General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Title Page 0. Introductory Overview 0.0. Introduction 0.1. This Handbook 0.2. Adaptation and Optional Resources 0.3. Updates 0.4. Questions about Instructions 0.5. Terminology 0.6. Contacting Church Headquarters or the Area Office Doctrinal Foundation 1. God’s Plan and Your Role in the Work of Salvation and Exaltation 1.0. Introduction 1.1. God’s Plan of Happiness 1.2. The Work of Salvation and Exaltation 1.2. The Work of Salvation and Exaltation 1.2.1. Living the Gospel of Jesus Christ 1.2.2. Caring for Those in Need 1.2.3. Inviting All to Receive the Gospel 1.2.4. Uniting Families for Eternity 1.3. The Purpose of the Church 1.3. The Purpose of the Church 1.3.1. Priesthood Authority and Keys 1.3.2. Covenants and Ordinances 1.3.3. Prophetic Direction 1.3.4. Scriptures 1.3.5. Gospel Learning and Teaching Support 1.3.6. Service and Leadership Opportunities 1.3.7. A Community of Saints 1.4. Your Role in God’s Work 2. Supporting Individuals and Families in the Work of Salvation and Exaltation 2.0. Introduction 2.1. The Role of the Family in God’s Plan 2.1. The Role of the Family in God’s Plan 2.1.1. Eternal Families 2.1.2. Husband and Wife 2.1.3. Parents and Children 2.2. The Work of Salvation and Exaltation in the Home 2.2. The Work of Salvation and Exaltation in the Home 2.2.1. A Home Where the Spirit Is Present 2.2.2. Sabbath Observance 2.2.3. Gospel Study and Learning at Home 2.2.4. Home Evening and Other Activities 2.2.5. Supporting Individuals 2.3. The Relationship between the Home and the Church 3. Priesthood Principles 3.0. Introduction 3.1. Restoration of the Priesthood 3.2. Blessings of the Priesthood 3.3. Melchizedek Priesthood and Aaronic Priesthood 3.3. Melchizedek Priesthood and Aaronic Priesthood 3.3.1. Melchizedek Priesthood 3.3.2. Aaronic Priesthood 3.4. Priesthood Authority 3.4. Priesthood Authority 3.4.1. Priesthood Keys 3.4.2. Priesthood Conferral and Ordination 3.4.3. Delegation of Priesthood Authority to Serve in the Church 3.4.4. Exercising Priesthood Authority Righteously 3.5. Priesthood Power 3.5. Priesthood Power 3.5.1. Covenants 3.5.2. Ordinances 3.6. The Priesthood and the Home 4. Leadership and Councils in the Church of Jesus Christ 4.0. Introduction 4.1. The Purpose of Leadership in the Church 4.2. Principles of Leadership in the Church 4.2. Principles of Leadership in the Church 4.2.1. Prepare Spiritually 4.2.2. Minister to All of God’s Children 4.2.3. Teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ 4.2.4. Preside in Righteousness 4.2.5. Delegate Responsibility and Ensure Accountability 4.2.6. Prepare Others to Be Leaders and Teachers 4.2.7. Plan Meetings, Lessons, and Activities with Clear Purposes 4.2.8. Evaluating Your Efforts 4.3. Councils in the Church 4.4. Principles of Effective Councils 4.4. Principles of Effective Councils 4.4.1. Purposes of Councils 4.4.2. Preparation for Council Meetings 4.4.3. Discussion and Decisions 4.4.4. Unity 4.4.5. Action and Accountability 4.4.6. Confidentiality Church Organization 5. General and Area Leadership 5.0. Introduction 5.1. General Church Leadership 5.1. General Church Leadership 5.1.1. General Authorities 5.1.2. General Officers 5.1.3. General Church Councils and Committees 5.2. Area Leadership 5.2. Area Leadership 5.2.1. Area Presidency 5.2.2. Area Seventies 5.2.3. Area Council 5.2.4. Coordinating Council 5.2.5. Area Callings 6. Stake Leadership 6.1. Purposes of a Stake 6.2. Stake Presidency 6.2. Stake Presidency 6.2.1. Presiding High Priest 6.2.2. Leading the Work of Salvation and Exaltation 6.2.3. Common Judge 6.2.4. Records, Finances, and Properties 6.3. Differences between the Authority of District Presidents and That of Stake Presidents 6.4. Stake Executive Secretary, Assistant Stake Executive Secretaries, Stake Clerk, and Assistant Stake Clerks 6.4.1. Stake Executive Secretary and Assistant Stake Executive Secretaries 6.4.2. Stake Clerk and Assistant Stake Clerks 6.5. High Council 6.5. High Council 6.5.1. Represent the Stake Presidency 6.5.2. Serve on Stake Councils and Committees 6.5.3. Serve as Stake Organization Leaders 6.6. Stake Patriarch 6.6. Stake Patriarch 6.6.1. Calling, Sustaining, and Ordaining a Stake Patriarch 6.6.2. Calling a Second Stake Patriarch 6.6.3. Instructing a Newly Called Stake Patriarch 6.6.4. Supervising the Work of the Stake Patriarch 6.6.5. Confidentiality of Patriarchal Blessings 6.6.6. Patriarchs Who Are Called to Another Church Position 6.6.7. Scribes for Patriarchal Blessings 6.7. Stake Organizations 6.7. Stake Organizations 6.7.1. Stake Relief Society, Young Women, Primary, and Sunday School Presidencies 6.7.2. Stake Young Men Presidency 6.7.3. Stake Organization Secretaries 6.8. Stake Specialists 7. The Bishopric 7.1. The Bishop and His Counselors 7.1. The Bishop and His Counselors 7.1.1. Presiding High Priest 7.1.2. President of the Aaronic Priesthood 7.1.3. Common Judge 7.1.4. Coordinating the Work of Salvation and Exaltation 7.1.5. Records, Finances, and the Meetinghouse 7.2. Differences between Branch Presidencies and Bishoprics 7.3. Ward Executive Secretary and Assistant Ward Executive Secretaries 7.4. Ward Clerk and Assistant Ward Clerks 8. Elders Quorum 8.1. Purpose and Organization 8.1. Purpose and Organization 8.1.1. Purpose 8.1.2. Membership in the Elders Quorum 8.1.3. Adapting to Local Needs 8.2. Participating in the Work of Salvation and Exaltation 8.2. Participating in the Work of Salvation and Exaltation 8.2.1. Living the Gospel of Jesus Christ 8.2.2. Caring for Those in Need 8.2.3. Inviting All to Receive the Gospel 8.2.4. Uniting Families for Eternity 8.3. Elders Quorum Leaders 8.3.1. Stake Presidency and Bishop 