Some discussions just don't fit into a well defined box. Use this forum to discuss general topics and issues revolving around the Church and the technology offerings we use and share.
ansonbentley wrote:We've just been informed today, by our Bishop, that we are now to stop passing of the sacrament in anyone's homes other than our own.
The bishop holds the keys for your ward. Follow his instructions. Other ward bishops and stake presidents may have given different instructions to priesthood holders in the units over which they preside.
That said, it is interesting to note that our bishop just gave the same instruction this afternoon to our elders quorum president. And so our two wards, under the inspired leadership of our two bishops, will be following the same instruction for now.
I am very pleased to hear that Stake presidents and Bishops are advising that the Sacrament is not to be ministered outside of the eligible priesthood holders home. Since March 12th when the directive to hold sacrament mtgs in the home was given, due to a rise on COVID-19 cases, many countries have tightened their legislation around who can leave their homes and for what purpose. Ministering to another person by taking them the sacrament puts too many people at risk during a lockdown period. Whether the Priesthood holder is happy to go or not, they are compromising the good work of those who are keeping to the lockdown and risking the safety of others. I live in new Zealand where some Stake Presidents have given the directive not to take the Sacrament to other peoples homes, including my own Stake President. Other Stake Presidents however are still waiting for a directive from the Area presidency, who in turn are waiting for a directive from SLC, even though are Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has declared a State of National Emergency and has advised everyone except for essential services to stay at home. This should not be something that's left to the discretion of a Stake President. Please, please SLC, in the interests of health and safety, and keeping the law of the land, advise your Area Authorities to cease allowing the sacrament to be taken to other peoples homes.
We believe ... in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law. (Article of Faith 12.)
To administer the sacrament outside of church requires permission from the bishop. Just because priesthood leaders have not said anything does not give priesthood holders authority to take the sacrament to others on their own. If priesthood leaders have not said anything, they have not given permission. The sacrament should not be taken to others unless specific permission is given.
And at the moment, it appears that permission should not be given, especially in places where local laws and orders prohibit visiting and other travel.
lajackson wrote:Just because priesthood leaders have not said anything does not give priesthood holders authority to take the sacrament to others on their own. If priesthood leaders have not said anything, they have not given permission. The sacrament should not be taken to others unless specific permission is given.
In the days just after all meetings were canceled worldwide, some bishops did give permission. In which case, they'll need to rescind that.
My bishop gave such permission after the meetings were canceled, but changed that after the local government announced a "stay at home" policy.
Have you searched the Help Center? Try doing a Google search and adding "site:churchofjesuschrist.org/help" to the search criteria.
So we can better help you, please edit your Profile to include your general location.
The most recent communication from the bishop of my ward is that ministering brothers who hold the office of priest or who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood may take the sacrament to the families they are officially assigned to minister to, as long as all parties are comfortable with it. Just a personal opinion: I'm glad the Church (last I heard) is leaving the decision to stake presidents and bishops, because risk factors and government restrictions vary by locale and with time.