Below you will find Prince’s research excerpts titled, “Priesthood, 1985.” You can view other years here.
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PRIESTHOOD, 1985.
1985: 31 Jan.: Softening of policy on transsexual surgery.
“After excommunication, such a person is not eligible again for baptism unless approved by the First Presidency.” (General Handbook of Instructions, #22, 1983, “The Church Judicial System” Supplement, 31 Jan., 1985; p. 52)
31 Jan.: Priest-Penitent Privilege.
“Church officers who receive confidential disclosure of information from members have a duty to keep it strictly confidential, even if they receive inquiries or demands from civil authorities. The provision of law known as Priest-Penitent Privilege applies in such circumstances. Under the Priest-Penitent Privilege, a Church officer cannot be compelled to disclose confidential information receive by him from a member without specific authorization from the member. If confidential information indicates that a member has violated a civil or criminal law, the Church officer should urge the member to clear the matter with appropriate civil authorities. The Church officers to whom the Priest-Penitent Privilege applies are bishops, branch presidents, stake presidencies, district presidents, mission presidents, and General Authorities.
If a member discloses confidential information to a Church court, the Priest-Penitent Privilege applies to all who take part in the court, such as bishoprics, branch presidencies, stake presidencies, high council members, district presidencies, and mission presidencies.
Church officers should direct any questions about the Priest-Penitent Privilege through the stake or mission president to the Office of the First Presidency.” (General Handbook of Instructions, #22, 1983, “The Church Judicial System” Supplement, 31 Jan., 1985; p. 53)
31 Jan.: Disqualifying oneself from Church court duty.
“The officer presiding over a court should generally excuse from service as a member of the court one who would have a legal duty to report to civil authorities facts likely to be disclosed in the court proceedings, such as law enforcement officers. A stake president or bishop may be excused from service only with permission of the First Presidency. Vacancies due to conflict of legal duty should be filled by the presiding officer in accordance with guidelines set forth in this section.” (General Handbook of Instructions, #22, 1983, “The Church Judicial System” Supplement, 31 Jan., 1985; pp. 54-55)
31 Jan.: Additional information on disfellowshipment.
“Disfellowshipment is a less severe form of discipline than excommunication. However, it is a severe penalty that may be adequate for all but the most serious transgressions. Nevertheless, in cases of serious transgressions, including serious spouse or child abuse, and in cases of defiance or denial of sins without confession and without expression of sincere sorrow and repentance, excommunication may be necessary.” (General Handbook of Instructions, #22, 1983, “The Church Judicial System” Supplement, 31 Jan., 1985; p. 58)
6 Apr.: New members of 1st Quor. of 70 w/lifetime tenure.
“As new members of the First Quorum of Seventy to serve on a lifetime basis: Victor L. Brown, H. Burke Peterson, and J. Richard Clarke [released from the Presiding Bishopric]; and, additionally, Hans B. Ringger, Waldo Pratt Call, Sr., and Helio da Rocha Camargo to serve as new members of this quorum on the rotation basis we announced a year ago.” (Gordon B. Hinckley, 6 Apr., 1985; CR Apr., 1985, p. 4)
Oct.: Revision of “Priest-Penitent Privilege.”
“Legal Challenges to Clergyman Confidentiality
Church officers and members of Church courts who receive confidential information from members have a duty to keep it strictly confidential. If confidential information indicates that a member has violated a civil or criminal law, local leaders should urge the member to clear the matter with civil authorities.
If civil authorities challenge clergymen confidentiality, the local priesthood leader who is challenged should seek legal advice from the office of General Counsel at Church headquarters or from local counsel in countries outside the United States.
For additional guidance on local laws that govern reporting child abuse, see the booklet Child Abuse: Helps for Ecclesiastical Leaders (PGSC 0386).” (General Handbook of Instructions, No. 23, 1985; p. 8-3)
Oct.: Artificial insemination of single women.
“The Church disapproves of artificial insemination of single sisters. Single sisters who deliberately refuse to follow the counsel of their priesthood leaders in this regard will be subject to disciplinary action.” (General Handbook of Instructions, No. 23, 1985; p. 11-3)