TO: President John Morrey Date: November 20, 1995
FROM: D.B. Timmins
Of course you were there and so have formed your own opinion about the success (or less-than-success) of our November17 Open House for members and their non-member families and friends, and the November 18 Open House for which some 145 V.I.P. invitations were sent. But since it looks like we'll be mounting more Open Houses, and I won't be here for them, I thought you might wish my evaluation for review in putting together future Open Houses.
First night we had about 50 people in attendance. The four presentations were effectively delivered, and the social hour afterwards (with refreshments) was a good opportunity for guests to ask follow-up questions. I'd have liked a bigger turnout, but as you know, the Office Elders felt compelled to change the date three times -- so members were a little confused (first time, the heating technicians hadn't met their schedule for getting the boiler installed. Next Pres. Vasilescu was travelling and, being one of our more important presenters, the APs thought we should await his return. In the event, Bro. Vasilescu had to be replaced by Brother Strengar anyway. I think Bro. S. did a bang-up job with only three days to prepare).
The evaluation of the V.I.P. Open House is a bit more problematic. The printer didn't get the invitations to us until the Monday before the Saturday Open House. Addressing and delivery took three days. So few got their invitations until two days before the event. And, checking with some American Embassy friends who didn't show up, I learned that some invitations hadn't been received by the addressees as of C.O.B. Friday -- so many apparently didn't even know of the event. Needless to say, we'd hoped for the invitations to get out at least 10 days before the event, since busy people have busy schedules and without sufficient advance notice, they just can't fit an event like ours into their appointment book. Beyond this, Sister Biolaru, who hadn't been shown the wording of the invites, told me afterwards that the Romanian was rather ambiguous -- and some might have read it merely as an invitation to an LDS Church service, instead of a specially mounted informative presentation of LDS doctrines and practices for media specialists, and not intended as an attempt at proselytization. All our Greeters (Lizzette Kuhlman of the Danish Embassy, and myself as a retired U.S. Diplomat), our three teenage girl ushers, our four Presenters, and the half dozen missionaries who served as "time reminders" at the back of each session, did yoeman work. Brother Hill the IMF Rep, was still under the weather and couldn't attend. We benefitted greatly from the presence of Brother and Sister Stallings from the P.R. Office in Vienna (whose advice we followed in dropping the intended Q & A session between the Presentation sessions and the Social Hour -- both to eliminate the possibility of inappropriate questions, and to shorten the evening -- which already extended to two full hours). As a result of the invitation balls-up, we only had a handful of people show up. After waiting a good twenty minutes for possible latecomers, we decided to go ahead with those we had -- quietly asking the greeters , ushers, and the few extra missionaries who were there, to join the session to give the appearance of some normality. So the one (and only) session amounted to about sixteen people -- and didn't look too bad at all. Fortunately, among the handful were a well-connected TV personality and a Professor of Canon Law at the University. Both got media kits. And I saw to it that M. Viorel, the TV guy, had eight or ten additional VIP kits to pass on to some of his press, radio, and TV colleagues who hadn't managed to show up. I also sent VIP kits to the American Embassy people whose invites hadn't been delivered in time.
Final Comments:
1. While the APs (who I acknowledge are very busy guys) slipped up a little in getting the invites printed early enough, this was a good learning experience for them -- and I'd recommend having them (or their replacements) take on this job again.
2. Next time I'd insist that the wording of the invitations be shown to a socially sensitive Romanian like Sr. Biolaru to be sure it is less ambiguous than this time.
Other than that, I think our arrangements were satisfactory. The speech material was well-considered and the talks were well-prepared and covered the material assigned. The time provided was about right. The assignments of rooms was appropriate. The social hour was a success and the refreshments satisfactory.
9-12 Tudor Arghezi, Sector 1
Bucharest, Romania
November 20, 1995
President Dennis Neuenschwander
Europe Area Office
Postfach 50-0162
D-6000 Frankfurt A/M 50
Dear Elder Neuenschwander:
Believe me, I'm not trying to counsel my superiors in the Church, but when President Morrey told me that you'd told him you didn't think he ought to consider Brother John Hill, the newly arrived International Monetary Fund representative to Romania as my replacement in the Mission Presidency, I thought I'd drop you this line with a bit more about my experience as a senior U.S. diplomat with such calls -- as well as with respect to Brother Hill's own background.
I fully understand why the Church has advised political ambassadors like young Jon Huntsman the US Ambassador to Singapore, and Greg Newell the US Ambassador to Finland during the Bush Administration -- that they should stand aside from formal Church callings during their tenure as ambassador. U.S. Ambassadors are the President's principle policy advisors (and representatives) in the country to which they're accredited. And Head of Mission to whom all other U.S. diplomain a given country look for leadership. It might thus be viewed as inappropriate for them to hold leadership positions in their religious denomination during their period of assignment abroad.
But as a mere Head of Section, or even Charge d'Affaires, I never felt such constraint -- nor did my Mission Presidents in the several countries to which I was assigned during my active service as a U.S. Foreign Service Officer. I served in a District Presidency (and later as a member of the Mission Council) in France. I was both a member of the District Presidency and (simultaneously President of the first indigenous Spanish Branch) in Spain. Indeed, Elders Hunter and Hinckley, knowing my position at the Embassy (I took them to call on the Ambassador) authorized me -- as President of the first Spanish Branch -- to be the signing authority when we submitted our application for recognition as a religious body in Spain under the new Religious Liberty Law. While I was Charge in Morocco, I served as Branch President. And as Charge in Guatemala I was First Counselor in the Stake Presidency. In Mexico, I was First Councilor in a Bishopric (and Acting Bishop for nine months) while working at the American Consulate. Consider: Brother Hill doesn't even represent a government. He is technical representative of an international organization, with neither policy making authority, nor a staff looking to him for leadership, which might be influenced by his leadership role in the Church. Indeed, in his last assignment in Africa he was fully involved in Church affairs and instrumental in the organization of the first two Branches there,
As you know, we are very short handed with regard to priesthood leadership in Romania. And with the withdrawal of Octavian Vasilescu we are even more impaired. I'm sure you are aware how hard President Morrey is working. He has told me how much he has relied on me to handle most member affairs (including our bi-weekly priesthood leadership training sessions and monthly Auxiliary leadership sessions), leaving him to spend most of his time working with our 84 missionaries. Without someone like Brother Hill to take over, I truly believe President Morrey will be over-stressed in trying to manage Church affairs here. So I would hope that you and your Counselors might prayerfully reconsider the matter of calling John Hill as replacement Counselor here. I really know of no one else with the background to take over training sessions.
I'm sure you've heard about the success of our three recent District Conferences. The one in Ploesti was particularly notable. President Chirila held a timely prayer meeting before the beginning of the Conference, we were all on the stand a good five minutes before scheduled starting time, and there was good, reverential prelude music. All those doing the praying and speaking were on the stand. Meeting started on time. Business was effectively transacted. All speakers held to their assigned schedule. We had some lovely, specially prepared interlude music. And we ended on time. Only items missing were: no ushers, and no flowers. But I'd give Pres. Chirila a note of 95 on his Conference preparations and execution.
You may also be interested in a brief report on our two Open Houses (held November 17 for members and their non-member families and friends, and November 18 for 145 invited V.I.Ps) First night we had about 50 people. The four presentations were effective. And the social hour afterwards (with refreshments) presented a good opportunity for guests to ask follow-up questions. We'd have liked a bigger turnout, but had felt compelled to change the date three times -- so members were a little confused (first time, the heating technicians hadn't met their schedule for getting the boiler installed. Next Pres. Vasilescu was travelling and, being one of our more important presenters, the Mission Office felt we should await his return. In the event, he had to be replaced by Brother Strengar anyway. Bro. S. did a bang-up job with only three days to prepare).
The V.I.P. Open House was a bit more problematic. The printer didn't get the invitations to us until the Monday before the Saturday Open House. Addressing and delivery took three days. So few got their invitations until two days before the event. And, checking with some American Embassy friends who didn't show up, I learned that some invitations hadn't been received by the addressees as of C.O.B. Friday -- so many apparently didn't even know of the event. Needless to say, we'd hoped for the invitations to get out at least 10 days before the event, since busy people have busy schedules and without sufficient advance notice, they just can't fit an event like ours into their appointment book. Beyond this, Sister Biolaru, who hadn't been shown the wording of the invites, told me afterwards that the Romanian was rather ambiguous -- and some might have read it merely as an invitation to an LDS Church service, instead of a specially mounted informative presentation of LDS doctrines and practices for media specialists, and not intended as an attempt at proselytization. All our Greeters (the Danish Consul, Brother Hill the IMF Rep, and myself as a retired U.S. Diplomat), our three teenage girl ushers, our four Presenters, and the half dozen missionaries who served as "time reminders" at the back of each session, did yoeman work. We also benefitted from the presence of Brother and Sister Stallings from the P.R. Office in Vienna (whose advice we followed in dropping the intended Q & A session between the Presentation sessions and the Social Hour -- both to eliminate the possibility of inappropriate questions, and to shorten the evening -- which already extended to two full hours). As a result of the invitation balls-up, we only had a handful of people show up. After waiting a good twenty minutes for possible latecomers, we decided to go ahead with those we had -- quietly asking the greeters , ushers, and the few extra missionaries who were there, to join the session to give the appearance of some normality. So the one (and only) session amounted to about sixteen people -- and didn't look too bad at all. Fortunately, among the handful were a well-connected TV personality and a Professor of Canon Law at the University. Both got media kits. And I saw to it that M. Viorel, the TV guy, had eight or ten additional VIP kits to pass on to some of his press, radio, and TV colleagues who hadn't managed to show up. I also sent VIP kits to the American Embassy people whose invites hadn't been delivered in time.
I sincerely hope you will reconsider the call of John Hill. He contributed wonderfully to the progress of the Church in Africa and I'm sure he can do the same here. And President Morrey and I have come up empty handed in looking elsewhere for a replacement counselor. I for one am of the opinion that the Lord sent the Hills here to do more than IMF work.
As ever, your Brother in the Gospel,
David Brighton Timmins
Romania Bucharest Mission
November 5, 1995
Sisters Tieru, Vasilescu, and Biolaru:
President Timmins tells me that the Hallowe'en Party you put on last night at Villa Delavrachea was a knockout: appropriate decorations, so much wonderful food that the tables bent under the load, many scary Jack O'Lanterns, good music, and a rewarding turnout of almost forty teenagers (plus some fifteen adult chaperones), which made the evening a raving success. I also understand, the missionaries joined in, creating a "spook alley" which gave the youngsters an adrenalin rush.
I want to thank each of you -- and all those who joined you in the time-consuming work of putting together this event -- from the bottom of my heart. Many families, and individuals, have sacrificed greatly in joining the Church, in some cases losing friends and sometimes close family associations. And it is important that we all do our best to replace these lost affiliations with strong, new, associations within the Church. Your contribution in this connection last night was important and is appreciated.
With warmest best regards and prayers for the Lord's choicest blessings on you and your families, I remain,
Sincerely, your brother,
John Morrey
President, Romania Bucharest Mission
Talk on Parents Helping Children Prepare for Missions
To be given at October 14-15 and October 21-22 District Conferences
President Morrey has asked me to talk to both parents and children about preparing to go on a mission for the Church. But I want to start my talk with a couple of related ideas before turning directly to the mission theme.
Non-Doctrinal Practices
You all are familiar in a general way with LDS Church doctrine and teachings. You were carefully interviewed before baptism to make sure you had been taught about the teachings of the Restored Church regarding Faith, Repentance, and Baptism only at the age of accountability, the Word of Wisdom, the wonderful modern-day revelation regarding the Three Degrees of Glory and `the distinction between Salvation and Exaltation, Chastity, payment of Tithes and Fast Offerings, acceptance of Church callings, and faithfulness in attending meetings. But there are many Church customs and practices you will only become familiar with after having been immersed in LDS Church culture for some time. I'd like to talk about some of these for a moment this morning.
Fundamental Church doctrines are the same everywhere. And LDS Church practices are very much the same in all of the 84 some odd countries where we have been permitted to function. But there may be small variations in some customs and practices which do not affect fundamental doctrine. For example, while the prayer said to consecrate the sacrament is identical in each different language, there may be minor differences from ward to ward and branch to branch in the mechanics of how the cloths on the sacrament table are handled and how the sacrament is passed to the congregation. And there are invariably minor differences in how speakers are chosen and in the length of their talks. On Fast Sunday, some wards invite those wishing to bear testimony to come to the speakers podium to use the microphone. Others encourage members to stand where they are seated to bear testimony to save time coming to the stand. Unlike some churches, people attending LDS services do not come with a sense of dread and awe. They come not only to take the sacrament and to worship our Heavenly Father, but to visit with friends and neighbors with a sense of joy. So, unlike some other churches, our services are not silent, unsmiling events. We talk and visit. Some wards have developed the practice of encouraging all visiting to take place in the halls and foyers, maintaining strict silence in the chapel. Others permit quiet whispering in the chapel -- until five minutes before the meeting starts when the organ or piano prelude music starts -- after which absolute silence should commence to put people in the spirit of worship. It is still early days for the Church in Romania and the kind of local practices you wish to adopt to make the Church your own Romanian brand of Mormonism is up to you. You should discuss these modalities in Relief Society and Priesthood meetings and with your Branch and District Presidents in Branch Council Meetings.
Universal Principles
There are a couple of characteristics of the LDS Church which, while not matters of doctrine, are nevertheless of universal application.
The first is our emphasis on education and study. The Doctrine and Covenants, which contains modern revelations given to the several Presidents of the Church from the time of Joseph Smith until the present, tell us that "The Glory of God in Intelligence" (D&C 93:36. And that "Whatever principle of intelligence we attain in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection" (D&C 130:18). While we do not yet have the D&C available for study in Romanian, this is such a vital principle of the Restoration message that each member should immediately adopt it for application within his or her family. Parents should help their children with their studies. And encourage them to pursue every avenue of advancement open to them when they leave primary school, whether they qualify for lycee and university studies, or trade or technical school. And we should encourage non-scholastic study in the home. Each family should do all within its means to have encyclopedias, dictionaries, and other reference materials available to help children with their studies, assist them in preparing talks for church, and provide them informative and interesting reading material when they find themselves with time on their hands. Parents who succeed in instilling a love of learning and good study habits in their children will perhaps be bestowing upon them the greatest gift -- after birth and the Gospel of Exaltation -- which parents can give. A solid foundation for a profession or other basis for economic independence, and a familiarity with the great art, literature, poetry, and culture of the wonderful world they will be living in for the next seventy or eighty years -- making this probationary state one of joy and happiness instead of poverty and hardship.
The Goal of Having Every Young Man and Woman Serve on a Mission
Second important element of Mormon culture which you will only absorb after being an active member for some years, is the emphasis Mormonism places on encouraging our young people to serve full time missions: two years for young men at age nineteen, and eighteen months for young women at age twenty-one -- though some begin their missions somewhat later for one reason or another (often after military service or completion of their university studies). There are some 50,000 young LDS missionaries in the world today -- more than any other church on earth, and as many as the entire Catholic priesthood in some major countries.
Preparation for a future mission should start in the cradle. Missionaries should be held out as role models for our children. (This is not hard to do. Most young people respect and admire the missionaries). We should assure that young children be well instructed in Old and New Testament stories in Primary classes. Parents should hold regular Family Home Evenings in which family and personal goals -- including eventual mission service -- are regularly discussed. Fathers are encouraged to hold periodic personal interviews with their children to make sure they are making progress towards their personal and church goals. Bishops or Branch Presidents should also hold at least one annual interview with each teenager in their branch or ward to make sure they are progressing towards their spiritual and material objectives. Older children should begin learning the history of the Restoration. Lycee-age youngsters should be encouraged to participate in the Church's Seminary program. And District Presidents and Branch Presidents should take early steps to see that such seminaries are organized. LDS Seminaries, unlike those of most other denominations, are not full-time places of study to prepare for a position as a
professional clergyman. They are usually held before school (or on Saturday mornings), being hour long classes which, over a period of years, cover Old Testament, New Testament, Doctrine and Covenants, and LDS History in greater detail than the normal Sunday School class. Seminary attendance is a vital part of preparation for a mission, giving our young people a comprehensive overview of the Gospel so that they are in a position to teach it to others. .
President Morrey is in process of calling some members to serve as District Missionaries. That is to go out perhaps one evening per week for a couple of hours, doing what are called "splits" with the full time missionaries. One District Missionary will go with one full time missionary, and another with another full time missionary, thus doubling the efficiency of the full timers and preparing some older teenagers for an eventual call as a full time missionary him or herself.
Saving for a Mission
A Mission costs money. And, traditionally, missionaries are self-supporting. Therefore young people should be encouraged to start saving to help cover the costs of their future mission. Compound interest is a powerful tool. It can be reasonably estimated that money saved today will quintuple in value by the time a six year old reaches mission age. If a child, with the help of his parents, saves regularly (say ten thousand lei a month) he would have accumulated half enough to pay his or her mission costs anywhere in the world he or she might eventually be called to serve. I understand however that here in Romania, a savings account must have an initial deposit of something like 200,000 lei. This could be the parents contribution towards helping their child or children start their mission fund. If this is beyond a family's reach, I understand that an alternative might be to purchase a life insurance policy -- which would only require something like 80,000 lei per year, or a bit more than 6000 lei per month. After twelve years, I am told, this would be worth a million lei.
You will, of course, have to make some estimates of what a million lei will be worth in fourteen years, and what size of policy to buy to offset the cost of a mission twelve or fourteen years from now. But before you despair, you should know that many members without children, plus some more prosperous individuals, contribute sufficient to the Church Mission Fund, that no worthy young man or woman willing to serve a mission -- even without fully sufficient funds of his or her own -- should be discouraged about approaching his or her bishop about a mission call upon attaining the appropriate age. Nor should Branch Presidents hesitate to approach any eligible young man or woman solely out of concern whether the family will be able to afford a mission call.
Ancillary Rewards of Serving a Mission
Serving a mission brings several rewards. First of all, of course, and the principle purpose for accepting a mission call, is that missionary service fills one of the three major responsibilities the Lord has laid upon His Church: Preaching the Gospel, Perfecting the Saints, and Saving the Dead. By attending Sacrament Meeting, Sunday School, and Priesthood or Relief Society you are contributing to your own perfection and that of your neighbors. By visiting the nearest Temple, as many of you are doing, you are helping to save the dead by becoming Saviors on Mount Zion. And by encouraging your children to serve missions, you will be helping to preach the gospel to all the world.
A second value of serving a mission is that missionaries have the opportunity not only to strengthen their personal testimony and knowledge of the scriptures, but to learn a new language -- something which has proved of great value to any number of returned missionaries when they enter on their professional careers. While language should not be a primary consideration in accepting a mission call, many former LDS missionaries have gone to work for large international companies because of their language skills. Others have found careers in the diplomatic or military services of their various countries. All gain enormously in terms of access to the culture and great literature of another people.
Finally, two years away from the humdrum of everyday life, gives a young man or young woman a chance to reflect deeply on the meaning and purpose of life. All missionaries return with a far stronger testimony of the Gospel, a deeper grasp of the scriptures, and the rewarding experience of having devoted one's life intensely to the service of the Lord. As an ancillary benefit, day in day out association with a companion, prepares returned missionaries for the unromantic realties of married life.
Most American and Canadian missionaries serve their missions after the first two years of university. They come home more mature and with a better understanding of the importance of education. It is not uncommon for their university grades to show substantial improvement after this interlude. In some other countries, missions must be served immediately following graduation since some school systems do not provide for interrupted studies. And in some cases following obligatory military service. In such circumstances it is frequently the case that the former missionary finds him or herself much better prepared for professional school -- or first employment. I have never heard of a case where a school, or employer, is not impressed by a young person's willingness to have devoted two years of his/her life to unpaid humanitarian service for his/her Church.
I hope that everyone at this Conference today will give careful attention to what I have said: Let's all get to work to instill in our Church here in Romania the kinds of reverent local traditions and practices which will make us proud of the Romanian LDS Church. Let's make "The Glory of God is Intelligence" the slogan of Church and family life here that it has become everywhere else in the Church. Let's begin instilling in our children the aspiration and preparation to serve a full time mission upon attaining mission age. And let's see that our sons and daughters start a "mission fund" towards helping to pay for their future mission as evidence that they are taking this goal seriously, is my prayer, in the name of ----
October 14, 1994
President Dennis Neuenschwander
Europe Area Office
Postfach 50-0162
D-6000 Frankfurt A/M 50
Dear Elder Neuenschwander:
The enclosed exchange of letters with Presiding Bishop Bateman will be self explanatory. I hope you won't feel that I was trying to do an end-run. At the time I just thought that the notion was one which should be evaluated by the Church Missionary Committee since it would apply world wide -- and that Regional authority did not extend to such major changes in practice.
