Question
Gramps,
Why does the Church encourage using government welfare services when President Kimball spoke against it? See April 1978 Conference, Becoming the pure in Heart, ” May we be on guard against accepting worldly substitutes for the plan to care for his poor in this, the Lord’s own way. As we hear talk of governmental welfare reforms and their myriad of problems,… ” When I joined the Church in 1966 the bishop talked against the dole.
Peter
Answer
Peter,
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a long history of addressing welfare and assistance, particularly during economic hardship. During the Great Depression, the Church implemented a welfare program emphasizing self-reliance and community support. Leaders like President Heber J. Grant and his counselors recognized the need for a structured approach to aid, which led to the establishment of a welfare system that sought to empower individuals rather than create dependency on government assistance.
In the 1980 Welfare Services Resource Handbook, the Church explicitly stated that members are encouraged not to accept unearned government assistance. This principle is rooted in the belief that individuals should strive for self-sufficiency and that reliance on government aid can undermine personal initiative and self-respect. The Church’s welfare program is designed to provide temporary assistance while encouraging members to seek help from family and community before turning to government resources.
Self-reliance is a core tenet of the Church’s teachings. Members are encouraged to take responsibility for their welfare and to seek assistance from family and community before looking to external sources. The Church emphasizes that individuals should first consolidate their bills and prioritize their expenses, ensuring that essential needs are met before seeking help from the Church or government. This approach fosters a sense of agency and encourages members to actively participate in their own welfare.
The Church’s welfare program operates on the principle that assistance should not be a handout but rather a means to empower individuals. For example, when a member approaches their bishop for help, they are often asked to provide some form of service in return. This could involve volunteering time or skills to help others in the community, reinforcing the idea that welfare is a two-way street. By engaging in service, members not only receive assistance but also contribute to the well-being of their community, creating a cycle of support and self-reliance.
In times of need, the Church encourages members to first seek assistance from their families. This principle is rooted in the belief that family should be the primary support system for individuals facing financial difficulties. The Church teaches that extended family members should be willing to help one another, whether through financial support or other means. This emphasis on familial support aligns with the Church’s broader teachings about the importance of family and community.
When family support is insufficient, members are encouraged to reach out to their local bishop for guidance. The bishop plays a crucial role in assessing the needs of individuals and families within the ward. They can provide resources from the Church’s welfare program, which includes food assistance and financial aid, while also encouraging members to engage in service. This collaborative approach ensures that assistance is tailored to the specific needs of each family while promoting self-reliance and community involvement.
The Church’s welfare program is designed to provide temporary assistance to those in need while fostering self-reliance. Members who require help are encouraged to approach their bishop, who will assess their situation and determine the best course of action. This may involve providing food from the bishop’s storehouse or financial assistance for essential bills. However, the Church’s guidelines stipulate that members should not accept unearned government assistance while receiving aid from the Church, reinforcing the principle of self-reliance.
The welfare program also includes initiatives such as employment centers and educational loans, which aim to empower members to improve their financial situations. These resources are designed to help individuals gain skills and find employment, ultimately reducing their reliance on both government and Church assistance. By focusing on education and employment, the Church seeks to break the cycle of poverty and promote long-term self-sufficiency.
For members who rely on government assistance to support their families, navigating the Church’s teachings can be challenging. While the Church encourages self-reliance, it also recognizes that circumstances can vary widely. In situations where government assistance is necessary for survival, members are encouraged to seek help without feeling shame or guilt. The Church’s teachings emphasize that it is acceptable to use available resources, especially when they are needed to care for children or other dependents.
It is essential for members to understand that the Church does not view government assistance as inherently wrong. Instead, the focus is on ensuring that such assistance does not become a long-term solution that undermines personal initiative. The Church encourages members to use government resources as a temporary measure while actively working towards self-sufficiency. This balanced approach allows members to care for their immediate needs while still striving to align with the Church’s principles.
When faced with difficult financial decisions, members are encouraged to seek guidance from their bishops or other Church leaders. These leaders can provide support, resources, and counsel tailored to individual circumstances. By discussing their needs openly, members can receive assistance that aligns with their faith while also addressing their immediate challenges. This collaborative relationship between members and Church leaders fosters a sense of community and support, reinforcing the idea that no one should face their struggles alone.
Gramps
