10 December 2020
Bishops and Branch Presidents…
One of you asked if the new flexibility we have with meeting attendance also means we can now conduct interviews or even ward council meetings in person?
Originally (around summer) the word from the Area Presidency was to keep those types of meetings virtual only. As you can see by the attached Sept. 11 document from the First Presidency, that those types of meetings are to be “virtual or safely in person.” So both options are there.
Our Area Seventy has confirmed that this decision now resides at the stake and ward level.
We therefore leave it to bishoprics and branch presidencies to counsel together in making this decision for your ward or branch. However, we remind you that Covid cases and deaths are surging and we’ve been urged by the First Presidency to exercise an abundance of caution in all that we do.
A good rule of thumb is to simply ask those who would attend a meeting or interview as to whether they feel comfortable in meeting in person. We recommend that you always provide the virtual option. We don’t want anyone to feel obligated either by leaders or peers to do anything they think might jeopardize their health.
Another good rule of thumb is to ask yourself: “Is there a valid reason that this meeting should be face-to-face or can we accomplish the same thing virtually?” A setting apart would be considered one of those valid reasons.
So..just because we can doesn’t mean we should.
If you choose to hold in-person meetings and interviews, remember that indoor safety guidelines are still required, including wearing face coverings and social distancing.
We hope this is helpful. Thank you for prayerfully counseling together on this matter for your ward or branch. We support your decision.
Stake Presidency
Originally (around summer) the word from the Area Presidency was to keep those types of meetings virtual only. As you can see by the attached Sept. 11 document from the First Presidency, that those types of meetings are to be “virtual or safely in person.” So both options are there.
Our Area Seventy has confirmed that this decision now resides at the stake and ward level.
We therefore leave it to bishoprics and branch presidencies to counsel together in making this decision for your ward or branch. However, we remind you that Covid cases and deaths are surging and we’ve been urged by the First Presidency to exercise an abundance of caution in all that we do.
A good rule of thumb is to simply ask those who would attend a meeting or interview as to whether they feel comfortable in meeting in person. We recommend that you always provide the virtual option. We don’t want anyone to feel obligated either by leaders or peers to do anything they think might jeopardize their health.
Another good rule of thumb is to ask yourself: “Is there a valid reason that this meeting should be face-to-face or can we accomplish the same thing virtually?” A setting apart would be considered one of those valid reasons.
So..just because we can doesn’t mean we should.
If you choose to hold in-person meetings and interviews, remember that indoor safety guidelines are still required, including wearing face coverings and social distancing.
We hope this is helpful. Thank you for prayerfully counseling together on this matter for your ward or branch. We support your decision.
Stake Presidency
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