New Convert Record wanting the names/birthdates of his children

[silvad]

We recently had a convert baptism and when the clerk tried to approve the record, it asked for his children's birthdates and names and wouldn't let it go through without it. Do we know why this requirement is there? The mother of the children is hesitant to provide that information, which is the only reason I ask.

[russellhltn]

I don't remember reading about entering non-member children for a new convert in the Handbook.

I'd having a hard time imagining that "the system" even knows about the children unless someone has indicated that he has some. As for the reason, I'm not sure. Given privacy rules in various countries. I'm a bit surprised they'd insist on names and birthdates.

[jdlessley]

I would ask the missionaries who started the convert record if they entered anything related to children, such as answering a question in the positive about children.

[silvad]

I’m certain the missionaries did indicate that he has children, but I don’t understand why it’s not letting our clerk complete the record without it. It’s very odd.

[jdlessley]

If after talking to the missionaries I would call the GSD to find out what is happening. There may be a bug or some oddity. Hopefully they have an answer or can fix it so the record can be created. If, or when, you find out the cause, please post what the outcome was.

[BrianEdwards]

We recently went through something similar. I find it a bit odd that the missionaries are not instructed in the baptismal interview, to explain exactly what information the Church will keep in its records (the baptismal record form in the missionaries area planner app. doesn't list everything the clerk needs), to resolve any concerns prior to baptism. That said, when a convert is baptized, the Bishop and Clerk do receive an email requesting they complete the membership record, which includes "Please review the pending record to verify the accuracy of the new member’s personal information, including name, address, baptism and confirmation dates, and family relationships." So family relationships are intended to be included in the member's record, which in practice means children's names and birthdates.

Perhaps the Bishop could meet with the new member, listen to the concerns and questions, and possibly offer to also meet with the mother of the children to allay concerns about what information is being retained, who has access to that information, and what information will never be stored. There may be more than simple privacy concerns, and if for instance the mother has strong feelings about her children not participating in the Church that the father has joined, it would be good for the Bishop to get acquainted with those details.

As a stop-gap measure, I believe (?!?) the clerk should be able to go into the record approval, un-toggle the "has children" section (or whatever it is), and complete the record without any listing of children. Then handle that aspect as it gets resolved, but at least the record would be created. But that's just a guess as to whether that's possible once the "has children" toggle has been checked.

[silvad]

After talking to the missionaries our clerk called support and was told that we should answer "no" to the children question and then add it later if possible. We did that and the bishop is meeting with him today to discuss his covenant path and hopefully with broach the subject and explain the reasoning better than I could.

I understand the sentiment behind wanting to gather the information, but I guess I (nor anyone else I have discussed it with) have ever been in a position where that's been asked of a new convert. This feels like a new policy, and I think the training on it to both sides could have been better (or even happen at all). I scoured the handbook and couldn't find anything relating to it.