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GENERAL HANDBOOK OF INSTRUCTIONS, 1934 (#15).
1934: Jan.: How long should bishops serve?
“If a bishop is growing in his office and has the spirit of it, there is no set policy as to the number of years he should serve. He may reasonably be continued in office as long as he performs efficient service. It is further recommended in wards where meeting-houses are being erected that no change be made in the bishop of such ward until the meeting-house has been completed and fully paid for, unless, of course, a bishop is moving from a community or there are other good and legitimate reasons why a change should be made during the course of construction of ward buildings.” (Handbook of Instructions for Stake Presidencies, Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 15, 1934, p. 8)
Jan.: GA rep. may set apart bishop’s counselors.
“Bishops are to be ordained by members of the First Presidency, Council of the Twelve or Presiding Bishopric. . . .
Counselors to bishops should be nominated by the bishop, subject to the approval of the stake presidency, high council, and the representative of the general authorities setting them apart.” [1928 policy was “approval of the apostle setting them apart.”] (Handbook of Instructions for Stake Presidencies, Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 15, 1934, p. 8)
Jan.: Missionary farewells not to be in sacrament meeting
“It is recommended that missionary farewells be not held on Sundays in conjunction with or taking the place of the sacrament meeting.” (Handbook of Instructions for Stake Presidencies, Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 15, 1934, p. 10)
Jan.: Temple recommend policies.
“Bishops are authorized to issue temple recommends to all faithful members of the Melchizedek Priesthood and adult women members of their wards. Recommends for the performance of the ordinance of baptism for the dead may also be issued to exemplary young people. Recommends must be countersigned by the president of the stake. It is important that all those who may desire to enter the Temple for endowments or other ordinances, should observe the law of tithing. The applicant should also observe all other principles of the Gospel, should keep the Word of Wisdom, not use profanity, should not join nor be a member of any secret oath-bound organization and should sustain without reservation the general and local authorities of the church. The privileges of the temple should come as a reward for faithful and diligent service.
In addition to the foregoing, women who are in good standing in the church and have been faithful and devoted members, but whose husbands are not members of the Church or are not worthy of a temple recommend, may, with the written consent of their husbands, be granted the privilege of receiving their endowments and doing temple work for the dead. The written statement of the husband should be presented at the temple, together with the usual temple recommend from the bishop of the ward endorsed by the president of the stkae, to be filed with the recommend. However, women should not be urged nor requested to take advantage of this ruling. It is a privilege to be granted those who have proved themselves worthy and who are desirous of receiving these blessings.
Temple recommends are valid until December 31 of the year in which they are issued. Bishops should be careful not to issue temple recommends until they are certain that those applying are members of record in their ward. Temple recommends should be signed personally by the bishop and be countersigned by the president of the stake.” (Handbook of Instructions for Stake Presidencies, Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 15, 1934, pp. 10-11)
Jan.: AP groups to meet separately, if possible.
“Wherever possible, priests, teachers, and deacons should meet in separate quorums or classes. Age interests make it inadvisable to have them meet together.” (Handbook of Instructions for Stake Presidencies, Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 15, 1934, p. 12)
Jan.: Role of Primary in preparing boys for AP.
“No one should be ordained to any office who does not understand the duties and responsibilities thereof. The Primary Association course for boys from eleven to twelve is designed to assist in this preparation for the priesthood. Close co-operation is urged between the supervisor of deacons and the leader of the Guide Class in the Primary Association, both in providing proper instruction and preparing for the ordination ceremony. It should be understood that although the Primary Associations are assisting in the preparation of young men for ordination, the responsibility still rests with the bishopric and supervisors to prepare the candidate for the priesthood as outlined above.” (Handbook of Instructions for Stake Presidencies, Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 15, 1934, p. 14)
Jan.: Inactive adults holding the Aaronic Priesthood.