8.3.2. High Councilor 8.3.3. Elders Quorum Presidency 8.3.4. Secretary 8.3.5. Additional Callings 8.4. Helping Prospective Elders Prepare to Receive the Melchizedek Priesthood 8.5. Members with Disabilities 9. Relief Society 9.1. Purpose and Organization 9.1. Purpose and Organization 9.1.1. Purpose 9.1.2. Membership in Relief Society 9.1.3. Adapting to Local Needs 9.2. Participating in the Work of Salvation and Exaltation 9.2. Participating in the Work of Salvation and Exaltation 9.2.1. Living the Gospel of Jesus Christ 9.2.2. Caring for Those in Need 9.2.3. Inviting All to Receive the Gospel 9.2.4. Uniting Families for Eternity 9.3. Relief Society Leaders 9.3.1. Bishop 9.3.2. Relief Society Presidency 9.3.3. Secretary 9.3.4. Additional Callings 9.4. Helping Young Women Prepare to Participate in Relief Society 9.5. Stake Relief Society Leaders 9.6. Additional Guidelines and Policies 9.6. Additional Guidelines and Policies 9.6.1. Members with Disabilities 9.6.2. Literacy 10. Aaronic Priesthood Quorums 10.1. Purpose and Organization 10.1. Purpose and Organization 10.1.1. Purpose 10.1.2. Aaronic Priesthood Quorum Theme 10.1.3. Quorums 10.1.4. Priesthood Keys 10.1.5. Adapting Quorums to Local Needs 10.2. Participating in the Work of Salvation and Exaltation 10.2. Participating in the Work of Salvation and Exaltation 10.2.1. Living the Gospel of Jesus Christ 10.2.2. Caring for Those in Need 10.2.3. Inviting All to Receive the Gospel 10.2.4. Uniting Families for Eternity 10.3. Bishopric 10.4. Youth Quorum Leaders 10.4.1. Calling, Sustaining, and Setting Apart 10.4.2. Responsibilities 10.4.3. Quorum Presidency Meeting 10.4.4. Ward Youth Council 10.5. Advisers and Specialists 10.6. Helping Young Men Prepare to Receive the Melchizedek Priesthood 10.7. Stake Young Men Leaders 10.8. Additional Guidelines and Policies 10.8.1. Safeguarding Youth 10.8.2. Young Men with Disabilities 10.8.3. Children and Youth Emblems 10.8.4. Gathering Fast Offerings 11. Young Women 11.1. Purpose and Organization 11.1. Purpose and Organization 11.1.1. Purpose 11.1.2. Young Women Theme 11.1.3. Classes 11.2. Participating in the Work of Salvation and Exaltation 11.2. Participating in the Work of Salvation and Exaltation 11.2.1. Living the Gospel of Jesus Christ 11.2.2. Caring for Those in Need 11.2.3. Inviting All to Receive the Gospel 11.2.4. Uniting Families for Eternity 11.3. Ward Young Women Leadership 11.3.1. Bishopric 11.3.2. Adult Young Women Presidency 11.3.3. Secretary 11.3.4. Class Presidency and Secretary 11.3.5. Advisers 11.3.6. Specialists 11.4. Helping Young Women Prepare to Join Relief Society 11.5. Stake Young Women Leaders 11.6. Additional Guidelines and Policies 11.6.1. Safeguarding Youth 11.6.2. Young Women with Disabilities 11.6.3. Children and Youth Emblems 12. Primary 12.1. Purpose and Organization 12.1. Purpose and Organization 12.1.1. Purposes 12.1.2. Primary Theme 12.1.3. Classes 12.1.4. Singing Time 12.1.5. Nursery 12.2. Participating in the Work of Salvation and Exaltation 12.2. Participating in the Work of Salvation and Exaltation 12.2.1. Living the Gospel of Jesus Christ 12.2.2. Caring for Those in Need 12.2.3. Inviting All to Receive the Gospel 12.2.4. Uniting Families for Eternity 12.3. Ward Primary Leadership 12.3.1. Bishopric 12.3.2. Primary Presidency 12.3.3. Secretary 12.3.4. Music Leader and Pianist 12.3.5. Teachers and Nursery Leaders 12.3.6. Activity Leaders 12.4. Stake Primary Leaders 12.5. Additional Guidelines and Policies 12.5.1. Safeguarding Children 12.5.2. Children Who Have Special Needs 12.5.3. Men Serving in Primary 12.5.4. Restroom Safety 12.5.5. Role-Playing Activities 12.5.6. CTR Rings 12.5.7. Introducing the Children and Youth Program 13. Sunday School 13.1. Purpose 13.2. Ward Sunday School Leadership 13.2.1. Bishopric 13.2.2. Sunday School President 13.2.3. Sunday School Teachers 13.3. Sunday School Classes 13.3. Sunday School Classes 13.3.1. Small Branches 13.3.2. Sunday School Classes for Specific Groups 13.4. Improving Learning and Teaching in the Ward 13.5. Improving Learning and Teaching in the Home 13.6. Stake Sunday School Leaders 13.7. Additional Guidelines 13.7.1. Members with Disabilities 13.7.2. Resource Center 14. Single Members 14.0. Introduction 14.1. Single Members in Geographic Units 14.1. Single Members in Geographic Units 14.1.1. Stake Leadership 14.1.2. Ward Leadership 14.2. Participating in the Work of Salvation and Exaltation 14.2. Participating in the Work of Salvation and Exaltation 14.2.1. Living the Gospel of Jesus Christ 14.2.2. Caring for Those in Need 14.2.3. Inviting All to Receive the Gospel 14.2.4. Uniting Families for Eternity 14.3. Young Single Adult Wards and Stakes and Single Adult Wards 14.4. Additional Guidelines and Policies 14.4.1. Gathering Places 14.4.2. Monday Nights 14.4.3. Additional Elders Quorums and Relief Societies 14.4.4. Members Called to Serve in Units for Single Members 14.4.5. School Breaks 14.4.6. Interviews in Young Single Adult Wards and Stakes 14.4.7. Participation in Activities for Single Members 14.4.8. Single Parents 15. Seminaries and Institutes of Religion 15.0. Introduction 15.1. Seminary 15.1. Seminary 15.1.1. Teachers 15.1.2. Seminary Options 15.1.3. Buildings, Equipment, and Materials 15.1.4. Class Officers and Activities 15.1.5. Credit and Graduation 15.1.6. Released-Time Seminary 15.2. Institute 15.2. Institute 15.2.1. Other Religion Classes 15.3. Church Schools and Church Educational System The Work of Salvation and Exaltation Living the Gospel of Jesus Christ 16. Living the Gospel of Jesus ChristWe live the gospel as we exercise faith in Jesus Christ, repent daily, make covenants with God as we receive the ordinances of salvation and exaltation, and endure to the end by keeping those covenants. 