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PRIESTHOOD BULLETIN–1965-1974.
1965: Jan.: Bishop to interview youth personally.
“The bishop by his calling and ordination is a judge in Israel. The Lord has placed on him the responsibility to determine the worthiness of his people and, when necessary, to prescribe the course of repentance. The necessity for the bishop to interview personally the youth of his ward is obvious. This is not a responsibility which can be delegated to his counselors. Counselors may encourage youth to seek noble ideals and give general guidance, but they should not conduct the interview.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 1(1):9, Jan./Feb., 1965)
Mar.: Installing a new stake mission president.
“It is no longer necessary to recommend the man chosen for the stake mission president to The First Presidency on Form 102-FP.
To install a mission president, the stake presidency will select the best qualified man in the stake as the stake mission president, regardless of the priesthood he now holds. Other qualifications being equal, he might well be one of the presidents of a seventies quorum. If the most able man to serve as stake mission president is a high priest, he may be installed with the thought that with two seventies as counselors he may train these seventies to qualify them.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 1(2):5, Mar./Apr., 1965)
Mar.: Projects for AP Adults.
“The General Secretary of the Aaronic Priesthood-Adults is an adviser for the maintenance of buildings and grounds in the ward.
In this rule, the General Secretary will make assignments to the adult members to perform such duties as mowing, edging and fertilizing lawns; pruning and fertilizing trees and shrubbery; removing snow from walks, driveways, and patios; raking leaves; cleaning and minor repairs, and a myriad of other chores, all of which will be helpful to the custodians and will improve the appearance and usefulness of the buildings and grounds.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 1(2):10, Mar./Apr., 1965)
Jul.: Priests ordaining other AP.
“Regarding ordination to the Aaronic Priesthood, the Aaronic Priesthood Handbook states: ‘Worthy priests may be invited by the bishop to join in the laying on of hands while other priests, teachers, and deacons are being ordained, but only members of the bishopric, or fathers, are to be mouth in performing the ordinations.’ (page 25)
The First Presidency has authorized a change in the instructions to the effect that worthy priests may be voice in ordaining other priests, teachers, and deacons, providing (1) it is considered advisable and is authorized by the bishopric, and (2) when such ordinations are performed, a member of the bishopric is present and directs the ordination.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 1(4):3, Jul./Aug., 1965)
Sep.: Announcing administration of the sacrament.
“In a recent memorandum to the Presiding Bishopric, the First Presidency states that it is not necessary for bishops to indicate that the Sacrament is to be administered to members of the Church only.
President McKay suggests that occasionally someone give a talk in each ward as to the meaning of the Sacrament prior to its administration, but that to announce publicly that it is for members of the Church only might possible result in giving offense.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 1(5):3, Sep./Oct., 1965)
1966: Mar.: Quotas for full-time missionaries.
“The new period for recommending full-time missionaries chargeable to a quota (one per ward or branch each six months) as outlined in the letter of the First Presidency (September 22, 1965) will begin April 1, 1966 and run through September 30, 1966. All quotas not used within this period will be forfeited. Quotas cannot be carried forward and cannot be transferred to another stake or mission, however, a stake may send as many quota missionaries as it has wards and branches.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 2(2):2, Mar./Apr., 1966)
Jul.: Missionary farewells.
“Because violations of missionary farewell policies have been reported, the following quotation from the May 31, 1956, First Presidency letter is herewith repeated as current church policy:
The farewell testimonial is given by the Ward to honor the missionary. It is appropriate, therefore, that the bishop arrange the program rather than leave this to the missionary. While the bishop may consult with the missionary and his family to determine any wishes they may have concerning those who are to participate, the bishop, as a general rule, should extend the invitation to the participants, bearing in mind that the testimonial is part of the Sacrament Meeting service. Music should be in harmony with the sacred character of this meeting, and the talks should be dignified and such as to set forth the opportunities and responsibilities of missionary service.
We have noted a growing tendency to hold so-called open houses following missionary farewells. Some of these have become rather elaborate and have put parents of outgoing missionaries to heavy expense when they could ill afford it. We feel that all such open houses should be discontinued. The missionary and his family may appropriately shake the hands of those who have come to do him honor in the foyer of the building without putting the family to the expense and inconvenience of a social gathering.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 2(4):2, Jul./Aug., 1966)
Sep.: Clearance for sealing divorced persons.
“The policy requiring clearance for a temple recommend by The First Presidency of all persons who have had more than one divorce since baptism, or who have been divorced from a husband or wife to whom he or she has been sealed in the temple, has been changed by letter of The First Presidency dated October 18, 1965 as follows:
Hereafter it will only be necessary to submit to The First Presidency the applications of persons who have had a divorce or an annulment of a marriage in which the persons were sealed to each other in the temple. This rule will apply even though there has been a cancellation of the sealing.
Applications for divorce clearance of those persons who are divorced from one to whom they have been sealed in the temple should be made on the new forms provided for this purpose. A supply has been sent to stake and mission presidents to be used as the need arises. Your attention is called to the instructions printed on each form and you are requested to follow these instructions specifically. This will save time and needless correspondence in processing applications. You should now destroy all of the old forms which you have on hand.
In all cases where there has been a divorce or an annulment of a marriage in the life of the person seeking a recommend to the temple, and clearance by The First Presidency is no longer required, the stake president, bishop or mission president should conduct a thorough, searching interview to determine not only the applicant’s present worthiness, but also whether or not there was any unfaithfulness or serious transgression in connection with the divorce.
The above instructions supersede those given on pp. 78-79, ‘General Handbook of Instructions,’ No. 19, (1963).” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 2(5):1, Sep./Oct., 1966)
Sep.: One-year wait for proxy ordinances.
