Ward Welfare Committee

From The Encyclopedia of Mormonism

See this page in the original 1992 publication.

Author: Cox, John H.

Certain officers of each ward form the ward Welfare committee, headed by the bishop. Through his priesthood calling, the bishop is entrusted with the sacred responsibility to know the temporal circumstances of his ward members and to ensure that proper care is given to those in need (D&C 84:112).

The bishop is assisted in these efforts by his two counselors, the high priests quorum group leader, the elders quorum president, the young men president, the Relief Society presidency, the ward executive secretary, the ward clerk, and others. The bishop convenes the ward Welfare committee at least monthly. These leaders report and confidentially discuss any Welfare needs in the ward that they have become aware of, either personally or by reports from home teachers and visiting teachers. Where possible, the priesthood quorums and the Relief Society serve as the first Church source of assistance to members who need help beyond what the family can provide (D&C 52:39-40). When these ward resources have been exhausted, the committee may suggest that additional help be sought from the "Lord's storehouse" (D&C 51:13;83:5-6) or from other people or services.

In addition, the committee may also help ward members in learning to provide for themselves and their families, to live the principle of the monthly fast, and to contribute a generous monetary fast offering, and in preparing for unexpected adversity, rendering service in return for Church assistance, and preparing for emergencies in the community.

[edit] Bibliography

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Caring for the Needy, pp. 4-5. Salt Lake City, 1986.

Romney, Marion G. "The Role of Bishops in Welfare Services." Ensign 7 (Nov. 1977):79-81.

Welfare Services Resource Handbook, pp. 8-10. Salt Lake City, 1980.

JOHN H. COX

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