17. Teaching the Gospel 17. Teaching the Gospel 17.1. Principles of Christlike Teaching 17.1. Principles of Christlike Teaching 17.1.1. Love Those You Teach 17.1.2. Teach by the Spirit 17.1.3. Teach the Doctrine 17.1.4. Invite Diligent Learning 17.2. Home-Centered Gospel Learning and Teaching 17.3. Leaders’ Responsibilities 17.4. Teacher Council Meetings 18. Performing Priesthood Ordinances and Blessings 18.0. Introduction 18.1. Ordinances of Salvation and Exaltation 18.2. Other Ordinances and Blessings 18.3. Participation in an Ordinance or Blessing 18.4. Ordinances for Minor Children 18.5. Ordinances Performed for and by Persons Who Have Disabilities 18.6. Naming and Blessing Children 18.6. Naming and Blessing Children 18.6.1. Who Gives the Blessing 18.6.2. Instructions 18.6.3. Child Record Form and Blessing Certificate 18.7. Baptism 18.7. Baptism 18.7.1. Approval for a Person to Be Baptized and Confirmed 18.7.2. Baptismal Services 18.7.3. Who Performs the Ordinance 18.7.4. Where to Perform the Ordinance 18.7.5. Clothing 18.7.6. Witnesses 18.7.7. Instructions 18.7.8. Baptism Record 18.8. Confirmation and Gift of the Holy Ghost 18.8. Confirmation and Gift of the Holy Ghost 18.8.1. Who Performs the Ordinance 18.8.2. Instructions 18.8.3. Baptism and Confirmation Record and Certificate 18.9. The Sacrament 18.9. The Sacrament 18.9.1. Approval to Administer the Sacrament 18.9.2. Who Performs the Ordinance 18.9.3. Guidelines for the Sacrament 18.9.4. Instructions 18.10. Conferring the Priesthood and Ordaining to an Office 18.10. Conferring the Priesthood and Ordaining to an Office 18.10.1. Melchizedek Priesthood 18.10.2. Aaronic Priesthood 18.10.3. Presenting a Member to Be Sustained before He Is Ordained 18.10.4. Who Performs the Ordinance 18.10.5. Instructions 18.10.6. Ordination Record and Certificate 18.11. Setting Apart Members to Serve in Callings 18.11. Setting Apart Members to Serve in Callings 18.11.1. Who Performs the Setting Apart 18.11.2. Instructions 18.12. Consecrating Oil 18.12. Consecrating Oil 18.12.1. Who Performs the Ordinance 18.12.2. Instructions 18.13. Administering to the Sick 18.13. Administering to the Sick 18.13.1. Who Gives the Blessing 18.13.2. Instructions 18.14. Blessings of Comfort and Counsel, Including Father’s Blessings 18.14.1. Who Gives the Blessing 18.14.2. Instructions 18.15. Dedicating Homes 18.15. Dedicating Homes 18.15.1. Who Performs the Dedication 18.15.2. Instructions 18.16. Dedicating Graves 18.16.1. Who Dedicates the Grave 18.16.2. Instructions 18.17. Patriarchal Blessings 18.17. Patriarchal Blessings 18.17.1. Receiving a Patriarchal Blessing 18.17.2. Obtaining Copies of Patriarchal Blessings 18.17.3. More Information 18.18. Temple Endowment and Sealing 18.19. Chart of Ordinations 19. Music 19.1. Purpose of Music in the Church 19.2. Music in the Home 19.3. Music in Church Meetings 19.3. Music in Church Meetings 19.3.1. Planning Music for Church Meetings 19.3.2. Music in Sacrament Meeting 19.3.3. Music in Classes and Other Ward Meetings 19.3.4. Music in Stake Conference 19.3.5. Other Music in the Chapel 19.3.6. Musical Instruments 19.3.7. Choirs 19.4. Music Leadership in the Ward 19.4.1. Bishopric 19.4.2. Ward Music Coordinator 19.4.3. Additional Callings 19.5. Music Leadership in the Stake 19.5.1. Stake Presidency 19.5.2. Stake Music Coordinator 19.5.3. Stake Music Specialists 19.6. Music Training and Resources 19.7. Additional Policies and Guidelines 19.7.1. Obtaining and Using Music 19.7.2. Use of Meetinghouse Instruments for Practice, Private Instruction, and Recitals 19.7.3. Community Choirs 20. Activities 20.1. Purposes 20.2. Planning Activities 20.2. Planning Activities 20.2.1. Responsibility for Planning Activities 20.2.2. Inviting All to Participate 20.2.3. Standards 20.2.4. Balance and Variety 20.2.5. Scheduling Activities 20.2.6. Funding for Activities 20.3. Stake, Multistake, and Area Activities 20.3.1. General Guidelines 20.3.2. Stake Activities 20.3.3. Multistake and Area Activities 20.3.4. Complying with Church Travel Policies 20.4. Youth Conference 20.5. Policies and Guidelines for Selecting and Planning Activities 20.5. Policies and Guidelines for Selecting and Planning Activities 20.5.1. Commercial or Political Activities 20.5.2. Dances and Music 20.5.3. Monday Nights 20.5.4. New Year’s Eve Activities 20.5.5. Overnight Activities 20.5.6. Portrayal of Deity 20.5.7. Prayers and Devotionals at Activities 20.5.8. Sabbath-Day Observance 20.5.9. Sports 20.5.10. Temple Visits 20.5.11. Unapproved Activities 20.6. Policies and Guidelines for Funding Activities 20.6. Policies and Guidelines for Funding Activities 20.6.1. Activities Paid for with Ward or Stake Budget Funds 20.6.2. Funding for Youth Camps 20.6.3. Funding for FSY Conferences 20.6.4. Funding for Equipment and Supplies 20.6.5. Fundraising Events 20.7. Safety Policies and Guidelines for Activities 20.7. Safety Policies and Guidelines for Activities 20.7.1. Adult Supervision 20.7.2. Age Requirements for Participation in Youth Activities 20.7.3. Insurance 20.7.4. Parental Permission 20.7.5. Reports of Abuse 20.7.6. Safety Precautions, Accident Response, and Accident Reporting 20.7.7. Travel 20.8. Activity Administration Policies 20.8. Activity Administration Policies 20.8.1. Copyrighted Materials 20.8.2. Renting Non-Church Facilities for Activities 20.8.3. Taxable Activities Caring for Those in Need 21. Ministering 21.0. Introduction 21.1. Responsibilities of Ministering Sisters and Brothers 21.2. Organizing Ministering 21.2. Organizing Ministering 21.2.1. Making Assignments 21.2.2. Ministering Assignments for Youth 21.2.3. Full-Time