For units in the United States and Canada, the term administration office in this section refers to Church headquarters in Salt Lake City.
For units outside the United States and Canada, the term administration office refers to the Presiding Bishopric administration office or service center that serves the unit.
This section consists of five parts, each of which is alphabetized internally:
Autographs and Photographs
Church members should not seek the autographs of General Authorities or Area Authority Seventies, including signing in their scriptures. Doing so detracts from their sacred callings and the spirit of meetings. It also could prevent them from greeting other members.
Members should not take photographs of General Authorities or Area Authority Seventies in chapels.
Privately Published Writings
Members should not ask General Authorities or Area Authority Seventies to coauthor or endorse Church books or other Church writings.
Recording Addresses
Members should not record addresses that General Authorities and Area Authority Seventies give at stake conferences, regional conferences, missionary meetings, and other local meetings. Members may record broadcasts of general conference on home equipment for personal, noncommercial use.
Administrative Policies
Accidents and Other Serious Situations
Local Church leaders should discourage adopted children and their adoptive parents from seeking to identify the children's natural parents. However, when adopted children have genetic or medical problems, the family may seek medical information about the natural parents but should be discouraged from seeking their identities.
Adoption and Foster Care
Members who are seeking to adopt children or provide foster care should strictly observe all legal requirements of the countries (and their governmental subdivisions) that are involved. They are encouraged to work through licensed, authorized agencies. Leaders should not become involved in bypassing such agencies to help place children privately or independently. Such placements are not sanctioned by the Church and may violate local laws.
For information about placing children for adoption, see "Unwed Parents," page 160.
Audiovisual Materials
Members may use audiovisual materials such as compact discs, audiocassettes, videocassettes, filmstrips, and slides in Church settings with the following restrictions:
Bible
The Church uses the King James Version of the Bible for English-speaking members. The First Presidency has stated:
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"Many versions of the Bible are available today. ... The most reliable way to measure the accuracy of any biblical passage is not by comparing different texts, but by comparison with the Book of Mormon and modern-day revelations.
"While other Bible versions may be easier to read than the King James Version, in doctrinal matters latter-day revelation supports the King James Version in preference to other English translations" (First Presidency letter, 22 May 1992).
Ideally, English-speaking members should use LDS edition of the King James Bible. This edition includes the Topical Guide, footnotes, other study aids, excerpts from the Joseph Smith Translation, and cross-references to the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price.
The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve have selected an edition of the Bible for preferred use in many non-English languages. Members should use this Bible. It is available through Church distribution centers.
Book of Mormon
The Church discourages rewriting the Book of Mormon into familiar or modem English. The First Presidency has said:
"When a sacred text is translated into another language or rewritten into more familiar language, there are substantial risks that this process may introduce doctrinal errors or obscure evidence of its ancient origin. To guard against these risks, the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve give close personal supervision to the translation of scriptures from English into other languages and have not authorized efforts to express the doctrinal content of the Book of Mormon in familiar or modem English. (These concerns do not pertain to publications by the Church for children, such as Book of Mormon Stories.)" (First Presidency statement, Ensign, Apr. 1993, 74).
Church Employees
Church employees are to uphold Church standards at all times. To begin or continue employment, they must be worthy to have a temple recommend. This includes employees of the Church Educational System and Church universities and colleges.
Periodically representatives of the Church Human Resource Department will contact stake presidents or bishops to verify the temple worthiness of current or potential Church employees. These requests may be written or made by telephone and should be responded to promptly.
Church employees must comply with employment laws. Local leaders should contact their administration office for information on applicable laws.
Church Name and Logotype
The Church's name and logotype Are registered trademarks and should be used according to the following guidelines.
The written name of the Church may be used in local units when all of the following conditions are met:
Only the official logotype should be used (see the front cover of this handbook). It should not be imitated, digitized, or generated by computer. English and non-English versions of the logotype are produced and made available only by Church headquarters.
The logotype should be large enough to be easily read but not so large that it dominates an item. It also should be surrounded by sufficient open space. It should not be mixed, overlapped, or placed close to other patterns, symbols, logos, or competing elements.
The logotype should not be used as a decorative element. Nor should it be shaded or printed in a bright color.
The logotype should not be used on stake or ward computers. Nor should it be used in any personal, commercial, or promotional way, such as on family
history books, T-shirts, buttons, or banners.
Examples of acceptable and unacceptable uses, as well as copies of the logotype that may be duplicated, are provided in Church Name and Logotype Guidelines for Local Units.
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Computer Equipment
As authorized by the Church's presiding councils, some Church units are provided computers for purposes such as record keeping and family history. The stake president oversees the placement and use of computers in the stake. Guidelines for obtaining and managing Church computers are available from the administration office.
