Updated Guidelines

​Updated Guidelines for Communion, Priesthood Release for Cause9/23/2019As announced at the 2019 World Conference, the First Presidency was preparing updated Guidelines for Serving the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper (Communion). After receiving feedback from the church and priesthood quorum and orders, the Presidency is releasing these updated guidelines.
Included are principles for providing online participation in the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. During his closing message to the World Conference and church, President Steve Veazey shared these words of counsel:
Technology presents opportunities for involvement in sacraments by priesthood members and participants in separate locations. The First Presidency will act in its calling as chief interpreters of scripture, revelation, and church policies to provide procedures for offering sacraments in new situations while upholding essential meanings and symbols of the sacraments. As the church explores new opportunities for sharing sacraments, direction will come as needed through inspiration and wisdom.
Additional meaning is waiting to be discovered in the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. Renewing covenant with Jesus Christ includes the call to live as peaceful human beings who personify Christ’s peace.
Spiritual blessing will be experienced when this call is emphasized as a vital aspect of the sacrament. Cherish opportunities to be spiritually formed by Christ’s sacred meal of remembrance, reconciliation, renewal, and peace.
              
WCR 1316 Priesthood Release for Cause was approved at the 2019 World Conference. In response, the Presidency is releasing updated administrative procedures.
Members of the Council of Twelve Apostles will develop educational opportunities to assist local leaders in the implementation of the Guidelines on Serving the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper and new administrative procedures for priesthood release for cause.
The documents can be found here and here.