Close Topic Options

Understanding D&C 20:50

Closer Study

According to D&C 20:50 when an Elder is present the Priests are not to bless the sacrament? It lists 'only' specific things they are to do. Of course in the Church the sacrament is usually blessed by a Priest. So how would you explain this then?

DampC Understanding

It doesn't say directly if an Elder is present. It just says in verse 49 and 50  "And he is to take the lead of meetings when there is no Elder present, but when there is an Elder present, he is only to preach, teach, expound, exort, and baptize". It only says that if there is an Elder, he's the only one who may take the lead of the meeting but yes it can be interpreted in the way you did and this is a discussion that many anti-mormons have because there was no revelation or guidance to change this 'policy' and nowdays you can see priests administering the sacrament even though there is lots of Elders around.
Originally,  priests, teachers, and deacons were local adult priesthood leaders, which explains the significant responsiblity given to them them (verses 46-59) and their role in signing certificates of worthiness for members moving from one branch of the Church to another (verse 84). The Aaronic
Priesthood had a public ministry to "preach, teach, expound, exhort" (verse 46) and needed to be properly "licensed" (verse
64). As you well see, most of these things are not at the present time anymore...the Church has grown so much.  I will have to make a research on this one, but if anyone knows the answer, I'm all ears

Understanding D&C 20:50 Studies Doctrine Mormon

verse 52   In all these duties the priest is to assist the elder if occasion requires.  
Doesn't that include administering the sacrament at the request of the elders?  
also see verses 76  the elder or priest shall administer it

DampC Understanding

Policy jb. Hundreds of little changers here and there due to policies.

DampC Understanding

Church policy tries to include the lesser priesthood more, which is the reason why we let deacons and teachers help in preparing/passing out the sacrament, although this is also not according to D&C 20 because "administering" has always been understood to include preparing and passing it out until a policy change during the presidency of Heber J. Grant. Originally members also didn't pass the sacrament through the rows as I see them doing it here in Provo all the time, as that was considered a priesthood work. That was how the priests were able to "assist the elders in administering the sacrament" as they were not supposed to bless it with Elders present because the ones blessing the sacrament were considered to be the ones presiding over it. There have been many changes in the way the sacrament is administered (who is blessing, who is presiding, who handles the sacrament, the covenant sign giving during the blessing etc.).

Some of the rules have never been explained with a specific scripture so a change can't be understood from the D&C, and some that were given in the D&C have changed as well like the one you mentioned JB.

Understanding D&C 20:50

When you read the surrounding verses it is just saying that when there is an Elder present, the priest is not in charge. The sacrament then becomes the responsibility of the Elder. Of course they can delegate it down to the priest, but it ultimately is on his shoulders to make it happen.

Understanding D&C 20 50

What do you think about this?

The Bishop is the one who is actually administering the sacrament, though priest, teacher, deacon and elder may assist.

Consider
D&C 107:68-69

means he qualifies under D&C 20:50 & 52, yet the bishop trumps the elders position because he is a high priest and bishop over the temporal things.

So in our church today, this happens. The priest assists and the bishop administers the sacrament. Administering it much like Heavenly Father created the earth... Through overseeing and delegation.

Message Edited...
Persephone: Please use the Quote Tags here. When you do not use these tags source material that is not your own may appear to be yours when it is not. The Source of your Quote should also be provided. See our Constructive Posting Policy.

Understanding D&C 20 50 Mormon Doctrine Studies

The Bishop is actually a high priest and not merely an elder. This verse is specific about the office of elder.