General Instructions
An ordinance is a sacred act, such as baptism, that is performed by the authority of the priesthood. The ordinances of baptism, confirmation, Melchizedek Priesthood ordination (for men), and the temple endowment and sealing are required for exaltation for all accountable persons. These are called the saving ordinances. As part of each saving ordinance, the recipient makes covenants with God.
Priesthood blessings are important for the blessing, comfort, and encouragement of God's children.
Brethren who perform ordinances and blessings should prepare themselves by living worthily and striving to be guided by the Holy Spirit. They should perform each ordinance and blessing in a dignified manner, making sure it meets the following requirements:
When ordinances or blessings are performed in sacrament meeting, the bishop ensures that they are performed properly. To avoid embarrassing a priesthood holder, the bishop quietly corrects errors only if essential elements of the ordinance or blessing are incorrect.
Participation in Ordinances and Blessings
Only brethren who hold the necessary priesthood and are worthy may perform an ordinance or blessing or stand in the circle. Those who participate are usually limited to priesthood leaders, close family members, and close associates such as home teachers.
When several brethren participate in an ordinance or blessing, each one places his right hand lightly on the person's head (or under the baby being blessed) and his left hand on the shoulder of the brother to his left. Large numbers of brethren are discouraged from participating in a single ordinance or blessing.
Leaders encourage worthy fathers who hold the necessary priesthood to perform or participate in ordinances and blessings for their own children.
Family members are usually invited to attend when a person receives an ordinance or blessing.
Performing an Ordinance or Blessing in Another Ward
To act as voice when naming and blessing a child, baptizing or confirming a person, ordaining a person to a priesthood office, or dedicating a grave, a priesthood holder who is outside his own ward should show the presiding officer a current temple recommend or a Recommend to Perform an Ordinance form (obtained from his bishopric).
Teaching How to Perform Ordinances and Blessings
Priesthood leaders teach brethren how to perform ordinances and blessings. Leaders also help fathers be prepared and worthy to perform ordinances and blessings for family members.
Instructions for Ordinances and Blessings
In addition to this section, instructions for performing most ordinances and blessings are published in the "Melchizedek Priesthood" section of Book 2. Instructions for ordinances that Aaronic Priesthood holders may perform are also published in the "Aaronic Priesthood" section of Book 2.
Priesthood leaders should not produce or use publications that give instructions for ordinances, blessings, or prayers unless the First Presidency has authorized such publications.
Translating and Interpreting Ordinances and Blessings
If necessary, a bishop may ask a worthy priesthood holder to translate orally an ordinance or blessing into a language that the recipient understands.
The bishop also may ask a worthy priesthood holder to interpret an ordinance or blessing if the recipient is hearing impaired.
Records of Ordinances
The complete date that the following ordinances were performed should be recorded on a person's membership record: baptism, confirmation, priesthood ordination, temple endowment, and temple sealing.
Recording the Words of Ordinances and Blessings
Patriarchal blessings are recorded and transcribed. The exact wording of other ordinances and blessings is not recorded in writing or by recording device. However, a family may record father's blessings.
Photographs and Video Recordings of Ordinances and Blessings
No one should take photographs, motion Pictures, or video recordings of priesthood ordinances or blessings or of baptismal services.
Ordinances for Adopted Children
After a legal adoption is final, adopted children receive ordinances in the surname of their adopting parents. An older child who is adopted and who has been baptized is not baptized again. The ward clerk changes the membership record to conform to the decree of adoption.
Ordinances for Persons Who Have Mental Disabilities
When contemplating ordinances for a person who has a mental disability, priesthood leaders and parents prayerfully consider the person's wishes and degree of understanding. Ordinances should not be withheld if the person is worthy, wants to receive them, and demonstrates an appropriate degree of responsibility and accountability. Living persons whose disabilities cause them to have the mental capacity of little children may not be accountable (see D&C 29:46-50). The saving ordinances do not need to be performed for these persons.
If leaders determine that a person should receive an ordinance, they help him or her understand and prepare for it.
For information about baptism for persons who have mental disabilities, see pages 26-27. For information about priesthood ordination, see page 33. For information about patriarchal blessings, see page 35.
For information about temple ordinances, see pages 67 (living members) and 76 (deceased persons). A bishop should consult with his stake president if he has questions about specific persons. The stake president may direct questions to the Office of the First Presidency if necessary.
Ordinances and Blessings Performed by and for Persons Who Have Physical Disabilities
Persons who have physical disabilities such as the loss of one or both arms, paraplegia, quadriplegia, or hearing impairment may perform and receive ordinances and blessings. Leaders make the necessary arrangements for these persons to participate in a way that their disabilities allow. If there are questions that local leaders cannot resolve, the stake president refers them to the Office of the First Presidency.
