What resources does the Church have to help members assist others in the Gospel Literacy Effort?

Response by Aileen H. Clyde, second counselor in the Relief Society general presidency.

The Gospel Literacy Effort is an ongoing literacy plan that helps individuals better understand the gospel by their own study so they can participate in all aspects of gospel living. Through this effort basic gospel literacy skills are taught to those who cannot read or write, and Church members are encouraged to read the scriptures and improve their gospel knowledge throughout their lives.

The Church provides the following resources to support the literacy effort:

1. Talents and service of ward and branch members and leaders.

2. The Basic Scripture Literacy Course produced by the Church Educational System (CES).

3. Scriptures, handbooks, and other Church materials.

The most important and accessible resource we have is ourselves. A unified and effective literacy effort requires the combined talents, abilities, and service of ward and branch members and leaders.

Priesthood leaders oversee the Gospel Literacy Effort in conjunction with Relief Society leaders. On a regular basis, stake presidencies discuss literacy needs and efforts with stake Relief Society president, while bishoprics work with ward Relief Society presidencies. When necessary, efforts can be coordinated in confidential ward council meetings.

Once literacy needs are assessed, individuals can be identified who can help address those needs. If ward or branch leaders decide to use the Basic Scripture Literacy Course, calls are extended to ward members to teach the course.

The CES program is a scripture-based course that teaches basic language skills to adults and helps them record their personal histories. Relief Society education counselors can obtain the course through stake CES representatives, who teach those counselors how to use the program. The course, available in English and Spanish, has been written for teachers who have little or no experience teaching reading and writing.

Without the ability to read the scriptures, Heavenly Father’s children struggle to fulfill their responsibilities to preach the gospel, perfect the Saints, and redeem the dead. For this reason the scriptures, handbooks, and other Church materials are primary resources used in teaching literacy. In addition to the student manual included in the CES course, Church lesson manuals, books, and other gospel literature can be used in teaching reading and writing. Additional materials of high interest to literacy students can also be used.

Heavenly Father’s children also have the spiritual resources he has made available through prayer and personal revelation. We are commanded to learn by faith as well as by study (see D&C 88:118). Whenever we earnestly seek guidance and assistance from the Lord, our understanding is increased. The Prophet Joseph Smith said, “All the minds and spirits that God ever sent into the world are susceptible of enlargement” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 354). It is our duty to take advantage of resources that can help enlarge our minds.

The gospel of Jesus Christ offers a deep understanding of the importance of literacy and lifelong learning. As Church members, we understand how infinitely valuable each soul is in the sight of God and how essential it is that every person have the opportunity to know God’s word through the scriptures. Disciples of Christ seek to know their Heavenly Father and to help others know him. Gospel literacy is an important part of this eternal process.