Taking the Sacrament with Your Right Hand

[Old-Timer]

There was a man in the temple today who is missing his right hand. He did all of the necessary things with his left hand, as did the officiator for him.

If it is okay for the temple, it is okay for the sacrament.

[DarkJedi]

While I agree with you Ray, the more orthodox will see the man in the temple as something he has to do out of necessity. When I was in the army, those who had disabled (or no) right arms were permitted to salute with their left – there was no other way. I think the more (or perhaps more judgmental) orthodox see taking the sacrament with the left hand by choice as inappropriate/offensive while they would have no problem with the one armed doing so.

[Old-Timer]

I know, DJ – but I don’t care.

I like that our Bishopric says that all who can support (or any who oppose) an action may show it by raising their hand – NOT “by raise of the right hand”.

[DarkJedi]

Old-Timer wrote:

I know, DJ – but I don’t care.

I like that our Bishopric says that all who can support (or any who oppose) an action may show it by raising their hand – NOT “by raise of the right hand”.

I’ve noticed that happening here, too, and I like it. “Please signify” works for me!

[LookingHard]

DarkJedi wrote:

Old-Timer wrote:

I know, DJ – but I don’t care.

I like that our Bishopric says that all who can support (or any who oppose) an action may show it by raising their hand – NOT “by raise of the right hand”.

I’ve noticed that happening here, too, and I like it. “Please signify” works for me!

That is what the current handbook of instructions says. It does not mention the right hand. I have heard that the US culture of raising the right hand (think court of law, swearing in public officials) come from Masonry.

[nibbler]

Old-Timer wrote:

I know, DJ – but I don’t care.

I like that our Bishopric says that all who can support (or any who oppose) an action may show it by raising their hand – NOT “by raise of the right hand”.

That’s why I always raise my left hand for sustainings.

Sinister, childish imp that I am. :angel:

[LookingHard]

nibbler wrote:

Old-Timer wrote:

I know, DJ – but I don’t care.

I like that our Bishopric says that all who can support (or any who oppose) an action may show it by raising their hand – NOT “by raise of the right hand”.

That’s why I always raise my left hand for sustainings.

Sinister, childish imp that I am. :angel:

Me too – on both counts: raising my left hand and being sinister and childish!

[AmyJ]

Question:

What do you tell a 7 year old female left-handed child about taking the sacrament? I am also left-handed and busy trying to honor the sacrament so I never notice which hand she uses. But my DH is the hand police, and it has caused issues and completely ruined the spirit of the sacrament for both DD and myself.

And how do I advise DH there might be a better way here?

Thanks!

[Old-Timer]

Have him read the handbook. It is available online. The is NOTHING in it about which hand to use, so there is NO policy about it. Period.

Any other way might just become an argument.

[gospeltangents]

I use whichever hand is convenient, and it is often the left hand. Nobody has ever said anything to me.

[Author]

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