“When persons have grown to manhood without having been advanced to the Melchizedek Priesthood, special efforts should be made to secure their regular attendance at the weekly ward priesthood meetings. Those who are beyond the ages designated for the Lesser Priesthood should be given constant attention. One of the most suiccessful plans for creating interest and activity in the priesthood on the part of inactive men is to have a special committee of three men–a chairman and two assistants–appointed by the ward bishopric to have entire responsibility for all inactive adults who bear the Aaronic Priesthood. This committee must be composed of men of kindness, enthusiasm, perseverance and tact. They should organize a separate class in the weekly priesthood meeting, prepare a complete roll of all inactive adult Aaronic Priesthood members, and proceed steadfastly and with enthusiasm to secure the regular attendance of all the men at that class, and to make the class interesting and attractive to all who attend. A definite program should be followed for the purpose of qualifying every member for advancement to the Melchizedek Priesthood. This plan necessarily involves missionary work outside of the class in order to encourage them to take part in this work. Success in this worthy movement will result if those responsible will maintain the proper effort.” (Handbook of Instructions for Stake Presidencies, Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 15, 1934, pp. 22-23)
Jan.: Aaronic Priesthood Correlation Plan.
“The Aaronic Priesthood Correlation plan is designed to correlate the efforts of all leaders in organizations having within their membership young men 12 to 20 years of age inclusive. The correlation plan is concerned chiefly with inactive members–the causes of inactivity and means of removing those causes.
Operation of the general correlation plan should not in any way interfere with the operation of the Aaronic Priesthood plan. Both can be operated in complete harmony. Although there are some differences in organization, methods of procedure, follow-up and report, the two plans operate in different fields and may be carried on harmoniously. Where both Melchizedek and Aaronic correlation groups meet together for opening exercises, leaders of Aaronic Priesthod gropus should then withdraw to separate rooms and follow the plans outlined herein.
The first part of the monthly meeting, with the bishopric presiding and all leaders of young men 12 to 20 present, should be devoted to a discussion of the problems of the Aaronic Priesthood of the ward as a whole. The meeting should then be divided into three groups–the Bishop and leaders of the Priests’ quorum, Sunday School, ‘M’ Men and Seminary teachers in one group; the First Counselor and all leaders of Teachers in another group and the Second Counselor and all leaders of Deacons in the third group. In the group meetings the names of all young men in the ward of the age each group supervises should be considered individually. The name should then be assigned for each leader to visit during any one month, preferably not more than three, in order that intensive missionary service may be rendered and not merely visits or telephone calls made.
At succeeding meetings each name should be reported on with results secured. Occasionally it may be desirable to reassign a name to another leader after several visits have failed to produce the desired results. Under no circumstances should a name be removed from the list, but all should be followed up wisely and with prayerful diligence.
The three groups will doubtless find, as meetings progress, that such studies as adolescent psychology, boy interests, special projects and programs, effective methods of approach, better teaching methods and other such subjects may be studied to good advantage. Each group should consider itself responsible for the welfare of every young man on its list and should adopt whatever means are necessary to bring them all into church activity.
Quorum meetings, Sunday School, M.I.A. and Seminary classes should be made as interesting as possible in an effort to hold every member who is induced to attend. Social and fraternal activities should be carefully planned and carried out. Ward projects, either by quorums or for the entire group should be sponsored in order that activity in the interest of the Church may be promoted. There should be a continuous and permanent program carried forward for the purpose of securing the activity of every young man in the ward.
Stake Committees should supervise the work in the wards in much the same manner as stake auxiliary boards supervise their work. Organization, meetings, programs, projects, reports and frequent check-ups are items for Stake Committee consideration. Frequent visits should be made to ward correlation meetings. Ward reports should be secured promptly and checked carefully and from them a stake program of follow-up and cooperation within the wards should be developed.” (Handbook of Instructions for Stake Presidencies, Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 15, 1934, pp. 23-24)
Jan.: Care of the Poor.
“Responsibility–The primary responsibility, legally and morally, of caring for those in need rests with relatives of the needy. ‘But if any provide not for his own, and specially those in his own house, he hath denied the faith and is worse than an infidel.’ I Timothy 5:8. Secondly, next to relatives, the counties are legally responsible for the care of the poor.