Where necessary, stake presidents should arrange to make ward and stake computers available for members to use family history software programs. These computers are not authorized for other personal uses.
Since these computers are used for confidential Church records, the Member and Financial Information Systems should be password protected to prevent unauthorized access when the computers are being used for other purposes. Computers should be placed so bishopric members and clerks can process the weekly contributions in privacy.
Copyrighted Materials
General Guidelines
Copyright is protection given by law to the owners of original works of authorship that are expressed in a tangible form, including:
A prospective user of a work should assume that it is protected by copyright. Published works usually include a copyright notice such as "(C) 1959 by John Doe." (For sound recordings, the symbol is (P) rather than (C).) However, even works that do not have this notice may be protected by copyright. Furthermore, the fact that a publication is out of print does not nullify its copyright or justify duplicating, distributing, performing, displaying, or making derivations of it without permission.
The following guidelines should help members understand and abide by copyright laws when using copyrighted materials in Church and home settings.
If members have questions that are not answered in these guidelines, they may contact:
Audiovisual Materials
Materials Owned by the Church or IRI. Audiovisual materials that are owned by the Church or IRI, such as sound and video recordings, may be used in Church and home settings.
Audiovisual materials that are owned by the Church or IRI and are available through Church distribution centers may not be duplicated without permission from the Church or IRI. If these materials are not available through Church distribution centers, they may be duplicated without permission for noncommercial Church or home use only.
Materials Not Owned by the Church or IRI. Sound recordings that are not owned by the Church or IRI, such as audiocassettes, compact discs, and phonograph records, may be used in Church settings if the materials have been purchased, admission is not charged, and no one is paid for playing or performing the works. If a person is paid to play prerecorded music or to perform live music, he or she must sign the Performance Contract form.
Video materials that are not owned by the Church or IRI may not be used in Church settings, including Church-sponsored activities that are held in a home, without a license for public viewing. Such materials include purchased or rented videocassettes (including animated scripture videocassettes) and recordings of television, cable, or satellite programs. These materials may not be stored in or circulated from a meetinghouse library
Audiovisual materials that are not owned by the Church or IRI may not be duplicated without permission from the copyright owner.
See page 147 for additional guidelines about using audiovisual materials in Church settings.
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Printed Materials
Materials Owned by the Church or IRI. Printed materials that are owned by the Church or IRI may be duplicated for noncommercial Church or home use unless otherwise indicated. Music in Church publications may be duplicated for such purposes if it (1) has a copyright notice indicating that it is owned by the Church or IRI or (2) includes instructions that allow such duplication. Each copy should include any existing copyright notice.
Materials Not Owned by the Church or IRI. Printed materials that are not owned by the Church or IRI, including music, may not be duplicated unless the copyright owner has given permission, the copyright notice states that the work may be duplicated, or the work is in the public domain (the copyright has expired).
Printed music that is not owned by the Church or IRI may be performed in Church settings if admission is not charged and the performers or directors are not paid.
Computer Software
Computer programs may not be duplicated without permission from the copyright owner, except for backup or archival copies that are allowed by the license agreement enclosed with computer software.
Members may not make additional copies of family history software, such as Personal Ancestral File(R) or FamilySearch(R), for their own use. Members who own more than one computer must purchase one copy of Church-owned or IRI-owned family history software for each computer on which they intend to use the software.
Theatrical Productions
Productions Owned by the Church or IRI. Theatrical productions that are owned by the Church or IRI may be performed in Church settings without permission.
Productions Not Owned by the Church or IRI. Members must obtain the copyright owner's permission to perform all or part of a copyrighted play or musical production in a Church building or other public place, even if admission is not charged.
Counseling
Dating and get-acquainted businesses often promote their services to single members of the Church. Church meetinghouses, classes, or programs may not be used in promoting private business ventures, including dating and get-acquainted businesses or services. Nor should lists of Church groups or other information about members be given to such businesses.
Directories
Stake and ward directories may be published according to the following instructions:
Names, addresses, and phone numbers may be included in a directory only if they are listed in a commercial telephone directory or, if they are unlisted, if the member gives permission.
Stake or ward budget funds are used to pay for directories. Directories may not contain advertising.
Leaders should not distribute directories outside the stake or ward boundaries or permit their use for commercial or political purposes.
The beginning of each directory should include a statement that it is to be used only for Church purposes and should not be copied without permission of the bishop or stake president.
Emigration of Members
Generally, Church members are encouraged to remain in their native lands to build up and strengthen the Church. Opportunities for Church activity and for receiving and sharing the blessings of the gospel are increasing greatly throughout the world. Missionaries should not ask their parents, relatives, or others to sponsor members who wish to emigrate to other countries.