Persons who are hearing impaired may communicate through sign language when performing or receiving an ordinance or blessing. If an ordinance or blessing is performed under the direction of a presiding officer, he ensures that the recipient can understand it through an interpreter or by other means.
Procedure When an Ordinance Is Not Valid
Ordinances for Which There Is No Valid Record
An ordinance is not valid unless at least the correct year it was performed is recorded ^ on the membership record. If the date is missing or incorrect, the ordinance can be validated by the member showing the bishop the original certificate that was issued when the ordinance was performed. The bishop then asks a clerk to record this information on the membership record.
If the member cannot provide the certificate, a ward clerk can ask for a search of Church records (available only for records submitted before 1984) by completing a Request for Ordinance Information form.
If the information cannot be found in Church records, the bishop or clerk may try to verify the ordinance by obtaining the testimony of two witnesses. The two witnesses should:
If this testimony is obtained, the bishop may authorize a clerk to record or correct the date on the membership record.
If the ordinance is not verified by an original certificate, a search of Church records, or the testimony of witnesses, it must be performed again to be valid.
If the member has received other ordinances after having received an invalid ordinance, they must be ratified by the First Presidency to be valid. The stake president (or the bishop under his direction) may request ratification by sending a letter to the Office of the First Presidency.
Ordinances That Were Received out of Sequence
An ordinance is not valid if a person received it out of sequence. For example, the endowment of a male member is not valid if he received it before receiving the Melchizedek Priesthood. However, the First Presidency may ratify such an ordinance. To request ratification, the stake president (or the bishop under his direction) sends a letter to the Office of the First Presidency.
Ordinances That Were Performed before the Appropriate Age
An ordinance is not valid if it was performed before the appropriate age. For example, a baptism is not valid if it was performed before the person was eight. If no other ordinances have been received based on the invalid ordinance, it should be performed again. If other ordinances, such as priesthood ordination, have been received based on the invalid ordinance, those ordinances and the invalid ordinance must be ratified by the First Presidency to be valid. To request ratification, the stake president (or the bishop under his direction) sends a letter to the Office of the First Presidency.
Records of Ordinances That Were Performed Again
If an ordinance was performed again to become valid, a clerk records the date it was performed again on the membership record even if it will appear out of sequence with the dates of other ordinances on the membership record.
Naming and Blessing Children
General Guidelines
"Every member of the church of Christ having children is to bring them unto the elders before the church, who are to lay their hands upon them in the name of Jesus Christ, and bless them in his name" (D&C 20:70). In conformity with this revelation, only worthy Melchizedek Priesthood holders may participate in naming and blessing children. Priesthood leaders should inform members of this instruction before their children are named and blessed. While preserving the sacred nature of the blessing, leaders should make every reasonable effort to avoid embarrassment or offense to individuals or families.
Children normally should be named and blessed during fast and testimony meeting in the ward where the parents are members of record.
Babies Who Were Born out of Wedlock
Children who were born out of wedlock may be blessed during fast and testimony meeting. Or, if a family prefers, the bishop may authorize Melchizedek Priesthood holders to bless the child in the home, with a member of the bishopric presiding.
Babies Who Are Critically Ill
If a newborn infant is critically ill, a Melchizedek Priesthood holder may perform the naming and blessing in the hospital or at home without previous authorization from the bishop. A person who does this should notify the bishop promptly so necessary records can be made.
Babies with a Nonmember Parent
When either of a child's parents is a nonmember, the bishop should obtain verbal permission from both parents before the child is blessed. He explains that a membership record will be prepared for the child after the blessing. He also should tell them (1) that ward members will contact them periodically and (2) that when the child turns eight the bishop or the stake missionaries will visit them and propose that the child be baptized.
Instructions for Naming and Blessing a Child
When blessing a baby, Melchizedek Priesthood holders gather in a circle and place their hands under the baby. When blessing an older child, brethren place their hands lightly on the child's head. The person who gives the blessing:
When a child is to be blessed, the parents complete the top portion of a Child Blessing Record and Certificate form. They return the completed form to a member of the bishopric. After a child is blessed ' the bishop ensures that the record and certificate are completed and distributed according to instructions with the form.
If a baby is born out of wedlock, the name on the membership record and certificate of blessing should match the name on the birth certificate or civil birth registry. If a birth certificate or civil birth registry does not exist, the naming conventions of the local culture are used.
