Priesthood Presence in church buildings

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kpackrondo
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Priesthood Presence in church buildings

Post by kpackrondo »

I’ve been searching the handbook to find out if we still are required to have Priesthood in the building for all activities and I cannot find an answer. It appears that all guidelines have been removed for that. Does anyone know for sure?
russellhltn
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Re: Priesthood Presence in church buildings

Post by russellhltn »

That may have been the guideline at one time. I think the current one is no one should be alone in an unlocked building. But I'm having trouble even finding that.
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lajackson
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Re: Priesthood Presence in church buildings

Post by lajackson »

kpackrondo wrote: Fri Feb 16, 2024 11:45 am I’ve been searching the handbook to find out if we still are required to have Priesthood in the building for all activities and I cannot find an answer.
The only requirement I see is in General Handbook 20.7.1 which says at least two adults must be present at all Church activities attended by children and youth.

In addition, General Handbook 35.5.3 says that members may request to use a meetinghouse within their stake for personal or family activities. The use must be supervised in person by a responsible adult member of a ward that meets in the meetinghouse.
russellhltn
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Re: Priesthood Presence in church buildings

Post by russellhltn »

Note that local leaders may impose additional rules based on past experience and the neighborhood the church building is located in.
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BrianEdwards
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Re: Priesthood Presence in church buildings

Post by BrianEdwards »

I think the "never be alone in a church building" language perhaps has been included in the safety guidelines, and not the handbook. For example, the most recent safety letter sent out on Feb 5 of this year (only available via LCR)
Updated Global Security Guidelines for Church Meetings and Events
contains the guidance to "Avoid being alone in Church buildings." Additionally, there's nothing specific about either "Priesthood Holders" or even "Two Male Adults". So to the O.P., having two adult sisters in the building seems to meet the worldwide guidance (of course, local adaptations may take precedence).

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