While I'm writing, let me take time to pass on the news that we have now printed and distributed to leadership a church calendar for the new September-August church year. This is already proving of value in keeping membership informed of upcoming leadership, training, and activity programs. It includes a list of names and telephone numbers of mission priesthood and auxiliary leaders. This, too, is proving itself of great worth. How we've been getting along without these two essential tools I don't know. We've also taken your advice about listening to the sisters, and President Morrey has, as I'm sure he's already told you, established a Mission Coordinating Committee consisting of the Mission Presidency, a senior Branch President, and Representatives of each Auxiliary (we haven't yet formally called Auxiliary Presidents, awaiting creation of our first Districts -- a matter which is under active consideration). Please let Sr. Neuenschwander know that each Branch also now has an Activities Director and that Firesides (or soirees sociales ) are underway. We also have a Mission Activities Committee which has planned five Mission-wide dances for the year. The first, a "kick-off" dance, was held in early September. The next, for which planning is now underway, will be in early December.
As you are aware, we have a hymnal of about twenty-five selected songs. Most of these were translated by Sr. Cami Ionescu. But with so few hymns to choose from, our music is sometimes a bit repetitive. President Morrey tells me that in approving our decision to observe the traditional date for celebrating Easter in Eastern Europe, you said that we might adopt any local usages in our LDS Church programs which do not contravene doctrine. I am a member of a local chorus which has been preparing a number of Orthodox hymns (among a larger musical repertoire) for presentation in a series of Christmas programs here and perhaps in Sofia and Thessalonika. I've found that some traditional Orthodox music is extremely beautiful, and with moderate changes in words (as per W. W. Phelps and others in modifying traditional Protestant hymns for the first LDS Hymnal) these might readily be adapted for an expanded LDS Romanian hymnal. If modified verses were approved by Frankfurt, might expanding our hymnal in this manner fall within guidance about adopting familiar local practices not contrary to doctrine? I truly hope so. Music is such an important element of worship that including well-known melodies and familiar (if slightly modified) texts in the hymns our Romanian Saints use for worship would, I am convinced, help new converts more quickly feel at home in the Church.
With all prayers for Lord's blessing on you and your family, and for success in your work.
AmEmbassy - Bucharest APO AE 09213-1315
October 21, 1994
Merrill Bateman, Presiding Bishop
Church Headquarters
50 East North Temple
Salt Lake City, UT 84150
Dear Bishop Bateman:
Thank you for your letter of October 12. I am writing to assure you that I know the established lines of leadership in the Church and that it was not my intention to cut Frankfurt authorities out of the circuit.
The background to my letter to President Hunter was that in discussing in a Mission Presidency meeting some of the problems we'd noted regarding a recent decline in baptisms per missionary, the insight occurred that this was in measure the result of the departure after the first two years since the mission was established, of our first contingent of experienced missionaries and the lag produced by getting recent arrivals up-to-speed in their command of the language. And now that Vietnam and the major recession of 1989 are behind us, that we could achieve greater efficiency manpower-wise if missions were extended to the two and a half year period which prevailed for so many years. As I recall, I calculated that with a 20 per cent increase in missionary time in the field, we might achieve an almost 3 fold increase in baptisms per missionary at something like a 60 per cent reduction in support cost per baptism . Thinking that this was a matter for consideration by the Church Missionary Committee -- since the notion would apply worldwide, not just in Europe -- and not being familiar with who is current Chairman of the Church's Missionary Committee, I took advantage of knowing President Hunter from time in Spain and sent the idea on to him with the thought he'd forward it to the Missionary Committee. Why it ended up in the hands of the Presiding Bishop I do not know.
I am sending this letter together with your reply to me to Elder Dennis Neuenschwander in Frankfurt with whom our Mission Presidency has a close working relationship so he'll know I had no intention of short circuiting the system.
May the Lord bless you in your work.
As ever,
David Timmins
Elder Dennis Neunschwander
Regional Office
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Frankfurt A/m, Germany
Dear Elder Neunschwander:
We just sent on their way fifteen wonderful young men and women who had completed their missions. Four sets of parents joined us in a farewell dinner and testimony meeting for these departing Elders and Sisters on the Fourth of July. In return for the fifteen we lost, we got five replacements -- who joined us at the dinner where they were able to partake of the wonderful testimonies of those who were leaving.
We have just assigned six missionaries to open up the city of Brasov, further diminishing our strength in Bucharest and Ploesti.
In a Mission Presidency Meeting not long ago we were discussing some of the problems we'd noted regarding a decline in baptisms per missionary. We traced this phenomenon in large measure to the departure after the first two years since the mission was established, of our first contingent of experienced missionaries and the lag produced by getting recent arrivals up-to-speed in their command of the language. This problem will be magnified by this second set of departures -- even greater in proportion than that which occurred when the first set left.
Recalling that foreign language missionaries traditionally served for two and a half years, we remembered that the reduction to two years was the result of Vietnam War draft policies and the increased cost of living due to the oil embargo of the '70 and the outbreak of inflation of a magnitude we hadn't experienced for many years, and the subsequent recession of 1988 -- the worst since the 1930s. During our discussion, the thought occurred that with these events now behind us, the draft no longer a consideration, and the economy again on an even keel, the Church could achieve much greater efficiency manpower-wise if missions were again extended to the two and a half year period which prevailed for so many years. As we calculated, with an extra six months -- a 20 per cent increase in missionary time in the field, we might achieve a threefold increase in baptisms per missionary at something like a sixty per cent reduction in support cost per baptism . While we recognize that statistics are no substitute for the Spirit in missionary work, we nevertheless consider that some benefit/cost analysis never hurt in trying to assess success in accomplishing the work the Lord has called us to perform.
While this suggestion is clearly a matter for consideration by the Church Missionary Committee -- since the notion would apply worldwide, not just in Europe -- we nevertheless thought we might run the idea by the Regional Office to see whether it is something you might wish to raise for discussion in your correspondence with Church Headquarters in Salt Lake.
May the Lord bless you in your work.
Sincerely,
John Morrey, President
Romania, Bucharest Mission
AmEmbassy - Bucharest
APO AE 09213-1315
September 19, 1994
Mr. Ike Ferguson, Director
Humanitarian Services
Church Headquarters
50 East North Temple
Salt Lake City, UT 84100
Dear Brother Ferguson:
I wrote you a month or so ago telling you I'd heard your talk before the Ensign Club last summer, and sending you an idea or two I'd had for modifying the Church records system to enable more effectively calling humanitarian service missionaries.
Don't remember if I mentioned in that letter that I'm a member of the Mission Presidency here in Romania.
In our Presidency meeting yesterday morning, President John Morrey brought to our attention a visit late last week by a group of doctors, including some LDS physicians. They came totally unannounced and unexpected, but immediately called President Morrey to ask for the assistance of half a dozen missionaries to help with translation in their dealings with the administrations of local hospitals and in carrying out treatment with patients. President Morrey released the necessary missionaries from normal duties to assist the group -- which was grateful in the extreme for the assistance rendered. Missionaries regularly spend their P-days visiting hospitals and orphanages, so this was an activity which we view as part of the broader definition of missionary work.
But it did disrupt missionary work and inconvenience President Morrey who had other plans for his time for the period in question.
I'm writing this letter on my own account, and not under assignment, but it seems to me that with the increasing number of well-intentioned dentists, physicians, and other self-initiated humanitarian outreach activities on the part of Church members, it might be a useful idea for your office to serve as clearing house for such visits. With a bit of advance notice, you could notify potentially affected mission offices around the world. And with advance notice mission presidents (or District or Stake Presidents) could arrange their personal schedules to take such visits into account, double check that hospitals or other facilities are expecting the visit (none of the local hospitals had any idea this particular group of physicians was coming and no advance arrangements had been made), perform any necessary coordination, confirm to the coming group that their agenda was in order, and allocate mission resources to meet expected needs, if any.
If you are in agreement, you might wish to put a brief notice to this effect in an early issue of the Church News -- perhaps, even in the next Priesthood Bulletin distributed to all Bishops for public announcement.
If for some reason you choose not to take on the task of operating as a clearing house for such free-lance humanitarian visits (and one could certainly understand such decision), and without in any way wishing to discourage such good works, perhaps you could at least arrange for an announcement in the Church News and an early Priesthood Bulletin to the effect that the organizers of such volunteer humanitarian visits should themselves notify Area and Mission Presidencies well in advance of any such intended visit so that appropriate coordination can be undertaken.
Sincerely,
D. B. Timmins
MEMORANDUM
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the LDS or Mormon Church) has been active in Romania since shortly after the Revolution of 1989 restored a measure of political and social freedom. The LDS Church is registered with the Ministry of Cults of the Romanian Government as a Religious Society under the name of the Liahona Association. The Association is headed by a Romanian national with Romanian nationals as members of its governing Board. All LDS Church activities in Romania are legally carried out under the direction of the Liahona Association.
Romania is a signatory of the Convention on Human Rights and is committed to according all rights assured by the Convention, including freedom of conscience. Pending adoption of a Law on Religious Liberty (scheduled for adoption by year-end 1995), the LDS Church has been provisionally accorded considerable freedom to carry out its operations. The Church has leased quarters in which to hold religious, social, and humanitarian activities. Most importantly, it has been permitted to perform baptisms. While as a Religious Society, not a Church, it has not been accorded the right to perform such religious/civil acts as marriages or funerals, it has been able to get by through having members accept civil marriages and civil funerals -- these ceremonies being subsequently solemnized through later "sealings" in the Frieburg Temple of the LDS Church in Germany, and commemorative services for the deceased in LDS chapels following burial.
Mr. Cole Durham of Brigham Young University Law School, who has been active in a private capacity as a participant in the European Religious Liberty Movement, was invited by President Iliescu to form a panel of European jurists to advise him on the contents of the projected Religious Liberty Law. The law has gone through at least three drafts over the past eighteen months -- each successively more restrictive than the previous version -- because, it is believed, of intense activity by Orthodox prelates to protect their historic role as the "national church". The existent law recognizes only the Orthodox Church, the Catholic Church, and the Baptist, Lutheran, and Pentecostal Churches. These will be "grandfathered" in under the new law when adopted. All others will be compelled to file for recognition by the Ministry of Cults, which will, according to current provisions of the draft law, have freedom to withdraw recognition at will. The LDS Church has chosen not to seek recognition as a Church under existing law because of concern that it would be subject to intense questioning in Parliament At present, it prefers to await adoption of the Religious Liberty Law, filing for recognition immediately upon enactment.
In the meantime, the position of the LDS Church (and perhaps others) is deteriorating. The Head of the Liahona Association was summoned to the Ministry of Cults on March 1 to be informed that several liberties it has been provisionally enjoying are to be curtailed immediately.
o Visa renewals for missionaries will not be approved unless missionaries will commit to
remaining in the residence in which they were living at the time of registration for the
entire period of visa validity. It can be understood that with long-term missionaries dep-
arting for home and new missionaries arriving, new missionary partnerships must
constantly be formed, and for efficient functioning of the mission, some
experienced missionaries must from time to time be transferred to other districts
or towns.
o The Head of the Liahona Association was cautioned that as representatives of a non- Church, LDS missionaries must not perform any normal Christian rites. This was
taken as a warning that no further baptisms were to take place.
o He was also cautioned that no leased properties were to be used for church services.
Dr. Earl Pope, a Presbyterian Minister and Professor at Lafayette University in Pennsylvania, was asked by the World Council of Churches in Geneva to act as Consultant to the Romanian Council of Churches. Dr. Pope has been very interested in the situation of the Mormon Church in Romania. In a conversation on March 4, Dr. Pope expressed the view that the position taken by the Ministry spokesman was contrary to the Romanian commitment under the Convention on Human Rights and that prompt and strong remonstrance should be made. He further expressed the view that the spokesman was a former Communist Party official who obviously was trying to drag his feet in accepting the post-Communist commitments of the Iliescu government and if confronted, would quickly back down. Asserting that President Iliescue is highly interested in forming solid relations with both the United States and the European Union, and would therefore most likely react positively to political pressure, rather than a direct approach by local, or regional church authorities, Dr. Pope recommended that a Utah Senator (or Senators) be notified of these happenings and asked to pursue the matter through diplomatic channels, requesting the American Ambassador to take up the LDS Church's problems with the Foreign Ministry.
Aide Memoire Regarding the Origins, History, and Practices of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons)
Historical Background
The understanding of ecclesiastical history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints -- the LDS, or "Mormon" Church -- that the religion founded by Jesus Christ almost two thousand years ago, after spreading rapidly through the Mediterranean lands, came to be so admired by the Roman Emperor Constantine for the courage and integrity of its members, that it was adopted as the official religion of the Roman Empire. As a result of councils of approved theologians appointed by succeeding Emperors to reconcile the teachings of "crude" Christian theology with the more elaborately elegant concepts of Greek philosophy to make church teachings more acceptable to sophisticated Roman society, that the so-called Christian church underwent what has come to be called "The Great Apostasy". This left its authority and doctrines so compromised that it was no longer the Church of Jesus Christ, but a church of men, "having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof ", and no longer possessed the spiritual or moral authority of the original church.
After more than a thousand years of apostasy, schism, and abuse of ecclesiastical power, many people in many lands came to recognize that the then existing church had irredeemably departed from the model created by the Savior. As a result, a proliferation of reformist sects took form in the Christian world. The leaders of these sects for the most part openly recognized that they had no authority to undertake the work they were doing, realizing that only a new revelation from God could restore the pure teachings and unadulterated priesthood authority of a true church. But with the world living under the repressive regimes which then prevailed, the time was not yet ripe for a Restoration..
In the year 1830, as the light of religious liberty broke forth in the New World for the first time since Ancient Rome, God spoke once more, calling new Apostles, restoring priesthood authority, and again undertaking direct revelatory guidance from On High. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the LDS, or Mormon Church) was organized in New York State on April 6, 1830. Now 165 years old, the LDS Church has 10 million members in 147 of the world's 184 nations.
Work was initiated in Romania in 1992, shortly after the Revolution which restored political and religious liberty to Eastern Europe. The LDS Church operates in Romania as The Liahona Association, with missionary activities directed by John Morrey, a distinguished engineer, who during his active professional life, was employed by the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission in Washington State. Those wishing further information about the LDS Church or its activities in Romania should contact the LDS Mission Office at 311-1928
Church Organization
The Restored Church is governed by Twelve Apostles, headed the senior apostle, with two apostle counselors -- a First Presidency, as in the original church which was governed, following the death of Christ, by Peter, James, and John, operating under the influence of the Holy Ghost. The Twelve are assisted by the Seventy (when the work became too great for the Twelve "The Lord appointed other seventy" -- Luke 10:1 ). Immediately under the Twelve and the Seventy are some two thousand Stake (diocesenal) Presidents, who oversee the operations of the six to eight Bishops who direct the ecclesiastical affairs of each of the Wards (parishes) within each Stake. Wards, (the name is derived from the divisions of Nauvoo, a major city founded by the Mormons in Illinois. At the time, Nauvoo was the largest and most prosperous city in the American State of Illinois. Mormon Wards are the smallest organizational structure in the church. In the missions of the Church, where a full organizational structure does not yet exist, Branches take the place of Wards, and Districts the place of Stakes.
Doctrines and Practices
Contrary to stories maliciously circulated by enemies of the Church, Latter-day Saints do not worship Satan, do not worship many gods, nor was the LDS Church founded upon deception and lies.
In 1823 a young American named Joseph Smith had the transcendental experience of having an angel of the Lord appear to him to announce that after nearly fifteen hundred years of apostasy and false tradition the time had come for a restoration of the lost truths of the gospel as originally taught by Jesus Christ and promulgated by his apostles. As background, readers may wish to refer to their bibles to confirm that before his death, Jesus prophesied that corruption of his teachings would occur. In the parable of the wheat and tares he warned that self-serving men would enter the master's vineyard, planting false doctrines mixed with the philosophies of men to mislead the precious souls converted by his apostles (Matt. 13:25). The apostles confirmed the coming apostasy, warning church members that Jesus would not return to the earth for the final harvest until there was a falling away first (2 Thes 2:3); while at the same offering the encouragement that before the end there would come a "time of refreshing" and a "restitution of all things, which God has spoken by the mouths of all his holy prophets since the world began" (Acts 3:19-21).
The Great Apostasy was not necessarily brought about through evil intent. Trying to make Christian teachings more acceptable, some church leaders as noted began adapting Christ's simple teachings about the nature of the Heavenly Father to conform to the elaborate notions of god found in the popular Greek philosophies of the day -- and adopted a form of church dress similar to that of government officials of Imperial Rome- to make themselves more acceptable to the educated, and impressive to the masses. A similar phenomenon occurred in Imperial China where the first Jesuit missionaries adopted the attire worn by the Mandarins of the Imperial Court to project the image of court officials. The results were catastrophic, ending with the adoption of a corrupt form of Christianity as a tool of Imperial Rome, imposing religious conformity in support of civil authority -- and ending (at least in the Catholic world), with the Inquest and burnings at the stake for anyone who dissented from the form of worship approved by civil government. Such forms of government-approved religion continued for the next thirteen hundred years, entailing war and civil strife between sects and nations.
A brief fifteen years after the adoption of the American Constitution, which established the first government on earth since Roman times which accepted the principle of freedom of religion, there was born in New York State a child who was to become known to the world as the prophet Joseph Smith. Had the restoration come at an earlier time or any other place, its founder would have been imprisoned, exiled, or burned at the stake for preaching concepts contrary to the established religion of men which had replaced the simple teachings of Christ.
The Book of Mormon
The young prophet, with the help of his associate Oliver Cowdery, a school teacher and lawyer, translated by the gift and power of God the ancient record of God's people on the Western Continent -- a volume which has come to be called the Book of Mormon . There is no basis in fact or historic record to support the sometimes heard assertion that Professor Anthon of Columbia University characterized Joseph as a "swindler". Indeed, the only recorded, eye witness account of a statement by Professor Anthon, perhaps the most noted authority on ancient languages in America at the time, was that of Martin Harris, a well-to-do neighbor of Joseph Smith who financed the publication of the Book. Before committing his money, Mr. Harris took a sheet containing characters copied from the golden plates, together with Joseph's translation to Professor Anthon in New York City, who informed Harris that the translation was perhaps the most accurate he had ever seen. So much for the false stories retailed by those without the integrity or care to verify the lying reports spread by enemies of the Mormon Church.
As for the Book of Mormon being, as some assert, nothing more than the Bible with some added passages, no one who has taken half a look at the Book could accept such a distortion. The Book of Mormon consists of 531 pages printed in small type on India paper. While it does contain certain chapters from Isaiah, which were included in the Brass Plates brought by Lehi, the leader of a people who fled Jerusalem about 600 B.C. just preceding the destruction of the city by Nebuchadnezzar, these consist of no more than the verses considered especially relevant to the position of Lehi's followers in the New World.
Common False Charges
Mormons are often charged with practicing polygamy. It is true that in the early days of the Restoration, Latter-day Saints did practice Plural Marriage. While the reasons for this have never been fully explained, this was done in conformity to a commandment of God given to church members, as an exception to the general rule about monogamy, and presumably had to do with the extraordinary conditions prevailing on the American frontier and the desire of the Lord to raise up as quickly as possible a strong group of devoted followers to spread the message of the restoration to the rest of the world in preparation for his Second Coming. At the time this practice was adopted there was no law forbidding it either in the Constitution of the United States or the Organic Law of any State of the American Union. When laws were at length enacted prohibiting the practice, the Mormon Church, one of whose Articles of Faith says "We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates; in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law", gave up Plural Marriage. While a small splinter group has defied church and civil authority for the past hundred and more years to continue the practice, this group is in no way affiliated with or countenanced by LDS Church authorities.
The Fruits of Mormonism
Jesus said that "By their fruits shall ye know them" (his true followers) Luke 6:44 . It is instructive to reflect on the fact that after rapid growth during the first two centuries of the Common Era, the Roman Emperor Constantine, impressed by the courage, honesty, and virtue of the early Christians, adopted Christianity, as already noted, as the official religion of Rome -- in the process sounding the death knell of true Christianity, which was soon displaced by the acts of state-approved councils of philosophers determined, as noted above, to accommodate the philosophy of the great Greek philosophers in order to make "crude" Christianity more acceptable to the Roman gentry. In less than half the equivalent period, the Restored Church has achieved membership exceeding that of the entire Roman Empire at the time of Constantine. Of course, the population of the world was then much smaller. But every soul as a child of the Heavenly Father is of equal importance; it has moreover been forecast by several noted scholars that Mormonism -- the fastest growing denomination of any real size in the world -- will rank with Islam, Buddhism, Taoism, and Judaism by the mid Twenty-first Century. The LDS Church already functions in 147 of the 185 nations of the world and has elected members of Parliament in Canada, the U.K., several Continental and Latin American nations (the Foreign Minister of Guatemala was, until a recent election, a Mormon). There are 16 Mormons in the recently elected American Congress -- about twice the proportional representation to which American Mormons are due. The LDS Church in Mexico has today virtually the same number of stakes (dioceses) and members as the entire Church possessed during the author's childhood fifty years ago.
