Re-print Limited Use Recommend that is Active

One of our youth let his recommend go through the wash. It is still valid, but needs to be printed again. When I tried to print, it didn't have a Print button, but just an "Issue Recommend" button. Are we intentionally not allowed to re-print an active recommend? Even if I have the original and it is shredded?

I suppose some workarounds could be to save the PDF for later printing. Or simply print multiple copies at the time of issuance.

As far as I have seen, you can only issue new Limited Use Recommends. I wouldn't recommend (no pun intended) either of your suggested workarounds.

My full-use recommend recently went through the wash. I got a new one.

Our Bishop feels obligated to conduct a new interview if a new recommend is issued, since the new recommend issue starts the clock over. This added burden of time is significant in our ward so we are doing what you mention and either printing multiple copies to store in a secure cabinet or saving a pdf copy. Is anyone aware of a policy that would discourage that? I can't come up with reasons not to do it, but also reasons to use this work around. Just looking for a policy or reference?

You could try laminating the recommends.

I think it is a good thing if the youth need to have a new interview if they have destroyed their recommend. They should learn to keep better care of it.

Re interviewing all the time is just not practical. Adding a interview to "teach them a lesson" is like a punishment. I don't understand why this has to be so difficult. There should simply be a reissue button.

pclarine wrote:Re interviewing all the time is just not practical.

How is it done for adults that lose their recommend?

pclarine wrote:Adding a interview to "teach them a lesson" is like a punishment.

I prefer the word "consequences" as being more accurate.

pclarine wrote:I don't understand why this has to be so difficult. There should simply be a reissue button.

You'll have to talk to your immediate presiding authority. The developers have no say. This is a public forum in a church that isn't run by democracy. Only the leaders at Church Headquarters can make the change.

Our large youth group go to the temple every month and this lost recommend issue always seems to be realized only on the day of going to the temple. Having to do an interview and reprint a new recomend is not practical when getting on time and through the session with a large group is already a challenge.

Rebolloso wrote:Our large youth group go to the temple every month and this lost recommend issue always seems to be realized only on the day of going to the temple. Having to do an interview and reprint a new recomend is not practical when getting on time and through the session with a large group is already a challenge.

You could post feedback on LDS.org, but this might be something you could request your stake president to bring up in his coordinating council.

I remember (many years ago) going with a priesthood group to the temple over an hour away and realizing when I arrived there that I left my recommend at home. I spent the time (while they were in an endowment session) in the temple lobby reading the scriptures and contemplating the consequence of my poor planning. My closest temple is now over 4 hours away, but I did learn to verify my recommend is "present and accounted" for in time to address it if needed before I depart. My opinion only: Sometimes shielding our youth from the consequences of their actions does them a disservice in life.

I wonder if the temple presidency can verify Limited-use Recommends in the same manner as they can currently verify other recommends?
If so, then the youth would need to provide a photo ID or some other form of ID to prove his or her identity to the temple presidency.

I too would like to see a reprint button. But I do know the temple can look up the info and verify recommend status if a child does not have a physical copy. My children have made use of this option and it is fairly simple.

What would be really nice is a digital copy as part of LDS tools. Paper is becoming antequated. We live in AZ and this last year legistlature made presenting a digital drivers license legal. I use Google pay at the store instead of carrying credit cards. Quickly gone will be the need to carry a wallet.

One concern with reprinting the same recommend is that it has the same bar code, and so it does not cancel the lost recommend. As such, someone could find the lost recommend and still use it, even though they may not be worthy (or even be a member).

I agree with some of the above comments that we need to learn accountability, and if we have lost our recommend, then having to start over again helps us to remember next time to try a little harder.

The General Handbook does talk about this in section 26.2.3, and does not make any distinction between limited-use and full temple recommends. Once lost/stolen (or destroyed in the wash), the recommend should be immediately canceled, and a temple recommend interview is performed and a new recommend is issued.

This seems pretty clear. I'd think for any deviation from this, the Bishop should counsel with the Stake President, and together with their keys they can proceed the correct way for any unique circumstances.