Missionaries 21.3. Ministering Interviews 21.4. Coordinating Ministering Efforts 22. Providing for Temporal Needs and Building Self-Reliance 22.0. Introduction 22.1. Build Self-Reliance 22.1. Build Self-Reliance 22.1.1. Spiritual Strength 22.1.2. Physical and Emotional Health 22.1.3. Education and Employment 22.1.4. Temporal Preparedness 22.2. Minister to Those with Temporal and Emotional Needs 22.2. Minister to Those with Temporal and Emotional Needs 22.2.1. The Lord’s Storehouse 22.2.2. The Law of the Fast and Fast Offerings 22.2.3. Service 22.2.4. Humanitarian Aid 22.3. Pattern for Building Self-Reliance and Ministering to Those in Need 22.3. Pattern for Building Self-Reliance and Ministering to Those in Need 22.3.1. Seek Out Those in Need 22.3.2. Help Members Assess and Address Short-Term Needs 22.3.3. Help Members Build Long-Term Self-Reliance 22.3.4. Minister to Those with Emotional Needs 22.4. Principles for Providing Church Assistance 22.4. Principles for Providing Church Assistance 22.4.1. Encourage Personal and Family Responsibility 22.4.2. Provide Temporary Assistance for Essential Needs 22.4.3. Provide Resources or Services Rather Than Cash 22.4.4. Offer Work or Service Opportunities 22.4.5. Keep Information about Church Assistance Confidential 22.5. Policies for Providing Church Assistance 22.5. Policies for Providing Church Assistance 22.5.1. Policies Regarding Recipients of Church Assistance 22.5.2. Policies on Using Fast Offerings 22.5.3. Policies on Making Payments 22.5.4. Policies on Payments That Would Benefit a Bishop or Stake President 22.5.5. Protecting against Improper Use of Funds 22.6. Roles of Ward Leaders 22.6.1. Bishop and His Counselors 22.6.2. Relief Society and Elders Quorum Presidencies 22.6.3. Ministering Brothers or Sisters 22.6.4. Ward Welfare and Self-Reliance Specialists 22.6.5. Summary of Callings and Roles 22.7. Role of the Ward Council 22.8. Role of the Ward Youth Council 22.9. Roles of Stake Leaders 22.9.1. Stake President and His Counselors 22.9.2. High Councilors 22.9.3. Stake Relief Society Presidency 22.9.4. Stake Welfare and Self-Reliance Specialists 22.10. Role of the Stake Council 22.10. Role of the Stake Council 22.10.1. Resources Coordinated by the Stake 22.10.2. Specialized Working Groups 22.11. Role of the Stake Bishops’ Council 22.12. Government and Community Resources 22.13. Church Resources Inviting All to Receive the Gospel 23. Sharing the Gospel and Strengthening New and Returning Members 23.0. Introduction 23.1. Share the Gospel 23.1. Share the Gospel 23.1.1. Love 23.1.2. Share 23.1.3. Invite 23.2. Strengthen New Members 23.3. Strengthen Returning Members 23.4. Stake Leaders 23.4. Stake Leaders 23.4.1. Stake Presidency 23.4.2. Stake Adult Leadership Committee 23.4.3. High Councilors 23.4.4. Stake Relief Society Presidency 23.5. Ward Leaders 23.5. Ward Leaders 23.5.1. Bishopric 23.5.2. Elders Quorum and Relief Society Presidencies 23.5.3. Ward Mission Leader 23.5.4. Ward Missionaries 23.5.5. Ward Council and Ward Youth Council 23.5.6. Ward Plan for Sharing the Gospel and Strengthening New and Returning Members 23.5.7. Coordination Meetings 24. Missionary Recommendations and Service 24.0. Introduction 24.1. The Call to Serve 24.2. Missionary Assignments 24.2. Missionary Assignments 24.2.1. Young Teaching Missionaries 24.2.2. Young Service Missionaries 24.2.3. Senior Missionaries 24.2.4. Senior Service Missionaries 24.2.5. Summary of Missionary Assignments 24.3. Preparing and Qualifying to Serve a Mission 24.3. Preparing and Qualifying to Serve a Mission 24.3.1. Conversion to Jesus Christ 24.3.2. Meeting the Standards of Worthiness 24.3.3. Physical, Mental, and Emotional Health 24.3.4. Finances 24.3.5. Role of Family Members and Leaders in Preparing Missionaries 24.4. Recommending Missionaries 24.4. Recommending Missionaries 24.4.1. Health Assessments 24.4.2. Interviews and Recommendation Forms 24.4.3. Submitting Recommendations 24.4.4. Being Excused from Full-Time Missionary Service 24.5. After Receiving a Mission Call 24.5. After Receiving a Mission Call 24.5.1. Temple Endowment and Temple Service 24.5.2. Sacrament Meetings 24.5.3. Setting Apart Missionaries 24.6. Service Away from Home 24.6. Service Away from Home 24.6.1. Leaving to the Mission Field 24.6.2. In the Field 24.6.3. Returning Home from a Mission 24.7. Service Missions 24.7.1. Identifying Opportunities for Service Missionaries 24.7.2. Housing and Transportation 24.7.3. Training and Supervision 24.7.4. Service Missionaries in Ward or Stake Callings 24.7.5. Concluding a Service Mission 24.8. After Missionary Service 24.8.1. Temple Recommends 24.8.2. Missionary Release Interview 24.8.3. Missionary Reports and Speaking in Sacrament Meeting 24.8.4. Callings 24.9. Resources for Missionary Recommendations and Service 24.9.1. Manuals and Forms 24.9.2. Websites 24.9.3. Contact Information for the Missionary Department Uniting Families for Eternity 25. Temple and Family History Work in the Ward and Stake 25.0. Introduction 25.1. Member and Leader Participation in Temple and Family History Work 25.1. Member and Leader Participation in Temple and Family History Work 25.1.1. Individual Responsibility for Temple Attendance 25.1.2. Ward and Stake Temple Trips 25.2. Organizing Temple and Family History Work in the Ward 25.2.1. Bishopric 25.2.2. Elders Quorum and Relief Society Presidencies 25.2.3. Ward Temple and Family History Leader 25.2.4. Ward Temple and Family History Consultants 25.2.5. Ward Council 25.2.6. Ward Temple and Family History Plan 25.2.7. Ward Temple and Family History Coordination Meetings 25.2.8. Temple Preparation Course 25.3. Organizing Temple and Family History Work in the