The Church, therefore, should render financial assistance only in a supplementary way, and chiefly in emergency cases. The efforts of ward bishoprics and Relief Society workers should be directed largely toward methods of permanent relief, such as securing employment, providing free medical aid, helping families, where necessary, to secure financial assistance from the sources above mentioned; and assisting in the budgeting of the family income. Ward authorities should undertake to see that the famil secures the relief needed to make it become self-supporting. Bishoprics and Relief Society workers, and members of the Church generally should understand this relative responsibility. It should be clearly understood that while local officers will undertake to see that no member suffers for lack of the necessities of life, that at the same time they are fully justified in endeavoring first to secure the necessary assistance where possible from those who are directly responsible.
Assistance to be rendered is of two kinds: (a) direct and (b) unemployment relief. Unemployment relief is aid for able-bodied men and women out of employment, and varies according to economic conditions. As far as possible, such aid should be given only in exchange for work done or to be done. Direct relief is aid extended to those who are incapacitated either through sickness, injury or infirmities, etc. In all cases of church relief, whether direct or unemployment, regular tactful investigations should be made to determine the continued need of such relief. This is necessary in order that those who do need help shall not be neglected and that those who do not need help shall not impose upon those who are furnishing aid.
There should be coordination between the ward bishoprics, ward and stake Relief Society officers, and the stake presidency, with the County Officials in charge of relief, so that any of our people in need of either direct or unemployment relief may receive proper consideration from the county. The most satisfactory arrangement is to have a stake representative appointed to cooperate with the county and with the ward bishoprics and ward Relief Society officers in providing those in need with proper relief. Faithful, active Latter-day Saints in need of direct relief should not be referred to the County Welfare Department, but should be taken care of directly by the bishoprics and ward Relief Society officers.
Unemployed Church members should register with the County or Federal Employment Department. Generally speaking, it is considered most satisfactory to have the stake social service aid act as contact representative with the County Relief Committee and the County Welfare Department in passing on all cases requiring either direct or unemployment relief.
If desired, a special unemployment representative may be appointed to particularly look after all cases of unemployment needs. It is important that the unemployment representative should not only see that all unemployment cases are registered properly, but see that they get proper consideration in the selections for jobs and that they get proper relief, whether they are engaged in make-work projects or public works. The stake social service aid will work, of course, under the general direction of the stake presidency, and under the immediate supervision of stake Relief Society presidency. If a special unemployment representative is appointed, he should work under the direction of the stake presidency.
. . . .
Care of the Needy–It should be the effort of the ward bishopric and the Relief Society officers, after the cause of the trouble has been determined, to devise ways and means to permanently overcome the condition. If the cause is sickness, medical examination should be had and suitable attention given looking toward permanent improvement. Where lack of education is the cause, efforts should be made to enable those concerned to secure training in vocations that will help them to become self-sustaining. Where the cause is poor management, proper advice and supervision should be rendered in a kindly way to develop those qualities in the persons affected that will enable them to exercise economy and care in their affairs. In the case of unemployment, effort should be made locally to find employment of suitable character, such as will lead, if possible, to permanent occupations. If employment cannot be obtained, then some kind of work should be temporarily created in order that the person receiving assistance shall render service therefor. Under the present arrangement whereby assistance is being rendered for relief and make-work from federal and local sources, every effort possible should be exercised toward placing members of the Church who are in need of work on such projects.
Whenever financial help is rendered, it should be, if possible, in such a way that the bishopric will be assured that it will serve the purpose intended. It is preferable to give orders on stores for supplies required rather than cash. In transient cases unusual care should be exercised to avoid being imposed upon by persons who are unworthy of assistance. Only in emergency cases should help be rendered directly before investigation is made, and then only in such amounts and in such a way as shall be temporary, pending a study of the case.
