Rebaptism?

[GracieLou]

Hello -

I was wondering if anyone here knew of the OFFICIALchurch teaching regarding my question. My question is: How long must one wait to be rebaptized after voluntarily leaving the church? I had my name removed from church records and have since realized that I wish I hadn't:). My bishop (who is a newbie bishop) says that I MUST wait one year from the time I decided to rejoin. All the information I can find seems to indicate that this year long waiting period is only required when one has been excommunicated, which I definately was not! Can anyone shed any light on the actual REQUIRED waiting time?

Gracie

[estradling75]

For all practical purposes your bishop is official as it gets. If he says wait a year then you are waiting a year.

[GracieLou]

THank you :) I understand that the bishop has discression insuch matters, I just wanted to know what the church handbook had to say or what the official word was. The bishop in this case has made it abundantly clear that he does not want to bother with this again for a year, which seems to me a little bit "off". If I actually trusted his judgement (previous problems cause the distrust) I would have no problem with the year. However, I believe that he is doing this to punish me on a personal level. No I am not paranoid; he has done this to tohers before.... I honestly haveno idea how he became bishop. The previous bishop was awesome!

Gracie

[jayanna]

I have been researching your question on lds.org in the handbook that is available there, and haven't found anything besides that the bishop decides when individuals are ready to be baptized.

He is the Bishop because he was called to be the Bishop. Each bishop is reviewed and approved by the First Presidency before receiving their calling. If he is good enough for them, then he is good enough. However, if things do go against the counsel of the Lord (which has happened) the Bishop will be changed quickly...I have seen this happen myself, and rest assured this is the Lord's church, and if things aren't going His way, it will be changed.

Remember that your Bishop is giving up his time with his family to be with you, and that he can recieve revelation to ensure your care.

If it is a year, then there must be a reason for it. Rather than worrying about whether he is worthy, ask the Lord to help you realize why it would be serious enough to wait a year for.

[Palerider]

You have a one year minimum before re baptism. It may take longer, that will depend on you and the progress you make. Its all between you and your Bishop.

[GracieLou]

I have been researching your question on lds.org in the handbook that is available there, and haven't found anything besides that the bishop decides when individuals are ready to be baptized.

He is the Bishop because he was called to be the Bishop. Each bishop is reviewed and approved by the First Presidency before receiving their calling. If he is good enough for them, then he is good enough. However, if things do go against the counsel of the Lord (which has happened) the Bishop will be changed quickly...I have seen this happen myself, and rest assured this is the Lord's church, and if things aren't going His way, it will be changed.

Remember that your Bishop is giving up his time with his family to be with you, and that he can recieve revelation to ensure your care.

If it is a year, then there must be a reason for it. Rather than worrying about whether he is worthy, ask the Lord to help you realize why it would be serious enough to wait a year for.

Thank you for your response :) I am not concerned about whether he is worthy. I chose to leave the church for personal reasons and I did not do anything to m make myself less worthy than I was the day I was originally baptized. When we first met he started out by calling me by my first name and did not like it when I said that if he used my first name (instead of Sister so and so) then I would call him by his first name. He did not like that. In 19 years I have NEVER had abishop address me by my first name. Anyway, this is the only thing that could have rubbed hime the wrong way and I do not see how that makes me such a trouble case that I need to wait a year ~with no explanation~! He won't tell me why he wants me to wait a year - that is the problem. If he gave me a reason so that I could work on whatever he saw as a problem then I would understand. I just really wanted to know what the required/standar waiting time was. He intimated that everyone waits at least a year. I know that is not true because I have a family member who was rebabptised a mere few months after her request to return.

THanks again for your response -

Gracie

[GracieLou]

You have a one year minimum before re baptism. It may take longer, that will depend on you and the progress you make. Its all between you and your Bishop.

I guess that is not true in all cases. That is why I am asking the question. A family member was rebaptised a mere few months after requestiong to get rebaptised.....Which obviously means that is not the same in all cases. Now I DID hear that it was required to wait a year for re baptism if you had been excommunicated but I was NOT excommunicated or diciplined in any way. THat is why I am confused.

