Bishop (Name),
Thank you for your inquiry regarding your call as bishop if you were to move outside the ward.
The First Presidency office said they would allow us some wiggle room so that you could continue to serve for a time at the stake presidency’s discretion.
We counseled together as a stake presidency and while we have no interest in releasing you, we feel strongly the precedent of allowing you to serve for an extended time has the potential of causing pain, even offense, to many members, who have wanted to remain in their ward but were only allowed to continue attending up to three months.
The stake presidency feels that if favorable treatment were given to a bishop, even though he’s a strong bishop and would be living a very short distance outside his ward boundaries, it’s a precedent that would open the door to many tough, even hurtful, discussions affecting many members for years to come. Where members are given three months after leaving their ward to find permanent residence, we feel they would be understanding if a bishop were allowed six months to remain in the ward after he moves.
By the way, you’re not the first in our stake to face this. (Name), the YM president in the (Name) Ward, moved into that ward—unbeknownst to us—around six months before he was finally released as first counselor in the Milwaukie Stake Presidency (he is a contractor and they were living in a temporary residence on the property, I believe, and finally notified us of their location when the home was completed). Greg Brown was bishop of the Sandy River Ward and moved into Keith Hansen’s home in the Walters Hill Ward. He was allowed to serve a few months (I believe three months) after their move, but was replaced soon thereafter.
We are so happy that you and (wife) have found a home so favorable, one that could be a true blessing to you and your family in the years to come. While we’re not happy about the prospect of you being released from your calling because of the move, we recognize these long-term decisions, such as a home purchase, are important and should receive serious, prayerful consideration. You are a very talented, gifted man and will be used by the Lord wherever you live. We would not fault you for a minute, if you choose the home over your calling. Nor do we believe the Lord would fault you. He knows your heart, your talents and your faithfulness and will always be mindful of you.
If you haven’t viewed the Face-to-Face event with Elders Oaks and Ballard on Sunday night, you may find very interesting Elder Oaks’ comments during the last 10 minutes, I believe, where he quotes Elder Bruce R. McConkie about agency and inspiration…where Elder McConkie suggests that we don’t need inspiration to determine if someone is the “right person" to marry; that the Lord trusts us to make wise decisions, which he then validates and helps us make the best of whatever we decide.
I know this isn’t the answer you desired. The first time I served as a bishop, I was released after 16 months due to a move (granted, it was a move out of state, not a 1-minute drive away). It was a painful decision and I acknowledge that I had those feelings that I was abandoning the Lord. But we survive and come to realize those choices are not as monumental to Him as they are to us. And, as life goes forward in faithfulness, we are remembered still.
I hope this is helpful. Thank you for being a stalwart bishop. We will respect and honor whatever decision you make.
President Lewis
No comments:
Post a Comment