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We have an investigator who wants to know if they can record and/or have a live feed of their baptismal service to family members who are out town. I believe that ordinances are not recorded in this manner, but can someone point me to an official handbook reference / letter from the 1st Presidency? I see in Handbook 2 where funerals are not to be broadcast, but see no mention of baptism services.

Depending on what part of the building is used and interpretation of "chapel", Handbook 1: 8.4.15 may come into play.

But Handbook 1: 16.1.6 is probably what you're looking for.

Yes, that is what I was looking for. Thanks!

For those without the benefit of Handbook 1, the answer to the original poster's question is the church doesn't allow recordings or photographs of certain ordinances, such as baptism.

Handbook 1: 8.4.15 is repeated in Handbook 2: 21.2.10, which prohibits broadcasting from the chapel except for stake conference.

Handbook 1: 16.1.6 prohibits photos or videos of priesthood ordnance, including baptisms.

Handbook 1 is no longer visible/available on the site (even as a member), so does it no longer apply if Handbook 2 does not state anything about it? Including the fact that most Baptismal fonts are not in the chapel in the first place?

DHShadow wrote:Handbook 1 is no longer visible/available on the site (even as a member), so does it no longer apply if Handbook 2 does not state anything about it? Including the fact that most Baptismal fonts are not in the chapel in the first place?

Handbook 1 has never been available to the general membership. It is only available to certain ward and stake leaders. And, yes, the the policy against photos and videos of priesthood ordinances and baptismal services still applies. The prohibition applies regardless of where the ordinance takes place.

I am glad to have found this post. As the Church has gotten more social media friendly, I feel that the topic of taking pictures, selfie's where ever and whenever in the Church building has been getting out of hand and the main culprit has been from the Church's AV department. (If my comment can be redirected to those department please let me know how).

Policy 21.2.10 states:
"Photographs, Video Recordings, and Broadcasts in Chapels

Taking photographs or making video recordings in chapels is not permitted. Meetings and other events that are held in the chapel may not be broadcast over the Internet or by any other means (see 18.3.1 for an exception)."

and policy 21.1.6 states:
"Autographs and Photographs of General Authorities and Area Seventies

Church members should not seek the autographs of General Authorities or Area Seventies, including signing in their scriptures, hymnals, or programs. Doing so detracts from their sacred callings and the spirit of meetings. It also could prevent them from greeting other members.

Members should not take photographs of General Authorities or Area Seventies in chapels."

Yet when I visit the Mesa Temple Visitor Center down here in AZ, I see a full on baptism performed in one of the Church's videos. Arm at a square, dunk, come out of the water and hug. From Oct. 2016 talk I saw two times pictures during the talks of young men passing the sacrament. To the policy 21.1.6 of not taking pictures of General Authorities in Chapels. I love Pres. Nelson, but if you go to his personal twitter account he has a selfie of him with service volunteers taken while he is standing at the podium. A selfie taken from someone of Pres. Nelson smiling at the podium with the entire congregation of volunteers behind him! Go check it out. It seems the rule only applies if we as members want to take pictures with the GA, but if that GA wants a selfie in a Chapel it is ok? Double standard.

Please understand, I am a member that does not have a bone to pick at all. This issue is personal for me. A rule that I have lived and maintained all my life. I just do not like to see this double standard. If the rules have relaxed and selfie's are ok in the Chapel and baptisms are ok, then let us know. We would all like to have memories for ourselves.

One more thing. Please don't reply back that these are actors performing these ordinances for Church related purposes. With out a small title at the bottom of the photo or video saying so, how can you explain to the members that what you are seeing were actors in a controlled setting. I don't buy it. Steve Riggs, Tucson, AZ

Interpret as you will, but the following is an excerpt from the May Safely Returning To Church letter

Baptism and confirmation. Baptism and confirmation requires approval of priesthood
leaders with the appropriate keys. Baptismal services may be held with as few as four
people, or more where allowed. Others can view the baptism using remote technology.
Until sacrament meetings return to normal schedules, converts may be confirmed
immediately after their baptism rather than in a sacrament meeting. The Aaronic Priesthood
may also be conferred upon males of the appropriate age immediately following their
baptism and confirmation, under the direction of the bishop.

jakerose wrote:Interpret as you will ...

Please note that this thread is four years old. A lot has changed in that time to include the General Handbook replacing Handbook 1 and Handbook 2 as well as the new 'normal' of the pandemic. The General Handbook is still undergoing changes to those previous policies as witnessed in the recent releases. Adaptation to the conditions of the pandemic are definitely affecting changes in policy, whether temporary or permanent is yet to be seen.