Information may also come from a family member, another Church leader, a victim, or a participant in the sin. When gathering information, the bishop or stake president should only use methods that are appropriate for a priesthood leader.
Nor should he use any practices that are against the law. False accusations are rare but can occur. For example, a member who is accused of adultery may deny the charge. This could include the knowledge of a participant and some other reliable source. At times a priesthood leader may need to wait to act until more information becomes available. When a Church leader is gathering information for a membership council, he should immediately stop if he learns that law enforcement is actively investigating the member.
This is done to avoid possible claims that the leader may have obstructed justice. Outside the United States and Canada, the stake president contacts the area legal counsel at the area office. Normally a membership council is not held to consider conduct being examined by a civil or criminal trial court until the court has reached a final judgment. In some cases it may also be appropriate to delay a membership council until the period of legal appeal has expired or the appeal has been rejected.
Bishops, stake presidents, and their counselors have a sacred duty to protect all confidential information shared with them. This information may come in interviews, counseling, and confessions. The same duty of confidentiality applies to all who take part in membership councils. Confidentiality is essential because members may not confess sins or seek guidance if what they share will not be kept confidential.
Consistent with their duty of confidentiality, a bishop, stake president, or their counselors may share such information only as follows:.
The stake president may also confer with his assigned Area Seventy. If needed, the Area Seventy refers the stake president to the Area Presidency. Only the stake president decides if a council should be held or its outcome. The person moves to a new ward or the priesthood leader is released while membership action or other serious concerns are pending. In these cases, the leader notifies the new bishop or stake president about the concerns or pending action see He also informs the leader if the member may pose a threat to others.
A bishop or stake president learns that a Church member who lives outside the ward or stake may have been involved in a serious sin. It is necessary to disclose information during a membership council. All information gathered and shared as part of a membership council is confidential. A member chooses to give permission for the leader to share information with specific persons. These may include parents, Church leaders, or others who may provide support. The leader does not share information beyond the permission the member has given.
It may be necessary to share limited information about the decision of a membership council see In all other situations, the leader should refer to These cases include when the law may require that a crime, such as child abuse, be reported to government authorities. To assist leaders in protecting others and complying with the law, the Church provides help from trained professionals. Where it is not available, the stake president contacts the area legal counsel at the area office. In only one situation should a bishop or stake president disclose confidential information without first seeking such guidance.
That is when disclosure is necessary to prevent life-threatening harm or serious injury and there is not time to seek guidance. In such cases, the duty to protect others is more important than the duty of confidentiality. Leaders should contact civil authorities immediately.
If leaders keep notes or communicate with each other electronically, they safeguard access to this information. They also delete or destroy the information when they no longer need it.
They do not unnecessarily share personal information. Civil authorities might challenge the confidentiality required of a priesthood leader. Some people who are repenting have broken civil or criminal laws. In some cases, government authorities are not aware of this. Bishops and stake presidents encourage members to follow the law and report such matters when required.
Leaders also counsel members to obtain competent legal advice when reporting. In many places, priesthood leaders are required by law to report some illegal behaviors of which they become aware. For example, some states and countries require that child abuse be reported to law enforcement authorities. In some countries, the Church has established a confidential abuse help line to assist bishops and stake presidents.
These leaders should promptly call the help line about every situation in which a person may have been abused—or is at risk of being abused see It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In countries that do not have a help line, a bishop who learns of abuse should contact his stake president, who should seek guidance from the area legal counsel at the area office. For more information about reporting abuse, see After becoming aware that a member has committed a serious sin, a bishop or stake president takes steps to protect others.
He also seeks the guidance of the Holy Ghost in determining the setting for helping the person repent and draw closer to the Savior. The following table lists three settings for helping a person repent.
It also summarizes some of the considerations for leaders when deciding which setting to use. Some Considerations see also Is required if a man or woman who has been endowed will likely have his or her Church membership withdrawn for any of the serious sins or actions addressed in Is required for the serious sins addressed in May be necessary for the serious sins and actions addressed in Is insufficient if a man or woman who has been endowed will likely have his or her Church membership withdrawn for any of the serious sins or actions addressed in Personal Counseling see May be insufficient for serious sins or actions for which a membership council would be helpful in the repentance process see Is insufficient for serious sins that require a membership council see Personal counseling and informal restrictions by the bishop or stake president are sometimes not sufficient to help a person repent of serious sins.
