Priesthood at activities.

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mansella
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Priesthood at activities.

#1

Post by mansella »

Does there have to be a priesthood holder at RS activities? I thought there was a statement released recently stating there did not need to be priesthood as long as there’s leaders.
russellhltn
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Re: Priesthood at activities.

#2

Post by russellhltn »

I'm not sure what the old Handbook said, but the current one: 35.3.5
Leaders instruct members—especially women and youth—not to be alone in Church buildings.
I thought the prior Handbook said that no one should be alone in a unlocked building.

That's not to say your stake or Area Authorities may have added some requirements as different areas face different threats.
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BrianEdwards
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Re: Priesthood at activities.

#3

Post by BrianEdwards »

The most recent letter that refers to this that I'm aware of (for the USA/Canada) was sent Oct 2019, and contains the same wording that's now in the General Handbook. As both this letter as well as the Handbook do not make any mention about Priesthood presence, I agree that unless you receive specific guidance for your Area/Stake, the Church currently doesn't require a two-deep male presence, rather simply the standard minimal two-deep adult presence (both of same gender unless married couple) anytime anyone is in the building.
Lynchfam27
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Re: Priesthood at activities.

#4

Post by Lynchfam27 »

Has anyone been able to review this recently?

The section mentioned in one comment 35.3.5 doesn't exist in the handbook. And there were only two letter issued by the church in October 2019, neither reference leadership at the buildings. I'm wondering if the guidance has changed and these sections removed from the handbook and communication archives? Also what the new standard is.
BrianEdwards
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Re: Priesthood at activities.

#5

Post by BrianEdwards »

I believe things are the same as when I responded last year. The current LCR homepage has a link "Church Security Resources", which in turn has a link for "Church policy for security at meetinghouses", which is the same 2019 letter referenced above. And although that letter references HB1 for policy, it still appears to be the most recent "standard" for us to use.

No requirement is listed for brothers or Melchizedek Priesthood holders to be present. The closest language I see is
Avoid being alone in Church buildings. Leaders instruct members—especially women and youth—not to be alone in Church buildings
russellhltn
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Re: Priesthood at activities.

#6

Post by russellhltn »

All I can find at this point in the General Handbook is 20.7.1:
At least two adults must be present at all Church activities attended by children and youth.
Again, none of this prevents local leadership from imposing additional rules for safety given the conditions in their area.
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