“Should we tell others about our patriarchal blessings?” New Era, Dec. 1974, 11–12
“Should we tell others about our patriarchal blessings?”
Answer/Brother Doyle L. Green
Perhaps this question could be answered by analyzing information provided for those who might wish to obtain copies of patriarchal blessings from the Historical Department of the Church in the event the original copy has been lost or accidentally destroyed.
1. Any person may obtain a copy of his own patriarchal blessing.
2. Direct descendants may obtain copies of blessings of their deceased ancestors.
3. Direct descendants may obtain copies of blessings of living ancestors with the written approval of such ancestors.
4. Progenitors may obtain copies of blessings of their direct descendants.
5. Husbands and wives may obtain copies of each other’s blessings.
This information, published in the latest edition of Suggestions to Patriarchs, emphasizes the idea that although patriarchal blessings are given for the comfort, guidance, and encouragement of individuals, they may still be shared with their families. In fact, concerned parents, grandparents, and older brothers and sisters can often help interpret the meaning of blessings and give encouragement to the recipients to live worthy to receive those blessings.
On other appropriate occasions persons may feel impressed to refer to promises made or instructions given in their blessings; however, it would ordinarily seem out of harmony with the spirit of the program to read blessings, to quote at length from them, or to discuss them in detail outside intimate family groups.