 29, 165 ot ord.inMc~ and ble:>sin~, 140-41
of missionaries, 28-29 of patriM"Cilal blessings, ISO
same-gender marriages, 166 See also Disabilities, members with
temple recommends for. 165 Interviews, g~merallnstrut!ions
HospitaJs blake presidents, responsibiUties for, 4. 76, 79-80
mem*rshl p records of those in, 118-19 bishops, awpcMlbiliLies for, 7, TJ, 19-80
worship~esa t,l6 J confidenti11lity in. SS, 80
Hot drlnk9, definition of, 163 counsellng guidelines. 79-80
Housing for full-time missionaries. 33 priesthood interviews, 76
Humanitarian Aid Fund, 127 worthiness interviews, 76
Hypnosis, 162 lNmtiew , spcciiic
baptism and ronfirmation, 143-44
cll<lplains. 96
Church di.scipllne, 55, 68
!UE"Sitlmate child, sea!Jng of, 22 conferring prkst:hood and ord.Unl.ng to offi.re, 146-47
Incest, disciplinary council for. 57, 59, (13, 68 MtJo~menl ror Chtudt univi>J'Cdlies or colleges,
Income~. 157 102- 3, 106
Informal probation, 58, 63-65 millro.ry se.rvke. 96
ln~ldnd donations, 121 missionaries at end of miSSJon, .35-36
TnspectJon, annual, of meetinghouses, 83 mic;sionary ondidates, 28, 38
Institute$ of religton p:striarch, 136
activittes, 105 Perpctuo.l Educa.tjon Fund participants, 108
aud iovisual mareria!H, 105 Primary graduation, 77
class mat:erials, 105 temple recommend, 11-13
di.sabiltUes, mnterials for tho~ with. 105 titb.ing set1lcment, 126
fucililles, JOS yC'lung single adults. 78
fuD·tim~ s emlnary and institut-e representatives, 103 youth, 77- 78
graduation from. 105 ln vitm fertiliza tion
institute of religion advisory council. 102-3 Church pohdes on. 165
institute of reiJgton student coundl, 102-4 sealing after, 22
lalter· d."ly Samt Student Aosod•dion (LDSSA). lG4
Perpetual Edomtion Fund ;md, 105, 108
purposes of, 103-4 K
feachets, callmg of, 102- 3 .Key!> to meetinghouse:;. 81- 83
teachers, training of, 105 Kitchens 1n aneetingho~.tSE:S, 86
teachers, travel expenses of. 105
5« nlsCJ Se:mi.narles
Institute Men's Assodatic.m (IMA), 104-5 L
Institute Women's As9Qctation (lWA ), 104-5 Latter-day Saint Student Association (LDSSA), 104
Institutions of higher education Laws of the land, obeying, 158
endorsement intent.lews foJ. 102-3, 106 Lawsults, gwdellileS for l~aders, 66, 84, 158
BrighAm Young Unlverslty,106 LOS Business College, 106
Brigham Young Uruven~ity-.Hawal]. 106 LDS Family Services
Brigham Yolmg University-Idaho, 106 abuse, 164
LDS Busin~ CoUege, 106 adopted cluldrm and biological parents, 152
lnsu.rmce. SLT Health U'ISUTilllce for mbsioruuii!S counseling. professional. 80
ln~l.ledual disabilities. Ste DisnbUlties. members with emergClloes, -19
mteUecturu Property Office, 154- 55 homosexual behavior, 29, 165
Internet poor and needy, help bishops !te.rve, 47
blogs, 157-58 pomograph~ 166
Church catlin~;$ l'lnd, l57 single expectant parents, 16~7
copyright laws for, 154- 55 sodal and emotlanaJ n....ed&, help blshops serve.
meetings in chap~l not bro~dcast on, 86 48-49

177
 LOS Philanthropll'f>, 127 m..~y consnv.,nnn an, 83
Ltgal rna tters 11.-~ UI.. SS
Church Jeadus' part•up.UIOn U'\. 66. 84 l58 tin: In, 85
help line for lepl ~lp with hu~, 61. 68, 164 0.\g.. m, s;
~'5\Jils, guidelw..,for. tJb_ &4, 158 grwndbl'l"&lcing ~l.:t:!l f01, 85
Offia! of General Coun....·I, S5. I !iS hi5tonc prt':iervaiJOn of 85
Rlslr. Managemmt DM~Ion, S-4 tru.pt>ette)O, annual, 83
U:ss...rove membtora ley~ to, k"Z-83
mJ»aoMnet' wor~ whh, 33, 37 kltchm.~ tn. 86
tcrnple p~raUon f<K 10 memb!-n.' paruop•lxln in CArt' ol, 82-83
w~ analOli\Cc for 46 O\'t!mtght lodging, S6
)oung !'11\~c: adul~. Ill pul..mg lots. ~ ol. 86
1 •m•~-use ~mends. 11· 1" photasraplb lind ~ idc!V rNx'dillb>:t m. b6
guideline for-b~g, 13-H plnNo fCir nl'W Of UJll.iMt'd, IO
lur bopi:Wn.! for tht dead, ll. 14 pi~ ((\j !it.&odAAt. 6<>
f"" -uing livmg ctu.Jdren to p.1rents, 14 poll Ileal pu~. ~· fllf, ~ . ll3, 1~
l.oans pul't'h0\5'1 C'f R.S-!16
fru.t offerings notlollned to mcmoon., 47 ••·r~th'g orl~lng.ll-1
Pcrpetutll EduciSHon Fw,d, 108- 9, 127 111fcty In, b2· 8-l
Local boatd of educnunn, Chur.-h Educ.,Hnnnl attelJ rlty of, 83
System.102 ~erving 0\l'l.'as •~f. 86
Local unit &JU audJtt'r. I~ alg~ on, 1:16
Logntypt>, Churl-h. 15.1->1 l l.,ke boundilnel., buildings Ollll>idt! ot, 86
~rd'& toreh~. tS st.lke building spedalisb, 83
IAI tempLe r«ummcndl. H SlOr.l~ Ill. 86
Loltml'!l and pmblmt;. I~ w.-e.empt status of. 84 133, Hll
un<~pproved ust"i pf, ~
vutrr regiSI:rollOfl, u...cod fiX. M , 159
M wAn! buUdmg rop~wtn • F1
Magaz.Jile. 5n Church m;~gvmes w.ttl'!f ronse1Vlllinn ln. 83
Mail \'l~c>etlng!! Chun:h
to Genenl Author!~ from ml't1tbers, 158-59 bW\op's n::.ponsll>ihh lot. 7