Members who emigrate to any country should comply with applicable laws.
When coming to the United States or other countries on student or tourist visas, members should not expect to find jobs or obtain permanent visas after entering that country.
To be considered for Church employment in any country, a person must meet all conditions of immigration and naturalization laws. The Church does not sponsor immigration through Church employment. Any exceptions require advance approval from the Human Resource Committee.
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Fast Day
A proper fast day observance includes abstaining from food and drink for two consecutive meals, attending fast and testimony meeting, and giving a generous fast offering to help care for those in need.
Fund-Raising
The Church opposes gambling in any form, including government-sponsored lotteries. Members are urged to join with others who have similar concerns in opposing the legalization and government sponsorship of any form of gambling.
Guest Speakers or Instructors
The bishop's approval is required before guest speakers or instructors may participate in any ward meeting, including auxiliary meetings. The stake president's approval is required for such participation in stake meetings.
The bishop or stake president should carefully screen guest speakers or instructors and the subjects of their presentations (this may include contacting the person's bishop). He ensures that such presentations are in harmony with Church doctrine and comply with the guidelines for using Church facilities (see "Policies on Using Church Buildings and Other Property," pages 153-55).
Income Taxes
Church members are obligated by the twelfth article of faith to obey the tax laws of the nation where they reside (see also D&C 134:5). Members who disapprove of tax laws may try to have them changed by legislation or constitutional amendment. Members who have well-founded legal objections may challenge tax laws in the courts.
Members who refuse to file a tax return, pay required income taxes, or comply with a final judgment in a tax case are in direct conflict with the law and with the teachings of the Church. Such members may be ineligible for a temple recommend and should not be called to positions of principal responsibility in the Church. Members who are convicted of willfully violating tax laws are subject to Church discipline to the extent warranted by the circumstances.
Laws of the Land
Church members should obey, honor, and sustain the laws in any country where they reside or travel (see D&C 58:21-22). This includes laws that prohibit proselyting.
Legal Matters
When legal help is needed for Church matters in the United States and Canada, the stake president should contact the Office of Legal Services at Church headquarters (telephone 1-801-240-6301 or 1-800-453-3860, extension 6301). Outside the United States and Canada, stake presidents should contact the Church area office to obtain local legal counsel.
To avoid implicating the Church in legal matters to which it is not a party, leaders should avoid testifying in civil or criminal cases reviewing the conduct of members over whom they preside. A leader should confer with the Church's Office of Legal Services or the Area Presidency:
Lotteries
Some businesses and individuals send local leaders promotional items that might appear to be official Church correspondence. To distinguish official Church correspondence from other correspondence, it is always conveyed personally by Church leaders, in a letter from Church leaders on Church letterhead stationery, or by announcement in a Church publication such as the Bulletin. Only these items require Church leaders' attention and action.
Mail Sent to Church Headquarters
Local leaders should place a return address on all letters and other items of correspondence sent to
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Church headquarters, in addition to the return address on the envelope in which the item is sent.
Other Faiths
Much that is inspiring, noble, and worthy of the highest respect is found in many other faiths. Missionaries and other Church members must be sensitive and respectful toward the beliefs of others and avoid giving offense. Mission presidents and other priesthood leaders who have questions about relationships with non-Christian faiths should contact their Area Presidency.
Overnight Activities
The Church is politically neutral. It does not endorse political parties, platforms, or candidates. Candidates should not imply that they are endorsed by the Church or its leaders. Church leaders and members should avoid any statements or conduct that might be interpreted as Church endorsement of political parties or candidates.
Church records, directories, and similar materials may not be used for political purposes. Church facilities may not be used for political purposes except for voter registration or polling where there is no reasonable alternative (see page 154).
As citizens of their countries and communities, Church members are urged to be full participants in political, governmental, and community affairs, including involvement in the political party of their choice.
Members should study political issues and candidates carefully and vote for individuals whom they believe will act with integrity and in ways conducive to good communities and good government. Members of the Church are under special obligation to seek out and uphold leaders who are honest, good, and wise (see D&C 98:10).
Church members are urged to be willing to serve in elected and appointed public offices in local and national government.
Members should do their civic duty by supporting measures that strengthen society morally, economically, and culturally. Members are urged to be actively engaged in worthy causes to improve their communities and make them wholesome places in which to live and rear families. However, members should not give the impression that they represent the Church as they work for solutions to city or community problems.
Postal Regulations
In the United States and some other countries, it is a violation of postal regulations to place any material without postage in or on mailboxes. This includes ward or stake newsletters and other Church-related materials.