The Lord has provided membership councils to assist a judge in Israel in these situations. See Exodus —27 ; Mosiah —36 ; Doctrine and Covenants —83 ; For some serious sins, a council is required by Church policy see Violating temple covenants increases the likelihood of a membership council being necessary see In some stake membership councils, the high council also participates see In a membership council, the bishopric or stake presidency meets with the person in a spirit of love.
When deciding which of these settings would best help a person repent, leaders seek the guidance of the Holy Ghost. They also consider the following factors:. The severity of the sin and Church policy about whether a council is required see A bishop counsels with the stake president about specific situations. He must receive approval from the stake president before holding a membership council.
On difficult matters, the stake president may seek counsel from his assigned Area Seventy. The stake president must counsel with the Area Presidency on the matters outlined in However, only the stake president decides if a council should be held to address the conduct. If a council is held, the stake president or bishop decides the outcome. If a bishop or stake president determines that personal counseling is sufficient, he follows the guidelines in If he determines that a membership council is needed, or if Church policy requires a council, the one who conducts it follows the procedures in Before holding the council, the bishop or stake president may determine that informal membership restrictions would be best for a time.
However, he should not delay a council if it is necessary to protect others. The severity of a sin is an important consideration in determining the setting that will 1 help protect others and 2 help a person repent. His servants must not ignore evidence of serious sin. Serious sins are a deliberate and major offense against the laws of God. Categories of serious sins are listed below. Violent acts and abuse see Sexual immorality see Fraudulent acts see Violations of trust see Some other acts see The following sections describe when a membership council is required, when it may be necessary, and when it is not necessary.
The bishop or stake president must hold a membership council when information indicates that a member may have committed any of the sins described in this section.
Informal membership restrictions are not an option for these councils. A membership council is required if a member murders someone. As used here, murder is the deliberate, unjustified taking of human life. Murder does not include police or military acts in the line of duty. Abortion is not defined as murder in this context. If death was caused by accident or by defense of self or others, the taking of a human life might not be defined as murder. This may also be true in other situations, such as when a person has limited mental capacity.
A membership council is required for rape. As used here, rape is forced sexual intercourse or intercourse with someone who cannot legally give consent due to diminished mental or physical capacity. As used here, rape does not include consensual sexual intercourse between two minors who are close in age. Sexual Assault Conviction. A membership council is required if a member is convicted of sexual assault.
Child or Youth Abuse. A membership council is required if a person abuses a child or youth as explained in Abuse of a Spouse or Another Adult.
There is a spectrum of severity in abusive behavior. Violent Predatory Behavior. A membership council is required if an adult repeatedly harms people physically through violent behavior and is a threat to others.
A membership council is required for incest as defined in Child Pornography. A membership council is required if a person is involved in child pornography as outlined in Plural Marriage. A membership council is required if a person knowingly enters into a plural marriage.
Some plural marriages may occur in secret, with a spouse not knowing about one or more other spouses. Sexual Predatory Behavior. A membership council is required if an adult repeatedly harms people sexually and is a threat to others.
Financial Predatory Behavior. A membership council is required if an adult has a history of deliberately and repeatedly harming people financially and is a threat to others see This includes investment fraud and similar activities. Unintended financial losses due to economic conditions are not considered fraudulent. If litigation is involved, priesthood leaders may decide to wait until the outcome is final.
A membership council is required if a member commits a serious sin while holding a prominent position. These include a General Authority, General Church Officer, Area Seventy, temple president or matron, mission president or his companion, stake president, patriarch, or bishop.
This does not apply to branch presidents. Felony Conviction. A membership council is required in most cases when a person is convicted of a felony. Violent acts and abuse for which a membership council may be necessary include but are not limited to those listed below. Sexual Abuse, Including Assault and Harassment. Sexual abuse covers a broad range of actions see A membership council may be necessary for a person who has sexually assaulted or abused someone.
There is a spectrum of severity in abusive behavior see A membership council may be necessary for a person who has abused a spouse or another adult. A membership council may be necessary for sexual immorality as described in A membership council may be necessary for acts such as robbery, burglary, theft, embezzlement, perjury, and fraud.
Commits a serious sin while holding a position of authority or trust in the Church or the community. A council may be necessary if a person:. Shows a pattern of committing serious sins see Doctrine and Covenants Deliberately abandons family responsibilities, including nonpayment of child support and alimony. Threatens physical violence, whether in person or online see A membership council may be necessary if a member submits to, performs, arranges for, pays for, or encourages an abortion.