Readers may be interested to know that Sociologists often use Utah, which is 80 per cent Mormon, as proxy for what Mormonism produces, finding that Mormon Utah has the largest proportion of native born individuals listed in Who's Who and American Men and Women of Science of any state in the Union; is first among the fifty American states in the number of 18-24 years olds enrolled in post-secondary school institutes of higher learning; has the highest number of colleges and universities per capita in the country; is among the top three states in high school graduates as a proportion of those enrolled; is next to lowest in dropout rate; fourth lowest in divorce rate; fourth highest in growth of employment; and is second only to Alaska in both birthrate and low death rate. Salt Lake City, the state's capital is one of only four cities in the United States with ballet (rated as one of the best in the country), an opera company, a symphony (also top rated), and legitimate theater. The President of the largest state university system in the country (the University of California) is a Latter-day Saint, as is Red Lee the President of the largest private university (Brigham Young University), who until being named university president was Solicitor General of the United States. The University of Utah has among the best law schools, engineering schools, and medical schools in the country. The artificial heart was first developed at the U of U medical school, and "cold fusion" in the U's Physics Department. The U's Computer Department was one of four in the country (the others being USC, the Stanford Research Institute, and UC Santa Barbara) to form Arpanet -- forerunner of Interne t -- in 1969. With the merger of Novell and Word Perfect, both Utah corporations with Latter-day Saint leadership, the second largest computer software company in the world is now Utah (Mormon) owned and operated. Any number of top business executives are LDS, including the current President of the Kodak Corporation, the President of Ryder Systems, and American Selective Shares, a major mutual fund. A past-President of American Motors Corporation George Romney was a leading Primary candidate for President running against Richard Nixon. Mr. Romney's son Mitt recently gave Ted Kennedy the closest race for Senator from the state of Massachusetts than Mr. Kennedy had experienced in twenty four years service as senator. Both President Bush's National Security Advisor General Brent Scocroft and his Domestic Affairs Advisor Harvard University Professor Roger Porter are LDS.
Nor are Mormons prominent only in politics and business: Mormon physicist/chemist Henry Eyring came within a gnat's eybrow of winning the Nobel Prize for his work relating chemical reactions to quantum theory (many thought he'd win next time around, but he died before he could again be considered -- and Nobel prizes are given only to living individuals). Three renowned American sculptors were Mormon born: Mahonri Young (a son of Brigham Young) produced the well-known statue of Massasoit for the city of Boston; recently-deceased sculptor Avard Fairbanks produced any number of well-known contemporary pieces, including the Madonna and Child located in the entry to the Cathedral of the Madeleine; and Gutzon Borglum, creator of the Mt. Rushmore memorial to four great American Presidents, was born to a Mormon mother in the Mormon village of Paris, Idaho. In sports, well-known American golfers Johnny Miller and Billy Caspar are both LDS, as were heavy weight boxer Jack Dempsey and light middleweight champion Gene Fullmer -- as well as a great pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team -- whose name doesn't for the moment come to mind. In the arts, actor Dean Jagger and Johnny Whittaker (Tom Sawyer) are LDS. Loretta Young was a Brigham Young great grandaughter. Metropolitan soprano Ariel Bybee is LDS, as are the King Sisters (indeed the entire King Family, including King husbands Lex de Azevedo and Alvino Rey, developer of the electric guitar). The Osmond Family (including both Marie and Donny) -- Mormons all -- were major television attractions for several years. Steve Young who many consider a worthy successor to the great football quarterback Joe Montana, was All-American while playing as an undergraduate for BYU and is another Brigham Young descendant; the U of Utah developed the first artificial heart, cold fusion (it's still being experimented with); Utahn (Philo Farnsworth, statue in Statuary Hall in the Capitol in Washington) was the father of television (he invented the cathode-ray tube which made TV possible); and SLC is one of only four cities in the U.S. with a Civic Opera, legitimate theater, Symphony Orchestra (rated among the ten best in the country), and Ballet (best or second best in the nation). Indeed, the Salt Lake-born LDS Christenson brothers were founders of both the San Francisco Ballet and Ballet West, two of the best ballet companies in the United States.
A Princeton University Professor, author of the book Wellsprings of Civilization, attributes this performance to the strong genetic heritage of European converts of great intellectual capacity, drive, and determination who had been held down by the European class structure of the nineteenth century -- plus the further winnowing effect of the strenuous trek across the Great Plains. These are they who passed on their genes through early polygamous marriages.
Professor Harold Boom of Yale University recently published a well-received book called The American Religion. Bloom identifies Mormonism as perhaps the most underappreciated movement in nineteenth century America -- having had effects on American history and thought far more profound than recognized by most historians or commentators. He asserts that Joseph Smith, whatever explanation one gives for the Book of Mormon, was as much a prophet as any who ever lived in terms of the profundity of his philosophy and the far-reaching effects of his teachings. He adds that most Americans, Catholic or Protestant, owe more to Joseph Smith for their concept of God and their religious belief system than to their own formal creeds -- whether they recognize this or not. In a recent note to the author, Professor Bloom said, "I have been very much moved by the commemorative events of the hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the death of Joseph Smith (celebrated this year). As a Jewish quasi-gnostic, I place him in my own personal pantheon with Whitman and Thoreau."
Some Less-well Known LDS Church Doctrines
In most ways, Mormonism does not differ appreciably, from other Christian denominations in its practices, or adherence to the seven sacraments. The most frequent charge of heresy is that the LDS Church teaches a plurality of gods. This derives from the Restored Church's revealed understanding that the Godhead consists of three separate and distinct beings: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost, plus LDS adherence to the doctrine of theism (see below). The first doctrine, contrary to the common trinitarian view of the Roman tradition, is also firmly held by the Orthodox Churches of Eastern Europe -- and was to no small degree the basis for the definitive Orthodox separation from the Roman Church in 1054.
Secondly, the LDS Church teaches that being sons (and daughters) of the Heavenly Father (1 John 3:2), we may through righteous living, become like him (Philippians 2:6). Some traditional Christians see this as blasphemy and refuse to accept Mormonism as a Christian denomination as a result of this belief. In this connection, we are told that this life is a great test to see whether men will be sufficiently self-disciplined to pursue the undeviating dictates of righteous conscience, learning to behave as the Father in Heaven would behave in every circumstances which we may confront in life -- thus becoming so like Him that we become "partakers of the divine nature" (2 Pet. 1:4), eventually becoming in the resurrection "heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ" (Rom. 8:17). Though sectarian Christians appear unaware of this, theism (becoming like God through righteous living) has been a firmly held tenet of Orthodoxy since earliest times (though not widely taught to its membership as being too sacred for open discussion).
Third: the LDS Church has no professional clergy. Every worthy member customarily enters the priesthood as a Deacon at age twelve, assisting his Bishop in numerous spiritual and temporal ways. At about age eighteen, young Latter-day Saints customarily are ordained Priests, with authority to bless and administer the Lord's Supper. At majority, they are ordained to the higher, of Melchizedec Priesthood, with authority to administer in all the higher spiritual ordinances of the gospel. The most notable difference in belief and practice of the Mormon Church is that marriages performed in its temples are "for time and all eternity" -- not just "until death do ye part" as in other denominations. The restoration of authority to seal on earth that which will remain sealed in the Heavens is arguably the most significant element of the Restoration.
What some have said about the LDS Church's teaching that Satan proposed a plan in the pre-mortal estate to save all mankind through compelling obedience to God's laws is not incorrect, though the "spin" often left in readers' minds is that Latter-day Saints are Satan worshippers. This is not so. The Church, by its very name, follows and worships no other than Jesus Christ. Indeed, Satan's plan of compulsion was rejected in the Great Council in Heaven and that of Jehovah (as we believe Jesus was known before his mortal existence), based on Free Agency, was adopted.
Finally, Latter-day Saints accept and practice the doctrine of Baptism for the Dead -- not a bizarre or non-biblical ceremony as some commentators attempt to make it appear, since the practice was clearly taught by Paul in his letter to the Corinthians. Paul and the other apostles understood that, according to Christ's teachings, baptism is the sole and essential rite of passage demanded by God for entry into his Kingdom. Paul and the other apostles fully understood that there is no alternative gate for those who died before Christ's coming (John 3:5), or during other periods when priesthood authority to seal on earth what was to sealed in the Heavens, was not present -- as from the Great Apostacy until the Restoration.
It is evident, and well-known to serious biblical scholars, that the early Christian Church instituted the divine practice of proxy baptism for near relatives who had passed on before the coming of the gospel, as is reflected in Paul's writing about the essentiality of baptism for salvation and resurrection, in which he says to the Corinthians, "Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? Why are they then baptized for the dead?" (1Cor. 15:29). In accordance with modern revelation, the LDS Church follows the same practice today. That is why Church members search out the genealogical records of their ancestors in order to perform such proxy baptisms for them in one or another of the 50 temples scattered around the globe. Free Agency being the operating principle of the Gospel, no one will be compelled to accept such proxy work. Anyone who rejects the gospel message on the Other Side may continue in whatever beliefs he or she prefers -- just as here on earth.
Mormon Attachment to Free Agency, Freedom of Conscience , and Freedom of Religion
In Mormon doctrine, force or compulsion is anathema. In a revelation to Joseph Smith given on March 20, 1839 the Lord said, ". . . it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority . . . they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion. . . . The powers of the priesthood . . . cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness. . . . No power or influence can or ought to be maintained . . . only be persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned. . . .That (the priesthood) may be conferred upon us, is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or gratify our vain ambitions, or exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men in any degree of unrighteousness, the heavens withdraw themselves, the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or authority of that man." (Doctrine & Covenants , Section 121, passim )
The Restored Church is no threat to any government or other religion. As asserted in the Eleventh Article of Faith of the Church: "We claim the privilege of worshipping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may."
It is hoped that these few words of background and explanation will help readers gain a clearer insight into the true teachings and beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is unfair to allow ill-wishers to assert that Mormon missionaries teach anything but the truth and the whole truth about the Restoration message. The Church has nothing to hide. It wants the truth proclaimed as thoroughly and quickly to as many as possible in the entire world. With fifty thousand missionaries proclaiming the Restoration in over a hundred and twenty countries of the world, including those recently liberated from Marxist repression, what we hope most to avoid is for newspapers to print without thorough checking, the falsehoods and half-truths retailed by enemies of the Church.
ROMANIA LDS* MISSION NEWSLETTER
January-February 1995
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Update on Previous Edition News
The June-July Mission Newsletter reported the visit to Romania of Richard Eyre Harvard Business School Graduate, Candidate for the Governorship of the State of Utah in 1992 and noted author of a dozen well-received books on child psychology and child-rearing practices. It also reviewed the work of two experienced LDS nurses who during their eighteen months mission to Romania gave advanced training to student nurses at Cantacuzino Spital, the Fundeni School of Nursing, and Radulescu Dispensary while serving as Consultants to the Romanian Nursing Association.
Since the appearance of the last Newsletter, Sister Killian has returned to her job as Professor of Nursing Education and Director of the Transcultural Nursing Program at Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho, USA and Sister Haslam to her work as Manager of Nursing Education at 11 rural and 15 urban hospitals in Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming for Intermountain Health Care. Sister Haslam is also contract program manager for the Baccalaureate and Associate degree nursing programs of Weber State University, as well as being in charge of Nurse Refresher Courses for Intermountain Health Care.
*After a thousand years of apostasy, schism, abuse of ecclesiastical power, and proliferation of reformist sects in the Christian world, the Lord spoke once more as the light of religious liberty broke forth in the New World for the first time since Ancient Rome, to call new Apostles, restore priesthood authority, and again begin revelatory guidance from On High. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the LDS, or Mormon Church) was organized in New York State on April 6, 1830. Now 165 years old, the LDS Church has well over 10 million members in 147 of the world's 184 nations.
Further Visit By Operation Smile
A group of six surgeons affiliated with the LDS Church again visited Romania since the last Newsletter report to perform plastic and reconstructive surgery on children in a number of Romanian orphanages. The group, working with Romanian doctors, among other activities, repaired a number of hare lips, cleft palates, and club feet. LDS Missionaries served as translators for Operation Smile.
New Humanitarian Initiative
One of the most prestigious Lycees in Bucharest recently approached the Mission Office to invite the participation of LDS Missionaries to serve as "role models" for lycee students. Noting that with the moral freedom accompanying the 1989 Revolution, numbers of Romanian young people were turning to drugs, pornography, and lax sexual mores, and taking into account the reputation of LDS Church members for high moral standards, the School Director hoped that association with LDS Missionaries might set an example of clean living for his charges. In collaboration with school officials, a program of conversational English was adopted as a modality for bringing students and missionaries together. A letter has been sent to all parents assuring them that religion will not be a topic of classroom discussion.
Work was initiated in Romania in 1992, shortly after the Revolution which restored political and religious liberty to Eastern Europe. The Romanian LDS Mission is headed by John Morrey, a distinguished engineer, who during his active professional life, was employed by the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission in Washington State. Those wishing further information about the LDS Church or its activities in Romania should contact the LDS Mission Office at 311-1928
Plastic Surgery
Working in local hospitals with local physicians and surgeons, LDS doctors have performed numerous operations restoring the functioning of eyes, limbs, and hearing, and removing disfiguring facial scars and blemishes of disabled children in Romanian orphanages.
Hospital Beds
The LDS Church has undertaken to provide beds to enlarge patient care facilities at Maria Sklodowska Curie Spital.
Financing for New Hospital Treatment Program
The LDS Church has offered financial assistance for the first three years to initiate a program for education and training of Romanian doctors and nurses to improve prognosis and treatment and better integration into society of Romanian children suffering from urological diseases. Talks are in process about sources of finance for continued operations of the program once it is underway.
Program for Preservation of Historic Records
Mr. Frederick Barth was born in Transylvania but moved to the United States as a youth. Mr. Barth, who is a professional genealogist, is author of a book about growing up in Transylvania.
In accordance with an agreement with the Government of Romania, Mr. Barth is micro-filming Romanian civil records, as has been done with most other European and Latin American Countries -- and as is in process in many other areas of the world. The objective of this work is to ensure that duplicate records of irreplaceable archives exist in event of civil disturbance or natural catastrophe. One set of microfiche s is provided to the national government for safekeeping. A second set is stored in a one kilometer deep, climate-controlled cavern in a solid granite recess of the American Rocky Mountains -- where other such irreplaceable records are preserved for safety and approved research.
Ed Blaser, Director Fax = [801] 378-3556, E-mail = perform @ byu.edu
Performing Arts Management
Oliver House, Brigham Young University
Provo, UT 84602
Dear Ed:
Your group of BYU students got on its way to Bulgaria last Friday, May 19 at 9 a.m.. Thought you'd want to have an early post mortem on what transpired during their Romania leg.
We had daily (almost hourly) mini- (and some not-so-mini) foul ups from git-go. But you'll be pleased -- as we were -- that overall it was a great event.
Mission President John Morrey planned to send me and a missionary to meet the group at the border to see that the arrangements we'd made to expedite border crossing were carried out. For complicated reasons which there isn't space here adequately to explain, I didn't get away. So two missionaries went. Missionaries arrived and border crossing was accomplished expeditiously, as planned. But the group arrived five hours late, delayed by the death of one performer's mother. One of our sponsors (Chris Douglas of the Euro-American Chamber of Commerce) also planned to be at the border, but knowing they'd been delayed, put off his departure to meet them at the estimated new arrival time. Arrived late, meeting them about half an hour on the Romanian side. I was waiting at an agreed crossroads near Brasov with another sponsor, Mr. Ioan Rodean who'd done our printing and who was providing hotel accomodations for the first night in the Carpathians to avoid a too-long drive to Bucharest. Chris needed to refuel after his long drive from Bucharest, but when he signalled the group he was pulling into a gas station, the Elders, thinking they knew the route (though they'd never driven in this part of Romania) just waived that they were proceeding onwards to make up lost time. Regrettably, they got lost. Chris drove extra fast to overtake them, but hadn't found 'em by the time he met us. Deciding they were sleeping on the bus, we returned to Bucharest to find they'd driven straight through by a longer route and were sleeping on the floor of one of our chapels. Other flummoxes followed, mainly due to people taking decisions they shouldn't have and weren't authorized to make. But the group had two days at a four star resort hotel with swimming, horseback riding, great meals, and first class rooms provided by a third sponsor at Slobozia. Indeed their y Mr. Ilie Alexandru, an authentic Romanian billiardaire.
Regrettably, Southfork -- Romanian style -- was further from Bucharest than stated, and put the group on a rushed schedule for the next two days. Ask Rex to tell you about the phony police escort at top speed to cut travel time during the initial trip to nearer the promised hour and a half. But the pre-performance "circus parade" through downtown Slobozia had been well advertised and the turnout was fantastic. Kids were literally mobbed, but did some great dancing every couple of blocks. The turnout that night was beyond expectation. Sports stadium was sold out except for perhaps fifty seats behind the stage (set up on the 25 yard line). Estimated audience was between 6,000 and 7,000 with the mayor and several ambassadors and other diplomats in attendance. Couple of last minute misunderstandings arose with the temperamental TV star announcer one of the sponsors had arranged for, but after a forty minute delay, all got underway (we dropped the peacepipe ceremony in part because of the late hour)
Crowd loved the performance. Sponsor Alexandru had arranged for forty of his employees in traditional costume to meet our guys on the stage at the end of the performance and lead 'em one Romanian, one BYU student, in a parade around the running track. Great idea to emphasize the theme of international friendship and brotherhood.
Arrival for the TV interview and filming the next day was more than a little late because they had no "police" escort. Next foul up was finding that the promised TV interview wouldn't be held after all because Minister of Radio/TV had been leaned on by someone offended by the success of a TV interview the week before featuring an outstanding presentation by President Morrey, five missionaries, and one of our two first Romanian national District Presidents. But there was filming by other TV stations and the audience at the religious book fair was receptive.
Worst scare was finding (no more than six hours before stage time) that arrangements for the evening performance at the Sala Polivalenta had been canceled by the sponsor responsible for the Bucharest end. She'd apparently gotten her nose out of joint for some reason (we believe related to what she considered insufficient financial reimbursement from the highly successful Slobozia event). But hadn't had the guts (or courtesy) to tell anyone else what she'd done. Providentially, Elder Dellenbach from the Frankfurt Office and Mike Van Rosen from the Vienna P.R. office had come for the performance. So we all sat down together to see what could be salvaged. Told the Manager of the Polivalenta what had happened. Pointed out he'd be unable to schedule another taker at that late hour. And surprise of surprises, he came in as a fourth sponsor, asking only reimbursement for employee wages and cost of electricity. We got what had started out as a $2500 rental for $640. Local sponsor also let us down by not having obtained permit to sell tickets (though she'd solemnly assured us she had). So we had to announce we'd refund for tickets stubs at the end of the performance to anyone unwilling to consider it a donation. (Not one person asked for a refund). And our local sponsor had been so late delivering the announcement posters that the missionaries had time only to put up a minimum number. So we had only about two-thirds of the orchestra full -- perhaps 600 persons. No one in the balcony at all. But it was a reasonably fair turnout, and with the lights in their eyes, the kids saw what appeared to be a respectable audience. Performance was outstanding. Embassy friends who'd come out of consideration for Lola and me told us next day that if they'd had half an idea how great the kids were they'd've brought all their friends (we'd told 'em, but people just don't believe what Jenielle can do with a bunch of student non-professionals). Members were ecstatic. Kids were fed and lodged by local members last two nights. Was an extraordinary experience for members and their children to get to know some American college kids and for the BYU types to live in real Romanian homes, eat authentic Romanian food, and meet real Romanian people.
Group didn't have time for all the shopping or sightseeing they wanted. But when Chris failed to show up for the afternoon tour of the city (still don't know what happened to him), I took 'em to the principal sights. That evening we had a member (and friends) only Fireside at the university student center. Terrific spirit. The giving away of coup feathers ceremony was both well-thought-out and highly popular with the youngest kids. The peacepipe didn't arrive until the next morning (another slip up by DHL), so Elder Dellenbach suggested we give it to Mr. Alexandru who'd provided beds, food, and outstanding publicity support for the Slobozia leg.
Took fifteen foreign students to the U.S. Embassy by pre-arrangement for F-1 visa renewals. Found out on arrival that only five would need visas -- others were still valid. Will be sending a note to Consul General Pelletreau thanking her for outstanding support.