“One year must elapse after death of an individual before any temple ordinances may be performed by proxy for him. Bishops, branch presidents, stake presidents and mission presidents should explain this to persons requesting early temple work for deceased members of their family.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 2(5):2, Sep./Oct., 1966)
1967: Jan.: Change in age for ordination to elder.
“Bishops may recommend worthy priests for ordination to the Melchizedek Priesthood when they:
a. Become twenty years of age
b. Are called on missions
c. Are being married in the temple
d. Are eighteen years of age and beginning two years or more of active military duty. There shouild be no abuse of this special privilege and no young man should be thus ordained early for sentimental or family relationship, or personal reasons. Worthiness, stability and maturity and desire should be the criteria.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 3(1):1, Jan./Feb., 1967)
Jul.: Women not to pray in Sacrament Meetings.
“The First Presidency recommend that only those who bear the Melchizedek or Aaronic Priesthood be invited to offer the opening and closing prayers in sacrament meetings, including fast meetings. This also applies to priesthood meetings.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 3(3):1, Jul./Aug., 1967)
Sep.: Temple garments for servicemen.
“When a serviceman has been endowed he should be allowed to read the letter from the First Presidency dated August 31, 1964 relative to the wearing of temple garments. The serviceman should be allowed to interpret the letter for himself. In this connection, the General Authorities have authorized the dyeing of the garment green in areas where military regulations require this such as in Vietnam.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 3(4):3, Sep./Oct., 1967)
Nov.: AP quorum presidencies should hold weekly meetings.
“The presidency of the deacons and teachers quorums should meet separately each week with their respective quorum advisers to consider quorum business.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 3(5):4, Nov./Dec., 1967)
1968: Nov.: Giving blessings in hospitals.
“Elders who visit hospitals under assignment should not solicit opportunities to administer to the sick. Rather, they should respond to specific requests for blessings either from those who are sick or from soneone who speaks in their behalf.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 4(1):6, Nov., 1968)
Nov.: Blessings in ordinances.
“We call your attention to the occasional practice, when some elders perform certain ordinances, of only stating the essentials and then ending without any additional blessing. An ordinance shoiuld be made more impressive, not by way of a lengthy prayer, but by expressing such brief words of blessing, counsel, instruction, admonition, and guidance as the Spirit dictates that would add greater meaning to the mere requirements of the ordinance. A confirmation, for example, could make the newly baptized person aware of the precious gifts that are his if he lives worthy of the gift of the Holy Ghost. Additional words of blessing are also desirable in naming children, priesthood ordination, setting apart, and sealing the anointing of the sick. Those responsible for overseeing the performance of these ordinances should be sure that sufficient instruction is given that this counsel is remembered by those authorized to perform such ordinances.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 4(1):7, Nov., 1968)
Nov.: Honoring departing missionaries and servicemen.
“In a letter from the First Presidency dated September 23, 1966, stake presidents, bishops, and mission presidents were asked to discontinue any future scheduling of missionary farewells, to discontinue the printing and distribution of missionary farewell programs together with newspaper notices of their departures, and to counsel families against holding receptions for departing missionaries.
In some instances this counsel has been overlooked to the extent that for all intents and purposes regular missionary farewells are being conducted, with the missionary arranging the program and with wide publicity being given thereto. On the other hand, in sone cases ward members may be largely unaware that one of their young men or women is leaving for the mission field. Every effort should be made to folow the spirit of the First Presidency’s letter so that the situation is not carried to the extreme in either direction.
For the purpose of reemphasizing the policy of the Church in regard to departing missionaries and servicement, the following is quoted from the letter referred to:
The bishop or branch president should invite the departing missionary to speak in one of the sacrament meetings, not as part of a farewell program, but as a sacrament meeting speaker concerning whom no special notice or publicity is given.
The bishop or branch president should accord the same privilege of speaking in sacrament meeting to young men who are going into military service, at which time the bishop or branch president might appropriately call the attention of the departing servicemen and those attending the sacrament meeting to opportunities to teach the gospel by example and precept while in the service.
We recognize that this policy will result in discontinuance of the practice of taking up collections at the door for departing missionaries. In place of this we encourage the bishop or branch president to urge members to contribute to the ward or branch missionary fund from which missionaries may be assisted with travel and other expenses. Of course, individuals should be left free to make personal contributions directly to departing missionaries.
If bishops and branch presidents will make certain that these recommendations are followed, departing missionaries and servicemen will be assured that they leave with the love and blessings of their families and friends.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 4(1):8-9, Nov., 1968)
Nov.: Change in terminology of missionary “diversion day”
“At a recent meeting the Council of the Twelve unanimously approved a recommendation that a portion of one day a week continue to be allowed to full-time missionaries as a ‘preparation day’ and that such time no longer be referred to as a ‘diversion day.’ This change is made because the connotation of ‘diversion’ is a misleading one, wherease the connotation of ‘preparation day’ is a wholesome one.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 4(1):10, Nov., 1968)
1969: Mar.: Calling of stake executive secretary.
“Following is a copy of a letter addressed by the First Presidency to all stake and mission presidents under date of January 22, 1969, regarding the appointment of an executive secretary to serve the stake priesthood executive committee:
In a recent meeting of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve approval was given to call an Executive Secretary to the Stake Priesthood Executive Committee.
The Executive Secretary (not to be a high councilor) will assume those responsibilities for Priesthood Home Teaching previously assigned to a member of the stake high council.
In addition he has been designated as the adviser to the stake presidency on missionary plans, educational opportunities, and military relations. Further information on these responsibilities will be given to you at regional meetings, in Priesthood Bulletins, and in other Church publications.
The Executive Secretary will meet regularly with the Stake Priesthood Executive Committee and the Stake Council and may be assigned to prepare the agenda for these meetings.
We are pleased to make this announcement and suggest you give immediate consideration to the call of a worthy priesthood holder with executive ability to this important new position.