Baptism
Under the direction of the presiding authority, children should be baptized on or as soon after their eighth birthday as reasonable. Converts should be baptized when they have met the qualifications on pages 252-33 in Book 2.
Preparing Children for Baptism
Bishops give special attention to seven-year-old children in the ward, ensuring that their parents, Primary leaders and teachers, and home teachers help them prepare for baptism. Melchizedek Priesthood leaders also encourage parents to teach and prepare their children for this ordinance. When children reach age eight, the bishop makes sure they have every opportunity to accept the gospel an be baptized.
Baptismal Interviews
A priesthood leader who is authorized to issue a Baptism Record form interviews each person before baptism. Instructions are provided in the Baptism Record book. The interviewer prepares himself to be guided by the Spirit and by the counsel in Doctrine and Covenants 20:37, 68-69.
Eight-Year-Old Children
The bishop interviews each eight-year-old child who is a member of record and has at least one member parent or guardian.
Converts
The full-time missionary district leader normally interviews prospective converts for baptism. The zone leader conducts the interview if the person was taught by the district leader.
Convert baptisms are defined as baptisms of (1) persons ages nine and older and (2) children age eight whose parents are both nonmembers. Former members who are readmitted by baptism after excommunication or name removal are not converts. Missionaries may not interview them for baptism.
Authorization of the mission president is required before a prospective convert may be baptized if the person:
Each prospective convert should meet with the bishop before baptism. However, the bishop does not interview converts for baptism unless authorized by the mission president as explained in the preceding paragraph.
Persons Who May Not Be Accountable
Members who have mental disabilities and cannot knowingly repent may be considered by the bishop as not accountable. These persons need not be baptized, regardless of their age. They are "saved in the celestial kingdom of heaven" (D&C 137:10; see also -8 Moroni 8. 9-12).
If a person later demonstrates an understanding of repentance and an appropriate degree of account ability and desire, he or she may be baptized. If a person was baptized but later becomes mentally disabled, the baptism is still valid.
For additional guidelines, see page 24. For information about the membership records of persons who may not be accountable, see page 128.
Minors
A minor child may be baptized only if the custodial parent(s) or legal guardian(s) consent and if local leaders have good reason to believe that the child understands the baptismal covenant and will make every effort to keep it through obedience to the gospel, including faithfully attending Church meetings.
Children Whose Parents Are Divorced
A child whose parents are divorced may be baptized if the parent(s) with legal custody gives permission. If the mother has custody and has remarried ' and if the child is not formally adopted but has assumed the surname of the stepfather, the child may be baptized in the name by which he or she will be known.
Children Whose Parents Have Been Excommunicated for Practicing Plural Marriage
Children of parents who have been excommunicated for practicing plural marriage must receive approval from the First Presidency to be baptized. The bishop may request this approval through the stake president when he is satisfied that the children (1) accept the teachings and doctrines of the Church and (2) repudiate the teachings that caused their parents' excommunication.
Persons Who Are Married
A married person is not baptized without the consent of his or her spouse.
Persons Who Have Been Excommunicated or Had Their Names Removed from Church Records
Persons who have been excommunicated may be readmitted into the Church by baptism. Instructions are provided on pages 104-6.
Persons who have had their names removed from Church membership records may be readmitted by baptism. Instructions are provided on pages 130-31.
Persons Who Have HIV Infection or AIDS
Persons with HIV infection or AIDS are treated as anyone else who expresses faith in God, repents, requests baptism, and is living the gospel of Jesus Christ (see Articles of Faith 1:1 and 1:4).
Persons Who Have Been Convicted of Crimes
Persons who have been convicted of crimes and seek baptism for the first time or baptism for readmission into the Church are not baptized until they complete their terms of imprisonment, parole, or probation resulting from their convictions (unless the First Presidency has granted an exception). They are encouraged to work closely with local priesthood leaders and to do everything they can to become worthy of baptism.
A person who has been convicted of, or who has confessed to, murder (even in private confessions to a priesthood leader) may not be baptized unless the First Presidency gives permission. The request for permission to baptize must include all pertinent details as determined during a personal interview by the mission president (if the person is seeking baptism for the first time) or bishop (if a former member is seeking readmission).
Persons Who Are Considering or Have Undergone a Transsexual Operation
Persons who are considering an elective transsexual operation should not be baptized. Persons who have already undergone an elective transsexual operation may be baptized if they are otherwise found worthy in an interview with the mission president or a priesthood leader he assigns. Such persons may not receive the priesthood or a temple recommend.