atems without posiAigt• ln muilboxes. 159 gu.t.'!'Upealteru t, I 56-57
~ng offlclAI. ln>rn Church hadqllal'tel'S, 158 ~talr.c- pm.tdent's nw.pons•hlhtie fU!', 3
return addn5s, letten to Ctu.m h he3dquarteB. 158 51.,. If) ~I 1114.'CUHg
\1amteniln('t' ol Ch~h butld~ngto. 82-84 koktliuocW. Paesthood
Mamage Sot~' Civ&l m.arrio~g ; Tt""plc m.uringe "tal.e preldenl's resp<mSJbihues f{lr, 3, 146
Marriage and C.mtly pn:ob em... 48-4:'1, 58 bbhop's rt!Sp011Sibtlltl1!1i foe. ft-.7, 146-fi
M.tme.J 'tudc:nl ~t'S. 't\•n1 and brandles, 92 contenin~t- and otdauung lu off1t.'l'.. 3, 14~. 150
\4,.ats for full tliN' m.J lon.&nt':!>. JJ ~e:s. A!Cl"ivmg. 3.2
Ml"dlcal Klvlkr, ate.\ JO quorum J...>adei5. bishop mL'\'1. Wath. n
Mi!dical c.1re for thr ot'f'l.iV. 4:\, -til "~:lfllrt' work of quonlfi'IJI, 46- 47
<:rf' 11/SCJ Wclfan~ a...~l~oblncc Member p:arbapatlnn n•pnrt:~. SlY' lwpnrt uo m\!~
M~ltcallntturanct: St't' Hl'otlth 1llhlll'llnCe for p11rttdpation
missionnrtea Mcmb.!nof m.-ord, ddliiiUon ol, lltl
Mlodkal pohclcs. 5« Heotlth .md medical polkles Mcrn~p ll5ts. 117
Meetinghouses. Church. 82416 Stt lllfei RqJocU on member rnrtklpOitlnn
stake president• ~Nlbllttics f<W. -1. 82--st Mt·mbm.hlp rt'COrdJ pi'OOtdumr for. 117- 20
bishop's respollS4bWtfes for 8. 82--ot puf'(ICJIO ol, 1L7
purpose:. of. 82 a udits ot 1.20
IK'Cidenls ln, ll3-&1 mtihattes tor ordinanceund bl lngs, 120
•sent bi5hop tor, 82 com.'Cttllg WOan.atioon on. 1.20
an"·orlr. an. 84 members of record. definition or, 118
('...ndIa in. tiS n• me::. u:.ed on, 117
ronstruchon of, 85-86 ~tal<.: cler~r.·~ re.ponsibillbes tor, 112· 13, 117- 20
drrontloruo tn. 85 w•nJ clerks resporbibilitles for I 15, 117-20
d~o'thatum of, 85 Meml>t>rsrup ~. sp«ilic ~tu11hnnw
emetgl!nC)' ~of, ·14, tCJ, 85 •Addr~!!.:> Unknown" fil<!. 119

118
 adopted children, 119, Hl ml oi\Aru!$, tting ap.m of 32- 33
dwbthue.., rrwnben w1th, 118-19 mi»iQnAn.t.'S, uperv~tng m rield, 33-34, .36-37
dJvorcl'd p.ll'el'b, d\tldren of, 119 nun·O\rt! t n fa1lh , rel.tboruhip& with. 159
hofp1~ll or homes for the 1ged. 11 19 patr1at(hAI bl •"8'· 149
mllit.uy ni~. 119 t 'mJ)IP fftOnvnc.'n d lntll"t'\ ie~. 11-12.35
me tOtUnes, 34 hthc and otlmngs ot 12.••-26
m&.tWl presu.lt!nts, 11 ~ · o~ . ~ Churd'a f\· ln.ISSXlrW'ies,
lnO\ 1.-d oul ol want, US full ·hntt' m.l-. ~; 1\iOt l1'll.SI.iOrl ries
~~- w<1rd meml>eB, II Mis<IOillll)' hmct.
pnsc.ln "1 ~rat Book of Mormon Fund 126
Cf'\ 1ng out:sfde wAr'CI. IJS ~r<1l MIS-.am.ll')' fund. 30-31 126
IA.'mpl• rfbfdt'nts, 118 \~atd nu 1on1ry fund. 30. 126
wuhout f":r!Nlnent 41~ld~. U9 Mt iOMI')' pn:p~rallon ct.,..~~. 26
MNnbt·n.hap t«Ords and Church d.tsopline.. 70-71 Mi ~n.1ry Tr.unlng (~h:r, famili • brlngmg
dJ.,fdlow lupped, 70 ml.,slonanl!s to l3
c• commumc.ltt!d, 64-65, 70 Monnon. utW o( n.tm •. 1N>
rormal probaiJon. 70 Moths· Day, mis •on•mas' l4'1ephonr calls on, .34
pri.,nn.,,11 J\.lo\ ~ rt•lllrlctlan~ on m~>mht>rshtp reoords, 71, 11CJ
~Jdmaucd. 70 Multistok~
1\'<:0nJ With IIMOI<lliOM, 7~71,117, 146 ,)CtlvHJCS, funding, 131
te('('lrd .. with bi.,hop !> l?qubt for contact. 71 publk aff.tl" ':'Ouncll, 4
n.oce>n.IG with mew•• r~trictiOfl.!l , 71. 119 Murder
rt'(()r(l., wiU' J)('(b•l romm~nts, 71 b.lpthm of o;omeorw whu h.'~ commlll~. 143, 145
Membtmhlp n.'C'Ord'o, n'movlng nam~ from, 71-73 cfuapliNry Cllunctl for, 1',6-57, 59, 6Q
pruc~.tdun for, 11-n mllit.uy or pAtel' eaton Is not. 57, 145
llnnOunc,·nwntl~ n•ml fetnO\al n Mu tc, cop '"Shtlaw!l (or. 1!'5, 157
n:un£ l'l'moval .and u p«t ~ transgression. 7l
na~ t\'mO~ 1and t mph!! ~ling:., 21-ll
Men.. m1 INC) ag .111 I t ·rm ol wrv ·e. 26-27 N
MM1.11 ch.al l.'n N•m of Church ILW of, 153-54, 160
m1 IOO.U)' rvic~and, 2<}- JO, 3-4, J7 N11mo~mmal
wellzu~ a tot~ tnr, '"' 49 anc.JarosLa y. S1
\tJtau.ry ~.hose ~'ins '" bun.alln ~F' clothing 1ft r. 16
ti.Al..e pi"C$ld~ncy" mpon~ib•httes for, 96 m 11\~t hap ' C>rd 71- 73
btshopnc rt:~pon'>tbilltJes for_. 96-'11 n:otdm~-o,ion t r, 12- 73, 14)

mls.ston pn.-t1dent's rcspanstbiht1es for, 97-98 rc:.toratt,m u( h'mpl~.> hl • ings •ftl-r. 23. 73
action l IU.lt m\lrdcr, ~. US lo'mpln m.lln.mcn fCir tl'-~.a~ ~rsol\1., 23
(hllplili.n a rt~pon: tblhtth, 96, 98-99 l<>mple 1'\!Wmnwnd!l 11ft ·r. 13
Church umb ;~t tn~talbhOn~, 92. 96-98 lt!mrlo 1('.'\Jtng ,.ff,"'t
uf. 21- 22
confl'trinR pn~thood and ordilinlng tooffiro, 148 NnmJng ;,nd blr~"lng childn.'fl
gumcnt we.1nng In mJht~ry. 99 bom uul ahHdl(ld•• H2
Group Lc.1dcr JUt, 97 crltll-..lly ill, 142
m~:mbt-rship records of, 119 in f.ut and I !'.t•mony mC\~t,ng. 142
mlrosicmary s.t:rvlef' and military ohllgahon, 98 M~lchlz~dt!k Pn thood holder-. p<lthdpate.
