Permission from the Bishop

[rameumptom]

Chances are the deserted island would not be in any bishop's jurisdiction. The elders would have to prayerfully gather to determine how to manage the affairs of the church in the area they are in. They are called of God, and without contact with the Church, have the right to preside and perform works, such as baptism, Gift of the Holy Ghost, etc. They would NOT have the authority to build a temple, do baptisms for the dead, etc.

[rameumptom]

I concur that in such a case, one has to listen to the Spirit.

Still, perhaps we could put this twist on the hypothetical:

Let us say that the group of members includes a sizeable number of high priests. The group collectively knows the temple ceremonies backwards and forwards; they have resources to build a "temple" of sorts and make the necessary ceremonial items; and they have a healthy supply of names whose work has not been done.

Would it be proper for this marooned group to build their own temple and administer proxy baptisms, confirmations, ordinations, initiatories, endowments, and sealings?

Why or why not?

The keys to temple work reside with the First Presidency. High priests do not hold the keys to dedicate a temple, nor administer the works therein. They do have the right to preside, and given no contact with the Church, they could preside over Sacrament meetings, baptisms, ordinations to the priesthood, etc.

[rameumptom]

You do not need a Bishop approval to hold a Sacrament. Any worthy officiating Aaronic Priesthood, Office of a Priest, can setup and conduct a Sacrament. It is the duty of the Aaronic Priesthood to prepare and administer the Sacrament. In the absent of of true lineage of Aaronic by descendant, then a Elder or High Priest can do the same.

The Bishop is the President of the Aaronic Priesthood in a ward. If Sacrament is done in his ward jurisdiction, HE has to approve of it. This includes taking the sacrament to homebound members, etc.

However, most deserted islands are not found within the boundaries and jurisdiction of the bishop; so it is a different issue. Those presiding elders would have the right and responsibility to run the Church on the island, in accordance to the scriptures, teachings of the prophets, and the Holy Spirit's guidance.

[BenRaines]

Sounds like something I said about 15 posts ago. :)

Ben Raines

[Moksha]

What was the practical solution offered to the primitive Church when all the apostles disappeared?

To continue the best they could.

[Hemidakota]

The keys to temple work reside with the First Presidency. High priests do not hold the keys to dedicate a temple, nor administer the works therein. They do have the right to preside, and given no contact with the Church, they could preside over Sacrament meetings, baptisms, ordinations to the priesthood, etc.

One of the five offices within this priesthood...

[Hemidakota]

The Bishop is the President of the Aaronic Priesthood in a ward. If Sacrament is done in his ward jurisdiction, HE has to approve of it. This includes taking the sacrament to homebound members, etc.

However, most deserted islands are not found within the boundaries and jurisdiction of the bishop; so it is a different issue. Those presiding elders would have the right and responsibility to run the Church on the island, in accordance to the scriptures, teachings of the prophets, and the Holy Spirit's guidance.

Ok...what was different after I had posted three on the same conclusion?

[Hemidakota]

Leaving what remains of a few bishops to act in that authoritarian role.

[Traveler]

Just-a-guy is correct. There is an order in the priesthood and regardless of one’s previous callings and worthiness they cannot take that honor unto themselves.

“We believe that a man must be called of G-d, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.”

Just-a-guy is also correct in his understanding that the scenario of being separated is the essence of the “Great Apostasy”. There is only one person that holds the keys of the Priesthood and that is the president of the priesthood. Those keys may be delegated but never assumed and if delegated can only be use under the direction of the office from which they were delegated. Even if there was a current bishop on our desert island, ordinances for which that bishop has the keys in his ward could no longer be performed.

The simple answer is that ordinances that are performed without the proper authority and keys have no eternal seal and consequence.

The Traveler

[rameumptom]

Mormonism often produces practical solutions to problems.

What was the practical solution offered to the primitive Church when all the apostles disappeared?

I don't think the original apostles and primitive Church were Mormons, were they?

[Just_A_Guy]

Apparently, they were Baptists.

[trulykiwi]

If the island was part of a ward or stake boundary, you probably would need permission, if not then you may be able to do it depending if you knew you would be stranded forever....ha ha there are some funny questions on here man!