Baptismal Fonts
Missionaries coordinate their use of a baptismal font with the agent bishop or another person designated by the stake presidency. The schedule for using a font should permit missionaries to baptize once a week or more often, if necessary. However, missionaries should not expect to use a font at unreasonable times. No charge is made for using a baptismal font.
When a baptismal font is not available, any body of water that is safe may be used for a baptism if it is large enough to immerse the person and to permit the priesthood holder who performs the baptism to stand in the water with the person. Water is not dedicated for baptisms.
Clothing for Baptism
A person who performs a baptism and a person who is baptized wear white clothing that does not appear transparent when it is wet. An endowed person wears the temple garment under this clothing while performing a baptism.
Local units should have baptismal clothing available and should not charge for its use. This clothing is purchased with budget allowance funds. The bishop may ask Relief Society sisters to clean and mend the clothing.
Baptismal Services
Baptismal services should be simple, brief, and spiritual. Normally, stake or ward leaders conduct monthly baptismal services for all eight-year-old children of record in the stake or ward. Members should not request special or individual times or prescribe the content of baptismal services.
A member of the stake presidency or bishopric presides over baptismal services for eight-year-old children of record. He may conduct the services or assign a member of the stake mission presidency or a ward mission leader to conduct them under his direction.
The ward mission leader usually plans and conducts baptismal services for converts. If a convert baptismal service involves more than one ward, a member of the stake mission presidency may plan and conduct it or ask a ward mission leader to do so. If ward or stake mission leaders are not available, full-time missionary district or zone leaders may plan and conduct the service. A member of the bishopric should attend.
Baptismal services for converts should be scheduled when it is convenient for them and when they have committed to be baptized. Baptisms should not normally be delayed past this date unless the investigators are not yet prepared. Baptisms of family members should not be delayed so the father can receive the priesthood and perform the baptisms himself.
The scheduling of baptismal services should be coordinated with ward leaders. If a service is scheduled on a Sunday, it should be held at a time that minimizes interference with regular Sunday meetings. Baptismal services should not be scheduled on Monday evenings.
People who may be invited to a baptismal service include the person's family members, other close relatives, close friends, priesthood leaders, home teachers, visiting teachers, auxiliary officers and teachers who will be working with the new member, and investigators who are being taught.
For further instructions about baptismal services, including an outline of what a service may include, see pages 253-54 in Book 2.
Witnesses of a Baptism
Two priests or Melchizedek Priesthood holders witness each baptism to make sure it is performed properly. The baptism must be repeated if the words are not spoken exactly as given in Doctrine and Covenants 20:73 or if part of a person's body or clothing was not immersed completely.
Instructions for Performing a Baptism
Under the direction of the presiding authority, a worthy priest or Melchizedek Priesthood holder may perform the ordinance of baptism. To do so, he:
After baptism, the bishop or full-time missionary who prepared the person ensures that the Baptism Record is distributed according to instructions on the form. After receiving a copy of this form, Church headquarters or the administration office sends a record of baptism to the ward. The record of baptism is replaced by a new or updated membership record after confirmation.
Confirmation
General Guidelines
A person receives the ordinance of confirmation after he or she has been baptized (see D&C 20:41). A person is considered a member of the Church after the ordinances of baptism and confirmation are both completed (see John 3:5; D&C 33:11).
The bishop ensures that the confirmation is performed as soon as reasonable after baptism. Eight-year-old members of record may be confirmed at the baptismal service or in a fast and testimony meeting,
Converts may be confirmed in any sacrament meeting of the ward in which they reside. Converts are not confirmed at the baptismal service.
The bishop or one of his counselors participates in the confirmation. When missionary elders have taught a convert, the bishop may invite them to participate in the confirmation.
The bishop does not conduct a separate interview for confirmation.
Instructions for Performing a Confirmation
Under the direction of the bishopric, one or more Melchizedek Priesthood holders may participate in
this ordinance. They place their hands lightly on the person's head. Then the person who performs the
ordinance:
See page 127
Record of Confirmation and Certificate of Baptism and Confirmation
After a person is confirmed, the bishop ensures that the Confirmation Record/Baptism and Confirmation Certificate is completed and distributed according to instructions with the form. After receiving
a copy of the form, Church headquarters or the administration office sends a new or updated member
ship record to the ward.
If a child's parents are divorced, his or her legal name, as defined by local law or custom, should be recorded on the membership record and the certificate.