p.1tn.ud\al blcslllnA-"' for, 149 50 loll), 142
pre-mllll;sry ~rv•r<- Church orientation, %-97 non.rnembtor p.1rent , 142
:.erY~a! member groupso, 97 98 ~ "'~ Ordl"-'nl !to ~tnd blessingt.
tl'mple recumm~ for, an i.sobted ar(>aS, 12 NIUmng Church uM.,, 92 93
Mmor dUltlren, baptum ol, l.W Non-Chr~wn faith .., r •IAhonshrps with. 1.59
Mtio on dt.sOpliMI') cuuncil 5.3-54,60 NonJuncUon.lng statw of take p.atnarch, 137
M •on ~·dent , rrspo~ibtlitiesof Nonmembm-
Church dtscipline, 54- .55 60-61, 65-69, 73 avil matrl•~e- fot, 1t'
Church unit, crNttng or ch.mgang. 88-90 rwn!ng and bl ing childm1 of, Hl
tlllll m.arrugt-, perfomnng. l8 non-Ovtsuan flulhJ, ~latianshlps Mth, 159
«•m.••r1 Npttsm_s, 1(3-.l6 wrhare I 1.1nce for, 16
JUdgt• an l-.r.tt>l, 53 onnilh\.'t! lan~gc
mt~~·P reconls ot, US st.~..~. ss
mllilat). m.•mbt•r ~rvang in. 97-98 w•nh and br nc.hei, 90

119

0 Cur ll'lu..wmA!Yt 149
Offenngl> Sl't' Fast olfmnp.lithing
Office nl Q.:ncraJ Cc.lUNt-1, 55, 158
One-ye.ar wAittng ~:riud for templt! Ndlnnno~
idler dAI o f deAth, 22- 23
ft\1' r 'W mc~r&.. ll
~lOt• 1\:0.Il'lratlon of blc.Sitlp. 73
Open hou,...,, fuU tlmt' rnb>ioouies, 3l
Ordnlning to ''" offl"l.' 5d Conteuing pnestbood and
oroilintng 10 ofh{(
C>rdJnJncl.' worM>r.. 5H T~"mpk ordut.U1U \'\--ctrkers
Ordll'\olnfi"' .md b~mgs
bl5h<lp's resp<msibllltttl!i for, 7, H0-50
£or adopwd children. 141
another ward, performing m. I•W
~tes for, 120
duabllltles, for pcn.<\M wrth, 140-41. 144. HS
nut vlllld, procrdurw> lor, Hl-12
no vo1llu reco rd of, 14t 42
ptrfOtiJ\I..od again, 142
sx'l'fonned bclo ~ _,J'Pn~pn.lll' •'S~ 1l2
p«rlt~llnt!d out or "'<lul."net', tu
n.ocurdJng of. l4C 41
~'\:Unb uf, 1<10
tr&Nl.tttn~ or mtetpr<'hng,140-·H
~'Of'thu- to p.1rt1ap:sre m. HO
'itt azs.., &pbsm and confinn.abon, suldeli:ne. fur.
Conii!ITillg pnesthood and ordalnrng to o~;
N~IJUilg and blessmg children; Prlcc;tb(ood b~
U'IJ: b\• pnesthood lellder, Temple endm~>"mt:rll.