Immediate steps should be taken to select and call this executive secretary to the stake priesthood executive committee. In addition to his major responsibilities for home teaching and other duties outlined in the above letter, he should attend regional meetings, where he will join with other stake and ward leaders in the priesthood sessions.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 5(1):1-2, Mar., 1969)
Mar.: Calling of the Ward Executive Secretary.
“The office of ward executive secretary, who serves the ward priesthood executive committee and the ward council, should be listed on page 74 of the General Handbook of Instructions, No. 20, under ‘Priesthood Ordinations and Appointments of Church officers. . . .
In addition to his major responsibilities for home teaching, the ward executive secretary now will become an adviser to the bishopric in counseling youth in three important areas–educational opportunities, military relations, and preparation for full-time missions.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 5(1):2, Mar., 1969)
Mar.: Wearing of temple underclothing by servicemen.
“The continuous calling of men into military service makes it desireable to reaffirm certain observations previously made by the First Presidency in the matter of wearing temple underclothing.
Such apparel should be worn at all times unless very unusual circumstances prevent it. Under present-day conditions there are very few such occasions.
When military underclothing is required, it should be worn with the understanding that the wearing of the temple underclothing shall be resumed at the earliest possible moment.
Under these exceptional circumstances the identifying features should be placed on small pieces of cloth and attached to the military underclothing while it is being worn, and then removed when the military apparel is sent to the laundry.
Every effort should be made to keep the approved pattern from attracting the attention of those who would misunderstand.
For further information it is suggested that stake presidents, bishops, mission presidents, or LDS military chaplains be consulted.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 5(1):7, Mar., 1969)
Mar.: Conferring MP in the mission field.
“Many mission presidents are short of leadership and are desirous of ordaining men to the office of elder when they have been members of the Church for only a few months. Although they have been members but a short time, many men have strong testimonies and have demonstrated leadership qualities which are much in demand. Mission presidents are at liberty to confer the Melchizedek Priesthood upon recent adult male converts when, after a careful, searching interview, they are found to be prepared and worthy. They do not need to wait for a year to elapse before making such ordinations.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 5(1):12, Mar., 1969)
Jun.: Long hair and prospective missionaries.
“Many young men are disposed to wear their hair long and to let beards and sideburns grow. Those who are recommended for missions should be encouraged by their bishops to keep their hair cut and their faces shaved while in the missionary home and during the time they will be serving in the field. Some few have taken offense to this request, not realizing the impression that they make on those to whom they teach the gospel. Missionaries have the obligation to represent the Church in the most favorable manner possible. They should realize that their personal appearance can be an extremely important factor in their effectivenes in this work.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 5(2):7-8, Jun., 1969)
1970: Jul.: Standards of conduct around temples.
“Bishops and stake presidents are reminded that when they are interviewing young people for temple recommends for marriage, the young people and their families should be told there must be no rice thrown on or around the temple grounds. Furthermore, it should be made clear that it is improper to deface or decorate automobiles that are to be parked near the temple. Honking horns and dragging objects behind automobiles are also violations of good taste in the proximity of the temple. Such customs are not in keeping with the sacredness of the temple marriage ordinance.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 6(2):4, Jul., 1970)
Aug.: Authority to perform civil marriages.
“Due to the great number of requests received at the Office of the First Presidency for exceptions to the general rule pertaining to those authorized by the Church to perform civil marriages, in the future this authorization will be limited to the following, and exceptions should not be requested:
1. Stake presidents
2. Mission presidents
3. Bishops
4. In the absence or unavailability of a stake president, mission president, or bishop, the counselor who is the acting presiding authority in the stake, mission, or ward
5. LDS Chaplains
6. Presidents of independent branches, following authorization from the stake president in each instance.
7. District presidents, branch presidents, and missionaries in missions, following authorization of the mission president in each instance.
Because of the diversity of laws in the various states, provinces, and countries of the world, it should be determined by each authorized Church officer contemplating the performance of a marriage ceremony that he is authorized by law to perform the ceremony. He should follow strictly the requirements of the law.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 6(3):2, Aug., 1970)
Aug.: Temple endowments for women.
“A female Church member married to a nonmenber is not permitted to receive a temple recommend for her endowment blessing. The same applies to a female member married to a Church member who has not received his endowment, even though the husband is willing to give his consent in writing for his wife to receive her endowment.
Furthermore, Church leaders should not urge young unmarried female members to obtain their endowments unless they are to be married in the temple or are preparing to go on missions. An unmarried female member should be authorized to obtain her endowment only when her age and maturity justify it.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 6(3):5;, Aug., 1970)
Sep.: Family Home Evening on Monday night.
“In a recent meeting the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve approved the setting aside of Monday night for holding family home evening throughout the entire Church.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 6(4):1, Sep., 1970)
Sep.: Civil ceremonies and temple weddings.
“Frequently couple whose parents, one or more, are not members of the Church desire to be married by civil ceremony before going to the temple so that the non-member parents may witness the marriage. It is contrary to policy to grant such requests.
In lieu thereof, if the parties concerned desire to do so, they may arrange through the bishop of the bride or groom for the holding of a meeting in the cultural hall or some room other than the chapel subsequent or prior to the temple marriage which the nonmember parents and other friends may be invited to attend. This meeting might include a musical number, such as a vocal selection, and prayer; and the bishop of the ward or some other qualified person might explain to those present the principle of eternal marriage. There would, however, be no exchanging of vows nor marriage ceremony of any kind as a part of this arrangement.
Under no circumstance may a civil marriage ceremony follow a temple marriage. This would be mockery and something that cannot be condoned.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 6(4):3-4, Sep., 1970)
Sep.: Stake president should set apart missionaries.
“In the setting apart of full-time missionaries, the counselors in the stake presidency may be invited to stand in the circle, but the stake president should always be voice.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 6(4):4, Sep., 1970)
Dec.: Don’t ask GA’s to perform temple marriages.