Sacrament
General Guidelines
Church members meet on the Sabbath to worship God and partake of the sacrament (see D&C 20:75; 59:9). During this holy ordinance, they partake of bread and water in remembrance of the Savior's flesh and blood and to renew their baptismal covenants (see Matthew 26:26-28; Joseph Smith Translation, Mark 14:20-25; Luke 22:15-20; 3 Nephi 18; Moroni 6:6).
Under the direction of the bishopric, priesthood holders bless the sacrament and pass it to members of the congregation during each sacrament meeting. Aaronic Priesthood holders usually perform these duties. However, Melchizedek Priesthood holders may bless and pass the sacrament when there are not enough Aaronic Priesthood brethren or if the bishop occasionally invites them to do so.
Every priesthood holder who participates in this ordinance should understand that he is acting on behalf of the Lord. The bishopric encourages priesthood holders to ponder the Savior's Atonement as they prepare, bless, and pass the sacrament. The bishopric also ensures that priesthood holders have a reverent, dignified attitude as they participate in this ordinance.
Priesthood holders should wash their hands thoroughly with soap or a disposable towelette before preparing, blessing, or passing the sacrament. They should dress modestly and be well groomed and clean. Clothing or jewelry should not call attention to itself or distract members during this ordinance.
A priesthood holder who has committed a serious transgression should not prepare, bless, or pass the sacrament until he has repented and resolved the matter with his bishop.
Although the sacrament is for Church members, the bishopric should not announce that it will be passed to members only, and nothing should be done to prevent nonmembers from partaking of the sacrament.
Preparing the Sacrament
Worthy teachers, priests, and Melchizedek Priesthood holders may prepare the sacrament. Before the meeting begins, those who prepare the sacrament should make sure that bread trays with unbroken bread, water trays with cups filled with fresh water, and clean tablecloths are in place.
Sacrament tablecloths should be white, nontransparent, clean, and pressed. Sacrament trays should be kept clean. Sacrament trays and cups are available from Church distribution centers.
Blessing and Passing the Sacrament
Worthy priests and Melchizedek Priesthood holders may bless the sacrament. Worthy deacons, teachers, priests, and Melchizedek Priesthood holders may pass the sacrament.
As the congregation sings the sacrament hymn, the priesthood holders who will bless the sacrament reverently stand, remove the cloth that covers the bread trays, and break the bread into bite-sized pieces. When they finish breaking the bread, they should sit down and wait for the hymn to be completed. (Vocal solos or instrumental selections may not replace this hymn.)
Following the hymn, the person who blesses the bread kneels and offers the sacrament prayer for the bread (see D&C 20:77). The sacrament prayers were revealed by the Lord (see D&C 20:77,79; Moroni 4-5). The bishop makes sure they are spoken clearly, accurately, and with dignity. If the person who blesses the sacrament makes an error in the wording but corrects it himself, no further correction is required. If the person does not correct an error, the bishop indicates that he should repeat the prayer correctly. In doing so, the bishop should be careful to avoid causing embarrassment or distracting from the sacred nature of the ordinance.
After the prayer, deacons or other priesthood holders pass the bread to the congregation in a reverent and orderly manner. The presiding officer receives the sacrament first. The bishop (or a counselor in his absence) presides at the sacrament meeting unless a General Authority, Area Authority Seventy, or member of the stake presidency is sitting on the stand. A high councilor does not preside and does not receive the sacrament first.
When brethren finish passing the bread, they return the trays to the sacrament table. Those officiating at the sacrament table replace the cloth over the bread trays and uncover the water trays. The person who blesses the water kneels and offers the sacrament prayer for the water (see D&C 20:79), substituting the word water for wine.
After the prayer, deacons or other priesthood holders pass the water to the congregation. When they finish, they return the trays to the sacrament
table, wait for the officiators to cover the trays, then reverently take their seats.
Everyone who attends the meeting should be reverent during the entire ordinance of blessing and passing the sacrament. No music should be played during the prayer or while the sacrament is being passed.
Sacrament for Members Who Are Unable to Attend
See page 56.
Consecrating Oil
One or more Melchizedek Priesthood holders must consecrate olive oil before it is used to anoint the sick or afflicted. No other oil may be used. To do this, a priesthood holder:
Administering to the Sick
Only Melchizedek Priesthood holders may administer to the sick or afflicted. Two or more of them normally do it together, but one may do it himself. If consecrated oil is not available, a blessing may nevertheless be given by the authority of the priesthood.
A father who holds the Melchizedek Priesthood should administer to sick members of his family. He may ask another Melchizedek Priesthood holder to assist him.
Brethren should administer to the sick at the request of the sick person or of someone who is vitally concerned so the blessing will be according to their faith (see D&C 24:13-14; 42:43-44, 48-52). Melchizedek Priesthood holders who visit hospitals should not solicit opportunities to administer to the sick.