TdTipk m..:llnAijc.-. Temple onluunct"S lew tlw dl.'lld
Ospn don.abans and transpLlnu, 11'12-63
Out-Qf·wtdluck btrth SH Smgle exp«unt p.1rU1
Out ·uf·wedlod; cohAbitation, bilpti\m .111d, l-15
<h1.'mtght ~pns In mecttngho~ae . 116
(h ~ i&llt IJ\lSIWNriC:S 29-30
p
Parkin" kit~ of m~trngtu.)~, 86
rottnarch
st.1L! pft!Sident 1 ~f'OI\Slbtlltk:. fur, 3, 136-37
culling of, 3, 136, ISO
C'o"lldentilllity of bl"..slngs, 137
funcuorungst.atU!I, rotuming to, 137
inM1Uctll1g. 1.36
flOI\funcboning I.IIU. (C\r. 1'f7
!o«<f\d pat:narch, calling. I :16
IIUJ)CI'VI"Ing. I:Jb
P•trtolJ'I.:hlaJ blesingl
gct\('r4l su.lddlt\es for, 1~9
wnlidmtiahl) of, 137
lntl'tpl'et.lbon of, by 11gn langu~g~·. l 50
trllln•i"bon of 150
whm torecet\1!.. 1~9
(c>r rof'IY~. HQ
IM nrem~ m milituy, It~SO
for members oubrdt! sillier, 149
180
fur rnernbcm wuh disabthh ~ . 140- n , H" 50
r.orpt'tUII Educ~tion f-und
talr.e pretdency'• ~nsibthnrs for; 1011
t-iihopnb responsJbilltiPS lor, 47, 108
•rea rEF comnut~. lllS-9
Oturth Eduai:JoiW System and , 105, lOS-9
contributmg to, 108-9, 127
urpnu.atlon ol, 108
purpose of 108
St.'Tiior missianlna li.SSlgnt.-d to, 37
~t.&k lind w rd "'df.ue sp«lal.Jsts for, ~. 17
T'l\nfogn.phs
nf {~>nerlll Authonbl!lt, 152
In nr~ •tinghou...._. 86
llh)...,lul iliwbrlllltl:ll Str D\J.1bilH~ mem~ wll.b
J1h~ kaliM'IhUt• $« Meflmghau:.es, Onud\
l'h)"'ltal farlltliH ~~tatwe, stake, 82~
l'lckmg up ml!>•lon.tno, by p.tr~nt.ll, 35
l'lurlll rMrrlagtt
bAptbm Of thc:;R Involved i.n, l.U, 145
d!Joplilw) coJuM!Ior. 57, 65, 71
Pollee or miht.ary ocuon. not murder, 57, ItS
Political and civiC' ac:tiv1tie!J
Church's and m1.'Tnbe~ involvement In, 159
Chun:b taetlitte. ror. 84, rn, t~
Church n~oo>tU!il!d lot, l2l , 156, 15Q
Pour and 1\e'fdvor l"-•lf.ano a ~&una
rom~ruph)
addiction, w1•1f.are • ISI.lf\1. lor. 4&-49
Ch\lrd\ pollcl on. 1t.6
dl.aiCipl.uwy CQUIIC11 not fM,.SO
LOS Filmlly c;,.l"fiO!S lfltl
•~I.e prrstdmtt. and bL..hops rounselulg about, 166
Pn:dators, Church d1.~phrw for, 56-57
Pn!-mtllt.uy S('rvlce Church oricntlhm, 9o-W
l'lftldtng hrgh pnftt
bishop. 6-7
lttake pres•dcnl, 2- -l
Pm.umed dc.1d, onilnAncft for per!iOI'IS, 23
Pnesthood. Stt Aal'()f\JC Prk!st~ConJ~:mr1g priest-
hood and ord.,lnllljt to OIIM.-ct.: Ml'khir.NI.'k l"rblhood
Priesthood bl1511lng b} p~h<~11c.,d~"· *1
l"n~. ordoln!11g o(, 7, 147 150
Primary, !ntcrvl~we or th~ gr.1duatlng frum. 77
l'ri5DN
membcrthap n'mrcb for thoolt> ln.. 71
wlll'th or branches at. 92
worship k'I'VIt-rs Md Oluteh •upportal, lbl
l'ri\'1\C)' of members, prolectln!t, 1.59
l'roi.Mbm fonntl
def:irubon of, 58-59
dL'OSlon ol cfudplmary counal, 63-64
dldmg. 67- 70
memberslup n.ocords for 70
5« liLso Chun:h d150ptin.lry counals. Churth
di'Orhnr
f'robitb\)1\.. tnlor'INI. .58. 63-t..S
Prole iONI rounsdtng. &! Rdicl Sooel)
&r lllstJ l US l ami!\· Sel"\ u:~ st~ p~t a responsibilllU!S fur, 4
r'rolong"'« llfe, 1b3 bt hop' reponslbiliu for. 7
l)roperty lAKe 133 '~ t'lfare work an, t6- ..
l'rosp«li\'Hldtr , 147 Rt'II'IO\mg n.tmes from membenJUp rcconis1 71-73
Pubh aH.:li11 twnting uf Churth htcilib • 84
ienlor m aona.rl· rn in. 37 R•·renta"'t'
&t Jc.e and mulhsta~ councils. 4 m Church d.lJctpline, !a, 64
~t.ak~ p!Usdcnt's rcsponsmib~ for. 4 44 mterv1~s. ftCOURJttnt; m. 19-81}
o{ ~~us transgressi~ for auss.ianaties, 28
Rt-portS 5l'r RamdJ and n.-rorts
Q Rt!potts oo mt·~r p.uticipAtJon
Quoi'UII\> S« Aaroruc Pri~thood; Eldm>. lligh pnests, pu~ or 16-17
MC"lch~11 del. Prl ......thl'>Od ath'nd net! n.oports, 116
Quotil" lor ll'mpll• nt1endilllce, 10 ml'm.b •r..IUp .00, 117
Quart~'rl)' ltcport, llb-17
R "h'"''"' ckrk '~ tl'bponsib11ities for, IJ2-l3, U6-l7
wu"'J cll'r~'s Tellpon~olbllities for, llS-17
RRpe Rest'ard1 studws, Church, 160
,,ntl .,b,lrhtm, 11\3 R,'SioMIIun t1f Mnplc bl(..,~ings, 23, 73
(nurth s policy on sexual .muse, 164 Rc tnc t :!d liCtviC temple on.iumnce workers, 24
da iphn.uy c:ou.ndl for. 56 ~trittlon •'t;.tirloll ct'tllmg. ~movang, 20
Kt 11\Jml~•on aft~r ~-crommurucalion or name removal
Rcv"l.thcm, I •.1d.." rc."<"~ ave v
guhidtnrs (or, 69-70 n -73, 14.3
Ring , exch.mgoo all r t"mpl\· marriagt, 17
Churth acu..,ty otftl'f', 69- 10
~tucu~nb requln!d lor, 74
mcmN!nhip rec.:ords for. 70 s
rrl thood on.iwstion alt~T. i'O, 14B SAcrament ~un~
M rauon of b mp after. 23, 13 attmd.mc~ reports ror, ll6
h:mple ~mmmc!,. 11fter, 1J audio"U\W m.tlerilW m. 152
Rri: 'J'UON. Mddtng 19 bishopnc pl..tns, 1
R~tlmm·!fld~tlon lomu, fuU-time ll\lSiion;mes, 31- 32 convats ronfumed m. l.U
Rh~mm !1'\d fo1 li\ ~ordinance., 11- 13. 16 ITW&IONriet spcU U\ 32 16
~urd ~ ~rtll, lU-21 S.af!ty
t.U." prt51dent's rcponsibili~ " ' U2-H In mt'C!!tingha.&.RS, 82-84
bl hop's no~f'OTU•bilitles, 8, 114-16 tn wll'lhlre oper.stJons, 160
•lAM! l'Xt'I:Utl\14!! ~tary·s responsibilities. ll4 '-al ·~t.. 160
ward tll(t uhvt' n:tary's responsibillh~. 115-16 5.11 and use t.ues, 133
tal." d(!f\t ~ mponsJbtht'es 112-13 Salvaht>n
.. ,,,.,hu\1 'lt.\1..1.! dt!rk's re.pt~n!>lbllllies, ll2-14 bishop pk 1de ov~r work ot, 6
word clt>rk s r J'!On.lllbi.l.ati~.