Gracie

[john doe]

Here's the thing: When someone decides that they no longer want to be a member, and are determined enough to go through the whole process of having their name removed from the Church's membership rolls, it indicates that the person really wanted to go through with that process. So when a few months later, if that person has a change of heart and decides that they really do want to be a member of the church and that they have a testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel, the leaders need to be sure that the person is really serious about that decision. They want to make sure that your testimony of the gospel and your commitment to living the commandments is sufficient that the next time you have a crisis of your faith, that you are not going to run back and demand to be removed from the church rolls again on a whim.

They want to see you attending all your church meetings, and outwardly showing your commitment to living the standards of the church for a substantial period of time. They probably also want to hold regular interviews and ask probing questions about your faith and testimony. They want to know that you understand the gospel and what it takes to live it long-term. When it comes down to it, a year really isn't that long. If you put your mind to it and determine that you really want to do this thing, then the time will fly by, and when you are ready, your bishop will know it, and you will have a greater appreciation for and commitment to the gospel when the time comes for rebaptism.

[GracieLou]

Here's the thing: When someone decides that they no longer want to be a member, and are determined enough to go through the whole process of having their name removed from the Church's membership rolls, it indicates that the person really wanted to go through with that process. So when a few months later, if that person has a change of heart and decides that they really do want to be a member of the church and that they have a testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel, the leaders need to be sure that the person is really serious about that decision. They want to make sure that your testimony of the gospel and your commitment to living the commandments is sufficient that the next time you have a crisis of your faith, that you are not going to run back and demand to be removed from the church rolls again on a whim.

They want to see you attending all your church meetings, and outwardly showing your commitment to living the standards of the church for a substantial period of time. They probably also want to hold regular interviews and ask probing questions about your faith and testimony. They want to know that you understand the gospel and what it takes to live it long-term. When it comes down to it, a year really isn't that long. If you put your mind to it and determine that you really want to do this thing, then the time will fly by, and when you are ready, your bishop will know it, and you will have a greater appreciation for and commitment to the gospel when the time comes for rebaptism.

WONDERFUL explanation! Thank you very much :) For me it was a matter of two days that I realized that I had made a mistake. I had a personal trauma going on and that is why I left. I felt there was nobody who cared at all. I sent my request via email and they processed it in less than 48 hours. THere was no cooling off period at all. The bishop did not try and talk to me and neither did the stake president or any other members who knew what was going on. Iblame nobody but myself, but I hear that other people get a "come back" type of pamphlet in the mail and that there is a mandatory waiting period of 30 days before processing the request in case someone does change their mind. Sure wish I had the pamphlet and time to think about it. I was hurting terribly and acted on the pain not the faith. Oh well. Onward I go :)

Gracie

[john doe]

Wow. The short time period does sound strange, but it may be new reaction based on criticisms that people have waited years or decades to be removed from the church rolls. Good luck to you in this new phase of your life.

[GracieLou]

this is from page 187 of the church handbook. I never had the 30 day option. I wish I had.

I changed my mind almost immediately and notified the Stake President. No response.

Removing Names from Church Membership Records

file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/pphillips/Desktop/tmp/chi99.htm (158 of 200)5/7/2008 2:40:55 PM

Church Handbook of Instructions

An adult member who wishes to have his or her name removed from the membership records of the Church must send

the bishop a written, signed request (not a form letter). A request that Church representatives not visit a member is not

sufficient to initiate this action.

The bishop makes sure that a member who requests name removal understands the consequences: it cancels the effects of

baptism and confirmation, withdraws the priesthood held by a male member, and revokes temple blessings. The bishop

also explains that a person can be readmitted to the Church by baptism only after a thorough interview (see

"Readmission after Name Removal" on this page).

If the bishop is satisfied that the member understands these consequences and is not likely to be dissuaded, he completes

a Report of Administrative Action form and forwards it to the stake president. The bishop forwards the member's written

request and membership record with the form.