Stake 25.3. Organizing Temple and Family History Work in the Stake 25.3.1. Stake Presidency 25.3.2. Stake Adult Leadership Committee 25.3.3. High Councilors 25.3.4. Stake Relief Society Presidency 25.3.5. Stake Temple and Family History Consultants 25.3.6. Family History Centers 25.3.7. Area Temple and Family History Advisers 25.4. Family History Resources 25.4.1. My Family: Stories That Bring Us Together 25.4.2. FamilySearch.org and FamilySearch Apps 25.4.3. Indexing 25.5. Recommending and Calling Temple Workers 25.5.1. Recommending Temple Workers 25.5.2. Requirements for Temple Ordinance Workers 25.5.3. Requirements for Temple Volunteers 25.5.4. Calling and Setting Apart Ordinance Workers 25.5.5. Assigning Volunteers 26. Temple Recommends 26.0. Introduction 26.1. Types of Temple Recommends 26.2. Safeguarding Temple Recommends 26.2.1. Priesthood Leaders Safeguarding Temple Recommends 26.2.2. Disposal of Expired Temple Recommends 26.2.3. Lost or Stolen Recommends 26.2.4. Recommend Holders Who Are Not Living the Standards of Worthiness 26.3. General Guidelines for Issuing Temple Recommends 26.3. General Guidelines for Issuing Temple Recommends 26.3.1. Temple Recommend Interviews for Members in Wards and Branches 26.3.2. Temple Recommend Interviews for Members in Isolated Areas 26.4. Issuing Temple Recommends to Unendowed Members 26.4.1. General Guidelines 26.4.2. Temple Recommends for Newly Baptized Members 26.4.3. Temple Recommends for Proxy Baptisms and Confirmations Only 26.4.4. Temple Recommends for Sealing Living Children to Parents 26.5. Issuing Temple Recommends in Special Circumstances 26.5.1. Members Receiving Their Own Endowment 26.5.2. Newly Baptized Members 26.5.3. Young Missionaries Returning from Service Away from Home 26.5.4. Members Who Have Not Lived in the Same Ward for at Least One Year 26.5.5. After Divorce, Separation, or Annulment 26.5.6. Members Whose Close Relatives Publicly Oppose the Church or Belong to Apostate Groups 26.5.7. Members Who Identify as Transgender 26.5.8. Members Who Have Committed a Serious Sin 26.5.9. Members Who Have Been Readmitted after Church Membership Withdrawal or Resignation 27. Temple Ordinances for the Living 27.0. Introduction 27.1. Receiving Temple Ordinances 27.1.1. Preparing to Receive Temple Ordinances 27.1.2. Scheduling Temple Ordinances 27.1.3. Members Who Have Physical Disabilities 27.1.4. Translation or Interpretation Assistance 27.1.5. Clothing to Wear to a Temple 27.1.6. Child Care 27.1.7. Meeting with Members after They Receive Temple Ordinances 27.2. The Endowment 27.2. The Endowment 27.2.1. Who May Receive the Endowment 27.2.2. Deciding When to Receive the Endowment 27.2.3. Planning and Scheduling the Endowment 27.3. Sealing of Husband and Wife 27.3. Sealing of Husband and Wife 27.3.1. Who May Be Sealed in a Temple 27.3.2. Planning and Scheduling a Temple Marriage or Sealing 27.3.3. Marriage in a Temple for Time Only 27.3.4. Who May Attend a Temple Marriage or Sealing 27.3.5. Wedding Receptions 27.4. Sealing Living Children to Parents 27.4. Sealing Living Children to Parents 27.4.1. Issuing a Recommend for Sealing Living Children to Parents 27.4.2. Contacting the Temple 27.4.3. Child Care 27.4.4. Who May Attend a Sealing of Living Children to Parents 28. Temple Ordinances for the Deceased 28.0. Introduction 28.1. General Guidelines for Performing Proxy Ordinances 28.1. General Guidelines for Performing Proxy Ordinances 28.1.1. Preparing the Names of Deceased Persons for Temple Ordinances 28.1.2. Who May Participate in Ordinances for the Deceased 28.1.3. Participation by Members Who Have Physical or Intellectual Disabilities 28.1.4. Scheduling 28.1.5. Translation or Interpretation Assistance 28.1.6. Clothing to Wear to a Temple 28.1.7. Child Care 28.2. Performing Temple Ordinances for Deceased Persons 28.2. Performing Temple Ordinances for Deceased Persons 28.2.1. Baptisms and Confirmations for the Dead 28.2.2. Endowment (Including Initiatory) 28.2.3. Sealing to Spouse and Sealing Children to Parents 28.3. Special Circumstances 28.3. Special Circumstances 28.3.1. Children Who Died before Birth (Stillborn and Miscarried Children) 28.3.2. Children Who Died before Age Eight 28.3.3. Deceased Persons Who Had Intellectual Disabilities 28.3.4. Persons Who Are Presumed Dead 28.3.5. Persons Whose Church Membership Was Withdrawn or Who Resigned Membership Church Administration 29. Meetings in the Church 29.0. Introduction 29.1. Planning and Conducting Meetings 29.2. Ward Meetings 29.2.1. Sacrament Meeting 29.2.2. Fast and Testimony Meeting 29.2.3. Ward Conference 29.2.4. Bishopric Meeting 29.2.5. Ward Council Meeting 29.2.6. Ward Youth Council Meeting 29.2.7. Other Ward Meetings and Classes 29.2.8. Schedules for Sunday Meetings 29.3. Stake Meetings 29.3.1. Stake Conference 29.3.2. Stake General Priesthood Meeting 29.3.3. Stake Priesthood Leadership Meeting 29.3.4. Stake Leadership Meetings 29.3.5. Stake High Priests Quorum Meeting 29.3.6. Stake Presidency Meeting 29.3.7. High Council Meeting 29.3.8. Stake Council Meeting 29.3.9. Stake Adult Leadership Committee Meeting 29.3.10. Stake Youth Leadership Committee Meeting 29.3.11. Stake Bishops’ Council Meeting 29.3.12. Other Stake Meetings 29.4. Coordinating Council Meetings 29.5. Funerals and Other Services for the Deceased 29.5. Funerals and Other Services for the Deceased 29.5.1. General Principles 29.5.2. Offering Assistance to the Family 29.5.3. Viewings (Where Customary) 29.5.4. Funeral Services (Where Customary) 29.5.5. Burial or Cremation 29.5.6. Services for Those Who Are Not Members of the Church 29.6. Prayers in Church Meetings 29.7. Streaming Meetings and Holding Virtual Meetings 30. Callings