The bishopric of each ward should be personally acquainted with the condition of the poor in the ward. The Relief Society should cooperate with the bishopric and act under their direction in caring for them. The agencies to labor in the ward as aids to the bishopric are the Relief Society officers and the ward teachers. The ward teachers should promptly notify the bishopric of an cases of sickness, distress or need that they may discover while visiting the Saints.
Stake Employment Committee–In each stake where needed, a stake employment committee should be organized, one member of which should be appionted to contact the county officials. Where there is more than one stake in a county or community, it would be preferable to have a joint employment committee and one contact representative for all stakes. The Stake Employment Committee should be composed of a man and a woman who are in touch with sources of employment. It is suggested that this committee consist of a representative of the stake presidency or high council, and the Relief Society stake social aid. A joint committee of two or more stakes would consist of the same representatives of the stakes. The contact officer should be able to contact the county officials, and secure the necessary help for those who need financial assistance. Regular reports, preferably weekly, should be required of these committees or officers by the stake presidency and Relief Society presidency, respectively, of each stake.
Ward Employment Committee–The suggested system for obtaining employment for church members in need is as follows: In each ward, where necessary, the bishopric may appoint a member of each of the high priests’, seventies’ and elders’ quorums, together with a member of the Relief Society as a ward employment committee. Their duty will be to investigate all cases of unemployment, and especially returned missionaries. They will take up with the members of their respective quorums and with the Relief Society, the finding of employment for those in need. They should advise the bishopric regularly of employment conditions. If work cannot be obtained for them through the quorums members, or the Relief Society, or by the bishopric, they should then be referred to the stake employment committee. If considerable unemployment prevails in any community, a special appeal should be made by the bishopric of each ward, under the direction of the stake presidency, to all those who might be able, to create means of temporary employment to help those in need. Under the present depressed conditions any who are unemployed should be cared for as stated in instructions given above under the heading ‘Responsibility.’
A Typical Charity Case–Assume that a family comes into the ward and sends word to the bishop that they are out of work, without means, and need immediate help.
The bishop will request the ward Relief Society president to either visit the family personally or have a special worker make the visit and obtain the necessary information, by tactful and sympathetic inquiry, as briefly as necessary, as follows:
a. Where they came from;
b. In what ward their membership is located;
c. Something of their history;
d. Names, addresses and character of employment of their relatives;
e. How long they have resided in the county;
f. Kind of work they can do;
g. Whether they need medical help;
h. Whether there is any infirmity among members of the family;
i. Information as to the care exercised in their expenditures;
j. Faithfulness and church activity of family.
Such activity should be inquired into and encouraged. At the time of this visit, if an emergency exists, temporary assistance could be provided in the form of limited food supplies, rather than cash. If employment is needed, the case should be referred at once to the employment committee, or under the conditions now prevailing through the stake representative, to the County Relief Committee for necessary make-work or public work.
If other social service is needed, the Relief Society worker would then study the situation, and report with recommendations to the ward Relief Society presidency who will discuss the matter with the bishopric. If the bishopric approve the recommendations, they may authorize the Relief Society to carry them into effect. If it is thought the recommendations should be modified, they will so instruct the Relief Society officers.
If the family is so situated that continued financial assistance is needed, the bishopric, through the ward Relief Society, can determine whether it is possible to get aid from relatives. If not, then the case should be taken up with the county officials through the stake contact officer. If employment is needed that cannot be found locally, that should be taken up with the stake employment committee. If medical aid is necessary, free medical service should be obtained through the ward or stake Relief Society. If, in addition to other help rendered, further financial assistance is required because of sickness, etc., then the bishop should provide it as far as possible from fast donations; and when necessary, by application to the Presiding Bishopric for aid from the tithes. But every effort shouild be made to secure financial assistance from other sources before calling on the Church. The Relief Society worker should continue to visit the family regularly and see that the plans undertaken are carried into effect until the family becomes self-sustaining.