Prayers in Church Meetings
Men and women may offer prayers in Church meetings. Prayers should be brief and simple and should be spoken as directed by the Spirit. Members should use the pronouns Thee, Thy, Thine, and Thou when addressing Heavenly Father. All members should say an audible amen at the end of the prayer.
Privacy of Members
Church leaders are obligated to protect the privacy of members. Church records, reports, directories, and similar materials may not be used for personal, commercial, or political purposes.
Research Studies in the Church
The Church's only authorized research agency is the Research Information Division of the Correlation Department. Representatives of this department use questionnaires and interviews to obtain information on issues of concern to General Authorities. When Church-authorized researchers contact members by mail or phone, they provide the Church's toll-free number and a contact name at headquarters. In addition, they always allow the respondent the option of not answering any or all of the questions on the survey.
Church meetings may not be used for collecting information by unauthorized persons or agencies. Nor should the names of Church members be made available to such persons or agencies. If local leaders want to verify the authorization of questionnaires or interviews, they should contact the Research Information Division (telephone 1-801-240-2727 or 1-800-453-3860, extension 2727).
Safety in Church Welfare Operations
Many Church welfare operations have equipment and machinery that can cause injury if it is not used properly. Agent stake operating committees and managers of welfare operations should ensure the safety of the employees and volunteers. Workers should be instructed regularly in safety practices. The work environment should be inspected periodically, with health and safety hazards corrected. Adequate supervision should always be provided to ensure that workers follow instructions, use tools and equipment properly, and avoid hazardous behavior.
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Normally those who work at welfare operations should be 16 or older. Those who operate equipment should be mature, adequately trained, and experienced in using the equipment. Only adults may operate power equipment.
The operations manager should report accidents to the Welfare Services Department and the Risk Management Division at Church headquarters.
Sales Agents
Local leaders should not accept the claims of sales agents that the Church or a Church leader has authorized them to call on local leaders or members to sell their products.
Satellite and Video Equipment
Church satellite and video equipment may be used only for noncommercial, Church-related purposes as authorized by the stake presidency or bishopric. This equipment may not be used to record television, cable, or satellite programs that are not sponsored by the Church. Nor may Church satellite equipment be used to view non-Church programs. Members may not direct the antenna from one satellite or transponder to another without authorization from Church headquarters.
Only people who are trained to operate the equipment may do so. Unsupervised youth and children may not operate it.
All equipment is to be locked securely when not in use. It may not be removed from the building for home or personal use.
Solicitation of Funds
The established programs of the Church provide financial assistance for worthy individuals and appropriate causes. Church assistance is administered by bishops, who are familiar with the circumstances and can prevent duplicate assistance and abuses. Therefore, members should not solicit additional financial assistance from Church headquarters or from local leaders or members.
If members receive a request for funds, they could respond by saying that they have contributed in their own wards to provide funds for assistance according to established principles of Church welfare.
Symposia and Similar Gatherings
The Church warns its members against symposia and other similar gatherings that include presentations that (1) disparage, ridicule, make light of, or are otherwise inappropriate in their treatment of sacred matters or (2) could injure the Church, detract from its mission, or jeopardize its members' well-being. Members should not allow their position or standing in the Church to be used to promote or imply endorsement of such gatherings.
Taxable Activities
Ward and stake leaders should ensure that local Church activities do not jeopardize the Church's tax-exempt status. For guidelines, see "Fund-Raising," page 139, and "Policies on Using Church Buildings and Other Property" on this page.
Temple Clothing
Church buildings and other property are to be used for worship, religious instruction, and other Church-related activities. Church property should not be used for commercial or political purposes, which would violate laws that permit its tax exemption. Examples of uses that are not approved are listed below:
Use of Church property should not pose significant risk of harm to participants or to the property. Nor should it unduly expose the Church to liability or disturb surrounding neighbors.
More detailed instructions on using Church buildings and other property are provided by the Physical Facilities Department or the administration office.
Artwork
Artwork in Church buildings should be of high quality and depict subjects that are appropriate in a house of worship. It also should be properly framed. Church-approved pictures can be obtained through the Purchasing Division or from Church distribution centers (see the Meetinghouse Artwork Brochure).
Pictures and other artwork may be placed in appropriate locations in the meetinghouse. However, they may not be placed in the chapel or near the baptismal font. Statues, murals, or mosaics are not authorized. This policy does not apply to works of art that have been on display for many years in the chapels of existing meetinghouses.
If artwork of poor quality is offered, local leaders should tactfully decline accepting it for display in meetinghouses.
Decorations
Decorations for Christmas, other holidays, and other similar occasions may be placed temporarily in the foyer or cultural hall of a meetinghouse, as approved under the direction of the stake presidency. With the exception of flowers, decorations may not be placed in the chapel area of the meetinghouse. Nor should the exterior of the meetinghouse or the grounds be decorated.
