“Temple and Genealogy Work to Be Emphasized,” Ensign, Aug. 1987, 75
Temple and Genealogy Work to Be Emphasized
The role of temple ordinances will be a major theme in stake conferences held during the last half of 1987, and genealogical work will be emphasized during conferences held the first half of 1988.
The theme, “Come Unto Christ and Be Perfected in Him through Temple Ordinances and Covenants,” was presented to regional representatives in a seminar last April. Stake conferences held the remainder of this year will highlight that theme.
“The ordinances and covenants of the higher priesthood center in the temple,” says Elder Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve and chairman of the Temple and Genealogy Executive Council. “During these stake conferences, members are taught how they can participate fully in both temple and genealogical service.”
“It is hoped that in these stake conferences we can simplify the approach to genealogy,” says Elder James E. Faust of the Quorum of the Twelve. Elder Faust, who is also a member of the Temple and Genealogy Executive Council, adds that the intention is to “demystify [genealogy] so that every member, regardless of training, will find it possible to do.”
New, simplified procedures and materials have been produced to help members with their temple and genealogy work. These new materials, which are being presented to priesthood leaders at stake conferences, include a forty-page booklet carrying the theme title, “Come Unto Christ through Temple Ordinances and Covenants” (Stock no. PBGS153A). The booklet contains simplified information to help Church members with no prior experience accomplish their genealogy and temple responsibilities.
In addition to doctrinal explanations, the booklet includes copies of new forms, instructions for filling out the forms, and a two-page guide, “Temple and Genealogical Service: Instructions for Leaders.” The guide and the new genealogical forms are also available from the Salt Lake Distribution Center.
The forms contained in the new booklet include:
The new Pedigree Chart (PFGS3093) in 8-1/2 by 11-inch vertical format, which contains four generations.
The new Family Group Record form (PFGS3107), also in the 8-1/2 by 11-inch format, which is now the primary form for submitting names for proxy temple ordinances.
A new four-part Ordinance Pedigree Chart (PFGS3173) that provides space for the third through the eighth generations and indicates whether ordinances have been completed for direct-line family members.
Instructions are included with each set of forms.
Another new booklet, entitled “Submitting Names for Temple Ordinances: Instructions for Genealogical Leaders” (PBGS1391), will be available at the Salt Lake Distribution Center in August 1987. Recent changes made to simplify the names submission process for temple work are included.
One objective of the year-long emphasis is to simplify the process of doing genealogy work and preparing names for temple ordinances. In addition to the simplified materials, one-on-one assistance will be provided by ward genealogical consultants who will help members accomplish their genealogy and temple work responsibilities. Their training and supervision will be provided by high priest group leaders and high councilors assigned as stake temple and genealogical advisers.
Each member is urged to begin immediately to find an ancestor for whom temple ordinances have not been performed, to take that name to the temple, and progress from there.