112, 114-15 stake pttllli~nt pl.'e51\J~ over work of, 2
<~-'>i~tont w.ud clerk's re;ponsibililie!., Ll2. 114-15 Samt~ender attr.1ctlon. Str I fomosexuill bel\il\'ior and
dl'rk.~ ln!tlruclioru~. gt>neral, ll2 s.1ml.'-gl!nrlt!r •ltrt~ctiun
c<mlldl'Oiiahty of, 120-21 S.1mt..gt>ndl'r mtmages, 166
dlspo,.itlon ol, 121 S.1tan wor Jup, 165-66
prot( ·bvn ot, 121 Sat •lllt dnd vid~ t!qWpment, ~of Church, l60-61
purpo-.c: of, 11 :Z . IVI.nj;' iiCCOW'ts, 11:3 .. • and ward, 1~-30
rrt ntion ul, 121 SealtnK 5~ !i-!.iling c:hi.1t.lren lo parents,
~ 111~ J l•-.toncal n.~~; Membenhip rt!CDI"d.s; illlng of hu~bm.l and wife, Temple mam.1ge.
Rl'p()rt on m mbcr p.1rt1Ci~tion. Stake ded., T'-ompl on.i~nancrs for the d~d
W.lnJ dcr~ St:•aling chlJdren to puen~
Recrc.a bona I pl'\tf"' "', 116 A\Jop~...S chlld.Ml, 11
Rclund oi hth .an\! oltcnn~, 117-ll! arhflda.lal'\liU'Iin.ttlon. 22
Rd~asN ·timc ~ln.ary pmgnms. 101-4 bl.)m an th • cO\ t:nAnt, 21-22
~lt-.ue of mLS;;fon.trie!f cancelbtJOn Ill puents' sealing. efhrl on. 22
Churth n1 , ~'ICUmmunk bOn of partnts, t!ffect on. 21-22
full time, 35-37 f t 'f chlldn.11, 21
Reksl.. Stl' C:.allmg:. .an I rt'k-<1-.e-. In V111'0 f rt1ILUtion, 22

181
 0\lt-ol•wedlock b1ttl\. '2l Sep.srilbon or husband And w i1•
seWing of brothen ~rid .U.ttrJ, ot~'f'VUIQ. 21 COI.INt'linK about. b\ pn_,thncld ::adl'l'l<, 58, 80
slqlduldrm. 2l U!'mple ~ &(~ 1)
•tillbom duldze~ , 2J, lb3 smous tn:ns~an
~ilhng ol hlaband .,nd w1fe commuted long ago, 'i6, M
poltaes, who .,Wee pn!lldents cont"ct .iliout. 19 dl50pl.innry council for, 56-58, 63-64
after adult~ whtlc! $o."iiled 20 pattern of, 58
01ncd1ibon of. for WOIIW\. 20-22, 7-l m pnxrunent Chun:h pociuon 56-Sd
aft\!f civil mamage tq- 21) temple I'KOIJUI\end alter, 11
c~ ot, for men. 20, 74 widely known. 58
ol di!Uased ~. 20-21 Sn-\iu nmnber groups 97· 98
after divo~. 20-ll Stnl(t' rnemben S« ~nlJiary, thall' Jtn~ an
after excoaunUl\IQDan oc n&IDI! l'l!fl\0\-"al, 21-22 Sdving .1ft> In me.:tmgllouk-s. ~
1fter marnag~ lor time <Wlh, 17, 2LI ~"A tduntion 166
J\.><;trictJon ag.u.n.t en"''" mg. 20 Sc-~U411 nbut..: ~ Ab~
.afl;:or spuusd de.ath. 20 '131' IAnK'"'Se $no lntcorpremuon
Srt nf'o() T~mple IDMn.lK" ~lgtlll on rneetlnghow.e~~, 86
Scalln~ re&trlctioo. 20 Stngltt adult ward~
~~1111d11ry ond el\lmlont.try ..oduc.allon, Church, 1tJS-6 cooll.'rring pnesthood nnd ordammg to office in, 148
&>curlly. St'• Sl!fety crcnttun of, 92
~lf·ow•nm~ group~~. 1~ membership of, 92
Sett· roli1\0C'I! l\"mple recommends in, 11
sptrltu.U, ]':I Single ~pectmt parenb
ilnd w;:olfart' ~IS ~'~:nee. olS-47 Si!t"->flll gwdeltnes for, 16CHI?