Final foul up was when bus was an hour down the road towards Sofia, one of the students found she'd lost, mislaid, or had stolen her U.S. passport. Had to turn around and return. My wife Lola arranged for the passport section of the Embassy to slip her ahead of the queue to save time. But Missionary Elders, carefully searching the dressing rooms at the facility used the night before, found she'd just dropped it in a corner, so no new passport was needed. And Elder Dellenbach was flying to Sofia that afternoon for the performances there, and she accompanied him by air instead of having to return to the U.S. alone.
All of us learned from the mistakes we made. But Ed and Norma Morrell who had lunch with us in the Embassy cafeteria met Consul Nick Grenius who'd arranged a three nation Lenten tour for a men's Glee Club I sing with and who told us our experiences had been all in true Romanian tradition. He, too, had had terrible experience keeping his seven sponsors in line, had had more than a few drop out (leaving him with a financing deficit), and had all sorts of last minute scheduling changes -- all of which he'd concealed from the performing group. Didn't make me feel lots better, but I at least feel less of a failure. Just hope we were able to conceal from the Lamanite kids how many close calls we had during the Romanian leg of their East European tour.
David Timmins TO: President Morrey DATE: June 11, 1995
FROM: D. B. Timmins
SUBJECT: Suggestion for Having DPs Give Monthly Talks Originally Planned
to be Given By Mission Presidency
At a Mission Presidency Meeting some months ago you asked for a list of possible topics for talks to be given by the Mission Presidency in branches the third and fourth Sundays of each month. We never made much progress on this project, though it seems to me just as important as it was when we first talked about it several months ago. Seems to me now that we have two District Presidents, we might think in terms of encouraging them to give this series of talks in their branches on somewhat the same schedule we originally considered for the Mission Presidency. This list of topics is essentially the one I read to BPs at a training session several months ago as a means of educating Church members about doctrines and usages not often covered in the missionary lesson materials. (As previously mentioned, I have available talks on The Symbolism of Baptism, The Holy Ghost, and Sacrifice).
1. The symbolism of baptism -- in some detail and with reference to the doctrines of repentance and forgiveness, rebirth and adoption of a son or daughter of Christ, death, burial, and resurrection, and the importance of keys, priesthood authority and witnesses. Also the Law of Common Consent in accepting new members into the Church following baptism.
2. What conferral of the companionship of the Holy Ghost means and how this is to be distinguished from the gifts of the Holy Ghost. And how one should live to be worthy of the constant companionship of the H.G.
3. The symbolism of the Sacrament . What the bread signifies and why it is passed first: what the water signifies and why it is always passed last. Why white bread is preferred, but other types -- even biscuits or crackers, may be used when white bread is not available. How deacons should dress and how the Aaronic Priesthood leader should assure that newly ordained deacons (and priests) do practice runs to be sure the Lord's Supper is administered reverently and efficiently -- and whether it should be served or not to late-comers standing in the vestibule. How part of the priests' duties (as well as that of the BP) is to watch carefully the congregation to make sure that everyone has been afforded the opportunity to take the sacrament. Why the sacrament is passed first to the Presiding officer in lieu of Christ's presence. And why it should be taken with the right hand, even by naturally left-handed individuals. Why the bishop should (if possible) have an extra deacon on the stand with him to run errands or carry messages to individuals in the congregation. And that the sacrament song need not repeat every verse (unnecessarily extending the time of the sacrament service), just so long as there has been time enough for the bread to be broken.
In short, the talk should explain the difference between the essential (reverence, appropriate dress, that the prayers are correctly said, and that everyone has opportunity to partake) and the unimportant (i.e. there is no explicit rule about whether first the bread and then the water should be uncovered, that it is perfectly permissible for both to be uncovered together. That one priest need not stand at attention while the other kneels to pray. That Teachers may be assigned to assist the Priests by handing trays from the sacrament table to the deacons to expand sacrament assignments as widely as possible among the Aaronic Priesthood).
4. How to go about preparing one's four generation group sheet as a first step to preparing to visit the temple and engaging in more remote genealogical work.
5. (Possibly in same talk as #4) The history and purpose of temples and how to prepare for a temple recommend interview. The kinds of questions which will be asked. How one should start saving up to defray at least part of the cost. And why one need feel no particular pressure to attend the first (or second, or third) temple trip. In short, the material you have already prepared for distribution.
6. Tithing: purpose, scriptural command, uses to which tithing monies are put, how one should calculate one's tithing, and importance of attending Tithing Settlement.
7. Fast Offering and the Church Welfare Program (which depends first and foremost on family preparedness, not a Church dole). How fast offerings unused in the branch go to the District. And funds unused in the District go to the Area Office. And how when there is a shortfall, the flow of funds is reversed.
8. The importance of R.S. Visiting Teaching and Priesthood Home Teaching to the successful functioning of all Church programs -- Primary, YW, SS, RS, Welfare, the lasting success of missionary work, the longer-term work of Perfecting the Saints, and -- eventually -- even Saving the Dead through widespread temple work.
9. The importance of living the 11th Commandment of Mormonism: Mind Your Own Business , i.e. avoidance of tale-bearing and back-biting.
10. (Possibly in same talk as #7) The purpose of Fast and Testimony Meeting and what comments may appropriately be incorporated in bearing one's testimony (including public confession before the congregation when what one has done has become widely known and affects the congregation as a whole), and what may be best omitted as a matter for discussion with the Bishop (BP), Mission President, or the Lord in private prayer.
11. The Word of Wisdom -- much more than just avoiding coffee, tobacco, and alcohol Points Covered in Meeting With Branch Presidents of Bucharest North and South Districts
June 22, 1995
1. Hold Weekly Branch Presidency Planning Meetings Without Fail
2. In addition to talks by Branch members (on assigned topic) each week, reserve one Sunday for talk by District President, and another for a talk by a member of the Branch Presidency (again, on an assigned topic so you'll eventually cover every aspect of the gospel).
3. Be sure to walk your Aaronic Priesthood members through a practice sacrament service every time you ordain a new member (deacon or priest). All too often we have an inexperienced deacon (or priest) foul up during their first experience. They need careful instruction so the service will be reverent and error free. Be sure the deacons know they shouldn't help rearrange the table cloths or life or replace trays on the table -- these are the Priests' responsibilities.
4. Music. Be sure the pianist starts prelude music at least five minutes before the service begins. Be sure Branch Presidency is on the stand when the prelude music begins. And start your meeting on time. Instruct pianist that at your nod, she should start playing her prelude music especially loud (to drown out the chatting) and then suddenly reduce volume to pianissimo so people will be embarrassed by their loud chatting and quiet down. Then stand up and start meeting during this period of silence.
Also provide ten minute song practice period between Sacrament Meeting and Sunday School. Most members don't know our LDS hymns and they'll never learn them without practice. Sr. Timmins has offered to visit each branch to train choristers -- if you ask her.
5. We must take vigorous steps to activate the Home Teaching and Visiting Teaching programs. We've already authorized you to combine husband/wife teams to visit members, taking credit for both Home Teaching and Visiting Teaching. We've also authorized giving teams two lists of no more than three names each (total assignment, six families) which they can visit every other month. This means no one will have to visit more than three families per month. President Morrey has authorized missionaries to help out. If the missionaries do "splits", i.e. each missionary go with one member of a Home Teaching team, visiting one or two families per week, this would cover sixteen families per month. And thirty-two families every other month. Thus every member of your branch would have contact with the church at least every other month. Several who've become inactive have already been activated by renewed contact with Home Teachers or missionaries.
6. Every Branch should hold a bi-weekly (or at least monthly) Fireside (soiree sociale ), as Branches 1, 2, and 3 are now doing. As we've previously explained, members (and especially new members) need to feel part of a new church family. And a weekday social activity is the best (and perhaps the only) way to do this. The evening might start informally at, say, 6 p.m. with taped music, board games, and social visiting. People will gradually arrive in time for the start of a more formal 7 p.m. meeting (song, prayer) with a half hour or forty minute lesson on a mutually agreed topic. We've suggested that someone who reads English might give a weekly review (in Romanian) from notes taken on one chapter of an important church book which exists only in English, so our Romanian members who otherwise wouldn't have access to such information, might learn more about church history and doctrine. Such books might include: A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Articles of Faith, etc.
Points Covered in Meeting With Branch Presidents of Bucharest North and South Districts
July 6, 1995
Review of June 22 Training Session
1. a) No meeting without a planning session
b) Branch Presidency Planning Meeting weekly
c) Priesthood Executive Meeting at least monthly
d)Welfare Meeting (PEC + Relief Society President) at least monthly
e) Ward Council (all above plus Primary and Young Women)
2. Prelude music ten minutes before meeting time
BP on stand with agenda in hand at least 5 minutes before meeting time
Have pianist play extra loud at your nod thirty seconds before starting time
" " suddenly shift to pianissimo so people will hear own loud voices
Start meeting as soon as people quite down -- and on time even if only a handful of
members are in seats
3. Save one Sunday per month for D.P. talk, one for B.P. talk (from pre-prepared list), and
one from branch member (again from pre-prepared list). First Sunday is Testimony
4. Do "walk through" of Sacrament ceremony every time there's a new Deacon or Priest
5. Give major attention to Home Teaching and Visiting Teaching using Pres. Morrey's
offer of having missionaries do "splits" with Melchizedec Priesthood brothers and
Relief Society Sisters. 8 missionaries + M.P. and R.S. partners = 16 visits/ week x
4 weeks = 64 visits per month. Every member gets visited every other month.
6. Start "firesides". Social/musical hour (starting at 6 p.m.) plus 40 minute chapter by
chapter review of solid church doctrinal book prepared by branch member who
reads English. So members will start getting good understanding of doctrine/history
Points Covered in July 6 Training Session
1. Distribution of Priesthood Executive Manual
2. Review of Priesthood Ordinances (not changes to be made in manual)
3. Encourage B.P.s to visit Melchizedec Priesthood group to present lesson on ordinances:
a) how to bless children
b) how to baptize -- baptismal prayer (note changes in prayer as printed in manual)
c) how to confirm
d) how to bless sacrament (note changes from prayers as printed in manual)
e) how to confer priesthood (who may ordain)
f) consecrating oil
g) how to anoint the sick
h) blessing the sick
i) giving special blessings (military service, departure from home for school, mothers, etc)
j) dedicating graves
4. Instructions to B.P.s regarding Church position with respect to Year of the Woman
5. Inform B.P.s about plans to call part-time Branch Missionaries to do "splits"
Points Covered in Meeting With Branch Presidents of Bucharest North and South Districts
August 10, 1995
1. Announcement about Sept. 12 and Oct. 23 Temple trips
2. Distribution of first draft of 1995-96 Calendar
3. Distribution of Romanian version of instructions on baptisms and funerals
4. Review of using assigned 4 hrs per week of missionary "member contact time" to do "splits" with branch priesthood to do Home and Visiting Teaching.
5. Instruction regarding the relationship between Bishops (Branch Presidents) and Melchizedec Priesthood Group Leaders.
a. A Bishop (B.P.) is an office of the Aaronic Priesthood and he is President both of the Priests Quorum (something he cannot delegate) and president of the Aaronic Priesthood in general. A.P. are Bishop's assistants for any use he cares to make of them -- administering the sacrament (important, but not only calling), to sit on stand with him as messengers, as assistant Home Teachers, care of widows, cleaning chapel, etc. Bishop was originally a stake office. A Presiding Elder headed each Ward. When Saints arrived in SL Valley Brigham Young decided that matters should be consolidated. All Bishops were also ordained High Priests so they could preside. And the offices of Presiding Elder and Bishop were combined. Bishops thereupon became Ward, not Stake, officers. There are 12 Deacons in a full quorum, 24 Teachers, and 48 priests. No specified number of Elders or High Priests. A quorum must have half plus one of a full quorum to be organized and function as a quorum. This means a minimum of 7 deacons, 8 teachers, or 25 priests. Since we do not have this number, all our priesthood members function as "groups" not quorums.
b. Elders are stake (in Romania, district) quorums. They are therefore under the direction of the District Presidents (and Mission President), not the Branch Presidents. But as Presiding Melchizedec Priesthood authority of his Branch, the B.P. also presides over the Melchizedec Priesthood of his Branch. And the M.P. Group Leader and B.P. must work hand in hand to make the branch function. The B.P. depends on the M.P. of his branch to do the Home Teaching essential to keep members active, reactivate those who've fallen into inactivity, and keep the B.P. apprised of welfare needs among his members. (The Relief Society Visiting Teachers have parallel responsibilities in this regard). The B.P. and M.P. Group Leader should coordinate development of lists of Home Teaching and missionary "split" assignments, following up in Group meeting every couple of weeks to make sure the work is being carried out. Home/Visiting Teacher lists should not include more than 3 or 4 families so as not to overburden priesthood members. If necessary, each Home/Visiting Teacher pair may be given two lists, which may be alternated month by month so that every family will be visited at least bi-monthly. (Though if "splits" are done with the six missionaries assigned to each branch, monthly visits should be possible: 6 x 2 = 12 x 4 weeks = 48 visits per month. No branch presently has more than 48 families).
c. The M.P. Group Leader is responsible not only for seeing that adequate instruction is given in weekly Group meeting, but for the overall spiritual and temporal welfare of the member of his Group. This means a personal visit to the home of each member at least once a year (plus seeing that they are visited at least once a month by Home/Visiting Teachers). He should let the B.P. know when welfare assistance may be necessary (though the final decision in this regard must be made by the B.P. and Relief Society President together). A Branch Welfare Meeting should be held at least once a month (preferably in tandem -- i.e. one after another -- with the Priesthood Executive Committee, and Branch Council Meeting). M.P. Group Leaders are also responsible for families of members of their group -- including widows. To carry out their responsibility for the members of their group, the Group Leader should assure that well-prepared instructional material in Church history, Church doctrine, and Church practices should be provided weekly. This includes review of all priesthood ordinances -- baptism, confirmation, blessing of infants, consecration of oil, blessing of the sick, how to ordain others (when given the keys to do so), dedication of homes, and dedication of graves. Such review should be carried out at least annually, if not more frequently, so that all M.P. members are able to act if and when called upon.
d. Group Leaders should also give attention to the social welfare of members. Regular Group dinners should be planned (pot luck, i.e. with each husband/wife team bringing a simple dish to be shared around, perhaps by preassigning main dishes, salads, drinks, and desserts). And if the four annual Mission dances are not sufficient, a M.P. Group dance should be scheduled, either alone or in combination with other M.P. Groups. Outings may also be appropriate, either a temple excursion, a movie, an opera, the symphony, or a picnic in a park.
Agenda for Meeting With Branch Presidents of Bucharest North and South Districts
August 24, 1995
1. Distribution of Points Covered in June 22, July 6, and August 10 Training Sessions
2. Distribution of Romanian translation of Instructions Regarding Baptism and Funerals to Branch Presidents who have not yet received them.
3. Final Coordination of 1995-96 Mission Calendar
4. Instruction by President Morrey Regarding How Joseph Smith was prepared to become the Prophet of the New Dispensation -- a lesson for every Branch and District Leader
Agenda for August 24 Planning Meeting Regarding Mission Open House at Villa Pasteur on
September 22 - 23
1. Basic Ideas for Open House
a. We plan at least two dates: one for VIPs, one for Members and Missionaries to bring
family and friends. Should we have a third date, before either formal session, at
which Branch Presidents and wives could listen and offer suggestions for tightening
up presentations? Discuss.
2. Greeters
We should probably have a couple or three distinguished members at the front gate to
greet people (and to make it easier to identify the "open house" villa. Who?
a. John Hill - IMF Representative
b. Iordonescu Lucian - Media Rep and local businessman
c. Chabap Titu - Mitsubishi Representative. Discussion. Other suggestions?
d. Lizette Kuhlman - Danish Consul
e. Daniel Viorel - TV broadcaster
3. Ushers
May also wish to have three presentable teen age girls to act as ushers from front gate to
seat. And, later, from one room to another at end of each presentation.
a. Angel Ileana
b. Lupu Ana
c. Broina Crestina Discussiom. Other suggestions?
4. Decor and Commencement
It is customary at Church "open houses" for guests to congregate in chapel where they are entertained by music or examination of exhibits (see Nota Bene below) until enough have gathered to make a formal presentation worthwhile. This suggests that we should put together either a member, or missionary chorus to sing six or eight songs. What is the planning group's thinking on this?
If the open house starts at 7 p.m. (even anticipating that people will drift in at any time between the announced hours of our being "open"), we should aim at completing all presentations within two and a half hours, leaving half an hour for questions and answers and half an hour for cookies and soft drinks and visiting (see proposed schedule below)..
5. Presentations
How many presentations should we be thinking of? Will depend in part on what we think should be covered, how many suitable rooms we have available in Pasteur, and how many suitable speakers we can identify to cover each topic.
a. President Vasilescu to talk in Sacrament Room for twenty or twenty five minutes on Apostacy/Restoration, short sketch of B of M as instrument of Restoration, brief History of Church, Distinctive Doctrines and Practices, and Fruits of
Mormonism.
b.President Icleanu to talk in Baptism Room (with lit font) on Church Organization, B of
M as New Witness for Christ in an age of unbelief, Church Organization (apostles &
prophets, wards, stakes, missions, regions, and areas). And Church sacraments:
lay priesthood, blessing of infants, baptism, confirmation, blessing of the sick,
sacrament,.plus brief reference to the Auxiliaries.
c. Sr. Biolaru to talk in Relief Society Room on Temples and Eternal Family, Church's
Social activities, Compassionate, and Humanitarian Services and the Welfare
Program.
d. Sr. Tieru to talk in Priesthood room on the LDS Church in Romania. Other than
missionary work, the LDS Church as all Romanian leadership. Will also cover as
time permits Youth programs -- Primary, Young Women and Young Men. Law of
Chastity and Word of Wisdom. Will make mention of Church's emphasis on
education: providing statistics to the extent possible on educational, health, cultural,
and professional attainments of church members.
Idea is to keep talks short and focussed -- no more than twenty to twenty-five minutes so
guests will not get bored. Teenage ushers will lead each group to a succeeding room
for the next presentation. After first presentation, Guests could chose which others to
attend -- or could attend all. Mission Office Elders will be available to help speakers
prepare appropriate talks.
6. Question/Answer Period
Guests will be invited to jot down questions, holding them until end of open house, when they'd reassemble in the chapel to ask questions of the panel of presenters. Whoever feels best qualified can answer each question, with other panelists making supplementary comments if they wish.
6. Refreshments/Dismissal
Guests can, of course, depart at any time. We hope, by reason of the interest of the presentations and frequent change of room and topic (to avoid boredom), to hold most till the end of the evening. At end of half hour question/answer period, the assembled group would break up for cookies and soft drinks and to mingle with greeters, ushers, presenters, missionaries, and Mission Presidency.
NB. Brother Van Rosen, of the Church's Public Relations Office in Vienna will have arrived a few days before the Open House(s) to call upon government officials and media represent- atives, distributing individual VIP invitations. He will bring with him suitable materials from which to mount exhibits appropriate to each room where presentations will be given. The Open House is a missionary idea to help advance the image of the LDS Church in Romania and to get names of individuals interested in knowing more about the Church. Missionaries can thus be counted upon to prepare the premises, put up the exhibits, and put an announcement in the newspapers -- and, if possible, on TV news. But every effort should be made to make this a Romanian event. We want Romanian greeters at the gate, Romanian ushers to show people to their seats and to accompany them from room to room, and we want the most "representative" and qualified Romanian Church members to deliver the talks and answer questions from those who attend. Brother Van Rosen will work with each speaker for at least one hour before the intitial presentation to help presenter polish his/her talk and help him/her to help with mechanics of presentation.
Action Items for further attention
o Greeters and ushers should be instructed to dress especially well. Men should wear ties.
Girls should wear appropriate dresses.
o Bro. Van Rosen is to find time to work with each presenter individually for at least an
hour during the week before the initial program to polish talk and delivery
o A.P.s are to prepare high quality printed RSVP invitation for VIPs
o All talks are to be written out in full and delivered to A.P.s for review by Sunday, Sept. 17
o We should invite Elders Paula, Ipsa, and Petrescu to be present during VIP Open House,
together with Greeters, Ushers, and Speakers, to make sure all guests are made to feel
welcome. Only A.P.s and Mission Presidency should be present during this session.
o We should have a nice book for guests to sign, leaving name/ address for further contact.
o Should make sure there are pamphlets on Joseph Smith, Apostacy/Restoration, and Plan
of Salvation -- with address and phone number for further contact -- on table in entrance
for guests to pick up upon departure.
o A.P.s will mention to VIP media guests in low key manner that we are thinking of having
a General Public Open House on October 7, hoping that they will mention this in the
news articles they write about the VIP night, thus giving us free publicity for the Oct 7
event.
