In response to Marlo and Marcee Dean's desire to remain in the Powell Valley Ward after having their records moved five years ago

Dear Marlo and Marcee,

I realize this is a tough decision and there’s a lot of history that caused your records to be moved into the Powell Valley Ward in the first place more than five years ago.

However, the bottom line is that Handbook 1 (13.6) is very specific about membership records, stating that for us to keep your records in the Powell Valley Ward requires bishop, stake president and First Presidency approval. I don’t know if the original record move was ever made with First Presidency approval, I only know that both the bishops and myself no longer feel there is adequate cause or reason that justifies us to seek First Presidency approval. 

The reasons that caused the move in the first place have been eliminated (collapse of the City of Damascus), as you indicated, and there has been no negative reaction or feedback (only positive!) to your calling to the High Council, which suggests to us that any objections or hard feelings that apparently arose within the stake five years ago also no longer exist.

Even more importantly, we want you to both be able to progress spiritually. As you well know Marlo, having served faithfully for many years as a bishop, that whenever members go against the counsel of priesthood leaders they find themselves in that awkward position or spiritual dilemma described in Paul’s experience (Acts 9) and in D&C 121:38: “…he is left unto himself, to kick against the pricks…”

You have both created many deep and lasting relationships in the Powell Valley Ward. So we know asking you to return to the Damascus Ward will not be easy. That’s why I’ve tried to give you as much time and latitude as possible. Speaking of latitude, the Handbook does allow members in temporary residence and seeking full-time residence up to three months to remain in their home ward (or the ward they’re leaving) until they find permanent residence, at which time we must transfer their membership records. If they don’t find permanent residence within three months, then we must send the records to the ward where their temporary residence is located.

If remaining in the Powell Valley Ward means that much to you, would you be willing to seek permanent residence within the Powell Valley Ward boundaries? If so, we can extend your stay in that ward for another three months while you seek a permanent residence within the Powell Valley Ward boundaries.

Otherwise, I have no choice but to return your membership records to the Damascus Ward.

Please know of our love and admiration for you both. You have been through a great deal and we have tried to be sensitive to all the suffering you’ve had to endure. We are so grateful that the threats and offenses appear to be well behind us. We have faith that the Lord will soften hearts, if needed, to make your return to the Damascus Ward a wonderful, welcoming experience. You are missed and needed in that ward, where you are dearly loved and where you served faithfully for so many years.

Thank you for your willingness to follow priesthood counsel and trust in the Lord that He will bring healing in your home and in the hearts of others, if needed, as you return to the Damascus Ward.

With love and gratitude for your many contributions to our stake,

President Lewis