For units in the United States and Canada, the term administration office in this section refers to Church headquarters in Salt Lake City.
For units outside the United States and Canada, the term administration office refers to the Presiding Bishopric administration office or service center that serves the unit.
Purposes of Church Record Keeping
The Lord places great importance on record keeping in the Church. One of the first commandments He gave Joseph Smith when the Church was organized was, "There shall be a record kept among you" (D&C 21:1). Keeping records has been a commandment in all dispensations, and this important work continues in our time.
Accurate records help leaders get to know members and identify their needs. For example, records can help leaders identify who may need special care in becoming more active in the Church or becoming worthy of temple blessings. Accurate records also help leaders evaluate progress in accomplishing the mission of the Church. This evaluation can help leaders make plans for improvement.
These purposes of record keeping are similar to the purposes that Moroni suggested: "And after they had been received unto baptism, and were wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost, they were numbered among the people of the church of Christ; and their names were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God" (Moroni 6:4).
Another important purpose of record keeping in the Church is to maintain a record of the saving ordinances that each person receives.
.Leaders should provide instruction on how to use Church records to help accomplish the purposes outlined above.
Types of Records
The following types of records are kept in Church units:
Member progress reports. These include information about meeting attendance, visits to members, activity and priesthood office of new converts, and temple recommend status of endowed members (see pages 126-27).
Membership records. These include names and addresses and information about birth, parentage, and ordinances for each member (see pages 127-31).
Historical records. These include information about officers who are serving, accomplishments, challenges, faith-building experiences, and other notable events (see page 131).
Financial records. These include information about tithes and other offerings and costs for activities and supplies (see pages 133-40).
Stake Record-Keeping Leadership
Stake President
The stake president oversees stake record keeping. He may assign his counselors and clerks to do much of this work under his direction.
The stake president ensures that stake clerks and stake and ward leaders are taught their record-keeping responsibilities. He also ensures that they follow Church policies and procedures in completing their assignments.
The stake president oversees stake clerks in preparing records and reports. He meets with the clerks to review these materials; to ensure that they are accurate, complete, and on time; and to sign those that require his signature. A counselor may review and sign reports in the stake president's absence.
The stake president assigns clerks to follow up on all audit concerns within 30 days of the audit.
The stake president oversees the preparation of the annual stake historical summary (see page 131). He also ensures that people who have access to records and reports protect the privacy of individuals (see pages 131-32).
Stake Clerk
A stake clerk is called as outlined on page 9. The stake president may assign him responsibilities such as those outlined below. Assistant stake clerks may help.
Stake Record-Keeping Responsibilities
The stake clerk provides administrative support to the stake presidency. He records minutes of stake leadership meetings. He also reminds the stake presidency of items that need follow-up or further consideration.
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The stake clerk prepares stake records and reports. These include the Member Progress Report (see page 126), financial records (see pages 133-40), and membership information. He ensures that records and reports are accurate, complete, and on time.
The stake clerk meets with the stake president to review records and reports. He provides information from these materials to help leaders identify (1) the needs of members and organizations; (2) the availability of resources, such as finances and priesthood strength; and (3) trends, strengths, and weaknesses.
The stake clerk should become familiar with the record-keeping programs on Church computer systems where they are available.
The stake clerk may design and print boundary models to use in proposing realignment of stake and ward boundaries. He also may complete forms for proposed boundary changes.
When a new ward is created or a bishop is released, the stake clerk oversees the transfer of ward records, correspondence, and accounts. He also submits information to the administration office when there is a change in stake president, stake president's counselor, bishop, or patriarch.
The stake clerk prepares the Officers Sustained form for the first stake conference of each year and for the annual historical summary. He also ensures that certificates for Melchizedek Priesthood ordination are prepared and distributed properly.
The stake clerk helps the stake president record information for stake disciplinary councils (see pages 99,101).
Review of Ward Records
The stake clerk reviews ward records and reports to ensure that they are accurate and complete. He resolves record-keeping problems before giving reports to the stake president. He works directly with ward clerks to resolve minor problems. He discusses serious problems with the stake president or, at his request, the bishop.
The stake clerk meets with each ward clerk twice each year to ensure that (1) membership records are updated promptly and accurately and (2) certificates of blessing, baptism and confirmation, and priesthood ordination are given to ward members.
Record-Keeping Instruction
As requested by the stake president or a bishop, the stake clerk instructs assistant stake clerks, ward clerks, and assistant ward clerks. This instruction is especially important when clerks are newly called, when a Church record-keeping program is introduced or updated, and when records are not completed properly. He should instruct new ward clerks within 30 days of when they are called.
The stake clerk also may help priesthood and auxiliary leaders instruct secretaries.
Record-keeping instruction can be given individually and during priesthood leadership meetings, ward conferences, and other times as necessary.
When instructing clerks or secretaries, the stake clerk helps them understand how information from records and reports can help leaders.
The stake clerk ensures that other clerks and secretaries obtain the materials they need to fulfill their responsibilities.
Audits
The stake clerk should be aware of audit reports. He works with ward clerks and assistant clerks to ensure that membership and financial record-keeping problems are resolved. For information about audits of membership records, see the Stake/District Audit of Membership Records form. For information about audits of Church finances, see pages 139-40.