If members of the stake presidency concur after reviewing the matter, they ask the bishop to send the member a letter

stating that his or her name is being removed from the records of the Church as requested. The letter should state the

consequences of name removal. It also should state that the request for name removal can be rescinded only if the

member sends the stake president a written request for recision within 30 days (the stake president's name and address

should be included). If the stake president does not receive such a request, he submits the completed Report of

Administrative Action form and other documents requested on the form. Instructions for submittal are on the form. The

person's name is then removed from the membership records of the Church.

[Palerider]

I guess that is not true in all cases. That is why I am asking the question. A family member was rebaptised a mere few months after requestiong to get rebaptised.....Which obviously means that is not the same in all cases. Now I DID hear that it was required to wait a year for re baptism if you had been excommunicated but I was NOT excommunicated or diciplined in any way. THat is why I am confused.

Gracie

My daughter was re baptised within a year after being exed. It will take you longer because you asked to have your name removed.

[GracieLou]

My daughter was re baptised within a year after being exed. It will take you longer because you asked to have your name removed.

It sounds a bit ironic that a decision I made based on fear and pain would keep me awy from the church longer than comitting a serious sin worthy of excommunication:( go figure.... Will be talking to stake president a week from Sunday about all this...

Gracie

[Vort]

this is from page 187 of the church handbook. I never had the 30 day option. I wish I had.

I changed my mind almost immediately and notified the Stake President. No response.

Removing Names from Church Membership Records

file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/pphillips/Desktop/tmp/chi99.htm (158 of 200)5/7/2008 2:40:55 PM

Church Handbook of Instructions

An adult member who wishes to have his or her name removed from the membership records of the Church must send

the bishop a written, signed request (not a form letter). A request that Church representatives not visit a member is not

sufficient to initiate this action.

The bishop makes sure that a member who requests name removal understands the consequences: it cancels the effects of

baptism and confirmation, withdraws the priesthood held by a male member, and revokes temple blessings. The bishop

also explains that a person can be readmitted to the Church by baptism only after a thorough interview (see

"Readmission after Name Removal" on this page).

If the bishop is satisfied that the member understands these consequences and is not likely to be dissuaded, he completes

a Report of Administrative Action form and forwards it to the stake president. The bishop forwards the member's written

request and membership record with the form.

If members of the stake presidency concur after reviewing the matter, they ask the bishop to send the member a letter

stating that his or her name is being removed from the records of the Church as requested. The letter should state the

consequences of name removal. It also should state that the request for name removal can be rescinded only if the

member sends the stake president a written request for recision within 30 days (the stake president's name and address

should be included). If the stake president does not receive such a request, he submits the completed Report of

Administrative Action form and other documents requested on the form. Instructions for submittal are on the form. The

person's name is then removed from the membership records of the Church.

I am glad to welcome you back into the fold. I think you might want to revise how you look at this. Right now, you are coming across as the injured party, as if your leaders did you wrong. In fact, you were given exactly what you asked for. Too late, you realized it wasn't what you wanted, but that is not your leaders' fault. This is not a fatal or irreparable error, but it will take time.

Be patient. If you have to wait a year, then wait a year. Do what you need to do to regain your membership in the kingdom of God, and then hold that membership sacred. Don't worry about how long it might take to get rebaptized. Live every day as if you're getting rebaptized that day, and before you know it, you will have been.

[jayanna]

Sorry, Gracie, but a year seems to be the standard.

giving up your baptism, confirmation, and temple ordinances (if you had any) is serious, very very serious...all the covenants you made, you ended. Not just one, which can cause excommunication, but ALL of them.

IF it takes a year, so be it. Trade one year for an eternity with your Heavenly Father. Worth it.

I hope it goes well for you. Let us know how it turns out.

