Melchizedek Priesthood Ordination Record change

When did the instructions change on the MP ordination record?

Old: "After the ordination, the completed form is given to the ward or branch clerk, ..."
New: "After the ordination, the completed form is given to the stake or district clerk, ..."

The distribution instructions at the bottom still state, "One copy of this form should be filed with the ward or branch membership records until the next audit of membership records has been completed."

I frequently remind members of the Stake PEC to give a copy of the form to the ward clerk, and bring the original to the stake clerk.

drepouille wrote:When did the instructions change on the MP ordination record?

We were asked to modify the form about a month and a half ago and were able to get the change into MLS 3.7.3.

scgallafent wrote:

drepouille wrote:When did the instructions change on the MP ordination record?

We were asked to modify the form about a month and a half ago and were able to get the change into MLS 3.7.3.

It has always been unclear to me whether the ward or the stake is supposed to enter in priesthood ordinations. I personally prefer that the stake do it, because Melchizedek priesthood is a stake thing – sustainings are done in stake conference, interviews are done by the stake, and the president of the Melchizedek priesthood is the Stake President. I think too often we are casual about it, leading to misunderstandings about policy and doctrine. Clear policy can lead to a clearer understanding of doctrine.

Next step would be removing the ability for the ward MLS to record ordination to the Melchizedek priesthood; but so far the powers that be still allow it. It's probably just a matter of practicality, which I understand.

One of the reasons to allow the ward to record it is when the person has been calling to a position that requires that ordination, for example a new bishopric counselor. It is helpful to be able to get that calling entered as quickly as possible.

Because a bishop has primary responsibility for membership records of the members of his ward, it seems reasonable that he (and his clerks) would be able to enter Melchizedek Priesthood ordination information.

Although Melchizedek Priesthood ordination is a stake responsibility, there was a time when the stake could not record the ordination for the reason scgallafent stated. The bishop holds the membership record. In those days, the stake had to work with the ward to make sure the ordinance got recorded. It was with much effort that the ability for the stake to record the ordination finally was allowed.

Now, if the ordination is due to a calling in the ward, we ask the stake representative to visit with the ward clerk immediately following the ordination and ask him to record the ordination. If the ordination is due to a stake calling, our stake clerk will walk into the stake clerk's office and record the ordination there.