Panvino Posted January 21, 2009 Report Posted January 21, 2009 Hi there. I've got what's likely a very simple question, but I have no idea where to get the answer so I thought I'd post here. I've been inactive for a number of years, but would like my Church records updated (recent legal name change). How would I go about doing this without needing to contact my local ward? Thanks in advance! Quote
Hemidakota Posted January 21, 2009 Report Posted January 21, 2009 There is no way....unless you use the ward clerk. Now, you could have home teachers take the necessary paperwork and have it change for you. Still, you need to make a contact with someone at the ward. Quote
NeuroTypical Posted January 21, 2009 Report Posted January 21, 2009 What Hemi said. Records maintenance is done on the local level. You can always send them a letter that says "This is just to let you know my legal name has changed to [X], and if anyone comes to visit me I'll shoot at them." I'm exaggerating a little, but only a little. The Bishop would most likely welcome a clear statement about what contact you'd like from church. LM Quote
Panvino Posted January 21, 2009 Author Report Posted January 21, 2009 What?! Well, would I need to write to the ward I last visited about ten years ago, or a ward that is near my current neighborhood? How odd... (BTW, thanks for the help!) Quote
NeuroTypical Posted January 21, 2009 Report Posted January 21, 2009 Now that's an excellent question. You would need to write whatever ward has your records. It is possible that your old ward sent them into what my Bishop calls "the black hole" - basically, they're kept at church HQ because nobody knows where these people are. But again, church HQ doesn't update records, they only will forward them on to where they're supposed to be. I guess the answer is, the ward covering where you live now. So that means some Bishop will be sitting there opening his mail, and find a letter from you saying "Hi, you don't know me, and you didn't know I existed until I wrote this letter. I'm an inactive member who wants to be left alone, but I also want my church record updated with my new name. You probably don't have my record, so you'll have to ask Salt Lake to send it to you. Here's my old name/address..." Now, a letter like that will probably spark some curiosity on the part of the Bishop, so unless you are crystal clear that there will be legal or violent ramifications if he comes to visit you, he might go visit you. Bishops can be an odd bunch. On one hand, they've got a family they'd rather be spending time with. On the other hand, there's a scripture or two telling them just how important it is that they seek out and help their lost sheep. You may want to consider just hand-delivering the letter, or accepting one short visit, just so he can put a name to the face, and keep the poor helpless Deacon from knocking on your door at 10am on a Sunday looking for tithing. LM Quote
Palerider Posted January 22, 2009 Report Posted January 22, 2009 What?!Well, would I need to write to the ward I last visited about ten years ago, or a ward that is near my current neighborhood?How odd...(BTW, thanks for the help!) if your local ward does not have your records they cannot be updated until they recieve your records.... Quote
Palerider Posted January 22, 2009 Report Posted January 22, 2009 You can call the local ward or perhaps visit and tell them you have been in the area and you would like to update them and they may need to send to Salt Lake for your records. The Local clerk you speak with will help you. Quote
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