Draft Program for Open House
7:00 - 7:15 p.m. Guests start arriving (may drift in at any time during the evening. At least one Greeter will remain at gate (may rotate after period of major affluence), and Ushers will also be available at gate to show latecomers to whichever presentation they are most interested in. Guests who arrive on time will assemble in Chapel to examine exhibits and be entertained by member/missionary chorus.
7:20-7:45 Presentation #1 in Sacrament Room (talk will be given every twenty/twenty-five minutes for guests as they arrive -- until after which they will be given opportunity to chose two of the other three presentations, depending on their interests.
7:50 -8:20 Presentation #2 - Baptistry
8:25-8:50 Presentation #3 - Relief Society Room
8:25-8:50 Presentation #4 - Priesthood Room
9:00 - 9:30 All assemble for Question/Answer Period
9:30- 10:00 Breakup for cookies and punch and visiting with Greeters, Ushers, Missionaries, Mission Presidency, and Area Public Relations Official.
TO: Brother Wingo DATE: June 13, 1994
FROM: D. Timmins
SUBJECT: Comments on Draft Romanian Religious Liberty Law
President Morrey gave me a compilation of Eastern European religious liberty laws, plus two variant copies of the Romanian draft religious liberty law. The compilation of UN and CSCE declarations on social and political rights, other than as statements of good intent and as targets stimulating the Government of Romania to comply, of little direct relevance to our work here.
I have also carefully read and compared the two versions of the draft law on Romanian freedom of religion. There has apparently been some change since the version used by Cole Durham at the recent conference. There are significant and highly important differences. Each is better than the alternative in one way or another. I have annotated liberally each version of the draft law as well as your notes to Cole Durham. Because my handwriting is poor I am adding this typed note.
In my mind, the most important Article with respect to the operations of the LDS Church in Romania for the foreseeable future is Article 64. This article states that "Religious communities in Romania are free to establish ecumenic and fraternal contacts with different churches and religious communities . . . worldwide. Such contacts may take the form of reciprocal visits, sessions, congresses, theological meetings, conferences, student and teacher exchanges, and cultural and material support". But nothing is said specifically of missionary or ministerial visits and exchanges. It will be essential for our work (at least for our peace of mind) to work to see that the wording of this Article is modestly expanded to insert the words "exchanges and visits of ministers" with other exchanges for which provision is made. This would clarify the status of missionaries and mission presidents, as well as visits of Area and General Authorities -- who would already appear to be covered. Absent such clarification there appears to be no provision for non-Romanian missionaries or church administrators.
Now back to earlier paragraphs.
Article 3.
President Morrey had penciled in "more inserted here" I think his note pertains in fact to Article 4
Article 8. I think the English word we are looking for is "prosecuted" in lieu of "pursued"
Article 9 . I agree this could be a troublesome provision, possibly with regard to future District priesthood meetings, but particularly with regard to temple attendance either abroad, or perhaps eventually here, if "participation " means the same in Romanian as it does in English and the provision is strictly interpreted. The problem might be solved by substituting "attending" for "participating" since we always encourage investigators to attend our meetings.
Article 10 . Expenses instead of expensive ? Variant para 1. "encourages" would be a better word than "stimulates" .
Article 22 . I recommend that we do everything in our power to do what may be necessary to have ourselves included in the list of recognized cults before the draft law is submitted to parliament. This would avoid recognition difficulties during the early days when the new law is being implemented. I know from experience in implementing the new Religious Liberty Law in Spain that officious mayors and other local officials gave us much trouble despite our being the first non-Catholic Church to register under the new law. The Church even had for a time to rely on missionaries from Latin America because everyone knew from Franco's time that they weren't to make trouble for the citizens of any of Spain's daughter nations because of the policy of Hispanidad. If we were included in the new law here, from gitgo, this would also make it politically more difficult to bring in question any LDS Church practices which officious bureaucrats may be dissatisfied with -- as well as the possibility of future disenfranchisement by mere bureaucratic determination if problems of interpretation or practices arose. Parliamentary action would in such case be required, a far more difficult reversal.
Article 25 See comments in first paragraph regarding Article 64. The revised wording should be repeated in Article 25, otherwise I see potential problems for the LDS Church.
Article 50. I am not qualified to evaluate the provisions of this article. But it seems to me that someone should give it close attention since we are sure to have some of our young people attending BYU or Ricks within the foreseeable future and it will be important that their engineering or accounting or other professional degrees be recognized upon their return to their homeland. If this Article truly applies only to theology degrees, perhaps there's no problem.
Articles 58 and 59. On the surface these provisions would appear to have no application to the LDS Church. However, our members do pay taxes. And tax moneys are and will under these provisions be used to support other churches, their ministers, and employees. Seems to me that with thought we might devise a means by which Romanian national Branch and District Presidents could receive their fair share of state funds to be used to cover branch costs now being paid out of Church funds. I know the Church is shy about such things. But if presented to the Brethren in the light of LDS members' tax funds otherwise being diverted to the support of other religions, perhaps someone might be able to accept application of the Article simply as a way to recapture Romanian LDS tax monies for Romanian LDS Church use. And who knows? We might even some day have a Temporal Affairs Office in Bucharest, or a branch of LDS Social Services. These both have paid employees (almost always locals). And these folks have retirement benefits. Many years ago Church Headquarters decided to have its paid employees participate in the U.S. Social Security program. What's difficult about LDS Church employees in Romania being entitled to return of their tax dollars in the form of retirement benefits, just as in the U.S.?
Short of such accommodation, we should at least work to have wording inserted to provide for an offsetting tax deduction for persons opting out of the state-supported religious system. There is precedent for this in the UK where so-called Non-Conformists (including LDS) can submit a declaration that they are not members of the Church of England, and a share of their tax bill equivalent to what would be going to support the C of E is rebated. Since however getting such provision for "opting out" is likely to prove most difficult to achieve, I'd personally recommend that we go for the simpler solution of accepting our share of state funds (i.e. return of Church members' tax moneys already paid) for support of member programs here in Romania.
Article 64. See comments above. It will be essential that the words "exchanges and visits of ministers " be included in this paragraph as well as Article 25 above.
N.B. Earle Pope, an American Professor teaching at the university here in Bucharest, and who's taken an interest in the religious liberty law (and who has lunch with Lola and me from time to time), some time ago recommended that we should get one or another (or both) of Utah's Senators to pay an early visit to Romania to demonstrate high U.S. government interest in the new religious liberty law. President Morrey so informed Frankfurt, but they vetoed the idea.
A short time afterwards President Vasiliescu called on the Inspector General of Religious Affairs who told him outright that his boss, the Minister, was getting severe pressure from the Prelates of the Orthodox Church, and that the LDS Church better raise its profile a little or we'd get run over. President Morrey was shortly thereafter called upon by a high official of the Ministry (see his memo) inviting us to subsidize the distribution of a booklet he'd written summarizing the religious liberty laws of a variety of governments. He, too, said the Minister was getting pressure from the Orthodox authorities, and we LDS had better do something to put some iron in his spine, or we'd find ourselves on the short end of the stick.
I recommend that you consider getting Salt Lake leadership to consider independently of Frankfurt the desirability of urging Senators Bennett and/or to put Bucharest on his/their agendas for an early visit -- well before the law is introduced in Parliament for final consideration, to assure that the LDS Church is included among the half dozen to be given legislative approval. If it's left to post-legislative, bureaucratic determination, we may well find ourselves denied a position as an approved church. Attention should also be given to making sure the more favorable version of the law's wording is introduced so our mission presidents and non-Romanian missionaries are clearly covered.
TO: President Morrey
FROM: D. B. Timmins
SUBJECT: Recommendations re Leadership when Ploesti Branch is Divided -- and Related Matters
I visited Ploesti Branch last Sunday. Seems to me there are three possibilities: Brother Usherelu; Brother Chirila, the Elder's Quorum President; and Brother Teodorescu, the Counselor in the present Branch Presidency. It is customary when calling a new Branch President or Bishop to call a Counselor who has been doing a good job. I would therefore recommend calling President Blegeanu's Counselor as President of the new Branch.
This would leave Frate Usherelu and Frate Chirila each to serve as a counselor to one of the Branch Presidents, providing them with their first Church leadership opportunity. While the choice is of course up to the new presidents, it would not be inappropriate for you as Mission President to put forward these names as suggestions. I also think it would be appropriate to suggest the names of a couple of Missionary Elders to serve as the additional counselor in each branch -- not only because of the twenty-some odd years Church experience the elders would bring to the new presidencies, but because this would provide the Missionary Elders an early experience in Church Government.
MUSIC
My visit to Ploesti confirmed the impression I had formed from attendance at two branches in Bucharest: that the new members know neither the words nor the music to the songs in the LDS Hymnal. At best they are giving out a rather ragged form of unison singing. And none of the music leaders so far observed has much idea of what a downbeat is or how to beat time.
Using your extended authority as Mission President, I think you might consider asking Branch Presidents to arrange for a ten minute practice session following the opening prayer in each Sunday School. to practice part singing. This would both help members to memorize the words, as well as learning harmony so that we could move on to some branch choirs.
You may also wish to consider inviting new members to bring copies of well-loved hymns from their previous religious traditions so that with moderate doctrinal modification a selection might be made regarding which of these might be included in a new LDS Hymnal -- as was done with many of our original selections in the U.S. There is nothing in church doctrine which says all our church music in Romania need be of Wasatch Front origin. As I think Lola told you, she and I recently participated in an embassy choral group which sang in a local church. Some of the Orthodox hymns we learned were quite beautiful and with words which would be fully appropriate with minor modifications.
ORPHANAGES
When Lola and I lived in Guatemala we became engaged in the activities of an orphanage started by a Vietnam War veteran. He came to Guatemala following the fall of Vietnam because he learned that there were hundreds of abandoned children living on the streets with no hope for the future. Initially starting with a group of fifty in a sub-divided large house, the government soon made available a no longer used school building with accommodations for a hundred and fifty. With volunteer teachers, he soon had all hundred and fifty kids studying at appropriate grade levels on a six and a half day week, year-round schedule to make up for previously lost schooling. Kids slept in rooms crammed with three decker beds, about twelve to a room. Morning showers were limited to one minute each. They were fed decently, had a weekly personal interview with their orphanage "father", and they got a weekly turn on one of the three bikes and two ponies. They wore shoes and clothing contributed by local businessmen (handed down as the kids grew out of the previous size).
Every kid grew up bilingual in Spanish and English, 'cause the head of the orphanage considered this would be a business/professional advantage for the future, insisted on English classes for all, and always himself spoke to "his" kids in English..
To provide for their spiritual growth, arrangements were made for a Catholic priest to come in every Sunday morning for brief services. At the time, Lola and I thought how marvelous an opportunity it would have been for LDS missionaries to have had an hour a week with these children to teach them some Primary songs and give them an hour of Bible and Book of Mormon stories instead of their facing a sterile Catholic mass. Nevertheless, as time went on, any number of the Guatemala orphanage kids became baptized Catholics.
We rejoiced as we saw the first half dozen senior class graduates accepted as scholarship students by a variety of American universities, their futures almost assured when they returned to their homeland with an accounting or engineering degree.
Seems to me that circumstances in Romania today are not unlike those in Guatemala in some respects. The Embassy Wives Association runs a "Big Sisters" program under which embassy wives visit several orphanages each week, taking individuals or small groups of kids to museums and cultural events. And we've already had a number of LDS Social Services missionaries working with several local orphanages.
Seems to me that adopting an orphanage would provide an excellent Compassionate Services project for the several Relief Societies in the Mission. The sisters should be introduced to this important part of Relief Society work at an early date. If they could do some "Big Sister" work of their own, visiting selected orphanages either as groups or individuals, in addition to their Home Visiting assignments, taking one or two little kids to a museum or other cultural event, it would enrich the lives of both giver and receivers.
More than this. If we have eight teams of Sister Missionaries, and each team devoted a couple of hours twice a week to holding an afternoon Primary at a selected orphanage, we could service 16 orphanages, touching the lives of possibly 1,600 youngsters a week. Making the bold assumption that orphanage directors would be willing to extend our visiting privileges to that of also providing an hour Sunday School, groups of Missionaries could give the same kids the experience of learning some LDS Primary songs and listening to some Bible/Book of Mormon stories each Sunday morning, enriching their lives spiritually.
It is doubtful whether it would be appropriate to extend this contact to administering the Sacrament.
Whether any of these 1,600 kids became interested enough in the Church to wish baptism when they came of age, or not, over the years we'd have created a substantial body of young Romanians with considerable understanding of LDS church doctrine and a friendly and trusting disposition towards the LDS church.
TO: William Wingo, Legal Division, European Area Church Offices
DATE: June 24, 1994
FROM: D. B. Timmins
SUBJECT: Legal Representation for the Church in Romania
It was good to see you again after so many years and to review old times and get caught up on mutual friends.
I talked to Rusty Ingraham of the Embassy's Political Section. Rusty tells me that the Embassy hasn't required legal help in recent years, but offered to send me the standard Embassy Lawyers List. I told him this wouldn't do: told him that we needed the top lawyer in the country with impeccable political connections, the best technical background and performance record, and sensitively in touch with the current social situation.
Rusty said he personally didn't know such an individual or how we'd go about identifying him. But, he said, he knew an American lawyer with a solid reputation who was used by all the top American businesses in Bucharest who might be able to give me a referral, and gave me his name and telephone number.
His name is Andrew Kingston, and his telephone number is [44] [1] 615-3164.
I talked to Andy Kingston, telling him about my background and experience in Spain, where the Church ended up retaining Garrigues Freres, whose senior partner was Spanish Ambassador to the Holy See and the partner with whom we dealt had in part been educated in the U.S., knew the LDS Church and had a good opinion of it, and with whose help our registration sailed through (we were the first non-Catholic Church registered in Spain under the new law). Mr. Kingston told me he thinks his firm is about as technically qualified as any, and has solid political connections. But he wasn't sure whether there might not be a Romanian firm equally competent in these fields and perhaps more knowledgeable about the draft religious liberty law. He undertook to think about it, nose around a bit, and call me back.
He took about a week, calling me back today to apologize for taking so long. Said that he and his partners had really given careful consideration to my request for a referral, realizing that we'd need a well-connected and well-informed firm since filing for recognition as a religion was a fairly sensitive matter even in post-Revolutionary Romania. Said that after considering several firms, they'd rejected one after another, and finally come to the conclusion that no one could do better work for us than themselves. He added that this wasn't because they needed the business, as such, but simply that virtually no one else has any experience in the religion field. And his firm at least has the contacts in government, and a basic knowledge of the LDS Church. (Kingston's secretary back in the U.S. was a Mormon and he told me they'd had a number of long discussions of Church doctrine and history -- so he felt personally familiar with Church teachings has a favorable attitude towards the Church).
He says he'd made an appointment with an official of the Ministry of Religious Affairs for next Monday (July 28) to get clarification on some details.
I told him I had no authority to give a go ahead in this regard, but that I'd be sending his name and address to you and that he'd possibly be hearing from you. He said this was okey. His interest in religious liberty matters had been aroused, and the individual he'd be calling on was in any event a close acquaintance of one of his Romanian partners, so he'd just go ahead on his own. It would give him a head start if we decide to retain him.
Firm name is:
Kingston & Petersen
Strada C.A. Rosetti, 36a
Apt. 6
Bucharesti
ROMANIA
tel: 0040-1-615-3164
fax 0040-1-311-0646
When Elder Neuenschwander was here last week for Conference, he told us to be on the lookout for four long-term lease properties close to metro stops and with facilities for conversion to seat 160 individuals plus space for 8 classrooms. I met a couple of hours ago with a real estate agent the Embassy has found helpful and reliable and will be going out with him shortly to see what he's able to locate for us
Hope this is helpful. If there's anything else I can do for you, don't hesitate to ask.
Sincerely,
TO: William Wingo, Legal Division, European Area Church Offices
DATE: June 15, 1995
FROM: D. B. Timmins
SUBJECT: Legal Status of the Church in Romania
Running through my files I note that it was almost exactly a year ago today that I wrote you in response to your request discreetly to look for a firm which might represent the Church in its quest for fully legal status in Romania. You'll recall that the Embassy's Political Officer gave me the name of
Kingston & Petersen
Strada C.A. Rosetti, 36a, Apt. 6
Bucharesti
ROMANIA
tel: 0040-1-615-3164
fax 0040-1-311-0646
When I last spoke to him (a year ago, since you said to be discreet, not even mentioning our conversation to President Morrey), Kingston said that after considering several firms, he and his partners had rejected one after another, finally coming to the conclusion that no one could do better work for us than themselves. He added that this wasn't because they needed the business, as such, but simply that virtually no one else has any experience in the religion field. And his firm at least has the contacts in government, and a basic knowledge of the LDS Church. (Kingston's secretary back in the U.S. was a Mormon and he told me they'd had a number of informative discussions of Church doctrine and history -- so he felt personally familiar with Church teachings has a favorable attitude towards the Church).
Have no idea how matters worked out since I haven't seen you since -- nor received any reaction. But I'm sure you're aware that our situation in Romania hasn't improved over the past year. Missionaries continue to be harrassed on the streets, a sister missionary recently having been pushed and hit over the head by a passing Orthodox priest, almost resulting in fisticuffs when an Elder Missionary stepped forward to protect her. Most recently we had the experience of having the visa renewals for almost half our missionary force held up, with the distinct threat of non-renewal -- until we learned of the impending visit of Senator Orrin Hatch and President Morrey called the U.S. Embassy (and government ministries) to give them a "heads up" on the visit. Suddenly the visas were renewed.
Nor have we heard any more about the status of Cole Durham's report to President Iliescu on the pending Religious Liberty Law. Have you? In this regard, we continue to consider all drafts of the pending law we've seen unsatisfactory from the standpoint of LDS Church operations -- each subsequent draft being worse than the preceding version.
Was talking to Octavian Vasilescu (first member, first local Branch President; first First Counselor in the Mission Presidency; first, and one of our two current, District President; and an individual well-informed on Romanian political and social affairs -- and who has become a pretty good friend who shares with me his thoughts on a variety of matters. Brother Vasilescu is also President of the Liahona Association, our claim on legality in Romania). Octavian recently told me he now regrets not having earlier taken the side of urging an early effort to obtain legal recognition as a Church under existing Romanian law instead of waiting to solicit administrative approval under the pending Religious Liberty legislation. Said that our current visa, and other harassment, problems might well presage difficulties obtaining future ministry approval, portending the distinct threat of ministerial revocation of our status (even if initially granted) should the established church resort to pressure tactics in the future. Now thinks that any questions the LDS Church might encounter during the debates in the legislature would just as well be faced now as later. And that going to the legislature now would at least give us two bites at the apple -- either legislative recognition, grandfathering us in with the Catholics, Baptists, Lutherans, and Evangelicals as an established church; or leaving us no worse off than at present should we later be compelled to seek administrative approval under the new law.
In this regard, he has just informed President Morrey that the Ministry of Cults has signalled him that we should at the earliest delay change the name of the Liahona Association to "The Liahona Association of the Believers in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" to more honestly reflect the nature of the organization. Said some Ministry Officials (read Orthodox Prelates) are of the opinion that the present name under which the LDS Church functions is a deliberate attempt to obscure the nature of the organization (true). So Octavian thinks we'd just as well come into the open and seek legislative approval without further delay. We couldn't then be disestablished without another act of Parliament. (An early convocation of the Liahona Board is being called to implement the name change).
Just thought I'd pass these thoughts on to you so you'd be fully informed, in case you aren't. In the same spirit of discretion you bound me to in asking for help in trying to locate more suitable local legal representation, please don't attribute the foregoing views to either me or Bro. Vasilescu -- though you may wish to correspond, or personally discuss the matter with him before taking any positions yourself or discussing the matter with the Area Presidency, should you at any point consider this advisable.
With all best wishes and prayers for success in your work,
David Timmins TO: President John Morrey June 20, 1994
FROM: D. B. Timmins
SUBJECT: Conference Post Mortem
Previous Stake Presidents I've worked with have always devoted the High Council Meeting following a Stake Conference to having High Councilmen offer comments on what was right and what might be improved upon for future Stake Conferences. In the Washington, D.C. Stake we maintained a file of previous reports for review by committees assigned to various aspects of preparing the next conference, so new committee members would have access to the experience of the past. I suggest that for future Mission Conferences, we appoint various committees instead of leaving everything to the missionaries, to give new Romanian members this important experience. This note is offered in the expectation that you, too, might wish to follow this procedure.
WHAT WENT RIGHT:
In my estimation we had quite a successful conference.