If a person requests more than one blessing for the same illness, the priesthood holder need not anoint with oil after the first blessing. Instead, he gives a blessing by the laying on of hands and the authority of the priesthood.
Administering to the sick has two parts: (1) anointing with oil and (2) sealing the anointing.
Anointing with Oil
The anointing is done by one Melchizedek Priesthood holder. He:
Normally, two or more Melchizedek Priesthood holders place their hands lightly on the head of the person. The one who seals the anointing:
Melchizedek Priesthood Offices
Stake President's and Bishop's Responsibilities
The stake president oversees the conferral of the
Melchizedek Priesthood and ordination to the offices of elder and high priest. However, the bishop usually initiates recommendations for these ordinations. With the approval of the stake presidency, the bishop interviews the member as instructed on the Melchizedek Priesthood Record and Certificate form.
After the bishop interviews the member, the stake
president or one of his counselors conducts a thorough, searching interview as instructed on the Melchizedek Priesthood Record and Certificate form. He also makes sure the member understands the oath and covenant of the priesthood and agrees to live by it (see D&C 84:33-44).
After the interview, the stake presidency asks the high council to sustain the decision to ordain the person. The stake presidency then presents the person for a sustaining vote in a general session of stake conference or in a stake general priesthood meeting (see D&C 20:65, 67; 26:2; 42:11). The person should stand while the congregation gives a sustaining vote. The member of the stake presidency may say:
"We propose that [name] receive the Melchizedek Priesthood and be ordained an elder [or we propose that (name) be ordained a high priest]. Those in favor may manifest it by the uplifted hand. [Pause briefly for the sustaining vote.] Those opposed, if any, may manifest it. [Pause briefly to allow for a dissenting vote, if any.]"
The person who is being presented should participate in the sustaining vote. If more than one person is being presented, they usually may be sustained as a group.
If a member in good standing gives a dissenting vote, a member of the stake presidency confers with him or her in private after the meeting. The officer determines whether the dissenting vote was based on knowledge that the person is guilty of conduct that should disqualify him from being ordained to the priesthood office.
Some brethren may need to be ordained before they can be presented in a general stake meeting. When this occurs, the member is presented in his ward sacrament meeting for a sustaining vote. His name is then presented in the next general stake meeting to ratify the ordination.
When the necessary interviews and approvals are completed, the ordination is performed according to the instructions on page 33.
Elders
Worthy brethren may receive the Melchizedek Priesthood and be ordained elders when they are at least 18 years old. However, because of individual circumstances, such as a young man's maturity, school graduation, and desire to continue with peer group associates, the bishop may allow a worthy 18-year-old to remain a priest for a period of time. By age 19, all brethren should be affiliated with the elders quorum as elders or prospective elders.
Before brethren ages 18 and older leave home for reasons such as school, employment, or military service, they should be ordained elders if they are worthy.
Recently baptized brethren ages 18 and older are ordained elders after they have served as priests, developed sufficient understanding of the gospel, and demonstrated their worthiness- No specific time as a member is required.
High Priests
Brethren are ordained high priests when they are called to a stake presidency, high council, or bishopric or when otherwise determined by the stake president. However, bishops' counselors in student wards need not be ordained high priests.
Aaronic Priesthood Offices
Bishop's Responsibility
The bishop oversees the conferral of the Aaronic Priesthood and ordinations to the offices of deacon, teacher, and priest. Worthy brethren may be ordained at the following minimum ages:
Deacon, age 12
Teacher, age 14
Priest, age 16
The bishop personally interviews brethren who are to be ordained deacons, teachers, or priests to determine if they are worthy. Before interviewing a young man for priesthood ordination, the bishop obtains permission from the young man's parents or guardians.
If a member is found worthy in an interview, the bishop completes the top portion of the Aaronic Priesthood Record and Certificate form. He or one of his counselors presents the member in sacrament meeting for the sustaining vote of members (see D&C 20:65). This should follow the pattern for presenting brethren for Melchizedek Priesthood ordination (see page 31). If a member in good standing gives a dissenting vote, a member of the bishopric confers with him or her in private after the meeting.
After the sustaining vote, the ordination is performed by or under the direction of the bishop according to the instructions on page 33.
Young Men Whose Parents Are Divorced
A young man whose parents are divorced may be ordained to Aaronic Priesthood offices if the parent(s) with legal custody gives permission. If the mother has custody and has remarried, and if the young man is not formally adopted but has assumed the surname of, the stepfather, he may be ordained in the name by which he is known.