in the Church 30.0. Introduction 30.1. Determining Whom to Call 30.1.1. General Guidelines 30.1.2. Callings for New Members 30.1.3. Callings for Those Who Are Not Members 30.1.4. Confidentiality 30.1.5. Recommendations and Approvals for Callings 30.2. Extending a Calling 30.3. Sustaining Members in Callings 30.4. Setting Apart Members to Serve in Callings 30.5. Length of Service 30.6. Releasing Members from Callings 30.7. Calling, Ordaining, and Setting Apart Bishops 30.8. Chart of Callings 30.8. Chart of Callings 30.8.1. Ward Callings 30.8.2. Branch Callings 30.8.3. Stake Callings 30.8.4. District Callings 30.8.5. Military Service Member Group Callings 31. Interviews and Other Meetings with Members 31.0. Introduction 31.1. Guiding Principles 31.1.1. Prepare Spiritually 31.1.2. Help the Member Feel God’s Love 31.1.3. Help the Member Draw upon the Savior’s Power 31.1.4. Help the Member Feel Comfortable and Safe 31.1.5. Ask Inspired Questions and Listen Carefully 31.1.6. Encourage Self-Reliance 31.1.7. Support Efforts to Repent 31.1.8. Respond Appropriately to Abuse 31.2. Interviews 31.2.1. Purposes of Interviews 31.2.2. Types of Interviews 31.2.3. Baptism and Confirmation Interviews 31.2.4. Interviews for Ordination to an Office in the Aaronic Priesthood 31.2.5. Temple Recommend Interviews 31.2.6. Interviews for Ordination to an Office in the Melchizedek Priesthood 31.3. Other Opportunities for Leaders to Meet with Members 31.3. Other Opportunities for Leaders to Meet with Members 31.3.1. Meeting with Youth 31.3.2. Meeting with Young Single Adults 31.3.3. Meeting with Members to Discuss Their Callings and Responsibilities 31.3.4. Meeting with Members to Discuss Temporal Needs and Self-Reliance 31.3.5. Meeting with Members about Marriage and Divorce 31.3.6. Professional Counseling and Therapy 31.4. Meeting with Members Virtually 32. Repentance and Church Membership Councils 32.0. Introduction 32.1. Repentance and Forgiveness 32.2. Purposes of Church Membership Restrictions or Withdrawal 32.2. Purposes of Church Membership Restrictions or Withdrawal 32.2.1. Help Protect Others 32.2.2. Help a Person Access the Redeeming Power of Jesus Christ through Repentance 32.2.3. Protect the Integrity of the Church 32.3. The Role of Judges in Israel 32.4. Confession, Confidentiality, and Reporting to Government Authorities 32.4.1. Confession 32.4.2. Serious Sins That Are Not Confessed or Are Denied 32.4.3. Gathering Information 32.4.4. Confidentiality 32.4.5. Reporting to Government Authorities 32.5. Settings for Helping a Person Repent 32.5. Settings for Helping a Person Repent 32.5.1. Overview of the Settings 32.5.2. Determining the Setting and Timing 32.6. Severity of the Sin and Church Policy 32.6. Severity of the Sin and Church Policy 32.6.1. When a Membership Council Is Required 32.6.2. When a Membership Council May Be Necessary 32.6.3. When the Stake President Counsels with the Area Presidency about Whether a Membership Council or Other Action Is Necessary 32.6.4. When a Membership Council Is Not Normally Necessary 32.7. Circumstances of the Person 32.7. Circumstances of the Person 32.7.1. Magnitude of the Sin 32.7.2. Interests of the Victim 32.7.3. Evidence of Repentance 32.7.4. Violation of Temple Covenants 32.7.5. Position of Trust or Authority 32.7.6. Repetition 32.7.7. Age, Maturity, and Experience 32.7.8. Mental Capacity 32.7.9. Voluntary Confession 32.7.10. Time between Sin and Confession 32.7.11. Sins Involving Members Who Live in Different Wards or Stakes 32.8. Personal Counseling and Informal Membership Restrictions 32.8. Personal Counseling and Informal Membership Restrictions 32.8.1. Personal Counseling 32.8.2. Helping People with Addictions 32.8.3. Informal Membership Restrictions 32.9. Participation and Responsibility 32.9. Participation and Responsibility 32.9.1. Stake President 32.9.2. High Council 32.9.3. Bishop (or Branch President in a Stake) 32.9.4. Mission President 32.9.5. District or Branch President in a Mission 32.9.6. Stake or Ward Clerk 32.9.7. Participation in Unusual Circumstances 32.9.8. Determining Which Leader Holds a Council in Special Circumstances 32.10. Procedures for Membership Councils 32.10.1. Give Notice and Prepare for the Council 32.10.2. Obtain Statements from Victims 32.10.3. Conduct the Council 32.11. Decisions from Membership Councils 32.11. Decisions from Membership Councils 32.11.1. Remains in Good Standing 32.11.2. Personal Counseling with the Bishop or Stake President 32.11.3. Formal Membership Restrictions 32.11.4. Withdrawal of Membership 32.11.5. Questions about Deciding Difficult Matters 32.11.6. First Presidency Authority 32.12. Notifications and Announcements 32.12. Notifications and Announcements 32.12.1. Notifying a Person of the Decision 32.12.2. Informing Others about a Decision 32.12.3. Communicating Resignation of Membership 32.13. Appeal of a Decision 32.14. Reports and Membership Records 32.14.1. Report of Church Membership Council 32.14.2. Formal Church Membership Restrictions 32.14.3. Records after a Person’s Church Membership Is Withdrawn 32.14.4. Records after Readmission to the Church 32.14.5. Membership Records with Annotations 32.14.6. Reporting Theft of Church Funds 32.14.7. Move Restrictions on Membership Records 32.14.8. Records of Those Who Are Incarcerated 32.14.9. Requests to Resign Membership 32.15. Continue to Minister 32.16. Removing Formal Restrictions or Being Readmitted to the Church 32.16.1. Membership Councils to Remove Formal Restrictions or Readmit a Person 32.16.2. Being Readmitted after Resigning Church Membership 32.17. Church Activity, Ordination, and Restoration of Blessings after Readmission 32.17.1. Church Activity and