Hall
Saturday afternoon we only had 94 people (by my end-of-meeting count) in attendance, and I wondered whether we might not have gotten by using a smaller hall. But Sunday morning we were just five people short of three hundred and the hall was nearly full. Given that it is more convenient for people to find their way back to the same location, we might use the same place again. It was large enough (and if we have another hundred next time there's room in the balcony if all the limited downstairs spare seats fill up). It's not a bad location. And there was parking space for both cars and busses.
Conference Procedure
I think it was appropriate to have Romanians conduct all sessions. We should continue this practice, rotating among the Branch Presidents to conduct the Fireside session.
Speakers
o I think all the talks were appropriate, well-prepared, and by-and-large well delivered.
Music
o The music was appropriately chosen.
Appointments
o We had flowers on the stand
WHAT MIGHT BE DONE BETTER NEXT TIME
Conduct of Conference Sessions
o All Stake, District, and Mission Presidents I've known have made it a special point to be on the Stand at least ten minutes before the Session starts so people will take their seats, settle down, and begin listening to the Prelude music to get in the spirit of the meeting. Sister Haslam was playing appropriate Prelude music at ten minutes to starting time, but with no one on the stand to set an example, people (including missionaries) were still milling about visiting, rather than getting in the mood of the meeting -- which started a bit chaotically.
o You and Elder Neuenschwander showed up a quarter of an hour late and a bit rushed for both the Saturday afternoon and evening meetings, as well as the Sunday one, and all the meetings thus started late (and ran somewhat overtime). I realize you know this and we'll always be under a Frankfurt Authority's control, but you might perhaps point out somewhat forcefully as meeting time approaches, to whoever will be presiding, our problem getting meetings started on time and the importance of example to new members, at least making him aware that good effort should be made to arrive ten minutes in advance of the sessions. I've had to chivvy ambassadors to get them to their next meeting on time, and realize this can be difficult.
Speakers
o All the talks, with the possible exception of mine, were, as noted, fine. For my part, I had three changes of signals. Again, I realize Frankfurt calls the shots. But I was first told I'd conduct the Saturday meeting -- and had Elder Leavett in process of preparing my notes. Then I was told I'd not be participating at all, and called off the Elder before he'd wasted too much time. Then Elder Christensen informed me on Friday afternoon after we'd been inspecting some property -- almost too late to prepare anything, let alone get it translated -- that you'd asked me to prepare to speak on Sunday morning. I arrived to find I was not listed on the program and began to relax. When you and Elder Neuenschwander finally arrived, I was told the program was wrong and I'd be speaking (indeed, I was the first speaker). This was troublesome, because if I'd had a solid assignment in advance, I could have spoken in Romanian from notes. As it was, I had to impose on Elder Reeves (who did an outstanding job) for an ad lib translation. I know the Frankfurt brethren preside and can change things at will, but we should get our agenda to them in Frankfurt by fax in time to have the courtesy of knowing of any intended changes by phone or letter before the Visiting Authority arrives.
Music
o Music was really good. I was asked to handle this, but can't (and don't wish to) take credit. I sub-delegated to Sister Haslam and Sister Abel, checking back from time to time to make sure things were moving along. When the music decisions were finalized after my review, I suggested that Sister Haslam phone Elder Christensen (who seemed to be putting the program together) to pass on the numbers directly to him in order to make sure there were no slips in hymn numbers between her (and me) and the guy putting the final program in the computer. She had chosen appropriate music for all sessions (including the Priesthood Leadership Session). I later learned that she was told "to forget about" the Priesthood Session -- but I was not informed of this. The program for the Priesthood Session thus listed no hymns and the organist had no opportunity to practice before being told extemporaneously at the Session what music we'd be singing. Indeed, I had to run from the stand to the back of the room to notify the Elder at the electronic organ of a last minute exchange between the opening and closing songs.
o We do not have a large number of accomplished musicians in the mission, and (as musicians too often know) we do not always treat them with the courtesy they're due by giving them opportunity to practice in advance (as we'd never fail to do with a speaker for so large and important an audience), so they'll not be embarrassed by a mistake. Fortunately, missionaries have thick skins and are quick on their feet, and we got by. (I know few faithful LDS professional musicians who would not refuse to perform under such conditions). When we make assignments, we should work through the individual tasked with arrangement if there's going to be a change in plans, or at least let him/her know if there's been a change of signal.
o As a final thought, we pay altogether too little attention to music as an effective part of our worship service. We still need to train a dozen local members to lead music and to provide ten minutes at the beginning of Sunday School for formal song practice. While the numbers selected for Conference were appropriate, Congregational singing was miserable at all conference sessions.
Programs
o The programs were well prepared and looked good. Programs might however be coordinated in draft with the Music Committee so appropriate hymns can be printed on the reverse sides of the programs instead of having to run off ad hoc copies of the music at the last minute. And, if at all possible, programs should be ready before our last Presidency meeting so we can use them as agendas for the sessions. I never did see an agenda for Elder Neuenschwander's visit, only learned the dinner had been changed to a luncheon at the last minute, and was not listed as a speaker (no notable loss).
Committees
As noted, I think we should have several Member Committees to help prepare for the next Conference: At a minimum we should have a Facilities Committee ; a Music Committee; an Appointments (flowers, chairs, water, whatever other good ideas) Committee ; a couple of new member Elders in charge of Parking ; and four or five new members as a Greeting Committee (although it will always probably be a good thing for Missionary Elders to circulate to shake hands and welcome new members and investigators -- but not to interrupt during the Prelude music).
In this connection, I recur to a suggestion made by Elder Neuenschwander that we should involve the sisters. I have already suggested creating a Mission Council consisting of the Heads of the Relief Society, the Primary, the Young Womens' Organization, and the Young Men's Organization, as well as the Head of the Temple/Genealogical Committee. This would bring the leading women into monthly council with the Presidency and each other -- and provide the foundation for committee assignments for the next Conference. The Relief Society customarily takes care of flower and other arrangements of the Appointments of conferences. Don't know who did it for our June 18-19 Conference. But if we'd had an Appointments Committee of half a dozen, we might have had more flowers.. What we had was great, if minimal, and thanks are due to whoever brought them. But a Committee could do better. And we might have had a better prepared Primary Chorus (or perhaps even a Youth Chorus instead of a Missionary Chorus) with a Committee and a bit more lead time.
To reiterate, I strongly recommend that we use member committees (each overseen, though not headed, by a member of the Presidency) as we start preparing for our next Conference. The Heads of such Committees could well be the members of the Mission Counsel -- so that sisters can be involved (see note below).
Miscellaneous
o Involving the Sisters
Have already mentioned the desirability of involving the sisters more in the Conference -- beyond preparing the meal for the Visiting Authority. That couldn't have been better done. And we shouldn't fail to have a local Sister speak at the next Conference.
o Room to Make Mistakes
Elder Neuenschwander gave considerable emphasis in his Priesthood Leadership Session talk to giving Branch Presidents leeway to make mistakes as part of their learning/growing process. This has been running around and around in my head as I recall our discussions of a B.P. whom we've been considering releasing. I'm not gifted with the inspiration in this case, but taking into account that he's been doing lots of things right -- including having the best activity statistics in the Mission, I wonder If we shouldn't take advantage of the Neuenschwander talk as an occasion to simply call him in and "reprove with love" regarding the mistakes we think he's made giving him another six months before deciding he's got the bit between his teeth instead of just making some trial and error mistakes as he grows into his job.
o Setting up a Conference Post Mortem File
Again suggest we hold a formal Conference post-mortem and that written comments, including these, be kept in a file for Committee review prior to future Conferences.
TO: President John Morrey March 15, 1995
FROM: D. B. Timmins
SUBJECT: March 12 Conference Post Mortem
You haven't followed up my suggestion of last June to institute conference post-mortem reports so we'd have a file of impressions and ideas to use in planning future conferences. But I still think it's a good idea -- and here are my impressions following the March 12 conference at which we created our first two Districts. Perhaps we need not worry overmuch about this, since the two new District Presidents will presumably be undertaking the planning and execution of future conferences. Then again, the Mission Presidency will still have to afford certain oversight, if not training, in this connection -- and even a small file of observations and suggestions could prove a helpful resource for them.
WHAT WENT RIGHT:
In my estimation we had a marvelously spiritual and successful conference.
Hall
By my best count (working from the stand) we had very nearly 300 people -- virtually the same number as last June. While I still think it might be nice to use the Casa Populorui for a future conference because of its elegance and translation facilities, if we'll be holding District Conferences in future, rather than cull Mission Conferences, we might consider continuing use of the Student Auditorium, given the much more economic rental of the student facility. It'll seat all foreseeable members of the two Districts, if separate conference sessions are held. Again, it's not a bad location. And there was parking space for both cars and busses.
Conference Procedure
While we will always be subject to the preferences of the visiting authority , I think it would be appropriate to return to the procedure of having Romanians conduct all sessions. Since arrangements will now presumably be in the hands of local District Presidents, this should become a matter of course.
Speakers
o I think all the talks were appropriate, well-prepared, and well delivered.
Music
o The music was appropriately chosen. The Missionary chorus performed well. Perhaps if President Vasilescu's plans to have music directors trained in all his branches succeeds (and if President Icleanu can be prevailed to follow suit) one or another Branch music director could arrange for a small chorus of ten or twelve local members to perform a special number at future conferences. This would advance the music program among locals. Of course, a missionary chorus (perhaps of ten or twelve selected missionaries) will always be appropriate. I also think District Presidents should continue the practice of inviting Primary choruses to sing during their conference sessions.
Appointments
o We had flowers on the stand. But the bouquets were meager. Perhaps if the Relief Society assigned could be assured that the Branch (or District, or Mission) budget would reimburse, the R.S. President (or whoever) would be a bit more generous in what they purchase. A real LDS Conference should have lots
of flowers.
Programs
o The programs were especially well prepared and looked good. As suggested post-June Conference, they were coordinated in draft, if not with the Music Committee , at least with the sister directing the music so that appropriate hymns were printed on the reverse sides of the programs instead of having to run off ad hoc copies of the music at the last minute. But, again, they had to be printed at virtually the last minute. We might encourage the new DPs to see that future programs be ready before their last Presidency meeting they can be given last minute vetting and be used as agendas for the sessions. (As an aside, I was pleased to see an advance copy of the agenda for Elder Dellenbach's visit. Perhaps the DPs can be instructed to submit their proposed programs to Frankfurt at least two weeks in advance of the conference date so the visiting authority can notify any changes in time to make alterations in the printed programs).
WHAT MIGHT BE DONE BETTER NEXT TIME
Conduct of Conference Sessions -- Starting on time
Last June I made special note that neither the Mission Presidency nor the Visiting Authority were seated on the stand well before the meeting was scheduled to start -- and that we started a good twenty minutes late, commenting that this was a poor example to set for local leaders whom we've been trying to encourage to start on time.
The March 12 Conference started only two minutes late, by my watch. Unfortunately, some who should have been seated on the stand listening to the prelude music were still milling with members in front of the stage. But it was better. Much better. Maybe next time we can persuade the Presiding District President to actually seat himself (with the visiting authorities and those who will be offering the invocation -- and benediction ) well before the meeting starts.
o Flowers
See comments under Appointments (above)
o Programs
See comments under Programs (above)
o Setting up a Conference Post Mortem File
Again suggest we encourage the new DPs to hold formal Conference post-mortems with written
comments kept in a file for Committee review prior to future Conferences.
o Planning Committee
We followed through on Elder Neuenschwander's recommendation that we involve the sisters more, by
setting up a Mission Coordinating Council. And we did start conference planning a bit more in
advance than last time. But we didn't involve the sisters -- other than assigning one branch RS to
provide flowers. I think we should encourage both new DPs to include their District RS, Primary, &
YWMIA (and Activities Committee Chairperson) to participate as members of their new District
Councils, not only to coordinate next years' District calendars (and Branch leadership lists), but
in planning such district-wide activities as future conferences. Getting the sisters involved in
planning, not just following through on assignments, is essential in helping them feel part of
Church governance.
o Social Arrangements
I was personally pleased at the agreeable social arrangements for Elder and Sr. D's visit. I hope our new DPs will be helped to understand the importance of holding a small dinner at which visiting GAs can have the opportunity of meeting and visiting with local Church officials (always subject to their preferences). I think Pres. V. has the picture. We should be sure Pres. Icleanu gets read into Church usage in this regard. Someday they'll probably both be Stake Presidents and on their own in this regard.
o Miscellaneous
Since the Visiting Authority will continue to wish to meet with missionaries in a series of meetings apart from District Conference sessions, the problem of coordination will probably be more complicated than at present. Conference planning will be in the hands of local DPs -- missionary meeting planning in your hands. This will render even more important the question of advance planning and submitting a joint program to Frankfurt for advance vetting and approval (modification) in time for any changes to be incorporated in any final District/Mission schedule(s).
TO: President John Morrey June 10, 1995
FROM: D. B. Timmins
SUBJECT: June 10 Youth Conference Post Mortem
I think the Youth Conference met all expectations.
Sessions started half an hour late awaiting arrival of Ploesti contingent, but don't know how we could have started on time and still preserved the impact of the opening exercises on all. We had good representation on the part of the two District Presidents and YW leadership. You and Sister Morrey were of course there. The turnout, as I counted it, was some 64 youngsters, plus 12 adults -- as close to the 80 we were hoping for as makes no difference. We seemed to have about equal numbers of boys and girls, and a fairly even age distribution -- including at least 4 who appeared to me near 18.
Each of the classes was well directed and met at least my notions of what was expected of 'em. Elders Dorius and Hadley did a great job discussing LDS music standards. Started out with cassette selections of religious, classical, and "easy listening". Proceded to "classical" jazz (which for my part I enjoyed immensely). Ended with a brief hearing of some "hard rock" (without offensive lyrics). Asked the kids to characterize each type of music. The descriptive words for the hard rock were "agitated" and "chaotic". Then had groups discuss how they thought this type of music affected our minds and thought processes. Couldn't follow the discussion closely enough to confirm that the Elders brought out the effect of disharmonious music on mind control and muscle tone Elder Dellenbach mentioned at your dinner table (and which I'd specifically asked them to bring out). But the points were otherwise well made and the three groups appeared attentive and impressed.
The Sister Missionaries did an equally, if not more impressive job on dating practices and aiming for a temple marriage. Started out by inviting the kids to suggest attributes one should look for in a friend of the opposite sex. Lists included Spiritually Minded; Intelligent; Studious; Friendly; Talented (several possible talents were mentioned); Good Looking; Active Member of the Church; Temple Worthy. Showed a passport and asked what is was for. Then showed a Temple Recommend and likened it to a passport to exaltation. Went on to discuss minimum age for dating (and discussed why). Recommended starting out with group dating so those less gifted socially could learn by observing how more mature members of their age-cohort handled social problems. Altogether a good exposure for our kids. Wish all could have been present.
President Vasilescu did a good job of presenting early church history and the coming forth of the Doctrine and Covenants -- though time ran out before he was able to get much into D&C content. But they at least know what it is, what it represents, and how we got it.
President Icleanu, largely reading from the minutes of the event, covered Elder Nelson's dedication of Romania for the preaching of the gospel.
Talked to several missionaries and some of the young Romanian members at the end of the third exchange of classes, so they'd all had a chance to hear was had been presented, asking them what they thought we should add next time. Nearly all said they'd like to know more about the position of the LDS Church in the world (a sister missionary saying some kids had been shaken up by attacks on the Church in press, TV, and by their friends).
Didn't see why we needed to wait for another Conference a year from now to share such info with an eager group of kids gathered from all over, so I decided to be the first to bear my testimony after the close of President Icleanu's talk, telling the kids that testimonies didn't have to be just telling others that you believed in the Church, or how the Lord had blessed you last week, but could contain brief instructional material from one's own experience, or recent reading, to help strengthen the testimonies of others. Then referred to some of the statistics, names, and significant data we'd put together in our draft response to the Ploesti newspaper attack on the Church. Said nothing about the polygamy or baptisms-for-the-dead matters, focussing on big names, encouraging educational, achievements, and scientific and political accomplishments of noted members. Pointed out that the Mormon Church is as large in numbers today as the entire Roman Empire when it adopted Christianity as its official religion in 300 A.D. and that the Mormon Church in Mexico is today as large as the entire LDS Church when I was the age of the kids in attendance. Said that when I visited Scotland with my missionary companion and our wives a few years ago we found a stake for every one of the struggling five branches, reminding 'em they already have sixteen branches in Romania after only three years or so. Quoted a Princeton professor who'd said that the Mormons had made a greater impact on American history and society than even noted historians recognized, and a Yale professor who'd ranked Joseph Smith with Thoreau and Whitman -- two of America's greatest thinkers. That I hoped, based on what I'd just told 'em, they'd recognize that they belonged to a great organization which had made notable impact on the world and on religious thinking. That when people attacked them, or the LDS Church, they didn't know what they were attacking. Told 'em they were living in exciting times and would live to see just such impressive changes in Romania during their lifetimes.
Asked afterwards if missionaries thought this had been uplifting for the kids or had detracted from testimony time. They seemed to feel it had been a useful contribution. TO: President John Morrey October 15, 1995
FROM: D. B. Timmins
SUBJECT: Bucharest South District Conference Post Mortem
I think President Vasilescu had a highly successful conference.
What Went Right
1. Turnout for the General Session on Sunday was surprisingly high. Elder Dorius and I estimate attendance to have been 156. This is slightly over half of the maximum 300 I counted at the Sunday sessions when we were holding Mission Conferences -- without Ploesti. (Result of printed Mission Calendar?)
2. Chairs were well set up and were sufficient for the unexpectedly large turnout. Don't know if work was done by a committee (see suggestion below) or how?
3. Talks were well-prepared and well-delivered (see comment below on podium and microphone).
4. There were printed programs
5. Hymns were well selected, and there were enough well-distributed hymnals
6. Your two talks were available in translated, printed version for use in Family Home Evenings
7. Good advance arrangements had been made for competent translators for those speaking in English
What Might Be Improved Next Time
1. We still didn't have the programs prepared sufficiently in advance to review so people would know just when and to which audience they were going to talk. I had been under the impression that I'd been assigned to talk to (both) parents about preparing their children to serve full-time missions. I assumed this meant I'd be talking in a general session. Found out at the last minute I'd be speaking to the Priesthood Session. When I said my talk wasn't written only for Priesthood, I was switched to the Saturday evening adult session. Which was better, but the younger kids still missed out. It would be good to have programs available by the time of our Mission Presidency Meeting at least a week ahead of time.
2. It was good to see President Vasilescu had scheduled a prayer meeting before each session. But both started a bit late: the first delayed the start of the Saturday evening session a full fifteen minutes, and the Sunday session some 12 minutes (see comments on length of talks below). The functions of a prayer meeting are 1) to get the Holy Spirit to be with participants so those attending will obtain maximum benefit of the instruction they will receive, and 2) to assure that all participants will arrive on time so the meeting can start without delay. Those presiding and all speakers should be on the stand at the start of the prelude music at least 5 minutes before the meeting is scheduled to begin. Our first prayer meeting started 10 minutes after the session was scheduled to begin!
3. We need to teach our music directors that when a meeting is already running late, we need not sing every verse of the opening hymn. First and last verses are often enough.
4. It is customary to have Counselors, Branch Presidents, and other assigned speakers talk first, with the District President speaking just before the Mission President -- usually the two main instructional addresses -- so these will be fresh in peoples' minds as they leave conference.
5. We really need a podium and fixed microphone. We should make sure we have one for the next conference. It was painful to watch speakers juggling the multiple pages of their talks -- and the microphone as they attempted to give their talks.
6. Your remarks in Prayer Meeting about keeping track of the time on one's wristwatch to avoid running over on talks was appropriate. But starting on time is, in my opinion and that of most authorities I've heard speak on the topic, even more important. I'd rather see people staying ten or fifteen minutes extra to receive sound instruction from their leaders, than waste man hours of time uselessly as we did in the South District Conference by starting 12 minutes late during the Sunday meeting. 12 minutes x 150 people = 1800 man minutes - 60 = 30 man hours wasted! I only used up a sixth of this (and I don't think it was wasted time ) -- by running 10 minutes overtime: (10 min. x 30 people = 300 man minutes - 60 = 5 man hours).
7. District Presidents should consider creating conference committees (per the suggestion contained in the post-mortems of previous mission conferences which you asked me to distribute to them) to make sure we have flowers (none at South District Conference), ushers (none at South District Conference), and someone to count attendance (so missionaries won't have to do it).
But all in all, the Bucharest South District Conference was an impressive start for Church affairs in the hands of local authorities in Romania and all who had a hand in its planning and execution should be congratulated.
NB. I'll be suggesting the DPs ask their associates to provide their own Romanian post-mortems on future conferences as a matter of practice. TO: President John Morrey October 22, 1995
FROM: D. B. Timmins
SUBJECT: Bucharest North District Conference Post Mortem
I think President Icleanu had a highly successful conference.