Decorations must be modest and inexpensive and must not be a fire hazard. Hay, straw, palm fronds, other dehydrated materials, and candles may not be used. If Christmas trees are used, they should be artificial or properly fireproofed and displayed without electric lights or candles. Local fire and safety codes and ordinances should be observed.
Dedicating Buildings
All new meetinghouses, as well as major additions that contain a chapel, a cultural hall, or an area larger than the existing structure, should be dedicated as soon as possible after the project is completed.
Smaller buildings such as mission homes, institutes, seminaries, and classroom or office additions to meetinghouses may also be dedicated if local leaders desire.
Final approval for dedication is given by the Area President in coordination with the administration office. The Area President works with the stake or mission president and indicates who is responsible for dedicating the building.
The program for a dedicatory service should be in keeping with the purpose of the event. It should not be lengthy or include extensive musical presentations. Sufficient time should be provided for the assigned leader to speak and to dedicate the building. Following the dedicatory prayer, there should be an appropriate hymn or musical selection and a short prayer to close the services.
Dedicatory prayers of buildings may be recorded with permission from the presiding authority.
Emergencies
During an emergency, the stake presidency determines whether or not to hold regular ward meetings.
In a community-wide emergency or disaster, the stake president may assist legitimate disaster relief agencies by allowing meetinghouses to be used as emergency shelters. The Church retains control, and those who use a meetinghouse under these conditions should maintain Church standards.
Fires and Candles
Open flames and lighted candles may not be used in Church buildings.
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Flags
The national flag may be flown on the grounds of Church property at any time as long as it conforms to local custom and convention. The national flag may be displayed inside Church buildings on special occasions, such as patriotic programs. Genuine patriotism does not require displaying the national flag continuously in places of worship.
Groundbreaking Services
After a new building project is approved, local leaders may conduct a groundbreaking service in preparation for the construction. This service is not to be held on Sunday.
Meetinghouse Plans
The Church has prepared a variety of standard meetinghouse plans to fit the circumstances and needs of members throughout the world. When a new meetinghouse is to be constructed, a suitable standard plan is selected. That plan outlines the policy for the rooms, features, and equipment that are included in the meetinghouse.
Monday Nights
Church meetinghouse properties may not be used for overnight lodging, camping, or slumber parties.
Parking Lots
Use of Church parking lots should comply with the guidelines on pages 153-55. In addition, Church parking lots should not be used for commuter parking without permission from the administration office or the Physical Facilities Department at Church headquarters.
Photographs and Video Recordings in Chapels
Taking photographs or making video recordings in chapels is not permitted.
Property Rights and Ownership
All property assigned to or held for the benefit of local units belongs to the Church, not to the units. Nevertheless, local units have broad autonomy in using Church-owned property, including buildings, land, and other property, subject to the ownership and policies of the Church.
Serving Areas
The serving area in Church meetinghouses is not intended for food preparation or cooking unless it is part of a lesson, demonstration, or other instruction. When food is to be served in the building or on the grounds, it should be prepared elsewhere and brought to the meetinghouse, where it may be kept warm or cold until it is served.
Signs
The name of the Church is to be displayed on all meetinghouses and other Church buildings in the approved language and logo. It is to be mounted on the building.
Storage
The only storage allowed in meetinghouses is for maintenance items and other approved supplies and equipment. Welfare commodities and other such items may not be stored in meetinghouses.
Materials such as gasoline, propane, matches, and camping gear should be stored in buildings that are separate from the meetinghouse.
Cars, recreational vehicles, and other personal equipment may not be stored on Church property.
Using Meetinghouses outside of Stake Boundaries
All meetinghouses within reasonable distance of a ward must be occupied to their designed capacity before additional facilities will be provided. When necessary, stake presidencies, in consultation with the Area Presidency, may assign wards to use meetinghouses in an adjacent stake. More than one stake may use a stake center if it is conveniently located.
Medical and Health Policies
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
Autopsies may be performed if the family of the deceased gives consent and if the autopsy complies with the law.
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Cremation
Normally, cremation is not encouraged. However, in some countries the law requires it. The family of the deceased must decide whether to cremate the body, taking into account any laws governing burial or cremation. Where possible, the body of a deceased member who has been endowed should be dressed in temple clothing when the body is cremated (see "Temple Burial Clothing," page 70). A funeral service may be held.
Euthanasia
Euthanasia is defined as deliberately putting to death a person who is suffering from an incurable condition or disease. A person who participates in euthanasia, including so-called assisted suicide, violates the commandments of God.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
Members who are infected with HIV or who have AIDS should be treated with dignity and compassion. If infection has resulted from transgression of God's laws, the Church advocates the example of the Lord, who condemned the sin yet loved the sinner and encouraged repentance. Members should reach out with kindness and comfort to the afflicted, ministering to their needs and helping them find solutions to their problems.