Plan of Administration–The plan of Church charity administration is outlined herewith. To carry it out will require one or more social service workers in the stake and ward Relief Societies. The General Board of Relief Society of should be prepared to hold social service institutes in the various stakes for the training of the volunteer stake and ward workers in approved methods of social service.
a. All charity aid to be dispensed by ward bishoprics, subject to general supervision of the Presiding Bishopric; except funds of the Relief Society. The Relief Society will administer its own affairs, subject, of course, to the approval of the bishopric of the ward.
b. Funds for the purpose of assisting the poor to be obtained from the fast offerings, Relief Society aid, and, whenever necessary, by requisitions on the tithing funds.
c. Under the instructions of the ward bishopric, investigation of all cases to be made promptly by ward Relief Society workers, and definite recommendations submitted. Only in emergency cases should temporary aid be given by the bishopric or the Relief Society before careful investigation.
d. To assure the most effective results, meetings to be held by the ward bishopric with the Relief Society presidency as often as necessary, but at least once a month, where joint consideration of all recommendations may be had and definite policy outlined.
e. All charity cases considered to be held in strict confidence between the bishopric and the Relief Society officers.
f. All correspondence to the ward bishopric concerning charity cases to go through the office of the Presiding Bishopric. All correspondence to ward Relief Society officers through the General Board of Relief Society.
g. The General Board of Relief Society to keep in touch with outside agencies. Cases referred to them to be reported immediately to the presidency of the ward Relief Society.
h. The General Board will confine its work to the treatment of transients, aggravated cases and emergencies only. The General Board of Relief Society will act as a clearing house for information on transient cases.
i. No charity assistance to be rendered directly by the Presiding Bishopric or by the General Board of Relief Society, except in cases of emergency.
Who Should be Assisted–It has been the practice of many bishops and Relief Society officers to assist every family or person claiming membership in the Church, so much so that a large majority of those who in times past have been assisted belong to the class of people who hardly ever enter a meeting-house and have very little if any interest in the Church except when in need of aid. It is felt that this class of people when in need of food, hospital service, etc., should be referred to the County Welfare Department. Faithful members of the Church should receive the kind, sympathetic attention of the bishopric of the ward and of the Relief Society. A faithful member is one who paid tithing when in a position to do so and has attended ward meetings and performed the duties required of him by the presiding officers of the ward or stake. Under the present serious unemployment conditions, all able-bodied Church workers in need of employment should be referred to the stake representatives in charge of unemployment relief. They should register with the county or federal employment agency, and should obtain unemployment relief preferably through make-work or public works projects.
. . . .
Relief Society–The ward Relief Society will opearte under the direction of the bishopric and be their chief aid in caring for the poor and unfortunate. The Relief Society teachers should visit every family once a month, or oftener if necessary, and report immediately to the president cases of sickness or distress. The president, under the direction of the bishop, should see that suitable relief is given. In large centers of population there is an advantage in cooperating with local charity organizations, through the stake presidencies of Relief Society, for the purpose of preventing duplication of charity work, but no direct affiliation with outside organizations should be effected without the approval of the Church authorities.
Duties of Relief Society–The work of the Relief Society is not merely the investigation of cases and disbursing of means in a charitable way; but a very important part of their work is visiting the sick, comforting those in distress, praying for them and administering such spiritual comfort as the Gospel of Jesus Christ alone provides.
. . . .
Social Service Work–Relief Society officers should be trained in the best methods of caring for the poor, and this training in social work should be given in our annual institutes and organizations, based on plans, policies and ideas approved by the priesthood. The persons engaged in the work of caring for the poor should be unpaid workers. It would be very proper indeed, for ward Relief Society officers and for stake board members, under the direction of the General Board of Relief Society, to take special training in better methods of relief. Stake board members should then continue the training of ward Relief Society officers, or members who may seem specially adapted to such work. The work of caring for the poor should be carried out under the direction of the ward bishopric. Transients should be taken care of by stake officers only under the direction of the stake presidency. Publicity should be avoided when dealing with the poor. Confidences of those in distress should be held inviolate, and the use of names should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
Laws–Old Age Pension–Indigent Poor–There is a law in operation in the states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Wyoming and Utah, which authorizes the Probate Judge of County Commissioners to provide an allowance for the indigent sick and dependent poor, whose relatives are unable to support them, and special provision is also made for support of widows with dependent children. In California and Utah there is also an Old-age Pension Law in operation. Wherever there are dependent poor or widows with dependent children who are members of the Church, the bishopric should advise that they file application with the proper officers for a monthly allowance and see that they obtain the benefits provided by law.” (Handbook of Instructions for Stake Presidencies, Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 15, 1934, pp. 40-49)
Jan.: Shift toward AP responsibility for ward teaching.