5emln.1riCS adopt~ocm of childrm encoufllgc!d 1tJIH,7
MbVII:t!!:>, 105 help lint for tnformation abcM.. 166-61
audiovisual matcnab lOS 1 OS f•nuh Sen·IC'b. 166-67
cJa<;s md t..'Tial!., 105 mt :11\ ~:hg~bility, 27
d.a5S ofham.. 10. namtng and bl~mg thllthro uf, H2
daily semlrwry ~. 102-4 t.e~hng childrm born to 22
dlslb1htles, mAitn.t'- tur thuM With. liE ._ 411;.Q AJopbon
fi)Cihhl/8, 105 51nglv 11\l."m~
full·nnw mls..tOf\An~. preparing. 2b dolling bu ~. 156
graduation frum. 11.15 ml.t.11uns lor smglll! women, 27, 37
OOR'M"'!>IUd) CLl.."k.,, 102-4 l"ttlpW ~OWUllml for. 10, 12
purpc16ol>s ul, 103 S« llbo SCngle .dull w&n:b, YOWlg sangfe .dull wards
rtleased-hmc ~mln.tl} . 102-4 Si~tt'r nu lon.anc. 'ZJ, 31
~nun.tl') tlnd imhtute "1'refntati¥e:s, 103 S« af~ Full-time rrussion.ll'ie; Sent<lr mtssi!XJlU1i5
SO!'n\INI')' studo>nt counol. 102. 1Gi SocW &nd crnobonAJ .--cb. 4&--40
stile ~mm31)', 103-t Spt'CUI n.-..-db w•rd~ .and l-ranchl-,. 92. 1111
te.ldlCI$, calling of. 102- J SN af<C Dt""'lmlttes. fl'l!mhrr.o With
tead1ers, tr,unlng of, 105 Spt•rn•d\)Oahun. 167
teachers. 1ravel OXfX.'I'\se. ol, I05 Splrltu~llt•.ldc·r
Sl'!'nlso lmllt u h~ of reUglon btshop. 6
Senior misslonnth~ ~t<lkl' Pl'i:'Mltml. 2
as.stgnmmtslor. ~b-37 SplrlttJo~l "<<ll n-IIAnc~.>. 79
branch tl'.ldt-rshlfl posllivru for. J.l-3-l Stal.cJ, di·(tnitl'' " o\, 2
(&~bnS. &~king uth\'1"> Itt. lt StA~~
fin&ncing ml ""'"I} .,..r\'t(~ • .JJ. )) 0\'atlng or c:hangmg. 88
~.slth lnsurnn«> for, 31, 1; maml'd s tudo!nt, 92
hlllllth ol, J6 namtng, 92- 93
1dmtifymg, ;\6-..17 nonNhve languagt>. IJS
rnernbm.h1p rcorotd.s of. ~ voung ~Ingle adult. <11
O'USIIONII')' .age and tt'nn t'lf ~·l<ll' lor.17 Sta~ eudlt COrrunJitf\'. 114, 132- 31
quallficabon.~ for, 36 StaM! aud1ton., 131- 33
release oJ. 31 St.at.e bt~hops' welfare c:uuncll. <12. 47, -19
tmlple m:ommend' lor, 15 St•ke building sp«iah~h. ltl
atlung and offerlngs of, 34 Stake cled.
travel of. 33 ~;cnc-raltnstructnV\.'i for. 112 · I :1

182
 all&ng of, 3 ~ mothcrhood, 22.,167
tNITuets otlll~ <ler It:\ ~ttai'"ing \'0 ~ pric5lhood olhc I
qu.1Uik--abor for. 112 lot, l'ni!mbrrs' partieip3bon m. 1b 1
~w.1rd rtuml nJ R!potb..ll3
nudl~. 11'3, 120, 12-l, 1:tz
ftn.md.'ll 1'\."'C<lrd'i, 112. 1%-l T
halortcat recordr., 112. 120 rnxe
mMnbt-r p.1rtl,lpllion re«1rd 112, llb--17 lno:lme, 157
mcmberstup record , 112-n , 117-20 property, 133
te..hnulog)~ 11\Ciudlng comput rs. lH Ia and US(', 133
Sta1e dmc. asslSW,t tA ~~pt stAtus. M , B), tt.l
~ mstructlon ror. 112- H le~ hen. S« lrutiwcrs ol rdlg M; n1N
audits, respooslb II , r. 11,, 120, 124 132 T~ t Of~&O . 7, 147, 150
Onm:nnwm.m. )13 t~'ll htng th&- ~ rourw.. 26
~l~s. \13, 124 1i hno Sa>Comput.en, lntl!tN!I
hbtoncalncordc, ll:l, 1.0 rell·p~ call:J. mwt~. to lamU~ 30, 34
mmlh« p.mtof"ltlon l'fl:cml~, Ill. 116-17 r.•mrtc
rnrmbe:r;hlp rc.-ord~, lt3, 111- 20 ~>l.ake pre•dt-nt's queslluru. about tO
trd\nology, mcludJn~ c~mput •rs. 114 ~l•hop s qu.esbons about, 10
St. I.e counol b.1ptl"ms for the dead group 11utb for 10
t.l;~ PJU~dent pi idt":t CWt'r, J child care .at, 10
weltll't' WOTk m, ~ • ..12. 44 m1 on.anes who wn·c m, J.l
5ta"-~din!Ctones_l.56, 159 qu sfuut~lO
J. l'.1«UbY~teel'et&ry, 2, 114, 15) tt>mpl pn-puation ~ tO
higJ\ prlii!Sb quorum. 3 tr.a.nsiAu n assw.ance 11\. 10
Su~ p;Jtnardl. ~ P•lNn:h ~ ol~ 'Thmrw clothing.and ~ti; 1C'mplc
ke ph)'5ical blciliues rq> l'nliltlve, 82--83 4ondUW~t: Tmrplr m.&tl'US , t mrle ordln.lnc
St.t~ presidenco.. Sn-Stak~ pmlJent, n_~JI:rUtt of ftlt ttl dt d; Temple onJ~ worllr~. I mple
tak pres.l.dC51Cf COUI'\S('WI'II, rnlllng of, 3. 76 pr;"''h:ll't\t; r,~pk rKOmmen
Stakt! presJdl!'nt. respo~ lbtht ~of t mplo .-proru, ma..mg. 15
dutf\>.:s ot, ov~ tew, 1- 1 11 mpl" rlothmg nd gartn~.-nt
Churt'h disciplme anJ na~ rtotna' .ll, 51· 7-1 bunal m. 16
Churth EducAhanal ~ tt<m, 101 fl cloth.1ng tu we.a.r to temple-, 14 , 1;
Churrh potick-s. lSI• 7 m m.a tion 11\. 16, 162
ung., ~ nd namtng nl'w unu.. 87- 93 d!iabililk' • for members wtth, 15
hMI1Ce5, tl..l-3J dto;postng of, 15-16
Ull~\ and counsclin~. 73--80 full·btnt ~"10NIIlr'S. tm1p~ clothing fur. 1-;
m.am.t~. mnrte and d\ il. !J-2-t m1hury, "'l•rt.ng gilnntnt tn.