What Went Right
1. Turnout for the General Session on Sunday was surprisingly not as high as the South District Conference the week before. I hurried out to count those in the adjoining room and estimate attendance to have been only 108 compared to 156 for the Sunday session of the South District. I had been operating under the assumption the two districts were of about equal size, but taken together, the total attendance of the two districts (264) amounts to 88 per cent of the maximum 300 I counted at the Sunday sessions when we were holding a united Mission Conference. And when one adds in Ploesti.(some 35), we come up with approximately what we've had at previous mission conferences.
2. Chairs were well set up and were sufficient for the turnout. Again, don't know if work was done by a committee (see suggestion below) or how?
3. Talks were well-prepared and well-delivered (we still need a podium with attached microphone).
4. There were printed programs
5. Hymns were well selected, and there were enough well-distributed hymnals. The were good special musical presentations.
6. Both your talks and mine were available in translated, printed version for use in Family Home Evenings
7. Good advance arrangements had been made for competent translators for those speaking in English
What Might Be Improved Next Time
1. We still didn't have the programs prepared sufficiently in advance to review so people would know just when and to which audience they were going to talk. Because of the emergency which came up in the Mission Office I had the opportunity to deliver my long tal broken in two pieces: the first to the Saturday Priesthood Session on the importance of education for our children, both as an element of LDS tradition and practice, and as the basis for family welfare. It was a good idea to invite some sisters to bear testimony in the Saturday evening Session. And all speakers on Sunday delivered useful messages. I think both your talk and that of Sister Morrey taught important points for new converts. I still think it would be good to have programs available by the time of our Mission Presidency Meeting at least a week ahead of time.
2. It was good to see President Icleanu had scheduled a prayer meeting before each session. The Saturday prayer meetings were held well ahead of meeting starting time and I thought we'd learned that lesson. But you had to round up people for the prayer meeting before the Sunday morning Session -- and this put us ten minutes late starting the General Session. so I guess a little emphasis on this would not be amiss. The functions of a prayer meeting are 1) to get the Holy Spirit to be with participants so those attending will obtain maximum benefit of the instruction they will receive, and 2) to assure that all participants will arrive on time so the meeting can start without delay. Those presiding and all speakers should be on the stand at the start of the prelude music at least 5 minutes before the meeting is scheduled to begin. President Icleanu had the prayer meetings opened with prayer, then reviewed the program, then had the meeting closed with prayer. I have always thought that only significant changes in the program need be mentioned (there were none today) and that one principle prayer asking for the Spirit to be with those participating on the program was enough.
3. We need to teach our music directors that when a meeting is already running late, we need not sing every verse of the opening hymn. First and last verses are often enough. And the local sister directing the music in the General Session, while enthusiastic, needs instruction in how to lead music.
4. It is customary to have Counselors, Branch Presidents, and other assigned speakers talk first, with the District President speaking just before the Mission President -- usually the two main instructional addresses -- so these will be fresh in peoples' minds as they leave conference.
While President Icleanu did a good job of running his meetings, he still needs to learn how to bunch his announcements rather than standing to introduce each speaker and each musical number. We should perhaps discuss this at a future DP/BP leadership training meeting. While two of the three meetings of the North District started on time, we still wasted 2 man hours of time starting the General Session late (compared to 30 lost hours in the South District Conference). So I think Pres. Icleanu merits praise because this was perhaps the least wasted time and the closest to starting all meetings on time that I can recall in my two years in Romania. But we all failed by not all being on the stand 5 minutes before the meeting to listen to the prelude music and set an example for the membership.
5. The North District President should consider creating conference committees (per the suggestion contained in the post-mortems of previous mission conferences which you asked me to distribute to them) to make sure we have flowers (here is where the North District shone. There were flowers on both Saturday and Sunday), ushers (regrettably none, though there were missionary greeters at the doors), and someone to count attendance (so missionaries won't have to do it).
All in all, the Bucharest North District Conference was an impressive start for Church affairs in the hands of local authorities in Romania and all who had a hand in its planning and execution should be congratulated.
NB. DPs should be asked to have their associates provide their own Romanian post-mortems on future conferences as a matter of practice -- and to keep a file of these for review a month or so before each conference to that this will be a learning experience for all hands..
TO: President John Morrey DATE: June 30, 1994
FROM: D.B. Timmins
SUBJECT: Rental Properties, Activities Committee, Dance Committee, Firesides, Creation of First District, and Preparation of Mission Calendar
Probably it's my bureaucratic State Department background and training, but in addition to oral briefings at our regular Presidency Meetings, I find it helpful (perhaps if only to set my own thoughts in order) to prepare aides memoires covering progress on my assignments. I hope they will provide you the opportunity to re-read matters we've discussed under pressure of time and to reflect at leisure on my recommendations.
Property Search
I've sent you a memo regarding the Firul Vai lot I visited with Brother Stefan and Elder Christensen. I fully understand Elder Neuenschwander's point in giving instructions to look for four long-term rental villas for modification for use by two or three branches in each quarter of town. But I continue to think you should take a look at Firul Vai for possible future construction of a chapel. The location is really exceptional. And if what Brother Stefan says about construction costs is correct, we could pay for a purpose-built meeting facility on this property with five or six years' rental payments on a leased property. It just might be one of the "exceptions" to Frankfurt's rent only policy.
I met on Monday with Mr. Marian Brancoveanu, owner of Kybalion Real Estate. He brought an employee to my home where we spent the better part of an hour going over Elder Neuenschwander's instructions, as I understood them. Kybalion will be looking for four large villas, one in each quarter of Bucharest, available for long-term lease, with permission for modification to create a large meeting room with capacity for 150 - 160, plus eight smaller rooms for classrooms and branch presidency offices. Asked about price range, I answered that while price would clearly be a matter of some importance, the essentials were a) location very near a metro, b) security, and c) adequacy of the property for modification and use as described. Mr. Brancoveanu said his firm would undertake a search for such properties to be visited later.
I have just learned that President Vasilescu has looked at a villa which he thinks might serve as one of our four long-term leases properties. He has offered to take me around to see it. We will be doing this in the next few days. It will be useful to have an idea of what he considers appropriate (both in location, layout, and rent) before looking at whatever Mr. Brancoveanu lines up.
Activities Committee
Dance Sub-Committee - Sister Morrey called me recently to say that she'd been approached by several sisters who were pressing for regular dances, and asked me to take the matter under advisement.
I've thought about it (and discussed it at length with Sister Morrey and others). Seems to me that we should avoid creation of too many ad hoc groups and that it might be well, if we're to have a group organizing dances, that it operate as a sub-committee of Sr. Tieru's Activities Committee.
Also seems to me, and to those with whom I've spoken, that we shouldn't be scheduling any dances during the summer when parents have kids on hand and when the possibility for outdoor activities presents itself.
I tried to reach St. Tieru all week without success to discuss these matters with her. Somehow the message finally got through that I'd been trying to reach her and she called Wednesday night. We had a long discussion. She agrees that the Dance Group might best act as an Activities Committee sub-Committee and she'll get in touch with Sr. Tatiana to tell her so.
In the meantime, it seems another dance has been scheduled by Sr. Tatiana acting on her own, for this Friday, July 1st, at Stoica. Apparently everyone knows of this (apparently by word-of-mouth since I've heard no formal announcement. Sr. Haslam passed on the word to me. I told Sr. Tieru when I spoke to her that according to Church usage no such activities are to be scheduled without prior approval by at least the Branch President in whose premises the activity/meeting is to take place. She said she already knew this, but said Sr. Tatiana had taken the bit between her teeth and it was too late to cancel for Friday since all sorts of people would show up. She said that she planned to attend the dance and would make sure dress and music standards were observed.
I chided her a bit for taking so long to arrange a meeting of her Committee and pushed her to call an early meeting right after the Eyre visit so all such matters can be made clear once and for all. She said she'd called one such meeting (I was not informed, if in fact she did so), but said people kept telling her they were too busy to attend. I told her I'd help by calling anyone who speaks English. That perhaps a call from a member of the Mission Presidency would carry more weight. We also hope to hold the meeting at the Mission Office where Committee Members might more feel the importance of the meeting (see below).
What I intend to suggest to the group, subject to your approval, is that Sister Tatiana come up with three or four names of people to work with her in organizing four or five dances for the coming yea (not more), working as a sub-committee of Sr. Tieru's group -- so as to provide maximum coordination with other activities. The following names have come to me (most through your wife) of people Sr. Tatiana might want to think about: a young woman named Paula (tel: 6 888 042); another named Teruda (?) (tel: 644 0537); plus Sister Tree, and Elder Jensen. Sr. Tieru is happy with these names. If they are acceptable to Sr. Tatiana (and you -- see Action Note at end of memo), I'd aim the group towards planning a kick-off dance the first Friday in September; a Harvest Ball the first Friday in November; a New Years Dance (December 30 seems the only appropriate date); a Valentine's Dance in mid-February; and (possibly) a Spring-Festival Dance in early May as the last dance of the year.
Sister Morrey is quite exercised about the music she encountered at the first dance some weeks ago. As I told her, if we're to expect young people to attend the dances foster friendships, we'll probably have to accept modified modern (chaotic) dance steps and soft rock music. This is now accepted in most church dances I've attended in recent years. But we should clearly monitor any music played to prevent "hard" or "acid" rock music with unacceptable lyrics, and ask members to adhere to acceptable dress standards and avoid inappropriate body gyrations. As I say, Sr. Tieru will be at Friday's dance as adult chaperon.
Other Committee Activities
Picnic - Beyond accepting creation of a Dance sub-committee, I have suggested to Sr. Tieru that her Committee start thinking of organizing a Mission picnic for Saturday, July 23 to celebrate July 24th Pioneer Day as the next activity of the year. She said that this has already become a date for celebration among the Saints in Romania. (You'll recall that it was not I who suggested that this Wasatch Front date be included in our activities calendar). In any event, it seems an appropriate mid-summer date for an outdoor activity of this sort and plans are moving forward
August is traditionally vacation month in Europe, and I recommended no activity for August. Sr. Tieru confirmed that August should be a quiet month.
Firesides - Starting the first week of September, we'll start monthly firesides for each of the Bucharest Branches. Sr. Neuenschwander pressed Sr. Morrey to undertake such, and it seemed a good idea to Sr. Tieru as well.
We've considered separate youth firesides. And several members have asked for married couple firesides. But upon reflection, and discussion with Sister Morrey, I think for at least the first year we should aim Sr. Tieru at monthly firesides organized on a Branch basis, for singles only, age 16 and up. Some parents have told me they'd be concerned to let younger girls or boys travel by metro alone. None have expressed concern over 16 year olds however.
By September we'll probably have seven branches in Bucharest. I've run a dummy schedule which would accommodate one fireside a month for each of seven branches -- one on the first Sunday evening (leaving the first Friday of September open for a dance), a second on the second Friday evening, a third on the second Sunday evening, a fourth the third Friday evening, a fifth the fourth Sunday evening, a sixth the first Friday evening of October, and a seventh the first Sunday evening of October (unless you consider we shouldn't hold firesides on Fast Sunday evening -- in which case we'd simply slide each fireside ahead till the next Friday). This would mean a gradually advancing schedule for Branch firesides. And as more branches are created, we'd just insert them, sliding everyone forward again. It would be nice to be able to assign a regular night of the month to each branch to help people remember and schedule for the next fireside. But so far how to do this has eluded me. If Branches 1 and 2 combine, and find a mid-week date attractive to their members, this would resolve the problem by reducing the numbers having to be scheduled for weekends.
As to the nature of the firesides, I've had some fairly extensive discussions. Some have suggested using the post-baptism fellowshipping lessons. Okey by me. But it seems to me we should rather concentrate on deepening new members' understanding of the gospel from some of the standard texts. Some of the most successful fireside/study groups I've belonged to chose a text for the year and then passed the assignment around to members of the group to prepare presentation of successive chapters. This gives people a sense of involvement and practice at teaching. Regrettably no suitable books I'm aware of have been translated into Romanian.
However, we have any number of members whose English reading ability is adequate to review a chapter from an English language text and prepare notes for presentation in Romanian. The following books have been recommended by one person or another:
The Articles of Faith
A Marvelous Work and a Wonder
Jesus the Christ
Doctrine & Covenants Commentary
Faith Precedes the Miracle
The Miracle of Repentance
The Great Apostasy
one of Elder Maxwell's books
one of Elder McConkey's books
The number of good books is almost endless. I'd recommend The Articles of Faith , first, because it's almost a Standard Work, and second, because it covers each gospel principle in depth and in orderly fashion. But I think we should let each branch group choose its own text according to their needs and interest. Next, I'd go with A Marvelous Work and a Wonder.
Happened to be speaking with Elder Jensen who said some members of Branches 1 and 2 were thinking of starting joint mid-week Firesides right away and continuing, even during the summer. I encouraged him to encourage this with Presidents Icleanu and Anderson. If it's okey with them, I told him they need no special approval from either me or the Activities Committee to start on their own. This is something which should function at branch level anyway. All the Activities Committee is trying to do is stimulate such events -- not impose them.
Creation of First District
Elder Neuenschwander mentioned the desirability of forming (as I recall) four districts in Bucharest at an early date, and also mentioned, in passing, two more in Ploesti.
I hope he was looking some time into the future, because our leadership is already stretched so thin I wonder where we'd find leaders for more than one district.
But we probably should, as you've once or twice mentioned yourself, be thinking about early creation of a Bucharest District. This would relieve you of 5/7ths of your preoccupation with member activities, and give President Vasilescu and me a single point of contact to work through with regard to priesthood training and Auxiliary activities.
Where are we to find District leaders? Based on experience in half a dozen countries where we've been pressed for rapid division of units with inadequate priesthood leadership, seems to me we're going to have to go for double callings. When I was in the District Presidency in Madrid and we found it essential to organize a branch for local (Spanish) members, I was called to be first Branch President. I thought this was neat until our District President told me I'd also be carrying on as First Counselor in the District Presidency. And in Paris, I was happy to serve as Stake Executive Secretary, until the Stake President one day told me I'd also be serving as a High Councilor because he couldn't afford to release anyone from our thinly stretched ward rosters. So when time came for a High Council vote, I just shifted my seat from the Presidency table to the High Council table. And I remember that one of my boyhood friend's grandfathers Orson F. Whitney served as Bishop of the 20th Ward in SLC for twenty-five years (until called to the Twelve) -- while twice serving as Mission President for several years. His Counselors simply carried on in his stead while he was absent (wonder what the Handbook of that day said about "non-delegateable functions of a bishop?)
Whoever is chosen as first D.P. is probably going to have to continue in some other important function -- probably at Mission level. Good part is that he'll be able to train his two Counselors so they can become D.P.s number 2 and 3 as the work in Bucharest progresses.
Help With Training
My parents served four post-retirement missions -- as have my sister and her husband who are currently on mission four. On several of these they were assigned to move from branch to branch, dad training branch presidents, mother training branch Relief Society and Primary Presidents. During one of their missions, they also started an early morning Seminary, activating about twenty young Chicano members (and improving their English into the bargain to the extent that several went on to university, improving their lives immeasurably). A number even married each other.
Seems to me you might think about asking Frankfurt to look for two or three retirement couples with Bishopric and Auxiliary experience to serve short term missions in Romania. They could concentrate on training Branch Presidents (the husband perhaps taking the place of one of the current missionary counselors) and with the wife doing one on one training of R.S., Primary, and Y.W. Presidents, supplementing the excellent work being done at more diffuse level by Sisters Haslam and Killian. If such training requires three months (?), each couple could shape up two branches during a six month mission. Maybe we could use three (four?) such couples. Plus another with early morning Seminary experience to get Seminaries started.
District Councils
I've previously mentioned how useful I'd found the District Council concept in Spain, France, and Latin America. Recalling that Elder Neuenschwander urged us to bring the sisters into our planning and discussions gives me courage to raise the matter again. I'm finding it extremely difficult to work with Relief Society, Primary, and YW Presidents in each of our seven branches. That's twenty-one separate contacts (and the Mission Staff, despite several promises, still hasn't got me a list of Branch organizations. You'll remember I gave up the attempt to collect such from the B.P.s when assured we already had all this information). I still think we should produce a printed Mission and branch by branch roster. And next year include the Mission (District) calendar so everyone will know where they ought to be when.
If District Presidents had all their Auxiliary leaders with them once a month in District Council -- as we've been doing weekly with our Branch and Elders Quorum Presidents, they could not only pass on instructions to them, but benefit from their ideas in all sorts of ways. Lola and Sister Vasilescu were discussing this the other night, and Lola was recalling how she'd set up training sessions for Auxiliary leaders in Central America. It only took a few months before we had our Primaries, Young Womens Programs, and Relief Societies functioning at warp speed compared to how they'd been hobbling along before. And there already existed all sorts of manuals and handbooks in Spanish which we don't have here.
Again, this will unquestionably mean some doubling up of jobs. I can't think who we could call as Mission (District?) Relief Society President other than Doina. Or as YW President than Cami Ionescu. Not yet sure who I might recommend as Primary President -- perhaps Sora Tutuianu of Zona 3. Clearly, all three will have to carry on their present callings at Branch level. But so it is at start up time. People must shoulder two (or sometimes three) burdens. But as our training programs get going, Counselors can become Presidents and people can return to doing just one job.
Mission Calendar
Early on I raised the question of establishing and printing a mission calendar to avoid conflicts between Branch activities and Mission activities and to let members know well in advance of meetings so they could work their personal schedules around important church meeting/activities dates.
This will be even more important for the upcoming Church year starting in September, since we'll for the first time have a bunch of fairly tightly scheduled church activities starting up.
It would also be useful to Branch rosters with the names and phone numbers of Priesthood and Auxiliary leaders. I have no access to such at present, despite several promises from missionaries in the Office to put such lists in my box. You'll recall that I abandoned the attempt to get rosters from the B.P.s when told we already had all this on the computer.
It is the beginning of summer. I think we should ask each Branch and Auxiliary leader to submit a draft calendar within the next couple of weeks for the Church year starting in September so we can have an early reconciliation session and fix a firm calendar for printing and distribution before the new year starts. I'd suggest including in a first section, Branch rosters and meeting schedules, plus a sketch map of locations; with the calendar in a second section showing all scheduled mission activities. This will enable branches (and individual families) to work their schedules around Mission activities. In Guatemala, Mexico, and France, where they'd never had such a tool before, this became one of the big hits in the Church. Copies were distributed at printing cost (about US$0.75) and attendance at training sessions and Priesthood leadership meetings and conferences improved measurably when people knew where they were supposed to be and when. I suspect improved meeting attendance was mostly because Auxiliary and Priesthood leaders were forced to hold to previously agreed schedules instead of constantly canceling and rescheduling to meet someone's personal convenience, giving members the impression that meetings didn't count because they were so casually scheduled, changed, and rescheduled -- almost at random. Of course we still experienced the occasional force majeure requiring a special announcement of change. But not many!
Another major improvement which came about because of printed rosters: B.P.s (especially in France) were constantly changing ward leadership positions. We'd done our darndest to get them to leave people in positions for at least a year to avoid constantly having to deal with raw leadership. The printed roster did it. Maybe nothing more than the magic appearance of permanence of the printed word, but once we had a printed roster, Ward and Branch leaders seemed to hold off making mid-year changes, our leadership training programs had more lasting results, and all our programs functioned notably better.
ACTION NOTES
1. Can we let the irregularly scheduled dance go ahead for tomorrow? Or should we have missionaries turn people away at the Stoica gate with an explanation that there'd been a misunderstanding? It would, it seems to me, be a major discouragement to St. Tatiana to thrown water on her parade. I think the best route would be to have Sr. Tieru chaperon, as she's offered, and clarify at the first Activities Committee meeting how church activities are in future to be scheduled.
Go ahead on conditions explained _____ Have missionaries turn people away ____
2. Do additional members of Activities Committee have to be called by you, or can they be called by Branch Presidents as ad hoc representatives of their units.
Can be named by B.P.s _____
Must be Interviewed by me _____
3. Can missionaries serve as members of Activities Committee as part of their
missionary activities, or need this be a special call?
Okey to serve w/o special call ___
Require Mission Pres. call _____
4. Sr. Tieru wants to hold the Activities Committee meeting at the Mission Office. Can she call Elder Christensen to find out what night the meeting room is available?
Yes _______
Hold Meeting elsewhere _____
5. Do we have your approval for July 23 picnic?
Yes _______
Let's discuss _______
6. You can count on my approaching Frankfurt for more adult couples to help with
Auxiliary Training. Yes _______
Not at present _______
Let's discuss _______
7. Thinking on early creation of a district is underway, so planning for the next Church year can take this into account.