Membership Council Is Required see Membership Council May Be Necessary see Sexual abuse, including assault and harassment see Abuse of a spouse or another adult see Cohabitation, civil unions and partnerships, and same-sex marriage. Financial predatory behavior, such as fraud and similar activities see Robbery, burglary, theft, or embezzlement see Serious sin while holding a position of authority or trust in the Church or the community see Deliberate abandonment of family responsibilities, including nonpayment of child support and alimony.
Some matters require extra sensitivity and guidance. To know how to best help, the stake president must counsel with the Area Presidency about the situations in this section. Informal membership restrictions see Membership record annotation see Ordinance restrictions, which restrict a person from receiving or exercising the priesthood or receiving or using a temple recommend. A stake president counsels with the Area Presidency before one of these actions is taken. Issues of apostasy often have an impact beyond the boundaries of a ward or stake.
They need to be addressed promptly to protect others. The bishop or stake president may place informal membership restrictions on the member see The stake president promptly counsels with the Area Presidency. However, only the stake president decides whether a membership council or other action is necessary.
As used here, apostasy refers to a member engaging in any of the following:. Repeatedly acting in clear and deliberate public opposition to the Church, its doctrine, its policies, or its leaders. Persisting in teaching as Church doctrine what is not Church doctrine after being corrected by the bishop or stake president. Showing a pattern of intentionally working to weaken the faith and activity of Church members. Continuing to follow the teachings of apostate sects after being corrected by the bishop or stake president.
Formally joining another church and promoting its teachings Total inactivity in the Church or attending another church does not by itself constitute apostasy. However, if a member formally joins another church and advocates its teachings, withdrawing his or her membership may be necessary.
The Savior taught the Nephites that they should continue to minister to a person who has sinned. If a member embezzles Church funds or steals valuable Church property, the stake president counsels with the Area Presidency about whether a membership council or other action may be necessary.
Leaders consider:. The position held by the member see The stake president reports one of the following in Leader and Clerk Resources :. That he counseled with the Area Presidency and determined a membership council was not necessary. If the Church Auditing Department determines that a leader or Church employee has embezzled Church funds or property, the First Presidency generally directs that his or her membership record will be annotated. When repentance is complete, a stake president may request removal of the annotation see An annotation does not mean a membership council or other action has occurred.
Bishops and stake presidents working with persons who identify as transgender should follow the guidelines in A membership council is not normally necessary in the following instances.
A membership council is not held for the actions listed below. However, note the exception in the last item. Using pornography, except for child pornography as outlined in Leaders should not use membership councils to settle business disputes.
Business failures and nonpayment of debts are not reasons to hold a membership council. However, a council must be held for serious fraudulent activities or other serious deceptive financial practices see Membership councils are not held to resolve civil disputes see Doctrine and Covenants The appropriate setting for helping him or her repent of serious sins see The decisions made in personal counseling or membership councils see Bishops and stake presidents seek the mind and will of the Lord for each situation.
They consider the following factors in determining which setting to use and what the outcome will be. These factors do not dictate a particular decision.
Rather, they are aids to a decision that leaders must make prayerfully and as guided by the Spirit. The seriousness of a sin is measured by its magnitude. This may include the number and frequency of sins committed, the severity of the harm resulting from them, and the number of people hurt by them. Leaders consider the interests of victims and others.
Leaders also consider the severity of the harm. Spiritual guidance is needed to discern whether a person has sincerely repented. Such repentance is shown more reliably by righteous actions over time rather than by intense sorrow during a single interview.
Factors to consider include:. A person who has received the temple endowment has made covenants to live a higher standard. Violating these covenants magnifies the seriousness of the sin. It increases the likelihood of a membership council being necessary.
The seriousness of a sin is magnified if a person committed it while in a position of trust or authority, such as a parent, leader, or teacher. A pattern of repeating the same serious sin may indicate deeply rooted behavior or addiction that impedes progress toward true repentance.
In addition to membership restrictions that may be necessary, addiction recovery programs and professional counseling may be helpful see Leaders consider age, maturity, and experience when counseling a member or deciding the outcome of a membership council. Leniency is often appropriate for those who are immature in the gospel. For example, leniency may be appropriate for young members who engage in immoral conduct if they forsake the sin and show sincere repentance.