“Couples planning to be married in the temple should be encouraged to use the regular temple officiators who have been given the sealing power and are on duty for this very purpose. They should be discouraged from asking General Authorities to perform such marriages. Bishops, stake presidents, temple officers, and others should keep this in mind so that the burden on General Authorities will be lessened.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 6(5):1, Dec., 1970)
Dec.: Function of language aptitude test for missionaries
“Misinformation exists about the purpose and consequence of the Modern Language Aptitude Test required of candidates for missions.
Bishops should explain to missionary candidates that the Church tries to assemble all the pertinent information it can about them. The regular Missionary Recommendation form asks for facts about their schooling, interests, skills, family, financial means, military status, church experience and activity, and moral worthiness. A physical examination form is submitted that provides such information as their medical history, immunizations, limitations, and disabilities.
Now prospective missionaries are requested to take a language aptitude test, which indicates their aptitude for learning a language. There is no such thing as passing or failing this test. Nor does this test determine their assigned fields of labor to a greater extent than the other factual information obtained. After a wide range of knowledge about each candidate is considered, inspiration then guides the determination of his assignment to a specific field of labor.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 6(5):4, Dec., 1970)
Dec.: “Priesthood Teacher Development Program.”
“All teachers and many leaders in the priesthood and auxiliary programs of the Church are to receive training through the priesthood teacher development program.” [Note the tendency to rename all programs by adding the prefix “Priesthood.”] (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 6(5):8, Dec., 1970)
1971: Feb.: Abortion.
“The question is frequently raised as to the policy of the Church regarding abortions. The following is quoted from a statement recently issued by the First Presidency on the subject of abortion and sterilization:
We have given careful consideration to the question of proposed laws on abortion and sterilization. We are opposed to any modification, expansion, or liberalization of laws on these vital subjects.
The Church takes the view that any tampering with the fountains of life is serious, both morally and physiologically. The Lord’s command imposed upon Latter-day Saints is to ‘multiply and replenish the earth.’ Nevertheless there may be conditions where abortion might be justified, but such conditions must be determined in each instance upon the advice of a competent, reliable physician, preferably a member of the Church, and in accordance with the civil laws pertaining thereto.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 7(1):3, Feb., 1971)
Feb.: Temple ordinances for recently deceased persons.
“The General Handbook of Instructions, No. 20, 1968, page 102, item FF, is amended to read as follows (reference is also made to the ‘Temple Ordinance Policies’ manual, sections B, D, G, and I, item 1 in each section):
Temple ordinances for a deceased person, whether a member or nonmember, will not be performed until the expiration of one year from the date of death. This waiting period may be waived upon application to the First Presidency if a deceased person was a member of the Church and worthy to go to the temple but was unable to do so while alive due to circumstances beyond his control, as for example, a confining illness or an age limitation.”
(“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 7(1):5, Feb., 1971)
Apr.: Worthy priests to be ordained elders at 19.
“The First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve have decided that hereafter worthy priests are to be ordained elders at age nineteen. This change in policy has been adopted as a means of giving equal recognition and opportunity to all of our worthy young men whether or not they are privileged to fill missions.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 7(2):1, Apr., 1971)
Apr.: Discontinuance of “Bishop for a day” programs.
“Some bishops through their youth committees have been featuring ‘bishop for a day’ programs where young people are appointed to serve as a bishopric and to officer the various ward organizations for a week’s time. In these capacities they plan and conduct meetings and take care of other matters ordinarily handled by the regularly set-apart officers.
The First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve have decided that this practice should be discontinued. Their concern is not only the spirit of levity and irreverence that seems to be creeping into some of these programs, but also the serious questions of authority and jurisdiction that the practice raises. Although bishops who conduct these programs may not intend to actually relinquish their authority to others, the name of the program and the procedures followed necessarily imply this, thereby suggesting an erroneous principle to members of the Church and especially to the impressionable young people who participate and who may not be well grounded in correct principles and procedures.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 7(2):1-2, Apr., 1971)
Apr.: New temple recommends.
“It is suggested that all temple recommends issued on and after Sunday, March 14, 1971, be postdated to May 1, 1971. Such recommends will expire April 30, 1972. These recommends will be honored immediately at all temples and will be stamped with an expiration date of April 30, 1972, the first time they are presented at the temple.
Bishops should set up their schedules for interviews starting March 14 so that all those who are eligible will have ample time to get their recommends from their bishops and to get them signed by a member of the stake presidency well in advance of May 1.
In past years there has been a letdown in temple work during the month of May due to patrons not having their new recommends. If the above procedure is followed, this can be avoided. The procedure will also help the bishops by granting them a longer period for their interviews.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 7(2):2, Apr., 1971)
Apr.: Missionary terms of service.
“Effective immediately the standard term of service for lady missionaries will be eighteen months. Those who attend one of the language training missions will serve there for two months and then for sixteen months in the field.
The full term for older couples will likewise now be reduced to eighteen months. Couples who remain one year or more will be provided their return transportation.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 7(2):3, Apr., 1971)
Jun.: Priesthood preview.
“Under the direction of the Presiding Bishopric, a Priesthood Preview program has been prepared for the eleven-year-old boy in Primary. It is designed to help each young man to appreciate more deeply the honor and responsibility that will soon be his when he is ordained to the office of deacon in the Aaronic Priesthood.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 7(3):5, Jun., 1971)
Aug.: “Ordinance” of restoration of blessings.
“Excommunicated persons who have had their temple endowments and who are readmitted into the Church by baptism and confirmation must receive a restoration of their blessings by a member of the First Presidency or by a member of the Council of the Twelve as authorized by the President of the Church. Members in such instances are to be considered as still on probation until former blessings are restored. The ordinance of restoration of blessings pertains only to the temple blessings and Melchizedek Priesthood offices of endowed persons. Pending the receipt of this ordinance, the members involved may partake of the sacrament and pay tithes and offerings, but they are not entitled to speak or pray in meetings nor to hold offices or teachings positions in the Church organizations.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 7(4):2, Aug., 1971)
Nov.: Who receives sacrament first? Who presides?
