Why we ask bishoprics not to dismiss from the pulpit the Young Men after they pass the sacrament

Bishop (Name),

It was a joy to be with you today. I enjoyed your testimony. I believe there was widespread support for your call.

Thank you for asking and thank you for eliminating the extra organ playing.

We’ve worked hard to train bishoprics to not dismiss the young men from the pulpit or draw attention to them. Our preference is that the YM excuse themselves and go and sit with their families. 

I know this goes counter to what you’re asking to do, so I appreciate you asking.

It’s not a huge thing, but our concerns about dismissing the YM from the pulpit are the following:

• It draws attention to the young men and thus may take away from the ordinance itself;

• It gives the YM a “pat on the back” potentially making the young women feel neglected or that they’re not as important to the ward;

• It takes time away (just like the extra organ playing) from the speakers, who have so precious little time now with the shortened sacrament meeting;

• It adds an element of regimentation that we want to avoid.

Sorry! Again, thanks for asking. Please do not dismiss the YM after the sacrament.

Hope this helps,

President Lewis