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This story was in ldsliving.com website. I’m glad the church is making the effort to include members that have special needs. One question:
Can members with Down Syndrome have the Priesthood now?
The reason I ask, my BIL was classified as Special Needs. I’m not sure what the specific diagnosis was.
My MIL always insisted that he go to public school & attend church as a regular member. When it came time for his
8th birthday, he had an interview with the Bishop who told him he didn’t need to be baptised. He never talked about it
but he seemed disappointed that he couldn’t participate like the other 8 yr olds. As a result, he couldn’t participate in the
Aaronic PH either. By the time he was in High School he didn’t attend church anymore.
Has this policy changed? It wasn’t clear from the article.
I also saw that LDS living article and I agree that it represents a positive step towards inclusion. The church is probably seeking that fine line between including members with special needs and subjecting them to dangerous situations without adequate supervision. Just judging from the limited sample provided it appears the church has done this by 1) allowing service missions in business environments (example of Deseret Industries or Bishop’s Storehouse). 2) allowing missions where the a good portion of the time is spent in the mission office. 3) Going out to proselyte in a group of 3 missionaries.
I just wonder if they’ve had feedback over time that “they don’t need baptism” is more hurtful for families than just “go ahead and let them be baptized”…it’s not like a baptism is going to hurt someone…better to be kind than be technical on the ordinances. Heber13 wrote:
…better to be kind than be technical on the ordinances.
That’s a great way to put it.
Well said, Heber. Yes, someone with Down’s Syndrome can be ordained to an office in the organizational Priesthood structure – while others can’t be. Understanding levels vary radically, as they do in the general population.
I think the individuals are supposed to be handled case by case on whether or not the bishop feels the person understands and is ready for baptism. That does unfortunately mean that sometimes leadership roulette is in play. That said, I do believe the church has made efforts to be more inclusive and to give more individuals the opportunities to serve and participate.
Here’s another one I saw today. Wouldn’t you like to meet some of these women?
I don’t know where they fall on the “belief spectrum”, but they are inspirational.
I agree. they are great examples of how to shine in unique ways in God’s meadow. Wonderful.
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