mdi~ry ~. 9S..AJ9 rvn.&.;d fiT purchase of, 14-15
rn 10Nf)' sen see. 25-39 trmpl .aprons. m~. 15
ordtJ'\.&Jl(e and bl~g pol~1a, 139- 50 1 mpl rnarri.-. •, dr.: ~ for, 17
Perpetual fducaboo Fund, 107-9 " nng tM 8Mmmt. IS
phy..icaJ faa1it1..-:o, 81-86 Temple C n lruct!\ln fund, 127
I'\.'COrdS .md ~rts. 111 - 21 I mple tndowmmt
c;takto patriarch. llS-37, 1 · SO (or rm-mbi• w1th ~biliti , 12- 13, 140_.1
k'mph.><. ~nd mAm ~. 9·24 ~ r m ionutc . JO 12, 32.35
wd£1~. 41-19 mmtnd k'tr, ll-13
1 t> 1"\'COrds and 1\:'POf SN R«DN• and rtport oouting own. 10
t.tLt munary, IQH when~ can receive own. 10-13
SUb t'->chNllogy Jl«l. t Jl4 S«•Jso Tanp~ ord.uu!nc..-s tar till! dNd
t~kc! well.arc "r«l• h t
43 1 Tm~ple tn.lm.lb'l
StfPChlldml. •.alms o1. 22 after divoru or ~·s dt•th. 19-lO
tlf'nlwteon. urs• I, I~ ~hn for~ wi~hout ~-omrntnW, 1;
Stillborn cruh.h:~n. 23, )63 purpose of, 16
olen funds s~ Embl'alffl\ft\t of O~tm:b funds ~((lit ll\ mg orc.lm ore;, It, 16
tolrn tempi~ n'C'Ornmt.'nlh, 14 nn~ •heJi 17
Studmts, married, !.Ia._ , W'&rda., and branches for, 92 htdu11ng.. 10
Subo;mpbon .:fforts, Chu~h moga.t1nes, 114, lib, 153 for ~ onl). 17, 20
Suicide, Church pt)hQC on. 23, 162. 167 "·'"odd~ d for. 17

183
 weddi:n~tioru after, 19 Tempie :>ea.ling. Strt> Sealing children to p.uenl$;
who attends, 1'7 Sealing o( husband and wife
who perfo:t:~ru, 16 Theiltrioal pro<:h~ctions, copyri~htlows for, 155
5« also Civil marriage; Sealing ofhusband and wife Tlule only, te.1.nple martlllge for, 17, 20
Tempt~:~ ordinances for the dead 11thlng
general guidell.nes, 22 confidentiality of, 128
deo.!.ased persons may nC'Cept. 22 d clbuti on of, l25
one Ye<U" after date of diMth. 22~2.'3 In-kind donations, 127
verifying ord!J\ances for, 24 of misslo!lAries, 34"' 125
See also Baptisms and confirmations for the dead; of mtSS10f1 presidents, 125
~a Ling c.htldren to p;uel)ts; Seal~ of husband refunds not allowed, 127-28
and wife u~of.126
Thm.ple ordfn.lnc.'es for lhe dedd, specific situations when 11nrl how to pay, 125
children who died before age ei~t, 23 who should pay, 125
persons who are pn.'Suml'd dead, 23 J\thu'lg. hanciling and a«::unung for
persons who have been f!l(COtnmwticated,23 receiving. 128
person& who have taken ow11 IJves, 23 vmfying. 128
persons with inwiii!Ctunl diSllt;.itlties, 23 Mpositing. 128--29
sealing of deceased adoptt>d or ~t:er children, 21 sofeguardJng. 129
sealing of deiJea!W'd divom!d coupl es, 21 re«oipts for, 129
5ealing of deceased men, 11 records of 130
sealing of de<ea:;ed women. 20-'21 'llthtngsettlement. gttldl?llnes !ot, 126
sbllbom children, 23, 163 tmnsg:ression, ~rious. Stt> Serious tn\nsgte!!slon
Temple ordinnnce wotkt!rs Tran&lent or homeless people, 42-14• .J8-49
calling, 24 Tra:nslation
requ:iretnents for 1>0rving IU. 24 asslst.artce in tempi~$. l 0
restrictedw<:erviel! ordmM\Cl' workm, U of ordinatl<'eS .md blesstnge, J40
Temple prepamtlon wminal'f>. tO o( potrh:trchal blessings, 150
Temple president ll'IU\spIMt.s cf organs, t 62~3
fast Gfferints of, 126 1'rDM$nxual Ope111ti01'!
membership records of, 118 baptism oi oomeone whu has had, 1'.14, l46
temple recommend!> b1 l~>ol~tcd nreo1s, 12 c:li~lpllnary co~nci l for. '57
lemple rocm:nmends, genetol guld~lines, U-14 p rle~>thood after, 148
branches ln clis ll'icts, ll readmission, at'tt>t:, 69
isolated areas, 12 temple recommend nfter, 13
wards and brandll.!llln stnk~, ll Traval
dispos:lng of outdllted, 11 Ch~ce missiuMm'l>, 39
inll!IViews for, U-14 men and women t~thcr, 162
lunited-use recommmdA, 11- 14 fi1.15Swnanes after rclt'1l5e, 35
last or' stolen. 14 IIUSSionarics in ~he field, 3J
reC~>mrnend boob, Rrcsu:.nJmg. 11 serninnry and inslitulo; leAchn'll, JUS
recommend.~forlh'lns ordlrmnces, ll, lfl senior missionaries, 33
unwortby recommend hold~t. 14
Thmple recommends, spllCiRc sltuntlons, U-H
abuse, 1M u
converts1l2 Uni versities, Onuch. Sllr ln!!otltutions of h igher
disabibbes. U-13, 14G-41 tttluc:ation
divorce, ~>eparabon, or aMulment, 13 Unw..d parents. See Single expectant parents
excommwucation or nama removnl, 13
mlssiClJ'Iilries, 12, 32. 35, 38 v
Trot lived in Slime ward fpr one year, 12
Valid, when Qrdinances are not, 141-41
own endowment. 11-13
relatives In aposuue groups, 1.3 Vasectomy, 167
Video and satellite equipment, use ot Churdl. 16CHi l
same-gl!nder attnsction, 165
Video recttrdings, not JtiJld~ In 4;hnpels, 86
!ierimts- transgres6i(m, 13
VnluntP¥t ~rvice, 39
single meml>ers, 10,12
tr.mssexual operation, 13 Voting, 84, 1.59
unendowed spouse, 12

184
 llfola

C'O(nd 11\11 htiJ ('OUn('Jl ntft' V. " orl tn,. 42

w ancrs•onci , t;a~ rl41l for. 4, .U. ._.
