Family Records Emphasized in New Genealogy Handbook

Sacred family records, temple blessings for family members, and family organizations are highlighted in the newly published Priesthood Genealogy Handbook, which has been distributed to stakes and missions throughout the English-speaking Church.

The new publication, with a gold cover, replaces the blue-covered Priesthood Genealogy Program which should be destroyed. It summarizes the responsibilities of the individual member in creating and maintaining links in the eternal family chain, and also provides an outline for the priesthood leaders responsible for guiding such work.

“The Priesthood Genealogy Handbook is a good tool to use to follow up the instructions received at the June regional meetings,” said Thomas E. Daniels, manager of the priesthood genealogy division of the Church Genealogy Department.

“It is not an attempt to explain everything in detail—that will be forthcoming as part of the curriculum over the next few years. But it does clarify policies and responsibilities both for the priesthood leader and the individual member.

“The new booklet is smaller than the earlier publications—it’s designed for quick and easy reading,” said Brother Daniels.

Its nine chapters are: Overview of Priesthood Genealogy and Temple Work, Stake Organization for Genealogy and Temple Work, Genealogical Organization in the Ward, Mission Organization for Genealogy and Temple Work, Temple Blessings for Family Members, The Book of Remembrance, Family Organizations, Basic Activities of Priesthood Genealogy and Temple Work, and Aids to Priesthood Genealogy and Temple Work.

The Priesthood Genealogy Handbook is for the priesthood leader, and although copies have already been distributed, additional copies are available at no cost from distribution centers (stock number PBG50515). The translations in some sixteen languages are scheduled for distribution starting July 15.