30 August 2017
Bishops and Branch Presidents,
Lately we have had a number of stake and ward disciplinary councils. Typically when someone is excommunicated or disfellowshipped, they are given “terms” of their discipline including precise limitations regarding their participation in public Church meetings. For instance, usually they are instructed not to partake of the sacrament, not to use their priesthood (including temple attendance), not to sustain Church officers, etc.
Handbook 1 Section 6.9.3 states for those excommunicated: “He may attend public Church meetings, if his conduct is orderly, but his participation in such meetings is limited the same as for disfellowshipped members.”
In 6.9.2 it states for those disfellowshipped: “He is encouraged to attend public Church meetings, if his conduct is orderly, but he may not give a talk, offer a public prayer, partake of the sacrament, or participate in the sustaining of Church officers.”
In the past we have defined “limited participation” to include not participating in class discussions, not bearing testimony, and not singing in the choir. As I have met with these brethren in follow-up visits, several have expressed that one of the most painful aspects of the discipline has been the prohibition to participate in class discussions. It touched my heart and I began to prayerfully ponder the matter, study again the instructions in the Handbook, and seek counsel from the stake presidency and others.
I’ve concluded that I may have gone beyond the spirit of the Handbook’s definition of “participation in public Church meetings.” We invite you to consider the following guidelines in addressing this with those under formal discipline with whom you may be counseling in your ward or branch .
Possibly the key phrase in the Handbook is not “limited participation,” but “If his conduct is orderly.” In other words, as long as the member doesn’t verbally attack priesthood leaders, vocalize bitterness about the disciplinary process or bring shame to himself by divulging his disciplined status, we want him or her to feel the Spirit of the Lord by: (1) answering questions and expressing feelings in class discussions; (2) bearing testimony in class; and (3) singing the hymns including participate in choirs and special musical numbers. In short, a disciplined member should have at least some of the same privileges in public Church meetings as a non-member.
We do not encourage allowing the person to bear his or her testimony in the monthly Testimony Meeting. A testimony over the pulpit is akin to giving a talk, which is specifically prohibited by the Handbook.
Finally, we leave to your judgment as to the level of participation you feel is appropriate for each individual within the specified terms outlined in the Handbook and/or in the follow-up letter from the stake presidency.
While this change may heighten the risk that the disciplined member will be asked to give a prayer, substitute teach a lesson or receive other requests that will make it awkward to respond, we feel the blessing of feeling included, wanted and needed outweigh the risk. We want these wonderful members, who willingly walk the thorny path of Church discipline and repentance, to feel some restriction of Church membership privileges, but not feel ostracized.
Will you please communicate this change immediately to any with whom this may apply in your ward or branch? Yes, you may forward this email to them, if you feel appropriate.
Thank you,
President Lewis
P.S. The attached letter originated soon after a brother in our stake, who was under formal discipline, was called on to give a prayer in his High Priest group meeting and he had to decline. It was very embarrassing for him. Will you please remind leaders and instructors that all public prayers are to be assigned privately in advance.
No comments:
Post a Comment