Our brother had his name removed from the records of the church while he was living.
He is now deceased and our parents want to do temple work for him.
When they attempt to do this, will they be able to see that his name was removed? Will they still be allowed to do this work?
Does the church have any policy or advice on this type of temple work?
Name removed while living - temple work possible?
-
- New Member
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Wed May 18, 2022 8:57 pm
-
- Community Administrator
- Posts: 35798
- Joined: Sat Jan 20, 2007 2:53 pm
- Location: U.S.
Re: Name removed while living - temple work possible?
General Handbook 28.3.5:
Persons Whose Church Membership Was Withdrawn or Who Resigned Membership
If persons either had their Church membership withdrawn or had resigned membership before they died, First Presidency approval is required before temple ordinances, including restoration of blessings when applicable, can be performed for them. A family member may seek this approval in a letter to the Office of the First Presidency after one year has passed since the person’s death. The letter should explain the circumstances. No form is required. The bishop or stake president may assist with this request as needed.
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.
So we can better help you, please edit your Profile to include your general location.
-
- New Member
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Wed May 18, 2022 8:57 pm
Re: Name removed while living - temple work possible?
Thanks for your quick response!
Will membership records indicate his status when they request permission? At present they do not know about his name removal - he chose not to share it with them while he was alive because he knew it would cause them pain.
Will membership records indicate his status when they request permission? At present they do not know about his name removal - he chose not to share it with them while he was alive because he knew it would cause them pain.
-
- Community Administrator
- Posts: 35798
- Joined: Sat Jan 20, 2007 2:53 pm
- Location: U.S.
Re: Name removed while living - temple work possible?
I'm not sure. What they'd likely find is no record of the ordinances they would expect to see, such as his baptism. If they did find/match a record, then perhaps they'd know. As long as he has been deceased for a year, I'd go ahead and try to add him to your tree, search for duplicates and see what happens.
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.
So we can better help you, please edit your Profile to include your general location.
-
- Church Employee
- Posts: 3025
- Joined: Mon Feb 09, 2009 4:55 pm
- Location: Riverton, Utah
Re: Name removed while living - temple work possible?
FamilySearch systems will not allow them to request the ordinances because of the membership record status. If I understand the process correctly, they will be directed to contact FamilySearch for assistance without specific details of what is going on. I'm not sure what happens from there.
The fact that they are going to need to request approval from the First Presidency makes it likely that they are going to discover what has happened unless you work through that request without involving them.
The fact that they are going to need to request approval from the First Presidency makes it likely that they are going to discover what has happened unless you work through that request without involving them.
-
- New Member
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Wed May 18, 2022 8:57 pm
Re: Name removed while living - temple work possible?
Okay I think I understand - the system itself will prevent it.
He died one month ago and they planned to do ordinances in June.
He died one month ago and they planned to do ordinances in June.
-
- Community Administrator
- Posts: 35798
- Joined: Sat Jan 20, 2007 2:53 pm
- Location: U.S.
Re: Name removed while living - temple work possible?
FamilySearch will not allow any proxy work until a year after death. That's global, not because of this situation.
So they're going to have to wait until April or so.
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.
So we can better help you, please edit your Profile to include your general location.
-
- Church Employee
- Posts: 3025
- Joined: Mon Feb 09, 2009 4:55 pm
- Location: Riverton, Utah
Re: Name removed while living - temple work possible?
The policy has changed. See General Handbook 28.1:russellhltn wrote: ↑Thu May 19, 2022 1:01 am FamilySearch will not allow any proxy work until a year after death. That's global, not because of this situation.
Unfortunately, the circumstances in 28.3.5 are applicable. Since your brother resigned his membership, they will need to wait until at least one year after his death and request First Presidency approval prior to completing the ordinances. I don't think there is any way you're going to get through this without having an unpleasant conversation with your parents to explain the circumstances.Except as noted in 28.3, proxy ordinances may be performed for all deceased persons as soon as 30 days have passed from their date of death if either of the following applies:
- A close relative of the deceased (undivorced spouse, adult child, parent, or sibling) submits the name for temple ordinances.
- Permission to perform the ordinances is received from a close relative of the deceased (undivorced spouse, adult child, parent, or sibling).
-
- Senior Member
- Posts: 2749
- Joined: Sun May 09, 2010 9:16 pm
- Location: Washington, USA
Re: Name removed while living - temple work possible?
To the OP: If it helps, one of my adult sons resigned his church membership a few years ago. While deeply disappointed, we respect his agency and love him anyway. Through fasting and prayer and relying on our Savior who heals all wounds, I think your parents will work through it OK.