“In ward meetings such as priesthood meeting, Sunday School, and sacrament meeting, the bishop is the presiding officer. In the bishop’s absence his first counselor presides. If they are both absent, the second counselor presides. If a General Authority or a member of the stake presidency visits a meeting, the member of the bishopric conducts under the direction of the visiting higher authority. A high councilor, visiting a ward as an official representative from the stake presidency, does not take over the presiding authority of the bishop.
The sacrament should be given first to the highest Church authority who sits on the stand and then passed to all others in an orderly way. A high councilor visiting a ward as an official representative of the stake presidency and sitting on the stand should be recognized by receiving the sacrament first, unless a General Authority or a member of the stake presidency is present on the stand. It is not necessary to recognize a high councilor while attending his own ward in an unofficial capacity, although there is no objection to such courtesy being extended to him.
Visiting General Authorities and members of the stake presidency should always be invited to sit on the stand.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 7(5):1, Nov., 1971)
1972: Feb.: 70s ordination procedures.
“Under the new simplified procedures for ordaining seventies, those involved should adhere to the following:
1. The stake president submits to the First Council of the Seventy the form entitled Ordination of Seventies, form S-1, 1971, which names the additional brethren needed to do the missionary work in the stake.
2. Approval to interview is then given by the First Council of the Seventy to the stake president.
3. The stake president then interviews the candidates, using the form Recommendation for Conferring the Melchizedek Priesthood and Ordaining to Offices Therein, form 1830. All approvals, signatures, and sustaining votes should be obtained on the same basis as applies to the ordination of elders and high priests.
4. These last-mentioned forms may then be forwarded to the First Council of the Seventy, who will arrange to have the ordinations performed either on a special occasion or at a stake conference. Or the forms may be held in the stake and submitted to the next visiting General Authority who is authorized to ordain seventies. Or they must be given to the brethren concerned in those cases where they are coming to the office of the First Council of the Seventy to be ordained.
5. When ordinations are performed in the stake, the stake clerk should make all necessary entries in stake records and transmit the necessary data to the wards on the same basis as applies to the ordination of elders and high priests.
6. Also when ordinations are performed in the stake, the forms, with complete ordination data entered, should be transmitted to the First Council of the Seventy so that proper certificates of ordination can be made out and sent directly to the individuals concerned.
7. When ordinations are performed in the office of the First Council of the Seventy or otherwise away from the home stake, the First Council of the Seventy will send the certificates of ordination to the brethren concerned and will return the ordination form to the stake clerk so that proper entries can be made in ward and stake records.”
(“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 8(1):3, Feb., 1972)
Apr.: Temple endowment fund.
“The Temple Endowment Fund enables individuals who live a long distance from the temple, or who are otherwise unable to attend, to make contributions to assist others to perform temple work. This fund is used to aid patrons who have time and are physically able to perform temple work but who need financial assistance for lunch money or transportation. This fund is important and we encourage contributions to it.
However, some have thought that by making a contribution to the Endowment Fund their temple responsibility has been fulfilled. It was never intended that the payment of money into the Endowment Fund would satisfy the obligation Church members have to do temple work. We cannot buy exaltation. It is obtained only by compliance with all of the commandments, one of the most important of which is seeking out our kindred dead and performing their work in the temple.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 8(2):4, Apr., 1972)
Jun.: Abortion.
“The following statement explains and elaborates the article on abortion which appeared in the Priesthood Bulletin, February 1971:
The Church opposes abortion and counsels its members not to submit to or perform an abortion except in the rare cases where, in the opinion of competent medical counsel, the life or good health of the mother is seriously endangered or where the pregnancy was caused by rape and produces serious emotional trauma in the mother. Even then it should be done only after counseling with the local presiding priesthood authority and after receiving divine confirmation through prayer.
As the matter stands today, no definite statement has been made by the Lord one way or another regarding the crime of abortion. So far as is known, he has not listed it alongside the crime of the unpardonable sin and shedding of innocent human blood. That he has not done so would suggest that it is not in that class of crime and therefore that it will be amenable to the laws of repentance and forgiveness.
These observations must not be interpreted to mean that acts of abortion, except under circumstances explained in a preceding paragraph, are not of a serious nature. To tamper or interfere with any of the processes in the procreation of offspring is to violate one of the most sacred of God’s commandments–to multiply and replenish the earth. Abortion must be considered one of the most revolting and sinful practices in this day, when we are witnessing the frightening evidence of permissiveness leading to sexual immorality.
Members of the Church guilty of being parties to the sin of abortion must be subjected to the disciplinary action of the councils of the Church as circumstances warrant. In dealing with this serious matter it would be well to keep in mind the word of the Lord stated in the 59th section of the Doctrine and Covenants, verse 6: ‘Thou shalt not steal; neither commit adultery, nor kill, nor do anything like unto it.'”
(“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 8(3):2-3, Jun., 1972)
Jun.: Penalty for incest.
“The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve have determined that the penalty for incest shall be excommunication. Also, one excommunicated for incest shall not be baptized again into the Church without the written permission of the First Presidency.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 8(3):3, Jun., 1972)
Jun.: Who presides when HC visits MP quorums?
“The question has been asked, Who presides when a high councilor visits an elders’ quorum? A high councilor does not take away the presiding right of the elders’ quorum president. If he is there by appointment of the stake presidency, he should be so recognized. The minutes should record that the visiting high councilor representing the stake presidency was in attendance. This would recognize the position of both the elders’ quorum president and the visiting high councilor. High councilors assigned to work with the leadership of elders’ quorums should understand that their role is one of teaching and counseling rather than assuming any responsibility to direct quorum affairs.
