This thread was started in response to comments in posts in the
Temple Caravan Administration System regarding financing, or handling finances of, temple caravan trips to the temple.
tomw wrote:That is a very interesting project. The challenge to this project would be getting the money handled properly.
MorettiDP wrote:In my opinion, Tom, the money transactions are not the biggest problem in this case. In our stake, for example, there are two ways to pay for travel to the temple:
(1st) Members pay directly to the "other" field using the form Tithes and Other Offerings, which the ward clerk then transfers the money for the stake and notify the leader of group of high priests that the payment was made by each member (the more practical way, in my opinion); or
(2nd) The member pays directly to the leader of group of high priests of the ward, then he delivered all the money to the ward clerk (which had already noted who had paid), the clerk deposited the money in "other" field of the unit as the unit as "donor" and then transfers the money usually for the stake.
Since the financial Church rules varies from one country to another, "the way that money road to get into Church bank accounts" isn't the principal problem at this product.
From what you describe as to how the funds for these caravan trips to the temple is handled, Diego, Tom has a valid concern. My concern abut your comments, Diego, is more focused on the second method of paying for the travel to the temple. Any time the Church is involved in any financial transactions, the procedures they have established to protect the Church, Church leaders, and those handling the funds must be followed. The Church Handbook of Instructions, the instructons for MLS, and the on-line training at lds.org outline those policies and procedures. While I am not familiar with procedures for getting funds into the financial institutions outside the United States and Canada, I am relatively certain that the procedures for handling funds is the same. To have anyone other than members of the bishopric/branch presidency receive funds is contrary to Church policies and procedures. This creates potential situations for mishandling of the funds.