Recently Baptized Brethren
Brethren ages 12 and older who have recently been baptized should receive the Aaronic Priesthood and be ordained to the appropriate office within a reasonable period after their baptism and confirmation. Brethren ages 16 and older are ordained priests. Brethren ages 19 and older are also prospective elders (see the following heading).
Recently baptized brethren need to be interviewed by the bishop and sustained by a vote of ward members in a sacrament meeting before they are ordained to an Aaronic Priesthood office. Therefore, they are not ordained on the day they are baptized.
Baptisms of family members should not be delayed so the father can receive the priesthood and perform the baptisms himself.
Prospective Elders
A prospective elder is a male Church member, age 19 or older, who does not hold the Melchizedek Priesthood. Married brethren who are younger than 19 and do not hold the Melchizedek Priesthood are also prospective elders.
The bishop interviews prospective elders regularly and works closely with leaders in the elders quorum and high priests group to prepare prospective elders to advance in the priesthood. If a prospective elder is not already a priest, he should be ordained a priest as soon as he is worthy. He does not need to be ordained a deacon or teacher first. He may be ordained an elder when he has developed sufficient understanding of the gospel and demonstrated his worthiness.
For more information about prospective elders, see page 168 in Book 2.
Unusual Circumstances
Brethren Who Have Not Lived in the Same Ward for at Least One Year
If a member has not lived in the same ward continuously for at least one year, the bishop contacts
the prior bishop to certify the member's worthiness before approving him for Aaronic Priesthood ordination or recommending him for Melchizedek Priesthood ordination.
If a person is ordained while he is living away from home temporarily, and if his membership record is still in his home ward, the bishop of the ward where he is ordained advises the bishop of the home ward so the membership record can be updated. The certificate of ordination is prepared in the ward where the ordination is performed.
Brethren in Young Single Adult Wards, Single Adult Wards, and Student Wards
Worthy brethren ages 18 and older in young single adult wards, single adult wards, and student wards should be ordained elders. Brethren who are not ordained elders are affiliated with the elders quorum as prospective elders.
Military Servicemen in Isolated Areas
If a serviceman is at sea for an extended time, or if his duty station is in a war zone or is not within the boundaries of a stake or mission, usually he is ordained in the ward that has his membership record. In most cases this is the ward that supports the duty station.
As an exception, if it is not feasible for such a serviceman to be interviewed or ordained in the ward that has his membership record, his service member group leader may meet with him. If the group leader feels that the serviceman is ready to be ordained, he makes a written recommendation to the presiding officer of the Church unit that oversees the service member group. For ordination to Aaronic Priesthood offices, the presiding officer may authorize the group leader or a Latter-day Saint chaplain to interview the person and oversee the ordination. For ordination to the office of elder, the stake or mission president may authorize a Latter-day Saint chaplain to interview the person and oversee the ordination. AR ordinations should be sustained or ratified as explained in this section.
Brethren Who Have Mental Disabilities
Priesthood leaders decide whether brethren who have mental disabilities should receive the priesthood. If the member lives with parents or guardians, priesthood leaders consult with them. To be ordained, a member who has a mental disability should first demonstrate an appropriate degree of accountability and an understanding of responsibility. Priesthood holders who have such disabilities should be assisted so they can participate as fully as possible.
Brethren Who Have Been Readmitted by Baptism
For instructions about ordaining brethren who have been readmitted by baptism after being excommunicated or having their names removed from the membership records of the Church, see page 106.
Members Who Have Undergone a Transsexual Operation
Members who have undergone an elective transsexual operation may not receive the priesthood.
Instructions for Performing an Ordination
When the necessary interviews and approvals are completed:
After a Melchizedek Priesthood ordination, the stake president ensures that the Melchizedek Priesthood Record and Certificate is completed and distributed according to instructions with the form.
After an Aaronic Priesthood ordination, the bishop ensures that the Aaronic Priesthood Record and Certificate is completed and distributed according to instructions with the form.
If a young man's parents are divorced, his legal name, as defined by local law or custom, is recorded on the Aaronic Priesthood ordination certificate.
Father's Blessings and Other Blessings of Comfort and Counsel
Father's blessings and other priesthood blessings are given to provide direction and comfort as guided by the Spirit.
A father who holds the Melchizedek Priesthood may give father's blessings to his children. These blessings may be especially helpful when children go to school, go on missions, get married, enter military service, or face special challenges. A family may record a father's blessing for family records, but it is not preserved in Church records. Parents should encourage their children to seek father's blessings in times of need.