However, more serious action may be needed if they persist in the conduct. Mental illness, addiction, or limited mental capacity does not excuse a person who has committed a serious sin. However, these are factors to consider. Confession is part of repentance and should not be procrastinated. Sometimes a sin is followed by a long period of restitution and faithful living. If a member confesses a sin and has not repeated it, that can show that he or she has forsaken it.
In that instance, confession may complete rather than start the process of repentance. Sometimes members who commit a serious sin together live in different wards or stakes. In this situation, the stake presidents counsel together about the need for membership restrictions or councils. They also discuss if there is merit to the restrictions or council decisions being the same or if there are other matters that might indicate a need for different outcomes.
Such counseling can also help members guard against more serious sins. In personal counseling, leaders can also give informal membership restrictions to help a member repent of some serious sins see Serious sins should not be treated lightly see Doctrine and Covenants Guidelines to help leaders know when counseling and informal restrictions may be sufficient are listed below see also A person has not committed a sin that would require a membership council see A person is repenting of a serious sin that he or she has not committed before.
The following guidelines apply when a bishop or stake president is counseling a member to help him or her repent. Do not ask for details beyond what is necessary to understand the situation. Do not ask questions that arise from personal curiosity. Encourage the member to take specific actions to bring about the change of behavior and change of heart to repent. Invite him or her to draw close to the Savior, seeking His strength and to feel of His redeeming love. Encourage uplifting activities such as praying, studying the scriptures, and attending Church meetings.
Teach that family history and temple work can reduce the influence of the adversary. Encourage serving others and sharing the gospel. Encourage making restitution to those harmed by sins and asking for forgiveness. Encourage turning away from bad influences. Help members take preventive action to resist specific temptations.
Recognize that you are an ecclesiastical leader, not a professional counselor. In addition to the counseling you provide, some members would benefit from behavioral counseling. Some suffer from mental illness. As needed, counsel members to seek help from qualified medical and mental health professionals.
Be prayerful and seek guidance from the Spirit before giving informal membership restrictions. Some members may benefit from exercising the privileges of Church membership more actively rather than having them restricted. Follow up to give encouragement, fortify spiritual strength, and monitor progress. After a member has confessed to a bishop or stake president, follow-up counseling may occur in several ways. The leader himself can provide it. For youth, he may assign the Young Women presidency or Aaronic Priesthood quorum advisers to assist.
Those who are assigned to assist are entitled to inspiration to fulfill that assignment see 4. When assigning someone to assist with follow-up counseling, the leader gives only enough information necessary to help the member. The assigned person must maintain confidentiality. Personal counseling sometimes involves helping members repent of sins related to or caused by addictions. These addictions may include substances or a wide range of behaviors.
Addictions harm individuals, marriages, and families. The main town hosts mainly Spanish, Hispanics and North Africans. However, the surrounding "Campo" has many homes of retired northern Europeans such as the British and Dutch who own either holiday villas or have migrated for the "Spanish Dream".
The most important and central monument in the city is the baroque Catholic church built in which is the centre piece of the main Plaza. Albatera has a long history of cultural tradition such as traditional music, with two local bands, a choir and parish choirs. The main and colourful parade event being the "Moors and Christians", which are spectacular, a "must see". The Semana Santa Easter is also a very religious and a busy time for the city.
The festivities in honour of the town's patron St. If something goes out, you need an easy way to find the common denominator and, thus, the problem. This is in case something breaks and you need to get it fixed. Include both the model number for big items, in case you need to search for a part, and include information on any special bulbs, paints, etc.
This will make troubleshooting go much quicker. List out any cables that often come lose and describe what happens when they come lose. The purpose here is that, often, key people tend to take on new jobs automatically as soon as they come up. Your key people may even get so used to doing the job that they themselves forget it exists and they never remind their stand-in to do it.
This is another area many church leaders forget about, because so many people enter all the updates on Monday or Tuesday and forget that this is linked to Sunday service. So, get your leaders to list out what tasks they perform and how to do them, list out where each piece of information goes and any special filing system that applies, and list out any materials like how-to videos from your church management software provider that might help the people filling in figure out how to use the system.
You should also include information on what the tech support for your church management software includes. Does it include any reports the company will custom build for you? What information do you need in order to access tech support? And, finally, does your software charge monthly fees that need to be looked after if your key person is out for an extended period, or do you have a church management software that only charges a one-time fee?
Unfortunately for us, these people occasionally get sick or go on vacation, and those are always the weeks when everything that can go wrong does.
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