“Selection of Ward Teachers–The ordained priests and teachers are particularly charged with the responsibility of ward teaching, under the direction of the bishopric. All members of the Melchizedek as well as the Aaronic Priesthood living in the ward may be called by the bishopric to this duty. Excellent success has been had in placing the prime responsibility upon the priests’ and teachers’ quorums.
In the selection of ward teachers the bishopric should have personal talks with them to learn of their willingnesss to accept and fulfil this responsibility. All of those selected should be of exemplary habits and character, possessed of some knowledge of, and faith in the Gospel and imbued with love and consideration for their fellowmen. They should have tact, or develop it. They should be pleasing and agreeable in manner, and neat and trim in their appearance. They should cultivate thoroughness. They should seek to obtain the influence of the Holy Spirit by prayer and by observance of the commandments of the Lord.” (Handbook of Instructions for Stake Presidencies, Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 15, 1934, p. 53)
Jan.: Ward teaching message now printed in Era.
“At present, a brief message is being printed in the ‘Improvement Era.’ This topic could properly be considered at the ward teachers’ monthly report meeting prior to the beginning of the month for which the message is intended.” (Handbook of Instructions for Stake Presidencies, Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 15, 1934, p. 54)
Jan.: Results to be expected from ward teaching.
“If the ward teaching has been done properly, and in the spirit of this calling, the results should be manifest among the families of the ward generally in the way of greater attention to family and secret prayer, increase of faith, increased attendance at meetings, decrease of trouble and transgression, better living of Gospel principles and greater love and unity among the members. There should, also, be continued evidence of improvements in the teachers themselves in the way of increased faith, energy, and capacity.” (Handbook of Instructions for Stake Presidencies, Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 15, 1934, pp. 55-56)
Jan.: Guidelines for administering the sacrament.
“In the administration of the Sacrament it is important to have the brethren who administer the ordinance clean their hands before beginning. This can be done either by the use of a wash bowl in another room before the meeting commences, or by the use of finger bowls and napkins at the Sacrament table. Sufficient bread and water should be provided to serve all present. The bread should be in medium slices and in breaking the bread it should be in fair-sized pieces. So far as practicable, a large surplus of broken bread should be avoided. Whatever bread remains should be eaten and not wasted. It could properly be turned over to someone who will use it for food. Those who are appointed to pronounce the blessings on the bread and water should be instructed to speak clearly and distinctly so as to be heard by all present. The members of the Aaronic Priesthood who are called to pass the sacrament should offer the vessels to members of the congregation, who will receive them with their left, partake of the emblems with the right hand, and pass the plates or trays to the next party, who will follow the same procedure. This is in harmony with the established custom in the administration of this ordinance. With the usual seating arrangement in ward chapels, it is impossible for the member of the priesthood called to assist in the passing of the sacrament to serve each individual personally. The spiritual attitude of the individual and his worthiness to partake of the sacrament should be stressed, rather than any set form.
In passing the sacrament to those on the stand, where there are several seated, it is preferable to have two deacons come to the middle of the stand and then pass the emblems in either direction.” (Handbook of Instructions for Stake Presidencies, Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 15, 1934, pp. 86-87)
Jan.: Blessing children born out of wedlock.