The foregoing policy applies to groups of high priests, to quorums, units, and groups of seventy, and to groups of elders.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 8(3):4, Jun., 1972)
Jun.: Lines of responsibility in temple work.
“It is the responsibility of members of the Church to seek out their direct-line ancestors (progenitors), complete the family units of such direct ancestors, and submit to the Genealogical Society the genealogical data to abe processed for temple ordinance work. Temple work may be requested for persons who are collaterally related to the member of the Church, but this is an area of privilege and not an area of responsibility.
A line of responsibility may be changed if a special sealing has taken place involving a given individual during his lifetime. This special sealing could have been the result of a multiple (i.e. second or subsequent) marriage, a divorce situation, or an adoption. Problems with changed lines of responsibility should be referred to the Genealogical Society, which has received instructions from the First Presidency on how to handle such situations.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 8(3):6, Jun., 1972)
Jun.: Guidelines regarding administration of sacrament.
“Administration of the sacrament involves participation in one of the most sacred and holy ordinances in the Church. Those involved are placing before the saints the sacramental emblems as a remembrance of the renewal of the covenants they have made with the Lord. Every young man participating should be taught that he is administering this ordinance to the saints on behalf of the Lord and that it should be approached with a solemn, reverent attitude. Conduct at the sacrament table should be one of total dignity.
Bishops, branch presidents, and other priesthood leaders responsible for appointing Aaronic Priesthood bearers to administer and pass the sacrament should stress the following points:
1. No Aaronic Priesthood bearer should ever administer and pass the sacrament who has a serious moral problem that has not been fully resolved. The bishop should stres this in his personal interview with each Aaronic Priesthood bearer.
2. Dress should be modest. Aaronic Priesthood youth are expected to wear conservative ties and shirts. They should be encouraged to avoid gaudy, loud colors and outlandish patterns in either ties, shirts, pants, or sports coats. The bishopric, as the presidency of the Aaronic Priesthood, should be an example in all things.
3. Personal appearance should reflect the sacred ordinance that is being performed. Aaronic Priesthood bearers should be well groomed and clean. Hair should not be excessively long. Carelessness in this regard has the effect of linking our young people with those elements of today’s society which are viewed with disfavor for their rebellion against standards established for the guidance of our youth. Holders of the priesthood must lift themselves above such associations.
4. Unless requested to sit with his family, each boy should remain where assigned until the close of the meeting.
Counseling should be done in privacy and in a spirit of helpfulness and love. Care should be taken not to offend or alienate the young man. However, it may be necessary to deny the privilege of this service to some until true repentance and a change of attitude have been evidenced. Modesty in dress is a quality of mind and heart, born of respect for oneself, one’s fellowmen, and the Creator of us all.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 8(3):8-9, Jun., 1972)
Aug.: Handling moral transgressors.
“There is a growing laxity among local Church leaders in taking disciplinary action against transgressors guilty of sexual sin. Stake presidents and bishops should take action appropriate to the circumstances in any case, but certainly should do so in the case of members who are guilty of flagrant and repeated sex violations. The Lord has made it plain that adultery is one of the most serious sins a person can commit. Other sexual transgressions similar to adultery are equally repugnant. The Lord has made it clear that leaders who fail to take appropriate action, where necessary, in handling transgressors must bear the unhappy consequences which result from the lack of proper discipline.
Often, a person who has committed one of these grievous sins can only repent when he has been disciplined by a priesthood court. All brethren exercising the judicial power of the priesthood should make certain that they are not derelict in taking formal action against transgressing members where the circumstances clearly indicate the need to do so.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 8(4):1-2, Aug., 1972)
Oct.: Elders may be ordained at age 18.
“At the age of eighteen, Aaronic Priesthood bearers may be ordained to the office of an elder in the Melchizedek Priesthood or transferred to the prospective elders program. If, in the judgment of the bishop, such qualifying circumstances as date of graduation from high school, individual maturation, or peer group association seem to indicate a need for a postponement, a young man may remain in the priests quorum until such circumstances change, or until the young man becomes nineteen.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 8(5):1, Oct., 1972)
Dec.: Issuance of temple recommends.
“Those who attend the temple take upon themselves sacred obligations to be obedient to the Lord. They dedicate themselves to demonstrate that obedience by thought and action. It is imperative that bishops and stake presidents recommend to the temple only those who show their wilingness to be obedient by cleanliness of body and mind, as demonstrated by their actions, speech, modesty or clothing, grooming of hair, and general tidiness. They should demonstrate not the least spirit of rebellion or disobedience, or even the appearance thereof which could offend the sensibilities of others who attend the temple with them. A spirit of unity, harmony, and love should characterize all those who receive recommends to attend the temple.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 8(6):1, Dec., 1972)
Dec.: Judicial proceedings in independent branches.
“Attention is called to the following instruction which appeared as item 2 in the August 1970 Priesthood Bulletin.
The General Handbook of Instructions gives information on holding bishops’ courts but no provision is mentioned for handling transgressors in independent branches. All transgressions of a nature serious enough to be delt with in a Church court that originate in an independent branch of a stake are to be referred by the branch president to the high council court, which court will take original jurisdiction in the case.
This instruction is hereby broadened as follows.
1. Transgressions originating in an independent branch of a mission that are serious enough to be dealt with in a Church court are to be referred to the mission president, who will take original jurisdiction and convene an elders court.
2. The president of a student branch has the authority to convene an elders court and to try a member for any serious transgression, provided that his stake president gives approval and elects not to take original jurisdiction by convening a high council court. Such an elders court convened by a student branch president has the authority to impose only the penalties that could be imposed by a bishops court. If the transgressor has his pink membership in the branch, the branch president should notify the home ward bishop of what is being done and of any penalties imposed.”
