Tech Forum

Hi, I'm a ward clerk and Assistant Stake Clerk - Technology Specialist. I was approached today by an active member of my ward who asked if I could help an inactive friend in another ward/stake find her Member ID to use for familysearch.org. The inactive friend doesn't want to approach her ward to get her member ID.

They gave me the inactive friend's full name and birth date and I did find her record but did not yet transfer them into my own ward. I'm just not sure of the proper procedure to follow in this case. Is there a way the inactive friend can get her member id without going to her bishop/clerk (and without me breaking rules)? The friend is a single adult, if that matters.

I don't know of any strict rules about handling the MRN, but I can't think of a good way of handing this either. MRNs are somewhat sensitive since they can be used to "hack" the LDS Account and the donation history it contains.

Note that she can still use FamilySearch without a MRN, it's just that she can't see any temple ordnance information.

One might wonder about the motives of a less-active member who wants to access FamilySearch Family Tree, especially one who refuses any contact from her own ward.

You could. I have no idea of her past. But, she is reportedly warming up and genealogy is a way of helping her return. And, I think I trust the member who made the request. She seems genuinely desirous to do genealogical work as fully as possible.

If her parents are active, they could contact their ward clerk. Her MRN is visible to that clerk on the parents' membership records.