Ordination 32.17.2. Restoration of Blessings 33. Records and Reports 33.0. Introduction 33.1. Overview of Church Records 33.2. General Instructions for Clerks 33.3. Stake Records and Reports 33.3.1. Stake Presidency 33.3.2. Stake Clerk 33.3.3. Assistant Stake Clerks 33.4. Ward Records and Reports 33.4.1. Bishopric 33.4.2. Ward Clerk 33.4.3. Assistant Ward Clerks 33.4.4. Priesthood and Organization Leaders 33.5. Reports on Member Participation 33.5. Reports on Member Participation 33.5.1. Types of Reports 33.5.2. Membership Lists 33.6. Membership Records 33.6. Membership Records 33.6.1. Names Used in Church Records 33.6.2. Members of Record 33.6.3. Records of New Ward Members 33.6.4. Records of Members Who Move or Are Temporarily Away from Home 33.6.5. Out-of-Unit Member Records 33.6.6. Records of Members Serving outside Their Geographic Ward 33.6.7. Records of Young Single Adults 33.6.8. Records of Members Who Live in Hospitals or Care Facilities 33.6.9. Records of Members in Military Service 33.6.10. Records of Members Who Have Intellectual Disabilities 33.6.11. Records of Members Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing 33.6.12. Records of Adopted Children 33.6.13. Records of Children of Divorced Parents 33.6.14. Records with Annotations 33.6.15. Move Restrictions on Membership Records 33.6.16. Records from the “Address Unknown” File 33.6.17. Recording and Correcting Ordinance Information 33.6.18. Recording and Correcting Civil Information 33.6.19. Audits of Membership Records 33.7. Historical Records 33.7.1. Ward and Stake Histories 33.7.2. Church History 33.8. Confidentiality of Records 33.9. Records Management 33.9. Records Management 33.9.1. Protection 33.9.2. Retention 33.9.3. Disposition 33.10. Stake and Ward Technology Specialists 34. Finances and Audits 34.0. Introduction 34.1. Stake Financial Leadership 34.1.1. Stake Presidency 34.1.2. Stake Clerks 34.2. Ward Financial Leadership 34.2.1. Bishopric 34.2.2. Ward Clerks 34.3. Contributions 34.3. Contributions 34.3.1. Tithing 34.3.2. Fast Offerings 34.3.3. Missionary Funds 34.3.4. Additional Contributions 34.3.5. Philanthropies 34.3.6. In-Kind Donations, Including Tithing 34.3.7. Contributions Cannot Be Refunded 34.4. Confidentiality of Tithing and Other Offerings 34.5. Handling Church Funds 34.5. Handling Church Funds 34.5.1. Companionship Principle 34.5.2. Receiving Tithing and Other Offerings 34.5.3. Verifying and Recording Tithing and Other Offerings 34.5.4. Depositing Tithing and Other Offerings 34.5.5. Safeguarding Church Funds 34.5.6. Donation Statements 34.5.7. Managing Stake and Ward Payments 34.5.8. Cash Boxes 34.5.9. Keeping Financial Records 34.6. Budget and Expenditures 34.6. Budget and Expenditures 34.6.1. Stake and Ward Budgets 34.6.2. Budget Allowance 34.6.3. Funding Special Activities and Equipment 34.7. Audits 34.7.1. Stake Audit Committee 34.7.2. Stake Auditors 34.7.3. The Financial Audit 34.7.4. Area Auditors and Assistant Area Auditors 34.7.5. Loss, Theft, Embezzlement, or Misappropriation of Church Funds 34.7.6. Stake Clerk or Assistant Stake Clerk Assigned to Finances 34.7.7. For More Information 34.8. Taxes 34.8. Taxes 34.8.1. Tax-Exempt Status 34.8.2. Sales and Use Tax 34.8.3. Property Tax 35. Care and Use of Meetinghouses 35.1. Purpose 35.2. Roles and Responsibilities 35.2.1. Meetinghouse Facilities Department 35.2.2. Church Facilities Manager 35.2.3. Area Seventy 35.2.4. Stake Presidency 35.2.5. Stake Building Representative 35.2.6. Stake and Ward Technology Specialists 35.2.7. Bishopric 35.2.8. Agent Bishop 35.2.9. Ward Building Representative 35.2.10. Members 35.3. Providing Meetinghouses 35.3. Providing Meetinghouses 35.3.1. Groundbreaking Services and Dedicating Buildings 35.4. Maintaining Meetinghouses 35.4.1. Cleaning and Maintaining Meetinghouses 35.4.2. Requesting Repairs 35.4.3. Meetinghouse Inspection 35.4.4. Energy and Water Conservation 35.4.5. Safety and Security 35.5. Policies on Using Church Property 35.5. Policies on Using Church Property 35.5.1. Artwork 35.5.2. Building Uses That Are Not Allowed 35.5.3. Decorations 35.5.4. Emergencies 35.5.5. Firearms and Weapons 35.5.6. Flags 35.5.7. Historic Preservation 35.5.8. Nonprofit Use of Church Property 35.5.9. Parking Lots 35.5.10. Photographs and Video Recordings during Sacrament Meeting 35.5.11. Recreational Property 35.5.12. Serving Areas 35.5.13. Signs 35.5.14. Storage 35.5.15. Weddings and Receptions 36. Creating, Changing, and Naming New Units 36.0. Introduction 36.1. Creating or Changing Stakes and Districts 36.2. Creating or Changing Wards and Branches in Stakes 36.3. Creating or Changing Branches in Missions 36.4. Naming Church Units 36.4. Naming Church Units 36.4.1. Naming Stakes and Districts 36.4.2. Naming Wards and Branches 36.5. Implementing Proposed Changes 36.5.1. Stake and District Changes 36.5.2. Ward and Branch Changes 36.6. Basic Unit Program 37. Specialized Stakes, Wards, and Branches 37.0. Introduction 37.1. Language Wards and Branches 37.1. Language Wards and Branches 37.1.1. Membership in a Language Ward or Branch 37.1.2. Leadership in a Language Ward or Branch 37.2. Young Single Adult Wards and Branches in a Geographic Stake 37.2. Young Single Adult Wards and Branches in a Geographic Stake 37.2.1. Membership in a Young Single Adult Ward or Branch in a Geographic Stake 37.2.2. Leadership in a Young Single Adult Ward or Branch in a Geographic Stake 37.3. Young Single Adult Stakes and Their Wards and Branches 37.3. Young Single Adult Stakes and Their Wards and Branches 37.3.1. Membership in a Young Single Adult Stake and Its Wards or Branches 37.3.2. Leadership in a Young Single Adult Stake and Its Wards or Branches 37.4. Married