Although HIV and AIDS can afflict innocent victims, the principal safeguards are chastity before marriage, total fidelity in marriage, abstinence from any homosexual relations, avoidance of illegal drugs, and reverence and care for the body.
Attendance of people with HIV infection or AIDS at Church meetings does not pose a serious health problem. Public health authorities affirm that HIV has not been transmitted through casual contact in homes, schools, churches, and places of work.
Those who occasionally may need to clean up blood or render first aid should learn and follow local health department recommendations.
For information about performing ordinances for people who are infected with HIV or who have AIDS, see page 27. For more detailed instructions, see the March 1993 Special Bulletin.
Hypnosis
The use of hypnosis under competent, professional medical supervision for the treatment of diseases or mental disorders is a medical question to be determined by competent medical authorities. Members should not participate in hypnosis for purposes of demonstration or entertainment.
Medical and Health Practices
Members should not use medical or health practices that are ethically or legally questionable. Local leaders should advise members who have health problems to consult with competent professional practitioners who are licensed in the countries where they practice. Fast-offering funds may not be used to pay for unproven medical care without First Presidency approval in each case.
Organ and Tissue Donations and Transplants
The decision to will or donate one's own body organs or tissue for medical purposes, or the decision to authorize the transplant of organs or tissue from a deceased family member, is made by the individual or the deceased member's family.
The decision to receive a donated organ should be made after receiving competent medical counsel and confirmation through prayer.
Prolonging Life
When severe illness strikes, members should exercise faith in the Lord and seek competent medical assistance. However, when dying becomes inevitable, it should be seen as a blessing and a purposeful part of eternal existence. Members should not feel obligated to extend mortal life by means that are unreasonable. These judgments are best made by family members after receiving wise and competent medical advice and seeking divine guidance through fasting and prayer.
Self-Awareness Groups
Many community resources provide effective help for members who suffer from social or emotional problems. However, some groups that purport to increase self-awareness, raise self-esteem, or enhance individual agency advocate concepts and use methods that can be harmful. Some groups falsely claim Church endorsement, charge exorbitant fees, and encourage long-term commitments. Some intermingle worldly concepts with gospel principles in ways that can undermine spirituality and faith.
These groups tend to promise quick solutions to problems that normally require time and personal effort to resolve. Although participants may experience temporary emotional relief or exhilaration, old problems often return, leading to added disappointment and despair.
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Church members should not participate in groups that:
Stillborn Children (Children Who Die before Birth)
Grieving parents whose child dies before birth should be given emotional and spiritual support. Temple ordinances are not performed for stillborn children. However, this does not deny the possibility that a stillborn child may be part of the family in the eternities. Parents are encouraged to trust the Lord to resolve such cases in the way He knows is best. The family may record the name of a stillborn child on the family group record followed by the word stillborn in parentheses. Memorial or graveside services may be held as determined by the parents.
It is a fact that a child has fife before birth. However, there is no direct revelation on when the spirit enters the body.
Word of Wisdom
The only official interpretation of "hot drinks" (D&C 89:9) in the Word of Wisdom is the statement made by early Church leaders that the term "hot drinks" means tea and coffee.
Members should not use any substance that contains illegal drugs. Nor should members use harmful or habit-forming substances except under the care of a competent physician.
Policies on Moral Issues
Abortion
The Lord commanded, "Thou shalt not ... kill, nor do anything like unto it" (D&C 59:6). The Church opposes elective abortion for personal or social convenience. Members must not submit to, perform, encourage, pay for, or arrange for an abortion. The only possible exceptions are when:
The Church has not favored or opposed legislative proposals or public demonstrations concerning abortion. However, the First Presidency encourages members, as citizens, to let their voices be heard in appropriate and legal ways that will evidence their belief in the sacredness of life. (See Ensign, Mar. 1991, 78.)
Church members who submit to, perform, encourage, pay for, or arrange for an abortion may be subject to Church discipline.
As far as has been revealed, a person may repent and be forgiven for the sin of abortion.
Abuse and Cruelty
The Church's position is that abuse cannot be tolerated in any form. Those who abuse or are cruet to their spouses, children, other family members, or anyone else violate the laws of God and man. Such members are subject to Church discipline. They should not be given Church callings and may not have a temple recommend. Even if a person who abused a child sexually or physically receives Church discipline and is later restored to full fellowship or readmitted by baptism, leaders should not call the person to any position working with children or youth unless the First Presidency authorizes removal of the annotation on the person's membership record.
