The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints updated their General Handbook on August 2024, clarifying policies and adding new sections to guide local leaders in directing Church members.
Updates to “Individuals Who Identify as Transgender” encourage local Church leaders to minister to transgender individuals according to their individual needs while clarifying consistency in policies (Handbook Section 38.6.23). Worthy members who have not transitioned medically or socially may receive temple ordinances and be baptized, confirmed and ordained to the priesthood. Individuals who have transitioned may be baptized and confirmed only with approval from the First Presidency (26.5.7, 32.14.5, 32.16.1, 38.2.8.9, 38.2.9.9).
“These updates were made to help local leaders minister more effectively to individuals who identify as transgender and their families,” the Church said in a news release.
Ben Schilaty, author and former administrator within the BYU Honor Code office, commented on the Church’s policy regarding bathroom use for individuals who have transitioned in an Instagram reel, noting those who have transitioned should use a single-person restroom in church buildings. If single-person restrooms are not available and an individual who has transitioned chooses to use the bathroom that corresponds with the gender they identify with, another person should stand outside the restroom to ensure no one else enters.
“I want my trans friends to know that I will walk with you, and I will talk with you, and I will for sure stand outside of the bathroom for you,” Schilaty said. “I will find a way to study with you and work with you because I don’t want you to be left out of these sacred spaces.”
Many have commented on social media about these clarified policies.
“Hating, excluding and restricting transgender is the opposite of Christlike behaviors and compassion,” United Utah Party politician January Walker said in a TikTok comment.
However, Ramsi Fonua disagreed and said she loved the Church handbook updates.
“(The updates) came from a loving/inclusive place while sticking to church standards and even has sections for those who may be questioning,” Fonua said in her comment.
This handbook update also includes a new section on garment care which emphasized members may mend tears but should replace garments if marks are flawed (38.5.6). Members may choose from a variety of garments to fit any specific fabric needs or accommodations (38.5.2).
“The garment is a sacred symbol of Jesus Christ,” the handbook says. “The way we care for our garments should reflect that sacred symbolism.”
A new section “Medical Conditions That May Prevent Members from Wearing the Garment” explains that members should wear garments, but if they are unable to because of medical reasons, their worthiness is not affected (38.5.8).
The Church clarified policies regarding sealings of living children to deceased parents (38.4.2.2). New sections on “Sealing of a Living Member to a Deceased Individual with Whom He or She Cohabited” (38.4.1.4) and “Who Performs a Sealing of Living Children to Parents” (27.4.4) have been added. The handbook stresses Heavenly Father will not force anyone to be sealed for eternity against their will.
As announced on July 18, unmarried adults ages 18-35 are considered “young single adults.” Units with many young single adults may split into two groups — those ages 18-25 and those ages 26-35. “Single adults” refers to unmarried adults ages 36 and older; however, single adult wards are for unmarried adults ages 36-45 (14.0, 14.3, 37.2-37.3, 37.5).
“These changes aim to ensure that members have access to programs and resources most appropriate for their spiritual growth and stage in life,” the Church said in the release.
Leaders in the elders quorum and Relief Society are to direct brief counseling discussions after the opening prayer in their respective Sunday lessons, discussing members’ needs and challenges. Lessons will be based on general conference messages that meet these needs. The elders quorum and Relief Society also may occasionally meet together for their Sunday lessons, as coordinated by the bishopric and each presidency (8.2.1.2, 9.2.1.2).
A member of the bishopric is to request for the Young Women class presidencies to coordinate youth to welcome members into the chapel before sacrament meeting. Youth are to greet members by name, encourage reverence, answer questions and assist members in finding seats (11.3.4.2, 29.2.1.3).
Wards are to hold only Sacrament meetings on Easter and Christmas (or the Sunday near Christmas as decided by the stake presidency) (29.2.9).
The following sections have also been updated: “Streaming Meetings and Holding Virtual Meetings” (29.7), “Temple and Family History Work in the Ward and Stake” (25), “Lost or Stolen Recommends” (26.2.2), “Temple Recommend Interviews for Members in Isolated Areas” (26.3.2) and “Basic Unit Program” (36.6).