[Guest jollyroger]

Hello Gracie

I hear from time to time members who stop going to church because they feel like no one cared and I have experienced that myself. The important and wonderful thing is that you still know the church is true and that you want to be an active part of it. I'm surprised that they processed it so quickly, I find that worrying. We have people on our records who requested it years ago but haven't been taken off unless they really push it. Our ward leaders are reluctant to let people go because it's such a big decision. If you have more questions go to your Stake President (which I notice you're going to anyway) in my experience a Bishop can get it wrong sometimes. If you can't wait a year and your bishop won't perform your baptism any sooner, move ward and get a second oppinion but do pray and fast about it first as waiting a year might be the best thing for you to do.

I hope it all works out well for you. Keep us posted xx

[beefche]

Actually, changing wards is not the answer. That is an unhealthy attitude to take when confronted with something we don't understand or like. The Lord has set up the administration and organization of the church for a reason.

[GracieLou]

Hello Gracie

I hear from time to time members who stop going to church because they feel like no one cared and I have experienced that myself. The important and wonderful thing is that you still know the church is true and that you want to be an active part of it. I'm surprised that they processed it so quickly, I find that worrying. We have people on our records who requested it years ago but haven't been taken off unless they really push it. Our ward leaders are reluctant to let people go because it's such a big decision. If you have more questions go to your Stake President (which I notice you're going to anyway) in my experience a Bishop can get it wrong sometimes. If you can't wait a year and your bishop won't perform your baptism any sooner, move ward and get a second oppinion but do pray and fast about it first as waiting a year might be the best thing for you to do.

I hope it all works out well for you. Keep us posted xx

Thanks :)

[GracieLou]

Actually, changing wards is not the answer. That is an unhealthy attitude to take when confronted with something we don't understand or like. The Lord has set up the administration and organization of the church for a reason.

I disagree - in some cases. Every bishop and member is different. We like to think that all bishops are called of God and never make any mistakes and are well suited to their calling. I would like to say that in the vast majority of cases this is true. However, by the mere fact that bishops are also human they do have the ability to err.

Sometimes it is not a matter of being confornted with something we don't understand or like. Sometimes it is a matter of actually having a bishop be not fit for the position in one way or another. We all bring our human weaknesses to the table - even church leaders.

I am not just hearing something I do not understand or like. The fact is that due to other things that I really cannot mention here, I do not trust this bishop at all. This is the first time that this has happened to me. I am meeting with the Stake President soon so hopefully it is all a misunderstanding and can be resolved. If I need to wait a year then that is what I will do. But I want to be able to trust such a decision and the person giving it. Anyone who trusts another person BLINDLY - no matter who they are is not using their God given brains.

Gracie

[Palerider]

an old saying a Stake President gave me several years ago....We are not here to make people happy...we are here to things the Lord's way...and when you do things his way...you don't always make people happy

I always remembered that saying and it got me through a lot of stuff and trials.

[GracieLou]

an old saying a Stake President gave me several years ago....We are not here to make people happy...we are here to things the Lord's way...and when you do things his way...you don't always make people happy

I always remembered that saying and it got me through a lot of stuff and trials.

That is good advice :) I am only saying that there are times when the Bishop's way may not be the Lord's way, due to human weakness. More often than not though, the Bishop's way IS the Lord's way, though we may not see it at the time.

Gracie

[GracieLou]

Well, the Stake President's secretary called today to cancel our appointment for a week from Sunday. He said someone would get back to me to reschedule.....I thought he would be the one to reschedule...I really hope he does call back.

Gracie

[MichaelPAGuy]

Is there any update on the situation? Curious minds want to know.

[Jamie123]

Here's the thing: When someone decides that they no longer want to be a member, and are determined enough to go through the whole process of having their name removed from the Church's membership rolls, it indicates that the person really wanted to go through with that process. So when a few months later, if that person has a change of heart and decides that they really do want to be a member of the church and that they have a testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel, the leaders need to be sure that the person is really serious about that decision. They want to make sure that your testimony of the gospel and your commitment to living the commandments is sufficient that the next time you have a crisis of your faith, that you are not going to run back and demand to be removed from the church rolls again on a whim.

Assuming all this is true, shouldn't the bishop have explained it to GracieLou himself instead of forcing her to get explanations from nameless people on the Internet?