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In instances of abuse, the first responsibility of the Church is to help those who have been abused and to protect those who may be vulnerable to future abuse. Victims of sexual abuse (including rape) often suffer serious trauma and feelings of guilt. Victims of the evil acts of others are not guilty of sin. Church leaders should be sensitive to such victims and give caring attention to help them overcome the destructive effects of abuse.
Stake presidents and bishops should make every effort to counsel those who have been involved in abuse. Members also may need professional counseling. When appropriate, bishops should contact LDS Social Services to identify resources to provide such counseling in harmony with gospel principles. If the transgressor is an adult who has committed a sexual transgression against a child, the behavior may be very deep-seated and the process of repentance and reformation may be very prolonged.
In the United States and Canada, the Church has established a toll-free Help Line (telephone 1-801-240-1911 or 1-800-453-3860, extension 1911) to provide guidance to bishops and stake presidents in cases of abuse. If one of these leaders becomes aware of physical or sexual abuse involving Church members, or if he believes that a person may have been abused or is at risk of being abused, he should call the Help Line. He will be able to consult with social services, legal, and other specialists who can help answer questions and formulate steps that should be taken. Outside the United States and Canada, stake presidents and bishops should call the Area Presidency for guidance. A bishop also should notify his stake president of instances of abuse.
If confidential information indicates that a member's abusive activities have violated applicable law, the bishop or stake president should urge the member to report these activities to the appropriate government authorities. Leaders can obtain information about local reporting requirements through the Help Line. Where reporting is required by law, the leader should encourage the member to secure qualified legal advice.
To avoid implicating the Church in legal matters to which it is not a party, leaders should avoid testifying in civil or criminal cases or other proceedings involving abuse. For specific guidelines, see "Legal Matters," page 151.
For additional information, stake presidents and bishops may refer to the booklet Responding to Abuse: Helps for Ecclesiastical Leaders and the pamphlets Preventing and Responding to Spouse Abuse and Preventing and Responding to Child Abuse.
Adoption and Foster Care
Artificial insemination with semen from anyone but the husband is strongly discouraged. However, this is a personal matter that ultimately must be left to the judgment of the husband and wife. Responsibility for the decision rests solely upon them.
Artificial insemination of single sisters is not approved. Single sisters who deliberately refuse to follow the counsel of their Church leaders in this matter are subject to Church discipline.
For information about the sealing of children who were conceived by artificial insemination, see page 75.
Birth Control
It is the privilege of married couples who are able to bear children to provide mortal bodies for the spirit children of God, whom they are then responsible to nurture and rear. The decision as to how many children to have and when to have them is extremely intimate and private and should be left between the couple and the Lord. Church members should not judge one another in this matter.
Married couples also should understand that sexual relations within marriage are divinely approved not only for the purpose of procreation, but also as a means of expressing love and strengthening emotional and spiritual bonds between husband and wife.
Chastity and Fidelity
The Lord's law of moral conduct is abstinence from sexual relations outside of lawful marriage and fidelity within marriage. Sexual relations are proper only between husband and wife, expressed within the bonds of marriage. Adultery, fornication, homosexual or lesbian relations, and every other unholy, unnatural, or impure practice are sinful. Members who violate the Lord's law of moral conduct or who influence others to do so are subject to Church discipline (see First Presidency letter, 14 Nov. 1991).
Euthanasia
Homosexual Behavior
Homosexual behavior violates the commandments of God, is contrary to the purposes of human sexuality, distorts loving relationships, and deprives people of the blessings that can be found in family life and in the saving ordinances of the gospel. Those who persist in such behavior or who influence others to do so are subject to Church discipline. Homosexual behavior can be forgiven through sincere repentance.
If members have homosexual thoughts or feelings or engage in homosexual behavior, Church leaders should help them have a clear understanding of faith in Jesus Christ, the process of repentance, and the purpose of life on earth. Leaders also should help them accept responsibility for their thoughts and actions and apply gospel principles in their lives.
In addition to the inspired assistance of Church leaders, members may need professional counseling. When appropriate, bishops should contact LDS Social Services to identify resources to provide such counseling in harmony with gospel principles.
For additional suggestions, stake presidents and bishops may refer to the booklet Understanding and Helping Those Who Have Homosexual Problems: Suggestions for Ecclesiastical Leaders. See also "Same-Gender Marriages" on this page.
In Vitro Fertilization
In vitro fertilization using semen from anyone but the husband or an egg from anyone but the wife is strongly discouraged. However, this is a personal matter that ultimately must be left to the judgment of the husband and wife, with responsibility for the decision resting solely upon them.
For information about the sealing of children who were conceived by in vitro fertilization, see page 75.
