General Handbook.

[silentstruggle]

Yesterday in Stake Conference, an announcement was made to the leadership that the new handbooks are in, and they would need to check in old handbooks. Although the conspiracy theorist in me wants to make this out to something it probably isn’t, I don’t remember that being an announcement made in relative public in the past. Also wondering if any of you have any early information on the changes.

[Brian Johnston]

They made that announcement yesterday in my ward also — about the broadcast and the updated CHI. They also mentioned bringing in the old copies to exchange for new. I can see some level of paranoia in that, seriously. But I really think they want to make sure people aren’t hanging on to old copies, and then referencing them as policy. The best way to make sure the changes to policy are implemented is to get rid of old policy instructions.

Here is a post at a blog on changes to ordination and confirmation standards:

http://www.wheatandtares.org/2010/11/03/2010-church-handbook-of-instructions/#comments

[SilentDawning]

I thought with a thinner handbook there would be fewer policies and a loosening of restrictions. With the article at Wheat and Tares it appears they’ve made it even more strict.

Personally, I think this will even push more people away, and emphasizes the “all or nothing” mentality that makes people either cut or commit, rather than hang in there until the positive, gentle influence of the Spirit coaxes them back again. Also, it creates a public shaming component because people will wonder what the problem is with the father when he is doesn’t act as the voice in confirming his children in the Church. And, if the person doing the confirming is listed on the child’s ordination certificate, it will go down in history on the child’s ordination certificate that someone else had to do the confirmation because the father wasn’t worthy.

Also, what do the scriptures say about necessary qualifications to baptize children? Doesn’t it say that one must hold the Melchizedek Priesthood worthily? I will have to look this up. If the scriptures don’t specifically say you have to be a temple recommend holder to baptize someone, what does this mean about the Official Doctrine Essay? This policy begs the question — is the CHI more doctrine than the scriptures, in practice, regardless of the process for creating doctrine in the Official Doctrine essay?

And perhaps this represents the cleansing of the Church in the last days….I hate the sound of that, but it certainly draws a line in the sand between people with differing attitudes toward the temple.

[Old-Timer]

When new manuals of any kind are distributed, it is standard policy to have the older ones returned – in any organization of any kind. It makes perfect sense to not want old policies floating around, as Brian said.

The new CHI will be distributed on Saturday. Frankly, I’m withholding all judgment until I have one in my hands and can read it myself.

[cwald]

SilentDawning wrote:

Personally, I think this will even push more people away, and emphasizes the “all or nothing” mentality that makes people either cut or commit, rather than hang in there until the positive, gentle influence of the Spirit coaxes them back again. Also, it creates a public shaming component because people will wonder what the problem is with the father when he is doesn’t act as the voice in confirming his children in the Church.

And perhaps this represents the cleansing of the Church in the last days….I hate the sound of that, but it certainly draws a line in the sand between people with differing attitudes toward the temple.

Bingo.

[crusader]

I found a great blog post about the new CHI:

http://martinluther537.wordpress.com/2010/11/10/the-church-handbook-of-instructions-and-thinking-on-your-own/

[SilentDawning]

Imagine how much effort it was to photocopy all those pages of both handbooks, scan them, and then put them into PDF files….

[bridget_night]

Here are the change on homosexuality: http://loydo38.blogspot.com/2010/11/homosexuality-in-2010-church-handbook.html

[cwald]

I told the BP that I’m not going to the meeting Saturday – it would just drag me down and make me mad.

Anybody going? And if so — are you willing to post an HONEST (and I mean that from both spectrum’s – not sure we will get an honest report on NOM – or StayLDS) summary of changes and new emphasis?

[Brian Johnston]

There are already scanned PDFs available on the internet. But it sounds like you want more of the broader vibe and organizational overview they will offer at the meeting, can’t really help you there. I’m certainly not invited

[cwald]

I’m invited and EXPECTED to attend. Want to change places for the weekend?

[observant]

Is there anything about the new fourth mission of the church to help the poor and needy? I’ll admit that the new handbook has been readily available at my house for the last month and half and I’ve not been that interested in it. I’ve certainly not been interested in comparing the two. I’ll let someone else wade through the details (I knew there’d be plenty of people willing to spend the time!) I’m not even sure where something like that would be easily found in the CHI.

[SilentDawning]

bridget_night wrote:

Here are the change on homosexuality: http://loydo38.blogspot.com/2010/11/homosexuality-in-2010-church-handbook.html

I like this change; it removes condemnation for same sex thoughts or feelings, and focuses only on behavior. It also expresses the ways in which individuals with such tendencies can serve in the Church.

[Old-Timer]

I will be there. I will let you know my impressions of the presentation – the “vibe” I get.

Granted, it will be coming from one of the least frustrated participants here, who lives in an alternate universe, but . . . 😆

[Cnsl1]

I am also interested in an objective take on the mtg.

I have been asked to be there but have other activities that are more important to family and marital life. So, I’ll miss the mtg.

[Author]

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