\''.111mg penoo. 5tt One-) ar wa1t1n ~ penod lor mC'dacal Cllf"~ ~t i'd•ns authorized amount.. .0
t !triple ord~J\otl\roi tc~lt' bi!Qlop's wl'l.f 1re oounol C , •'· '*9
~\.tnis st..tkt• council, \\.'dfare wor~ &n. 4, 42. ~
('r·n \ttns ur ch.un 1ng. M-tW ~ot ._.. wdfan? SJX' illli t , c.tlhng. 4), 47
m"m~ tudr'nl. 92 tral\slcnt or homeless membc!n, 4.2
f\J.ft\lfl8, 93 Wt•lf.u~ pnnclples. It . hing, 42
nooNh\ bng • 90 W 'lfMt' assi:>bJla .n-4<~
n Ddul ~ O\c.'T\ lew of, ~
sptoal nMJ._ ~It~ guidt'lll for pto\ d ns, "s-46
\~ duh,90~1 ""d fraud, 48, 119
\\'~butldtn ~lt4h\:t•, 8l I r bl hofb• .U, :&1
Watddtd. Ua ~lp 's Ordnlor Comrnod1tlo, 47
~ rnstrucllON lor, 112, 114· 1S l•l\1\()p$ I~ .cc;. 1
Jldmi:n\stnU~e urpart to bbhopnc, 1H- 1S (Omrnodttt ~o~ a,h, 16
mstructs ~tml clrr4 and ..rcr~loltb:s. 115 c:nmmunlty ~for, 17- 48
qn;d!fiohons far, 114 coofldt>nu.ality of, 48
f~lreconis, 115, 125 c nwrgtllC)' ptan, w.ud, l 9
tustortcal rero.rda, 115, 120 fotst oUmn~. 41
member pMtldp.1t1on n."Cartls, 115-17 so~mmf"nl ~ to thto poor. 47-48
mcmbustup l't'rnnb, II~. 1l7-20 hclp line for bishops
\ mclc:fk. asaat.tnt I .lttl\ e members, -46
l'N'tA!I.nslnlcttotu for, 112. llil- lS Lord'• $turehowle. 4.5
Chattb mat.erillh. 115 rned1ca.l ~ far the need)~ , -1.8
tU14nctAI ~ . u~. l25 'tt"d .mel ~ ArW)' ~ form. 46
histancaJ ~rda, 11!\, 1::.0 for nonrnc:mben ~
member partlclpMiun R"'.: r-d., 115-11 p 1lt \hood quonun.,· wur'- In, ~7
mnnber.;hrp rec\'lrd~. WI, 117- m Rrlir.f Socirty's.,., otldn, I 7
Ward wunril ~1Jng UUI ~poor. ..&5
bishop presules nv~r. 7 tr-rdiAncc. enroumgm~ lll-t7
purposes ol, 7 lor .ooal and cmotton.1l ncr.'~.!.~. 18 19
welfare work m • .&.4 Q tm (OUtld), wclfare wur._ an. I, U. II
Ward <.'Ouncils and c:ummttt tor t\R presidents, 46
<lliriplinal} couno1. tiO usW.n lik. no&tikstyle, ~
pnesthood ~~ccuh\:1! camnuu~. "i Jur tran:>Jent « homel mtmbt"r,., .U-44,
~mgl~~du!t cornm I ,7 ward an.mcil. "~ v.l1Tl m. ~
W.anJ du~toric , 156, 159 wcl{lii'C! specWJsts. 43, 47
Wud ~WCUbV&' lll'O\: II!f)', o, l1S..:16, 153 .,., rio. opportm\Jties 46
Ward mlsaion.ary fund, 30. t ~b 5« abo Fast offC!IID~, LOS l'amily Sen JCC
Ward reeor<h and r~ R«<fd and ~rts Wt.' I&R' openbons
Ward w~lfare pt'cl I t , o47 agent stake ope111bng comautt tor. l3, 160
\\'. tcr cons\!r\'at1on an m ~" •how 53 a ~h~ p~tdent for, I, 12- 13
Wcb !>II~ ~t.oSi.: and Wal'\1, 11,, ns, 157 bi.\hop s we In CAlU\g lor ~y, -17
)« aliO Infl>m t lrt\ an. 160
Wl.'dding ~council suppor , 12
dress for ~pie m:~m .. 1#' \\etf~~b
reo?ptlons aCtu l mp mam.t • 19 t.lk-• .,0 .(7
.;« 1l-<o Tempt~ m..\1Tl41g ..,.4fd, .(7
\\'NIOC'I.;. out uf Si.nsl ""P'-'d.ln1 p.w:!llts. \\'iclo\\ or wt.dower, templ.i.' . hng nf. 19 ~
Welfat'-'• bi<.hop'<. fi~<ilbll h fM \\Omen, aussimwy age and tmn of N , '11
ta~t. Ll.,., of. t.: uh ~"' mcmbt-1'!', +I \ \\Jrd oi Wudom
pro\ idl' w !(.lev lalln'. ?. , .s- "'9 c.luoplitw) rouncil not for, 56
t.\1-c bl;;hop ., .,., lla ~'\11.1rK""ll. 42, •7, 49 NiJance ot1 163
t~.v:h ~f.'lf•n pnnu 7•t!, 4-1 5 Wor opporturuties m .,., df.a.-. • tanct'. 46
SH 11110 w~lfiN lll....tunnn:o \\\)rthl ~
Wt'lfure, ti\\.e p~ llent & pgn b•llh · tor to a nd wmples, 10
;tSL"f\1 s~ ptt5id t for" IfAre ~nhon!t, 4, .U l to p.'lrt~IF"'l~ m ord.inJn<es ;,nd bt~ 140
bishQps, w Jf,uc t.1~ for. 43, -47 W r\h1 tnlt'I'VItw , ib
,.,,((¥

'\O\m3 •ngle adult watds

y confm1ng priesthood and oni•INI'I& to ofib m, 148
Young Men cre.lliOn oi. 90
bishop's re5p0ru.1biltti~ tvr, 7 ltad~up or. 91
bishopric's mtt:l'\<il"W~ of tho6oe II\ 77- 78 mm~~hlp or. 90-91
budget allow nne~ funi.L for 131 temple rt"COmmen.J int.. rvli'WS In, 11
Young single adul ~M, 1ntel'\•lt'Wfo of, 78 Young Women
Young single adult Jl:lkt'S b1shop'$ rMpOOStbUlliCos for. 7
~.\lion of. 91 bbohopr1e's mt:er. i~ws or tht'ISU In, 77- 78
I deCihip of, 91. 117 budget aUow.mcc fund~ for. 131
mernbershlpoi 91 Youth. biShopric's interview ol. 71- 78
wmple RCmlllt1md mtervle-ws II\ 11- 12

186