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Can Relief Society Pres have Endowed Temple recommend holder list

Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 8:07 am
by barkep-p40
My Relief Society Pres would like the The endowed temple recommend list. My bishop and 1st counsilor in stake Presidency are not sure if she can have this list.

Paul Barker

Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 8:11 am
by jbh001
What is her rationale for needing the list?

Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 8:39 am
by barkep-p40
She wants to be able to invite sisters to the temple and help other sisters get back to the temple.

Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 9:50 am
by The_Earl
Your stake president should take this up with his leadership. We here on the forum can only offer our opinions, not authoritative answers.

Thanks
The Earl

Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 10:24 am
by aebrown
The Earl wrote:Your stake president should take this up with his leadership. We here on the forum can only offer our opinions, not authoritative answers.
I'd like to offer a contrasting opinion. I don't think a stake president should think he has to bother anyone above him with such a question. There is no printed policy on this particular point (at least that I can find anywhere), so he can under inspiration make the decision for his stake. I believe the Church gives us written policy on the matters that are critical, and on any other topics, local leaders should make their best decisions, following the letter and spirit of existing policy, and following the guidance of the Spirit in everything.

For that matter, I don't see any problem with the bishop making such a decision himself. There's nothing wrong with him counseling with his stake presidency (that's a good thing to do if he is unsure), but a Relief Society president is supposed to be aware of a wide variety of confidential issues. As long as the bishop instructs her properly on the need to take extreme care with the information, I see nothing wrong with him making such a decision. He may well decide not to give her that information, and I see nothing wrong with that decision, either. It's within the authority and responsibility he has, as long as neither the stake president nor any higher authority has taken an opposing policy position on the topic.

Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 2:09 pm
by gregneg
barkep wrote:She wants to be able to invite sisters to the temple and help other sisters get back to the temple.
She is part of the Welfare Committee (Spiritual Welfare *is* part of that) --- she is a confidant of the Bishop in many matters. Her mantle (yes, she has one) requires her to work in those areas. The specific individuals should be a matter of mutual concern.

The Bishop may be more comfortable in "targeting" specific people/families, or working with the list in a meeting, rather than letting a printout out of the chapel offices.

Sustaining RS President, or paper control?

Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 2:13 pm
by gregneg
barkep wrote:She wants to be able to invite sisters to the temple and help other sisters get back to the temple.
She is part of the Welfare Committee (Spiritual Welfare *is* part of that) --- she is a confidant of the Bishop in many matters. Her mantle (yes, she has one) requires her to work in those areas. The specific individuals should be a matter of mutual concern.

The Bishop may be more comfortable in "targeting" specific people/families, or working with the list in a meeting, rather than letting a printout out of the chapel offices.

Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 8:08 pm
by jbh001
barkep wrote:She wants to be able to invite sisters to the temple and help other sisters get back to the temple.
She doesn't need a list to do that when a tactful invitation will do: "Next Thursday is Ward Temple Day. If you are able to go, I want to invite you to join me at the temple."

I do something similar with ward choir practice telephone calls:

"Hi, this is brother <me>. I am calling to invite you to ward choir practice tomorrow at 9:00 AM. If you are able to make it that's great. And if you're not able to make it, you're invited just the same. I hope to see you there."

On the other hand, a list can be tacky:

"Sister Smith, the bishop gave me a list that shows your temple recommend expired 4 years ago, and I was wondering what we can do as a Relief Society Presidency to help you get back to the temple?"

I think love, empathy, and a heaping dose of tact is the best way to get to know those under your stewardship, not a list. Think "shepherd," not "sheep herder."

Then again, I'm not your bishop or in your stake presidency. They may have (or may need to seek) specific insight into this highly localized decision.

Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 9:37 pm
by lajackson
Another way I have seen this done without giving out the list is for the bishop to let the Relief Society president know privately whether a sister has a current recommend or is endowed.

My personal feeling is that the bishop needs to know about all of the members, and the RS president should know about any of the sisters with whom she and her presidency are working. But that information can be relayed without actually printing up a list and handing it out.

Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 9:50 pm
by mkmurray
I don't think anything more can (nor should) be said on this topic. This thread has become more a discussion of opinion and experience regarding local policy. I think it would be best if we put it to rest before it goes further.

The only counsel that matters is to consult with and sustain your local leaders. There really isn't a clear cut guideline from Church HQ on who should have access to sensitive information and who shouldn't.