Asking Bishop’s Permission

We often ask too many questions. Period.

There is NO reason someone can’t teach “informal lessons” using “Preach My Gospel”. It’s one of the reasons the book itself says is why it was written. It shouldn’t need “permission”.

Sometimes, we ask unnecessary questions – and I’m convinced that’s one of the biggest reasons our CHI is bigger than it should be, ideally. Too many people asked too many questions, and the leadership decided they had to step in and govern rather than just teach correct principles. If people hadn’t asked so many questions, we’d have a pamphlet instead of chapters of non-purely-administrative stuff.

It has come up several times in recent threads (including this one) that a bishop is most important when it involves all ordinances for those in his flock. Furthermore, since 2010 new doctrine or maybe just handbook rules state (not sure how they differ or how accurate my understanding is) you must have a temple recommend to perform any ordinance no exceptions- correct me if im misunderstood. This brings me to an important question to all you i look up to. I served in upstate New York mission and I always thought it would be great someday to see one of my children baptized in SUSQUEHANNA river. This option has become very real for me as the months are marching off to my daughters 8th birthday this summer and I fear i cannot baptize her and this would crush my extended family whom would assuredly want to be there if it were local and would also destroy ward member perceptions of our family and the ward whispering would start, children would slowly stop coming over to play…. Most of you know the drill. This last issue is the thing which is most feared by my wife. I have been invited by a member family from the old white shirt and tag days to stay with them and also the father has offered to do the ordinance of baptism as I cannot at this time because of the “off label” medication I use- sorry for the euphemism just hard to talk about sometimes (btw-that “med” is by all who know me close say has been a life saver-but rules are rules)…. I am not bitter in any way. Ok Bottom line question: How would you go about getting this properly approved and explained to a bishop and what paperwork would need to be filled out? How many witnesses would have to attend- IOW… could I be one of two witnesses as a Melchezidech priesthoodhood holder but no current temple recommend? BAny addition input or suggestions to succeed in this? PS My Bishop who is a awesome and righteous man believes we do not have TR because of tithing- this is only a diversion for the real truth and I donate my equivalent tithing into general fund as I am fortunate to be blessed financially and is no problem- just used as a screen so not asked to do church callings im not qualified spiritually for (i would never mock God) and do not have to discuss the true nature of TR problem as I know nothing of this juiciness is kept in a clergy/partitioner anonymity in current LDS church. I have witnessed that second hand many times. Thanks fir your reply and input- anything helps:)

How would you go about getting this properly approved and explained to a bishop and what paperwork would need to be filled out? How many witnesses would have to attend- IOW… could I be one of two witnesses as a Melchezidech priesthoodhood holder but no current temple recommend?

This from the CHI

Only a Melchizedek Priesthood holder who is worthy to hold a temple recommend may act as voice in confirming a person a member of the Church, conferring the Melchizedek Priesthood, ordaining a person to an office in that priesthood, or setting apart a person to serve in a Church calling.

As guided by the Spirit and the instructions in the next paragraph, bishops and stake presidents have discretion to allow priesthood holders who are not fully temple worthy to perform or participate in some ordinances and blessings. However, presiding officers should not allow such participation if a priesthood holder has unresolved serious sins.

A bishop may allow a father who holds the Melchizedek Priesthood to name and bless his children even if the father is not fully temple worthy. Likewise, a bishop may allow a father who is a priest or Melchizedek Priesthood holder to baptize his children or to ordain his sons to offices in the Aaronic Priesthood. A Melchizedek Priesthood holder in similar circumstances may be allowed to stand in the circle for the confirmation of his children, for the conferral of the Melchizedek Priesthood on his sons, or for the setting apart of his wife or children. However, he may not act as voice.

and

Two priests or Melchizedek Priesthood holders witness each baptism to make sure it is performed properly.

I’m wondering … if the “medication” you are taking is legal in your state, why would it prevent you from getting a TR?

I think that once you stop buying into the whole Max Weber bureaucracy of the Church, and realize that these men are really manager and administrators as much or more than they are spiritual advisors (and sometimes, very poorly trained ones at that), the need to ask such questions tends to evaporate quite quickly….so for me, it’s a moot point. I only ask on matters I MUST ask about. If there is a grey area, or something they would never know about, I suggest simply ploughing ahead using the God-given intuition and self-governance we were born with.

How would you go about getting this properly approved and explained to a bishop and what paperwork would need to be filled out? How many witnesses would have to attend- IOW… could I be one of two witnesses as a Melchezidech priesthoodhood holder but no current temple recommend?

I believe you need 2 witnesses, and those witnesses also need to be temple recommend holders. Non-recommend holders can stand in the circle of a confirmation (as the father, I would request this even if you don’t feel fully worthy to do the ordinance), but the “voice” must have a TR. So the bishop would want to review plans to have things done according to protocol and get his blessing on it. I think you could do this by initiating the conversation, and sharing your intent to want to make it best for the child, and hope he can support your family by allowing this. If he has concerns, I think you could talk through it with him. Most unique situations are left up to the authority to approve as he sees fit, and you will get his support most when you approach your request with meekness and intent to make it special for the child, and be reasonable to respect his requests, but also be allowed to be creative in coming up with ways to get what you want.

My Bishop who is a awesome and righteous man

This is a good sign…he seems like he will try to work with you. Most bishops have your interests at heart.