(“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 8(6):1-2, Dec., 1972)
Dec.: “Personal Priesthood Interview.”
“Effective immediately, the title Personal Priesthood Interview will replace Priesthood Home Teaching Evaluation (oral evaluation). Church handbooks and manuals will be changed to reflect this new title as they are reprinted.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 8(6):3, Dec., 1972)
Dec.: Priesthood MIA programs.
“On November 9, the First Presidency announced the creation of two priesthood-oriented MIA programs: Aaronic Priesthood Mutual Improvement Association and Melchizedek Priesthood Mutual Interest Association. The new general leaders of these programs are planing and preparing specific additional instructions for stake and ward priesthood leaders regarding the new programs. Pending receipt of further instructions, stake and ward leaders are to continue all present programs as they were before the announced change.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 8(6):3-4, Dec., 1972)
1973: Feb.: Abortion.
“In view of a recent decision of the United States Supreme Court, we feel it necessary to restate the position of the Church on abortion in order that there will be no misunderstanding of our attitude.
The Church opposes abortion and counsels its members not to submit to or perform an abortion except in the rare cases where, in the opinion of competent medical counsel, the life or good health of the mother is seriously endangered or where the pregnancy was caused by rape and produces serious emotional trauma in the mother. Even then it should be done only after counseling with the local presiding priesthood authority and after receiving divine confirmation through prayer.
Abortion must be considered one of the most revolting and sinful practices in this day, when we are witnessing the frightening evidence of permissiveness leading to sexual immorality.
Members of the Church guilty of being parties to the sin of abortion must be subjected to the disciplinary action of the councils of the Church as circumstances warrant. In dealing with this serious matter, it would be well to keep in mind the word of the Lord stated in the 59th Section of the Doctrine and Covenants, verse 6, ‘Thou shalt not steal; neither commit adultery, nor kill, nor do anything like unto it.’
As to the amenability of the sin of abortion to the laws of repentance and forgiveness, we quote the following statement made by President David O. McKay and his counselors, Stephen L. Richards and J. Reuben Clark, Jr., which continues to represent the attitude and position of the Church:
As the matter stands today, no definite statement has been made by the Lord one way or another regarding the crime of abortion. So far as is known, he has not listed it alongside the crime of the unpardonable sin and shedding of innocent human blood. That he has not done so would suggest that it is not in that class of crime and therefore that it will be amenable to the laws of repentance and forgiveness.
This quoted statement, however, should not, in any sense, be construed to minimize the seriousness of this revolting sin.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 9(1):1-2, Feb., 1973)
Feb.: Homosexuality.
“A homosexual relationship is viewed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as sin in the same degree as adultery and fornication.
In summarizing the intended destiny of man, the Lord has declared: ‘For behold, this is my work and my glory–to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.’ (Moses 1:39) Eternal life means returning to the Lord’s exalted presence and enjoying the privilege of eternal increase. According to his revealed word, the only acceptable sexual relationship occurs within the family between a husband and a wife.
Homosexuality in men and women runs counter to these divine objectives and, therefore, is to be avoided and forsaken. Church members involved to any degree must repent. ‘By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins–behold, he will confess them and forsake them.’ (D&C 58:43) Failure to work closely with one’s bishop or stake president in cases involving homosexual behavior will require prompt Church court action.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 9(1):2-3, Feb., 1973)
Feb.: Endowments for young, unmarried members.
“Church leaders should not urge young, unmarried members to obtain their endowments unless they are to be married in the temple or are called to serve as missionaries. Members should be authorized to obtain their endowments only when worthiness, age, and maturity justify it.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 9(1):7, Feb., 1973)
Apr.: One-year rule for endowment recommend.
“On March 12, 1973, the First Presidency approved the following change to the second paragraph under Item E, page 92, General Handbook of Instructions:
No person shall be issued a recommend for endowment work until he has been a member of the Church for one year. Only the First Presidency may authorize an exception to this rule.”
(“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 9(2):3, Apr., 1973)
Apr.: Only MP to perform baptisms for dead.
“Only members who bear the Melchizedek Priesthood are to officiate in performing baptisms in the temple.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 9(2):4, Apr., 1973)
Jun.: Judicial rules for independent branches.
“Proceedings Against Transgressors in Independent Branches in Stakes
Stake presidents are hereby authorized to confer original jurisdiction on the presidencies of independent branches in stakes to conduct Church courts in accordance with the procedures and limitations that govern a bishops court, as contained in the General Handbook of Instructions, 1968. In the alternative, stake presidents are hereby given the discretion to appoint three qualified Melchizedek Priesthood bearers who are not members of the stake presidency or high council to comprise and conduct such a court according to the same procedures.
It will be permissible for a branch president to serve as a member of such a special court, even though he is not designated as the presiding officer of said court.
Proceedings Against Transgressors in Independent Branches in Missions
Attention is called to the following instruction which appeared as item 2 in the December 1972 Priesthood Bulletin:
Transgressions originating in an independent branch of a mission that are serious enough to be dealt with in a Church court are to be referred to the mission president, who will take original jurisdiction and convene an elders court.
As an alternative procedure in handling cases where time and distance are major factors, a mission president is authorized to create a special elders court consisting of brethren who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood but are not members of the mission presidency or district presidency. The branch president may be appointed as a member or as the presiding officer of such a court, which shall be conducted in accordance with the procedures governing bishops courts as outlined in the General Handbook of Instructions, 1968.”
(“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 9(3):1-2, Jun., 1973)
Jun.: Unendowed children entering temple for sealing.
“Authorization is hereby given for worthy, unendowed, single children, regardless of age, to enter the temple for the sole purpose of being sealed to their living parents. However, such children shall not be permitted to witness the sealing of their parents to each other but shall be permitted to enter the sealing room for the sole purpose of being sealed to their parents and then shall be excused immediately. Married, unendowed children, regardless of age, shall not be permitted to enter the temple for this purpose.