Occult Affiliation
Members should not engage in forms of so-called Satan worship or affiliate in any way with the occult. "Such activities are among the works of darkness spoken of in the scriptures. They are designed to destroy one's faith in Christ, and will jeopardize the salvation of those who knowingly promote this wickedness. These things should not be pursued as games, be topics in Church meetings, or be delved into in private, personal conversations" (First Presidency letter, 18 Sept. 1991).
Pornography
The Church opposes pornography in any form. Members should stay away from pornographic material and oppose its production, dissemination, and use.
Prolonging Life
The Church opposes same-gender marriages and any efforts to legalize such marriages. Church members are encouraged "to appeal to legislators, judges, and other government officials to preserve the purposes and sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman, and to reject all efforts to give legal authorization or other official approval or support to marriages between persons of the same gender" (First Presidency letter, 1 Feb. 1994; see also "Homosexual Behavior" on this page).
Sex Education
Parents have primary responsibility for the sex education of their children. Teaching this subject honestly and plainly in the home will help young people avoid serious moral transgressions. To help parents teach this sensitive and important information, the Church has published A Parent's Guide.
Where schools have undertaken sex education, parents should seek to ensure that the instructions given to their children are consistent with sound moral and ethical values.
Sperm Donation
The donation of sperm is strongly discouraged.
Suicide
It is wrong to take a life, even one's own. However, a person who commits suicide may not be responsible for his or her acts. Only God can judge such a matter.
Leaders should counsel and compassionately console the family members of a person who has committed suicide. The family, in consultation with the bishop, determines the place and nature of a funeral service for a person who has died under such circumstances. Church facilities may be used.
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A person who has seriously considered suicide or has attempted suicide should be counseled by his or her bishop and may be encouraged to seek professional help. For more information, see Identification and Prevention of Suicidal Behavior.
Surgical Sterilization (Including Vasectomy)
The Church strongly discourages surgical sterilization as an elective form of birth control. It should be considered only if (1) medical conditions seriously jeopardize life or health or (2) birth defects or serious trauma have rendered a person mentally incompetent and not responsible for his or her actions. Such conditions must be determined by competent medical judgment and in accordance with law. Even then, the persons responsible for this decision should consult with each other and with their bishop and should receive divine confirmation of their decision through prayer.
Surrogate Motherhood
Surrogate motherhood is strongly discouraged.
Unwed Parents
Church members who are involved in pregnancy out of wedlock are encouraged to go to their bishop. By virtue of his priesthood office and calling, he can counsel with them as they make important decisions that affect their own well-being and that of the child. He also can help them begin the process of repentance. Because of the social and emotional issues inherent in such situations, the bishop should consider referring the unwed parents to LDS Social Services (where available) regardless of whether they choose to marry place their child for adoption, or keep the child without getting married.
The First Presidency has stated:
"Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by parents who provide love, support, and all the blessings of the gospel.
"Every effort should be made in helping those who conceive out of wedlock to establish an eternal family relationship. When the possibility of a successful marriage is unlikely, unwed parents should be encouraged to place the child for adoption, preferably through LDS Social Services....
"Unwed parents who do not marry should not be counseled to keep the infant as a condition of repentance or out of an obligation to care for one's own. Generally, unwed parents are not able to provide the stable, nurturing environment so essential for the baby's well-being.
"When deciding to place the baby for adoption, the best interests of the child should be the paramount consideration. Placing the infant for adoption enables unwed parents to do what is best for the child and enhances the prospect for the blessings of the gospel in the lives of all concerned" (First Presidency letter, 15 June 1998; see also "Adoption and Foster Care," page 147).
If LDS Social Services agencies are not available, leaders should encourage the confidential placement of the child for adoption with a temple-worthy couple through a local licensed agency. LDS Social Services and most other licensed agencies are designed to protect the interest of the child, screen the adoptive couple before placement, and provide needed supervision and counseling.
If an unwed parent decides to keep the child, leaders and other members should treat the parent and child with compassion and concern. Leaders should encourage the parent to have the child given a name and a blessing (see pages 25-26).
For information about whether young women who have children out of wedlock should attend Relief Society or Young Women meetings, see pages 207 and 227 in Book 2.
LDS Social Services has established a toll-free Help Line (1-800-537-2229) for unwed parents and others to obtain help regarding pregnancies and related matters. Help Line staff provide sensitive, confidential counseling based on gospel principles. The Help Line is available in all areas of the United States and Canada. Members and nonmembers may call the number directly or call the local LDS Social Services agency. If leaders do not know the number of the local agency, they may call the Help Line to obtain that information.
Victims of Rape and Sexual Abuse
See "Abuse and Cruelty," pages 157-58.
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