Has the title of first and second counselors been discontinued?

For presidencies such as Primary, Young Women?

I was sure this happened but can't seem to find a letter or on handbook.

No is the answer. 1st and 2nd Counsellors are still valid callings!

I seem to recall a time when RS counselors' titles were role-based instead of numbered. I don't know if that was official or just one of those fads that take root.

russellhltn wrote: I seem to recall a time when RS counselors' titles were role-based instead of numbered.

They were role-based AND numbered and it was all according to instructions from headquarters. That has gone away. Today, roles are assigned to either counselor under the inspiration of the organization president.

But there have always been (and still are) 1st and 2nd counselors.

I must say that I can't find the title first and second counselor on the handbook for these callings anymore.
Thanks brethren.

They are listed in LCR under Organisations!

Biggles wrote:They are listed in LCR under Organisations!

There it is! Thanks!

I must say that I can't find the title first and second counselor on the handbook for these callings anymore.

I think part of what trips many of us up, is associating Bishopric, EQ or RS "First Counselor" with a hierarchical rank. The only place in the GHB I'm aware of where it states specific responsibilities of a specific counselor is 7.1.2, where the Bishopric 1st Counselor is over the Teachers Quorum, and the 2nd Counselor is responsible for the Deacons Quorum. So while the Handbook is clear that there are two (or only one for a smaller unit) counselors -- and in LCR they are indeed labeled as First Counselor and Second Counselor -- they are functionally interchangeable and equal in "rank".

The main difference is that the 1st counselor presides when the president or bishop is absent.