The latest update to the “General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” is now available. The digital document, which is updated twice a year, is prepared under the direction of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
The handbook helps local leaders take a Christ-centered, unified approach to their ministry while accommodating a diverse global faith. Handbook updates seek to help Latter-day Saints follow Jesus Christ’s example of ministering with love, patience, and respect.
Some of the changes are listed below.
- Added instruction that elders quorum and Relief Society members counsel together at the start of their respective meetings. They may occasionally combine their meetings. (See sections 8.2.1.2 and 9.2.1.2.)
- Added direction that Young Women class presidents now organize the youth to welcome visitors and members to sacrament meeting (see 11.3.4.2 and 29.2.1.3).
- Changed the age range of young single adults and single adults (see chapters 14 and 37).
- Updated chapter 25 (“Temple and Family History Work in the Ward and Stake”).
- Updated instructions regarding lost or stolen temple recommends and virtual interviews for recommends (see 26.2.2 and 26.3.2).
- Added guidelines for worship services on Easter and Christmas (see 29.2.9).
- Simplified instructions for streaming and holding virtual meetings (see 29.7).
- Updated instructions on the Basic Unit Program (see 36.6).
- Updated sealing policies (see 38.4).
- Added instructions about caring for the garment and about medical conditions that may prevent members from wearing the garment (see 38.5).
- Clarified policies related to individuals who identify as transgender (see 38.6.23 and corresponding changes to sections 26.5.7, 32.14.5, 32.16.1, 38.2.8.6, 38.2.8.9, and 38.2.9.9).
You can read the entire update on Church Newsroom. You can also find an FAQ page about the latest changes here.
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► How do we hold a Relief Society council? Ideas and sample questions for your next meeting
► Church updates age range for young single adults
▶ The simple thing my mom did that showed me the power of temple garments