Student Stakes and Wards 37.4. Married Student Stakes and Wards 37.4.1. Membership in Married Student Stakes and Wards 37.4.2. Leadership in Married Student Stakes and Wards 37.5. Single Adult Wards 37.5. Single Adult Wards 37.5.1. Membership in a Single Adult Ward 37.5.2. Leadership in a Single Adult Ward 37.6. Wards and Branches for Members in Special Circumstances 37.7. Groups in Stakes, Missions, and Areas 37.8. Church Units at Military Installations 38. Church Policies and Guidelines 38.1. Church Participation 38.1. Church Participation 38.1.1. Attendance at Church Meetings 38.1.2. Becoming a Church Member 38.1.3. Temple Attendance 38.1.4. Unmarried Member Participation and Blessings 38.1.5. Unwed Parents under Age 18 38.2. Policies for Ordinances and Blessings 38.2. Policies for Ordinances and Blessings 38.2.1. Interpreting Ordinances and Blessings into Another Language 38.2.2. Photographs, Recordings, and Transcriptions of Ordinances and Blessings 38.2.3. Streaming Ordinances 38.2.4. Ordinances for Those Who Have Intellectual Disabilities 38.2.5. Ordinances and Blessings Performed by and for Those Who Have Physical Disabilities 38.2.6. Validating or Ratifying Ordinances 38.2.7. Naming and Blessing Children 38.2.8. Baptism and Confirmation 38.2.9. Priesthood Ordination 38.2.10. Patriarchal Blessings 38.3. Civil Marriage 38.3. Civil Marriage 38.3.1. Who May Perform a Civil Marriage 38.3.2. Civil Marriage for Members from Other Units 38.3.3. Civil Marriage for Those Who Are Not Members of the Church 38.3.4. Civil Marriages Held in Church Buildings 38.3.5. Civil Marriages That Must Be Performed by a Public Official or in a Public Place 38.3.6. Civil Marriage Ceremony 38.4. Sealing Policies 38.4. Sealing Policies 38.4.1. Sealing of a Man and a Woman 38.4.2. Sealing Children to Parents 38.5. Temple Clothing and Garments 38.5.1. Temple Clothing 38.5.2. Obtaining Temple Clothing and Garments 38.5.3. Garments and Temple Clothing for Members Who Have Disabilities or Allergies 38.5.4. Making Temple Aprons 38.5.5. Wearing and Caring for the Garment 38.5.6. Wearing the Garment in the Military 38.5.7. Disposing of Garments and Ceremonial Temple Clothing 38.5.8. Temple Burial Clothing 38.6. Policies on Moral Issues 38.6. Policies on Moral Issues 38.6.1. Abortion 38.6.2. Abuse 38.6.3. Artificial Insemination 38.6.4. Birth Control 38.6.5. Chastity and Fidelity 38.6.6. Child Pornography 38.6.7. Donating or Selling Sperm or Eggs 38.6.8. Female Genital Mutilation 38.6.9. Fertility Treatments 38.6.10. Incest 38.6.11. In Vitro Fertilization 38.6.12. The Occult 38.6.13. Pornography 38.6.14. Prejudice 38.6.15. Same-Sex Attraction and Same-Sex Behavior 38.6.16. Same-Sex Marriage 38.6.17. Sex Education 38.6.18. Sexual Abuse, Rape, and Other Forms of Sexual Assault 38.6.19. Single Expectant Parents 38.6.20. Suicide 38.6.21. Surgical Sterilization (Including Vasectomy) 38.6.22. Surrogate Motherhood 38.6.23. Transgender Individuals 38.7. Medical and Health Policies 38.7.1. Autopsies 38.7.2. Burial and Cremation 38.7.3. Children Who Die before Birth (Stillborn and Miscarried Children) 38.7.4. Euthanasia 38.7.5. HIV Infection and AIDS 38.7.6. Hypnosis 38.7.7. Individuals Whose Sex at Birth Is Not Clear 38.7.8. Medical and Health Care 38.7.9. Medical Marijuana 38.7.10. Organ and Tissue Donations and Transplants 38.7.11. Prolonging Life (Including Life Support) 38.7.12. Self-Awareness Groups 38.7.13. Vaccinations 38.7.14. Word of Wisdom and Healthy Practices 38.8. Administrative Policies 38.8.1. Adoption and Foster Care 38.8.2. Affinity Fraud 38.8.3. Audiovisual Materials 38.8.4. Autographs and Photographs of General Authorities, General Officers, and Area Seventies 38.8.5. Businesses 38.8.6. Church Employees 38.8.7. Church Magazines 38.8.8. Church Name, Wordmark, and Symbol 38.8.9. Computers 38.8.10. Copyrighted Materials 38.8.11. Curriculum Materials 38.8.12. Directories 38.8.13. Dress and Appearance 38.8.14. Extreme Preparation or Survivalism 38.8.15. Fast Day 38.8.16. Gambling and Lotteries 38.8.17. Guest Speakers or Instructors 38.8.18. Immigration 38.8.19. Internet 38.8.20. Internet, Satellite, and Video Equipment 38.8.21. Laws of the Land 38.8.22. Legal Counsel for Church Matters 38.8.23. Mailbox Use 38.8.24. Members’ Communication with Church Headquarters 38.8.25. Members’ Employment 38.8.26. Members with Disabilities 38.8.27. Ministering to Members Affected by Crime and Incarceration 38.8.28. Other Faiths 38.8.29. Political and Civic Activity 38.8.30. Privacy of Members 38.8.31. Privately Published Writings 38.8.32. Recording, Transcribing, or Streaming Messages by General Authorities, General Officers, and Area Seventies 38.8.33. Referring to the Church and Its Members 38.8.34. Refugees 38.8.35. Requests for Church Financial Assistance 38.8.36. Research in the Church 38.8.37. Respecting Local Restrictions for Sharing the Gospel 38.8.38. Safety in Church Welfare and Self-Reliance Operations 38.8.39. Scriptures 38.8.40. Seeking Information from Reliable Sources 38.8.41. Seminars and Similar Gatherings 38.8.42. Support to Members in Hospitals and Care Centers 38.8.43. Taxable Activities 38.8.44. Taxes 38.8.45. Travel Policies 38.9. Military Relations and Chaplain Services 38.9. Military Relations and Chaplain Services 38.9.1. Stake Military Relations Leadership 38.9.2. Ward Military Relations Leadership 38.9.3. Pre–Military Service Church Orientation 38.9.4. Church Units for Service Members 38.9.5. Group Leaders in Remote Areas or War Zones 38.9.6. Missionary Service and Military Obligation 38.9.7. Latter-day Saint Chaplains 38.9.8. Wearing the Garment in the Military 38.9.9. Senior Missionary Couples 38.9.10. Other Information