This item amends Paragraph R, page 96, of the General Handbook of Instructions, 1968.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 9(3):2-3, Jun., 1973)
Jun.: Flexibility in assigning HT across quorums.
“The Priesthood Home Teaching Handbook of Instructions (page 18) suggests that high priests be assigned as home teachers to high priests, seventies to seventies, and elders to elders. As determined by local needs, however, high priests may be assigned as home teachers to assist the elders quorum in working with prospective elders. High priests so assigned will attend the personal priesthood interview held by the elders quiorum president to account for the families that are under the jurisdiction of the elders quorum.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 9(3):5, Jun., 1973)
Jun.: Don’t talk or write about temple ordinances.
“Church members are cautioned and warned against loose talk and writing about ordinances performed in the sacred temples of the Lord. Anything concerning temple ordinances that requires more detailed explanation is to be discussed in the temples with appropriate Church authorities.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 9(3):6, Jun., 1973)
Jun.: Announcing excommunications and disfellowshipments.
“Stake presidents are to announce all excommunications and disfellowshipments of Melchizedek Priesthood bearers at a stake priesthood meeting unless an appeal is pending. Bishops are to announce all other excommunications and disfellowshipments in a ward priesthood meeting. Aaronic Priesthood members should be excused prior to the announcement in either stake or ward priesthood meetings.
The announcement should consist only of a general statement that fellowship or membership is withdrawn for ‘conduct unbecoming a member of the Church.’ No mention should be made of the details of excommunication or disfellowshipment. The details of the court proceedings and the cause of excommunication should be discussed only during the trial and should not be disclosed after the trial. Local leaders must respect the right of members to privacy.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 9(3):7, Jun., 1973)
Oct.: Wives not to be HT companions with husbands.
“Melchizedek Priesthood leaders should assign as junior companions to senior priesthood home teachers, (1) other Melchizedek Priesthood holders, (2) prospective elders, or (3) young men who hold the Aaronic Priesthood. Wives should not be assigned as priesthood home teaching companions. Stake presidents should ensure that this latter practice does not exist in their stakes.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 9(5):4, Oct., 1973)
Dec.: Wearing of temple garments by unendowed persons.
“In several instances reported recently, members have commenced to wear temple garments before being endowed. To help prevent this unauthorized practice, the First Presidency has issued the following instruction:
Those who go to the temple for the first time should purchase beforehand part of the temple clothing referred to as the temple garment, of a nonceremonial pattern, bearing the ‘approved pattern’ label so that it can be worn upon leaving the temple. This garment should not be worn until after a member has completed the endowment in the temple.”
(“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 9(6):1, Dec., 1973)
Dec.: Where marriage ceremonies should be performed.
“The most sacred place for a marriage ceremony is in the temple of the Lord, and all members should be encouraged to prepare themselves worthily to receive the blessings of a temple marriage.
Where temple marriage is not possible, the couple should be encouraged to have the civil wedding ceremony performed in the home of one or the other of those being married. (See General Handbook of Instructions, 1968, pages 99 and 100). Next to the temple, the home is the most sacred place to hold this ceremony. Requests to have marriage ceremonies performed in the chapel should be discouraged. Receptions following a temple or civil marriage may be held in ward cultural halls.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 9(6):4, Dec., 1973)
1974: Apr.: Strengthening elders quorums and presidencies.
“Stake, mission, and district priesthood leaders should give special attention to the following suggestions for strengthening elders quorum presidencies and quorums:
1. Stake presidents should hold personal priesthood interviews at least quarterly with elders quorum presidents.
2. Bishops should invite quorum presidents to sit on the stand at priesthood meetings and should address them as ‘President.’
3. Bishops are to provide adequate, but not exclusive, meetinghouse space for quorum leaders to conduct personal priesthood interviews, hold presidency meetings, and otherwise administer the affairs of the quorum.
4. Bishops should invite elders quorum presidents, on occasion, to speak and pray in meetings, including sacrament meetings, and should identify them as such in the announcement or introduction.
5. Bishops should announce in sacrament meetings the names of newly sustained elders quorum presidencies. Of course, changes in Melchizedek Priesthood quorum presidencies are under the direction of the stake presidency.
For additional information, refer to the letter from the First Presidency dated 25 January 1972 regarding elders and prospective elders.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 10(2):1-2, Second Quarter, 1974)
Apr.: Couples called to serve as missionaries.
“Couples called to serve as missionaries for less than one year are expected to pay their expenses to and from the mission field. The duration of a regular mission for a couple is eighteen months.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 19(2):3, Second Quarter, 1974)
Oct.: Baptism and abortion.
“A woman who has submitted to an abortion may be baptized only upon the approval of the mission president when under the jurisdiction of a full-time mission and only upon the approval of the stake president when under the jurisdiction of a stake mission.
In considering the request for such a baptism, the mission or stake president should be guided by the counsel in Doctrine and Covenants 58:43 and 20:37. Moreover, as a condition to authorizing baptism, he must be certain that the applicant has sincerely repented of her sins and must be assured that she will live righteously in the future.
Additional counsel regarding abortion appeared in the February 1973 (item 1), June 1972 (item 3), and February 1971 (item 6) issues of the Priesthood Bulletin.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 10(3):2, Third Quarter, 1974)
Oct.: Health Services Missionaries.
“Bishops and branch presidents should be aware of the pressing and continual need for healt services missionaries and should interview members who qualify for such missions. Physicians, dentists, nurses, nutritionists, home economists, dental hygienists, and others who have training in health-related fields may be eligible. Young couples and families with children in the home are not being called.” (“The Priesthood Bulletin,” 10(3):5-6, Third Quarter, 1974)