Yes _____
Premature _____
8. We can inform Branch Presidents and Auxiliary Leaders to submit their thinking regarding a calendar of activities (plus roster and sketch map) for next year, and start planning a calendar reconciliation meeting for mid-July, looking towards getting a roster/calendar printed for distribution in late August
Go Ahead _____
Premature _____
REPORT
FIRST MEETING OF ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE
July 11, 1994
TO: President Morrey
Sister Morrey
President Anderson
President Banu
President Blegeanu
President Dimitriou
President Icleanu
President Ipingea
President Popescu
The first meeting of the Mission Activities Committee was held on July 11 at the Mission Office. Not all committee members were present despite best efforts to notify them of the meeting.
1. The first item of business was to discuss what the Committee is all about.
a. Each member represents his Branch on the Mission Activities Committee. Most have also been called to do double duty as Branch Activities Committee Director. This is good, because the committee member will be doing much the same work in both callings, and it will make for excellent coordination. Members can let the Committee know what activities his/her Branch is planning, and make announcements of upcoming Mission activities in his/her Branch on behalf of the Committee.
b. It was pointed out that the Committee is responsible for planning a) Mission Dances, b) Other special Mission Activities, e.g. the annual 24th of July Picnic, talent nights (skits, singing groups, instrumental solos, etc.), and c) encouraging each Branch to hold a regular monthly Fireside (talks on gospel principles, book reviews of Church books not yet available in Romanian, etc.)
2. The next item of business was to discuss how we should organize.
a. With sub-Committees for each activity?
b. Work as Committee of the Whole, with ad hoc assignments for each
upcoming activity?
It was decided that since our activities, at least to begin with, will be relatively few, it would be best to act as a single committee, making assignments from among committee members for each upcoming dance or other Mission-wide activity. Each member will be responsible (with help from other branch members) for arranging individual branch activities, e.g. monthly firesides (see discussion below).
3. Calendar
President Morrey asked the Committee to prepare a provisional calendar of activities for the Church year beginning September 1. We sketched out a provisional calendar which Sr. Tieru will meet to reconcile with other Auxiliary heads towards the middle of August to finalize next year's calendar so Branch Presidents can plan Branch activities without conflict and families can take planned Church activities into account in making their own plans.
4. We next discussed ideas for Mission Dances. After considerable discussion, it was decided to have:
a) a Kick-off dance on the first Friday evening in September
b) a National Day dance December 1
c) a New Year's Dance (probably have to be December 30, given 1994 calendar)
d) a Motisor Dance first of March
e) a Spring (or end of Church year) Ball about June 1
5. We next discussed the desirability of holding regular branch firesides
It was noted that until a few years ago the Church used to have a regular mid-week meeting for youngsters. Boy Scouts, the Young Women's Association, unmarried young adults, and a so-called Special Interest Group (widows and widowers, divorcees, and older couples with grown children) came together on Wednesday evenings. This was called the Mutual Improvement Association, or MIA. It was very successful and gave everyone a chance to get together socially in a non-worship setting. Primary and the Relief Society also used to meet mid-week. These formal mid-week programs were discontinued when the Sunday bloc meeting schedule was adopted. But the new schedule means no time for Boy Scouts, no Special Interest Group, and no mid-week get-together for anyone. Stake Presidents and Mission Presidents continue to have authority to organize such meetings if they think it appropriate to do so. When Sr Neunschwander was here she encouraged us to start such meetings for our young singles.
We gave this a lot of thought and believe each Branch should organize at least one such meeting a month. Problem is, for the time being, we'll all (except the two Ploesti Branches) have to use Stoica. On our provisional, provisional calendar we've reserved one Friday night a month for each Branch to use Stoica (also provisionally setting aside five Friday nights for dances). Bucharest 1 and 2 have already decided to hold a joint fireside on a Wednesday evening. This frees up Fridays for the other Branches so you can each have a regular Friday evening and your young people will get used to coming the same Friday night. Provisionally, the Committee reserved the first Friday each month for Branch 3, the second for Branch 4, the third for Branch 5 and the fourth for whatever new Branch is next organized. Ploesti 1 and 2 will need to make their own arrangements.
6. We next discussed the kinds of Firesides we should be thinking of
It was decided that each Branch can arrange any type of fireside it wants. But the following ideas which other wards and branches in the Church have found fun and interesting were put forward for discussion with Branch Presidents and Branch members:
a) Special speakers to talk about a subject of interest (e.g. Elder Barth on genealogy. Frate Blegeanu to talk about temple preparation). Such speakers could also include members with especially interesting conversion stories, or those with interesting professions or hobbies they'd like to discuss.
b) Have the missionaries present the post-baptism discussions to the group as a whole, rather than to newly baptized members alone. This would also help new members get acquainted with older members, establishing important church friendships.
c) Perhaps two or three times a year have a "talent night" at which quartets could sing, instrumentalists play their flutes or violins, or whatever. And perhaps a drama evening with skits, recitations, or even a Branch play. In the old days, these were scheduled on a Stake-wide basis and the players moved from one ward to another in what was called a "Stake Road Show". Here, the groups would probably have to travel to each of the other Branches on its "fireside night", putting on its dramatic presentation five or six Friday nights running.
d) Some groups have selected an LDS book they're especially interested in. Each member then prepares an outline of one chapter and presents it, in turn, to the other members. This can fill most of a year (with time for the musical and drama evenings, dances, and other special events). Here we'd probably have to ask someone who reads English (or French, or Spanish, or German) to outline a chapter from an outstanding Church book and present it to the group in Romanian. Among other books which were suggested for study were: Articles of Faith, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, The Great Apostasy, The Miracle of Forgiveness, Faith Precedes the Miracle, the Doctrine and Covenants Commentary, one or another book by Apostle Maxwell's books, or one or another of Apostle Bruce R. McConkie's books.
Some Final Comments Were Made Before Group Discussion and Decision on the Above Topics:
o Other than the necessity for rationing scarce Friday evenings by assignment for use of the Stoica facility, it was decided that each Branch make its own decisions on how to run its own firesides.
o The main idea is to give young single people an opportunity to get together socially on a day other than Sunday and for a purpose other than formal worship. We don't think children under age fourteen should be included, because several parents have expressed concern about children younger than this traveling alone on the metro.
But if older couples in your Branches who have no small children at home want to attend, and think they'd find it interesting to participate in the study of a church book which doesn't yet exist in Romanian translation, no reason was seen why they should be discouraged from attending.
o Some wards open up the premises as early as six (so kids can get home from school and eat supper) with decent music to listen to and board games set up, so young people can meet each other in a social setting, chat with each other, listen to good music, and have some fun. The MIA (or fireside) starts formally at seven p.m. with a song and prayer -- and then goes directly into whatever is the special activity for the evening: talk, book review, talent night, etc. The meeting should close by 9:30 pm so people can get home for work or school the next day.
Concluding Discussion :
1. How many dances should we have per year? It was decided to have no more than five dances, as noted on page 2, above. Each branch (alone or in partnership) can of course have as many independent dances (under B.P. supervision) as it cares to organize.
2. Organization: Standing Sub-Committees or ad hoc Committee for each event? It was decided to act as a Committee of the Whole, making ad hoc assignments for each activity.
3. Suggested dates to include on Activities Calendar:*
o first Wednesday of each month for Branch 1 and 2 joint fireside.
o first Friday in September for Mission Dance
o first Friday in December for National Day Dance
o December 30 for New Years Dance
o Friday in early March for Motisor Ball
o first Friday in June for end-of-year dance
o first Friday evening each month for Branch 3 fireside
o second Friday evening each month for Branch 4 fireside
o third Friday evening each month for Branch 5 fireside
o fourth Friday evening each month for yet-to-be-organized Branch fireside
o Saturday nearest May 15 for Aaronic Priesthood outing
*It is understood that all Auxiliaries and other Committees will be submitting further dates to round out the Mission calendar and that a meeting of Auxiliary Heads will be scheduled for mid-August so that provisional dates can be reconciled and a final Calendar be printed and distributed to branch leaders before the end of August.
TO: President John Morrey DATE: March 19, 1995
FROM: D.B. Timmins
SUBJECT: Temple Trip and Visit to Branches 1 and 2 this Morning
Temple Trip: I talked to both President Icleanu and President Anderson (and later President Reed) about the group visa for the temple trip. They will get the forms to you tonight. As you'll recall, a bunch of the forms Elder Dorius and I picked up from the German Embassy Friday disappeared from his desk. So I had to supplement the yellow applications forms with xerox copies in several cases.
I happened to see Sr. Lizette Kuhlman of the Danish Embassy during Sacrament Meeting and asked her about her experience with the German Embassy. She confirmed that they're sticklers for form. But she said she thought that when we presented a half dozen xerox versions with mostly originals, explaining that we'd run out, they'd probably accept them.
She added that if the fax confirming the Church's bona fides hadn't arrived by Monday morning, we should ask the German visa officer to call her at the Danish Embassy. She's LDS, she's a senior official of the Danish Embassy, she knows German, and she's friendly with several senior officials of the German Embassy. Wish I'd thought of her on Friday. It might have got us by when we found the American Consul General wasn't in her office.
Sustaining New Branch Leaders
I met with President Icleanu before his meeting this morning. I soon learned that you are absolutely right. He doesn't always fully understand the message transmitted. I used an Elder to translate, so I don't think it was a language problem. He just doesn't yet have a full understanding of Church administrative principles.
I confirmed that he had interviewed the proposed new B.P. Brother Popescu. He said he was anxious to meet with both new B.P.s at what will be his regular District Presidency Meeting at his home on Tuesday nights at 7 pm. So I told him he could go ahead and install Pres. Popescu this morning. He not only had Pres. Popescu sustained, he also sustained his Counselors and a Branch Clerk -- at least the latter of whom appeared to have been called from the audience without prior notification or interview, and who came forward following the meeting to find out what a Branch Clerk did. Taking into account what Elder Neuenschwander said at the November Conference about new leaders making mistakes -- and not to break their spirit by constantly calling them on mistakes in front of their congregations, I let the matter ride. But I think you should give careful instruction at an early D.P. Leadership Meeting (perhaps tonight), so that they'll understand that old leaders should be released before new leaders are installed -- and that new leaders should always be interviewed and their duties explained before they're installed. I certainly thought I'd covered this ground with Pres. Icleanu in our pre-Sacrament Meeting session. But I obviously missed target.
Regarding the change of Branch President in Branch I, I thought I understood that Pres. Icleanu was going to wait until next week to make the change -- and so informed Elder Anderson in my pre-Sacrament Meeting session with him. Imagine my surprise when President Icleanu stood up at the beginning of the Branch 1 meeting and asked for a sustaining vote for Elder Reed (again without releasing Elder Anderson). And again, I didn't call him on this in front of the Congregation, feeling that such act would impair his image in front of members of his District. Hope I wasn't off base on this.
My thought is that both new Branch Presidencies will soon be having additional members installed and that, following more detailed instructions in a D.P. meeting with you, the entire new Presidencies can be re-sustained.
TO : President John Morrey DATE : March 19, 1995
FROM : D.B. Timmins
SUBJECT : List of Topics Which Might Be Discussed in Future District Presidency Meetings
1. Church Governance
a. Calling and duties of First Presidency
b. Calling and duties of the Twelve
c. Calling and duties of the Seventy (First Quorum and Second Quorum)
d. Calling and duties of Regional Representatives
e. Calling and duties of Stake Presidents
f. Calling and duties of High Councilmen
g. Calling and duties of Bishops and Bishoprics
h. Calling and duties of Elders Quorums Presidents and Presidencies
i. Calling and duties of Relief Society Presidents and Presidencies
j. Calling and duties of Sunday School Presidencies
k. Calling and duties of Primary Presidencies
l. Calling and duties of YM and YWMIA Presidencies
2. District and Branch Administration and Planning Meetings (no meeting should be held
without prior planning and preparation of a meeting agenda. Meetings should without
fail start on time).
a. Presidency meetings
b. Priesthood Executive Committee Meetings
c. Welfare Committee Meeting
d. Branch Council Meeting
3. Visiting Branches in regular succession to deliver planned series of doctrinal talks and
instruction in church governance and usage, as per heading #1, above, but also including:
a. meaning and symbolism of sacrament and how it should be administered and taken.
b. overview of other ordinances, including calling for the Elders when sick, symbolism and
meaning of baptism and confirmation.
4. Annual planning exercise. Use of District Council and Auxiliary Leaders in preparation of
annual District Calendar and Leadership Directory.
5. Getting to know new members before baptism and giving them calls soon after baptism to
make them feel an accepted member of their new church family.
6. Instruction to Elders Quorums in how to perform all ordinances -- by visiting member
of District Presidency (or, alternatively, as part of District-level instruction of Elders
Quorum Presidencies to be passed on to members in regular Elders Quorum Meetings.
7. Schedule of required monthly and yearly reports: how to prepare and due dates
8. Finances: tithing, fast offering, other donations --who responsible; delivery of funds;
record keeping; auditing. Preparing members for stakehood and independent operating
budget. How to prepare and monitor Branch and Auxiliary Organization Budgets.
9. Conducting worthiness interviews
10. Making changes in branch officers -- deciding on candidates, approval by Mission
President; interview; installation in office.
11. Delegation of duties at District President and Branch President levels.
12. Training of Branch organists and music directors
13. Encouraging Branch and District Social Activities, including scheduling of recurring
events e.g. Relief Society Birthday, Commemoration of Aaronic and Melchizedek
Restoration, Easter, Christmas, etc.
14. Version 2 11/14/94
CHECK LIST FOR NOVEMBER 27 MISSION CONFERENCE
1. Rent Hall at earliest possible moment (suggest Student Center which provided good accommodation).
Status: President Vasilescu handling. Arrangements should be known by Nov. 20
2. Call early meeting of Mission Council to go over proposed program, receive suggestions, and make assignments (primarily to give Council members a sense of participation and to involve the sisters in an
important aspect of the Mission program).
Status: Mtg. held Nov. 13. Prayers, music, flowers, ushering, and parking assignments made (see
attached draft program. Pres. Vasilescu undertook to contact either Pres. Icleanu or Chirila re BP
talk in Gen'l Session. Youth talks will be assigned at Nov. 17 BP training session.
3. Choose music for all sessions
Status: assignment made:to Sr. Davis who will work with Sr. Timmins and others. Sr. Davis to be
ultimately responsible.
4. Check weekly to see how Sr. Davis is coming along with her
a) chorus of RS sisters
b) Missionary octet
c) Primary chorus
5. Talks
a) Leadership Session
Status:
President Vasilescu will conduct in seminar form, focussing on importance of home teaching
to keep members active, to keep BP and RS President informed about member Welfare
needs, and to improve member understanding of the Gospel through giving in-
home instruction and answering family questions, the importance of Visiting
Teaching to reinforce and supplement Home Teachers. Also importance of RS
activities program (periodic sewing, quilting, or other social get togethers, plus periodic
RS luncheons and husband/wife dinners to solidify sense of sisterhood). Also importance
of RS in helping BP carry out Welfare responsibilities.
President Morrey (on importance of motivation?)
b) General Session
-1- A member of the Aaronic Priesthood on the meaning and symbolism of the Sacrament and how to prepare to partake of it worthily.
Status: To be assigned at BP Meeting on Nov. 17
-2- A Young Woman - on how to prepare for marriage and motherhood in the Church.
To include a discussion of LDS courtship and dating practices and importance of
introducing potential marriage companions to the Church at an early moment
in the dating process to enhance the probability of marrying within the Church.
Status: To be assigned at BP Meeting on Nov. 17
-3- A Branch President - on the responsibilities of his calling, to include discussion
of the hours spent in all planning meetings: BP, PEC, Welfare, and Ward Council --
confidentiality of meetings, what matters are discussed in each different setting,, how member
needs are carefully evaluated and how he coordinates with Priesthood and Auxiliary
leaders to try to assure that each member, and especially new members are given
a calling commensurate with their talents and interests, taking into account Branch needs.
Status: Pres. Vasilescu will speak to Pres. Icleanu & Chirila and, depending on
reactions, assign one or the other to give BP talk.
-4- President Vasilescu will talk on topic yet to be selected.
-5- President Morrey - topic yet to be selected (suggestion:
6. Flowers - Relief Society Ramura Sector 1
Status: Assignment made through Pres. Anderson
8. Parking/Greeting/Ushering - assignments made: Parking - Elders Group Ramura Sector 2. Greeting/Ushering, Elders Groups Ramura Sector 5 Pres. Vasilescu will contact.
9. Prayers - Opening Prayer: Sr. Mican (Sr. Tieru will contact)
Closing Prayer ( Bro. Nina - Pres. Timmins has already contacted)
10. Print programs - as late as reasonable to accommodate changes up till the last minute.
Version 2 11/14
DRAFT PROGRAM FOR
LEADERSHIP SESSION OF NOVEMBER 27 MISSION CONFERENCE
1. Opening Song
Status: Sr. Davis in process of choosing songs. Will notify Elder Hart.
2. Opening Prayer
Status: Assignment not yet made
3. President Vasilescu will conduct meeting as seminar covering following non-Sunday
Meeting Church Program topics:
a) First portion of session: Importance of Home Teaching to keep members active,
reactivate those lax in attendance, to keep BP and RS Pres. informed about member
Welfare needs, and to improve member understanding of the Gospel through in
-home instruction and answering family gospel questions; the importance and
function of Visiting Teaching to reinforce and supplement Home Teachers. Also the
importance of RS as an activities program (weekly or bi-weekly homemaking or
other social get-togethers, plus periodic RS luncheons and occasional husband/wife
dinners to solidify sense of sisterhood). Also the importance of RS in helping BP
carry out Welfare responsibilities.
Status: President Vasilescu aware of assignment
4. Intermediate Song by Women's Chorus
Status: Sr. Davis putting together womens' chorus - touch base weekly
5. Remainder of presentation by President Vasilescu on the importance of functioning Branch
Activities Programs -- weekly MIA/Fireside -- to solidify young members' sense of
belonging through group social activities (soirees musicales, short dramatic presentations,
occasional group attendance at concerts or ballets), as well as to provide additional
weekday instruction by way of occasional oral reviews of important doctrinal books not
yet available in Romanian translation.
Status: Assignment made. Touch base week before Conference as follow-up
6. Song by Missionary Chorus
Status: Sister Davis putting together. Touch base weekly to make sure progress made.
7. Possible follow-up talk by President Morrey on the importance of motivation in making branches and church programs work.
8. Closing Song
Status: Sr. Davis will notify Elder Hart. Check with Elder Hart before Nov. 18 to be
sure he has hymn book number for printed program. If not, have him check w/ Sr. Davis.
9. Closing Prayer - (Status: assignment not yet made)
DRAFT PROGRAM FOR
GENERAL SESSION OF NOVEMBER 27 MISSION CONFERENCE
1. Opening Song
Status: Sr. Davis in process of choosing. Will notify Elder Davis in time to include in
printed program. Have Elder Davis check by Nov. 18 if he hasn't received word.
2. Opening Prayer
Status: Assignment made to Sr. Mican of Ramura Sector 2. Contacted by Sr. Tieru
3. Talk by Member of Aaronic Priesthood on Meaning and Symbolism of the Sacrament and
how to prepare to partake of it worthily.
Status: Assignment will be made at BP Meeting of November 17.
4. Talk by a Member of the Young Women's Program on how to prepare for marriage in the
Church -- to include a discussion of LDS courtship and dating practices and importance
of introducing potential marriage companions to the Church at an early moment in the
dating process to enhance the probability of marrying within the Church.
Status: Assignment will be made at BP Meeting of Nov. 17. Individual assigned will be
instructed to prepare her talk under careful guidance of Sr. Morrey.
5. Song by Primary Chorus
Status: Sr. Davis working with Sr. Tutiana. Have Elder Hart contact by Nov. 18 to
verify progress.
6. Talk by a Branch President on the responsibilities of his calling -- to include discussion of
hours spent in planning meeting, BP, PEC, Welfare, and Ward Council -- confidentiality
of such meetings, what matters discussed in each setting, how member needs and progress
are carefully evaluated, and how he coordinates with Priesthood and Auxiliary leaders to
assure that each members, and especially new members, are given callings commensurate
with their talents and interests, taking into account Branch needs.
Status: Pres. Vasilescu talking to Presidents Icleanu and Chirila. Assignment will be
made to one or the other depending on reaction to invitation.
7. Talk by President Vasilescu - topic not yet selected
8. Song by Missionary Chorus
Status: Sr. Davis putting group together. Have Elder Hart contact by Nov. 18 to verify
progress.
9. Talk by President Morrey - topic?
10. Closing Song
Status: Being chosen by Sr. Davis. If not received by Nov. 18, have Elder Hart contact
to speed process of selecting all congregational songs.
11. Closing Prayer
Status: Frate Nina - Ramura Sector 4. Already contacted by President Timmins
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