General Church Communications, 2015 - 2020

Bishop Scott Stirling served as bishop from November 2015 to February 2021. During that time, he received several public announcements from the First Presidency. It is remarkable to note the many changes or clarifications that impacted members of the Ninth Ward during the time that Bishop Stirling served. What an exciting and challenging time to shepherd a ward.

Bishop Yoho served as bishop of the 31st Ward at roughly the same time as Bishop Stirling. He gave Bishop Stirling a gift of a binder of those First Presidency letters when Bishop Stirling was released as the Ninth Ward's bishop. It is fascinating to look back at the recent past and appreciate some of what we've witnessed or experienced.

November 13, 2015 - Changes to Handbook 1, Section 16:13 with regards to the children of adult parents who enter into same-gender mariage

March 29, 2016 - Limited use temple recommends can be issued online

March 29, 2016 - Young men can receive mission calls before they turn 18 but may not receive the Melchizedek Priesthood until they are 18

May 11, 2017 - Discontinuation of Varsity and Venturing Programs in the Church

August 25, 2017 - Come, Follow Me - For Melchizedek Priesthood and Relief Society Meetings

October 20, 2017 - Standard Interview Questions for Prospective Missionaries

October 27, 2017 - Changes in General Conference

December 14, 2017 - Youth Participation in the Baptistry and Preparing Children for Priesthood and Temple Service

January 24, 2018 - Young Church-Service Missionary Program (YCSM Program)

April 2, 2018 - Ministering with Strengthened Melchizedek Priesthood Quorums and Relief Societies

June 20, 2018 - Guidelines for Interviewing Youth

September 5, 2018 - Electronic Mission Calls

October 6, 2018 - A New Balance between Gospel Instruction in the Home and in the Church

October 11, 2018 - Sustaining those who serve in Relief Society and elders quorum callings

November 16, 2018 - Service Missions for Young Missionaries (U.S. and Canada Only)

December 14, 2018 - Age-Group Progression for Children and Youth

January 24, 2019 - Veiling the Faces of Deceased, Endowed Women

February 15, 2019 - Updates to the missionary communication policy.

May 6, 2019 - Discontinuation of One-Year Waiting Period after Civil Marriage

October 2, 2019 - Witnessing Ordinances

October 5, 2019 - Strengthening Aaronic Priesthood Quorums and Young Women Classes

October 6, 2019 - Preparing to Enter the Temple

January 17, 2020 - Adjustments to Temple Ceremonial Clothing

February 19, 2020 - New General Handbook

March 13, 2020 - Temporary Adjustments to Temple Worship

March 16, 2020 - Temporary Changes to Missionary Service

April 16, 2020 - Administrative Principles in Challenging Times

May 7, 2020 - Phased Reopening of Temples

May 19, 2020 - Safely Returning to Church Meetings and Activities

August 14, 2020 - Three Worldwide Magazines

September 11, 2020 - Safely Engaging in Church Meetings and Activities

September 15, 2020 - For the Strength of Youth (FSY) Conferences, Information and Guidelines

September 25, 2020 - Guidelines for Using Virtual Meeting Technologies

December 15, 2020 - 2021 Seminary Changes - Come, Follow Me and Requirements

It is remarkable to see the frequent communications between the First Presidency and the bishops and branch presidents in wards and branches around the world.