“If a child, born out of wedlock, is brought to the ward bishopric to be blessed, it should be given the surname of the mother, unless the father is willing that it should bear his surname. If the parents are Church members and unmarried, they should right the wrong as far as possible by marrying, or the case should be considered under ‘Transgressions.'” (Handbook of Instructions for Stake Presidencies, Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 15, 1934, pp. 89-90)
Jan.: “Pronounce blessing,” instead of “be mouth.”
“In the blessing of children the bishop may properly call upon the father to pronounce the blessing and given the name, if the father holds the Melchizedek Priesthood.” [1928 GHI said “to be mouth.”] (Handbook of Instructions for Stake Presidencies, Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 15, 1934, p. 90)
Jan.: Dedicating water for baptism.
“The dedicating of water by prayer for baptism is not a part of the baptismal ordinance or ceremony, and is, therefore, not necessary. It is, of course, appropriate to have a short preliminary service, including prayer and a hymn where desired.” (Handbook of Instructions for Stake Presidencies, Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 15, 1934, p. 91)
Jan.: Change in naming of adopted children.
“Children who have been adopted through legal proceedings of an established court should bear the names of the adopted parents; but those who have not been adopted by process of law should be blessed or baptize in their own family name. When recording the names of legally adopted children on the ward records the surnames of the parents by adoption should be entered.” [Differs from 1921 and 1928 GHI, “in recording its name othe ward record, there should be added to it its real surname, the last name being its adopted name.”] (Handbook of Instructions for Stake Presidencies, Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 15, 1934, p. 92)
Jan.: Others who may be authorized to perform marriages.
“Presidents of stakes and bishops of wards are the persons authorized by the Church to perform civil marriage ceremonies–the former in the stakes, and the latter in the wards. In case these officials are away from home, one of the counselors in the stake presidency or ward bishopric may be appointed to officiate. Occasionally, however, requests are made by parties who are contracting the marriage relation that a relative or some certain elder in the Church be given the privilege of performing the ceremony, and presidents of stakes or bishops of wards would like to grant their request. In individual cases presidents of stakes and bishops of wards may grant permission to worthy persons bearing the Melchizedek Priesthood to perform the marriage ceremony. It should be distinctly and definitely understood, however, that this authorization should be given only in cases where circumstances justify it and where it is believed that good may result therefrom. The person should also be given to understand that the authorization to perform marriage applies only to the one particular case. Where this special permission is given, the stake president or the bishop should instruct the person so authorized as to the proper procedure in performing the marriage ceremony and that he must comply with the provisions of the civil law pertaining to the solemnization of marriages.” (Handbook of Instructions for Stake Presidencies, Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 15, 1934, p. 92)
Jan.: Membership in oath-bound organizations discouraged.
“Members of the Church are strongly advised not to become identified as members with any organization established for the benefit of any group which is antagonistic to the Church, is oath-bound, or is of such character as would cause members of the Church to lose interest in Church activities or interfere with the performance of their duties. This does not apply to any association that is free from the conditions above-mentioned and that is organized for the commercial or general welfare of its members.” (Handbook of Instructions for Stake Presidencies, Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 15, 1934, p. 97)
Jan.: Transgressions warranting Church judicial action.
“What Constitutes Transgression–It is expected that Church members will live together in love and uprightness, and endeavor to observe every commandment of the Lord as contained in the standard Church works.
‘Any members of the Church of Christ transgressing, or being overtaken in a fault, shall be dealt with as the scriptures direct.’ (D&C 20:80) The Church does not inflict temporal punishment. But it does not shelter law-breakers from the arm of the law. Instructions relative to transgressions are given in the Doctrine and Covenants, Section 42:74-93.
The transgressions which are ordinarily such as to justify consideration by the bishop’s court are: Fornication, adultery, and other infractions of the moral law; liquor drinking, drunkenness and bootlegging; criminal acts such as thievery, burglary, or murder; apostasy, opposition to the Church, and cruelty to wives or children.