Worthy Melchizedek Priesthood holders also may give blessings of comfort and counsel to other family members and to others who request them.
To give a father's blessing or other blessings of comfort and counsel, one or more worthy Melchizedek Priesthood holders place their hands lightly on the person's head. Then the priesthood holder who gives the blessing:
A person who dedicates a grave should hold the Melchizedek Priesthood and be authorized by the priesthood officer who conducts the service. To dedicate a grave, he:
Setting Apart Officers and Teachers
See page 39.
Dedicating Homes
Church members may dedicate their homes as sacred edifices where the Holy Spirit can reside and where fan-Lily members can worship, find safety from the world, grow spiritually, and prepare for eternal family relationships. Homes need not be free of debt to be dedicated. Unlike Church buildings, homes are not consecrated to the Lord.
To dedicate a home, a family might gather and offer a prayer that includes the elements mentioned above and other words as the Spirit directs.
Patriarchal Blessings
Information about patriarchal blessings is provided in the following paragraphs, on pages 6-7 in this book, and in Information and Suggestions for Patriarchs.
Preparing for the Blessing
Every worthy, baptized member of the Church is entitled to and should receive a patriarchal blessing, which provides inspired direction from the Lord. Church leaders and parents are to encourage members to obtain their blessings.
The bishop interviews members who want to receive patriarchal blessings. If a member is worthy, the bishop issues and signs a Patriarchal Blessing Recommend. The recommend must also be signed by a member of the stake presidency if the blessing will be given by a patriarch who lives outside the member's stake (such authorization may be given only as outlined in "Giving Blessings to Members outside the Stake" on page 35). A member must take the signed recommend to the patriarch to receive a blessing.
When issuing a Patriarchal Blessing Recommend, the bishop ensures that the member is of sufficient age and maturity to understand the meaning and importance of the blessing. Ideally the member should be young enough that many of the important decisions in life are still ahead, though older adults should also be encouraged to receive their patriarchal blessings. Local priesthood leaders should not establish a minimum age for a member to receive a patriarchal blessing.
The bishop helps members understand the sacred nature of this blessing. He emphasizes the importance of being spiritually prepared to receive it.
A missionary should receive a patriarchal blessing before beginning missionary service.
A new convert should understand the basic doctrines of the Church before receiving a patriarchal blessing.
if a member has a mental disability, the bishop may issue a recommend only when, in consultation with the parents, he believes there is a sufficient level of understanding (see also page 24).
Receiving the Blessing
Members should go to the patriarch with a prayerful attitude and in Sunday attire. They may fast, but fasting is not required.
Each patriarchal blessing is sacred, confidential, and personal. Therefore, it is given in private except that a limited number of family members may be present.
Church members should not compare blessings and should not share them except with close family members. Patriarchal blessings should not be read in Church meetings or other public gatherings.
If a patriarchal blessing does not include a declaration of lineage, the patriarch may later give an addendum to declare lineage. An addendum becomes part of the original blessing and should be attached to it.
Giving Blessings to Members outside the Stake
A stake patriarch normally gives patriarchal blessings only to members in his stake. However, he may
give blessings to members outside of his stake in the following circumstances:
When worthy members of the Church enter military service, priesthood leaders encourage them to receive their patriarchal blessing before reporting for active duty. If it is not possible for a member to receive this blessing before leaving, he or she can receive it from a patriarch where the temporary duty station is located. To do this, the member presents a recommend from the bishop of his or her home ward to a member of the stake presidency where the temporary duty station is located. The member of the stake presidency then interviews the person and signs the recommend if he or she is worthy.
Office: Patriarch
| Office | Recommended By | Approved By | Sustained By | Interviewed and Ordained By |
| High priest | Stake presidency | Quorum of the Twelve | Members in stake conference or stake general priesthood meeting | A member of the First Presidency or Twelve, or the stake president with written approval from the Quorum of the Twelve |
| Patriarch | Bishop and stake presidency | Stake presidency and high council | Members in stake conference or stake general priesthood meeting | Interviewed by the bishop and by the stake president or an assigned counselor; ordained under the direction of the stake president |
| Elder | Bishop | Stake presidency and high council | Members in stake conference or stake general priesthood meeting | Interviewed by the bishop and by the stake president or an assigned counselor; ordained under the direction of the stake president |
| Bishop | Stake presidency | First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve | Ward members | A General Authority or Area Authority Seventy, or the stake president with written approval from the First Presidency |
| Priest, teacher, or deacon | Bishop | Bishopric | Ward members | Interviewed by the bishop; ordained under the direction of the bishop |