Action by bishops’ courts should be taken only when the person allegedly in transgression is a member of record in the ward in which the action is contemplated. If not of record, request should be made of the Presiding Bishop’s Office for certificate of membership in order that the person may be received of record in the ward, thereby giving the bishop’s court jurisdiction to act in the case of the transgression for which the individual is to be tried.
If the transgressor manifests earnest contrition for his fault and shows the real fruits of repentance, he should be forgiven and retain his membership, except as to certain conditions stated in the Revelation.
The attention of presidents of stakes and bishops of wards is particularly directed to the attitude of the Church with respect to teaching, encouraging, or entering into the practice of so-called plural marriage, statements concerning which have been issued by the First Presidency at various times. Any reported violations of the rule adopted by the Church with respect to this practice should be promptly and diligently investigated; and, if persons are found who, as a result of the investigation, appear to have violated this ruling, or who are entering into or teaching or encouraging or conspiring with others to enter into so-called polygamous marriages, action should be taken immediately against such persons, and, if found guilty, they should be excommunicated from the Church. Local Church officers will be held responsible for the proper performance of this duty.” (Handbook of Instructions for Stake Presidencies, Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 15, 1934, pp. 97-98)
Jan.: Judicial procedures for moral transgression.
“It is difficult to give any set rule for the handling of cases involving moral conduct. Each case must, of course, be considred on its merits and according to the seriousness of the offense.
The prevailing opinion in cases involving young unmarried couples who are obliged to marry is to be as lenient as possible, considering always their future lives and the effect which unnecessary publicity may have upon them. Too severe action often defeats the ends of justice. This would be more harmful to the individuals, to their families, and the community than any good which it is hoped to accomplish by drastic measures. If transgressions are known only to the persons involved and they appeal to the bishop of the ward in the spirit of repentance for forgiveness, it is perfectly proper that the case be heard by the bishop of the ward only, who will in wisdom consider the facts and render such decision as his good judgment may dictate. If the bishop feels that they should be forgiven and reinstated to their privileges in the Church, it is his right to take such action and avoid further publicity. We believe that young people should have every chance of redemption and the possibility of a successful life, if proper and satisfactory amends are made, without the stigma of their error accompanying them throughout their lives.
Of course, in cases of immoral conduct which have become public knowledge and an offense against the community, more drastic measures may be required. If a young couple under such conditions have made amends as far as possible by marrying in good faith, and if in conference with the bishopric they manifest the spirit of repentance, it would be proper, where the case has become public, for them to arise in fast meeting and, without stating the nature of the transgression, express the desire to repent and obtain forgiveness for any wrong that they may have done and to go forward and live in harmony with the principles of righteousness.” (Handbook of Instructions for Stake Presidencies, Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 15, 1934, pp. 99-100)
Jan.: Who may substitute for bishop’s counselor in court.
“The bishop and his counselors sit as a trial court. When, through disability, one or both of the counselors are unable to attend, or are disqualified, the bishop may appoint one or more high priests to sit with him as members of the Bishop’s Court for the hearing of the particular case at issue; but the names of such specially appointed high priests must first be submitted to and be approved by, the stake presidency.” (Handbook of Instructions for Stake Presidencies, Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 15, 1934, p. 105)
Jan.: Removal of penalties.
“Disfellowshipment may be terminated, and the person restored to fellowship in the Church on evidence of sincere repentance and full compliance with the conditions imposed, only by action of the tribunal that dealt with the case or by that of tribunal having superior jurisdiction.” [Reinstates rule of “tribunal having superior jurisdiction,” which was in place in 1921 GHI, but absent from 1928 GHI.] (Handbook of Instructions for Stake Presidencies, Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 15, 1934, p. 107)
Jan.: Answering doctrinal questions.
“It is suggested that any members or officers of the Church in doubt regarding any matters or questions should be encouraged to consult with the ward bishopric or stake presidency. If, for any reason, these brethren should find it necessary to secure further information, they could then submit the question to the General Authorities.” (Handbook of Instructions for Stake Presidencies, Bishops and Counselors, Stake and Ward Clerks, No. 15, 1934, p. 110)