Stake Historical Records
The stake president may assign the stake clerk, an assistant stake clerk, or a stake history specialist to prepare the annual Stake and District Historical Summary (see page 131).
Assistant Stake Clerks
Assistant stake clerks may be called as outlined on page 9. The stake presidency may assign these clerks to each part of stake record keeping, such as financial records, member progress reporting, and historical records. They work under the direction of the stake presidency and the stake clerk.
The stake president assigns an assistant stake clerk to become familiar with Church-published resource materials and know how to order them from distribution centers. This clerk also should know how to order garments and temple clothing. He instructs clerks who have similar responsibilities in wards. He also coordinates efforts to help stake members be informed about these materials and know how to obtain them.
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Ward Record-Keeping Leadership
Bishop
The bishop oversees ward record keeping. He may assign his counselors and clerks to do much of this work under his direction.
The bishop ensures that ward clerks and quorum, group, and auxiliary leaders are taught their recordkeeping responsibilities. He also ensures that they follow Church policies and procedures in fulfilling these responsibilities.
The bishop oversees ward clerks in preparing records and reports. He meets with the clerks to review these materials; to ensure that they are accurate, complete, and on time; and to sign those that require his signature. A counselor may review and sign reports in the bishop's absence.
The bishop ensures that people who have access to records and reports protect the privacy of individuals (see pages 131-32).
Ward Clerk
A ward clerk is called as outlined on page 17. The bishop may assign him responsibilities such as those outlined below. Assistant ward clerks may help.
Ward Record-Keeping Responsibilities
The ward clerk provides administrative support to the bishopric. He records minutes of ward leadership meetings. He also reminds the bishopric of items that need follow-up or further consideration.
The ward clerk prepares ward records and reports. These include the Member Progress Report (see page 126), financial records (see pages 133-40), and membership records (see pages 127-31). He ensures that records and reports are accurate, complete, and on time.
The ward clerk meets regularly with the bishop to review records and reports. He provides information from these materials to help leaders identify (1) the needs of members and organizations; (2) the availability of resources, such as finances and priesthood strength; and (3) trends, strengths, and weaknesses.
When compiling the Member Progress Report, the ward clerk reviews information submitted by ward organizations to ensure that it is accurate and complete. He resolves record-keeping problems before giving the report to the bishop. He works directly with secretaries to resolve minor problems. He discusses serious problems with the bishop or, at his request, the organization leader.
The ward clerk should become familiar with the record-keeping programs on Church computer systems where they are available. He also provides membership directories, lists, and rolls received from the administration office or produced by the Member Information System (MIS) software to the bishopric, to other priesthood leaders, and to auxiliary leaders.
The ward clerk prepares the Officers Sustained form for ward conference. He also ensures that certificates of blessing, baptism and confirmation, and priesthood ordination are given to ward members.
The ward clerk helps the bishop record information for ward disciplinary councils (see pages 99, 101).
Record-Keeping Instruction
The ward clerk coordinates record-keeping instruction for assistant ward clerks and for quorum, group, and auxiliary secretaries. He ensures that they receive instruction when they are newly called, when a Church record-keeping program is introduced or updated, and when records are not completed properly.
When instructing assistant clerks or secretaries, the ward clerk helps them understand how information from records and reports can help leaders.
The ward clerk ensures that assistant clerks and secretaries have the materials they need to fulfill their responsibilities.
Assistant Ward Clerks
Assistant ward clerks may be called as outlined on page 17 The bishopric may assign these clerks to each part of ward record keeping, such as financial and membership records. They work under the direction of the bishopric and the ward clerk.
The bishop assigns an assistant ward clerk to become familiar with Church-published resource materials and know how to order them from distribution centers. This clerk also should know how to order garments and temple clothing. He coordinates efforts to help ward members be informed about these materials and know how to obtain them.
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Priesthood and Auxiliary Leaders
Priesthood and auxiliary leaders oversee record keeping in their organizations. They may assign secretaries to do much of this work under their direction. They meet regularly with secretaries to ensure that records are accurate, complete, and on time.
Priesthood and Auxiliary Secretaries
Member progress reporting consists of weekly, monthly, and quarterly information that helps leaders focus on the progress and needs of members. All members of record (as defined on page 127) are included in member progress reporting.
Components of Member Progress Reporting
Attendance Rolls
Under the direction of the stake president, the stake clerk prepares the Member Progress Report-Stake/District each quarter. Instructions are on the form.
The stake president reviews the report for accuracy, signs it, and makes sure the clerk submits it to the administration office by the 30th of the month following the end of the quarter.
Member Progress Report-Ward /Branch
Under the direction of the bishop, the ward clerk prepares the Member Progress Report-Ward/Branch each month. Instructions are on the form.
The bishop reviews the report for accuracy, signs it, and makes sure the clerk submits it to the stake by the 15th of each month.
Membership Lists
Membership lists provide important supplemental information to member progress reporting. These lists are produced by the administration office or by ward computers. They include information about members who are of age for ordinances. They also identify young men of missionary age. In addition, the lists identify which men hold the Melchizedek Priesthood and which members are endowed. Lists for the bishopric's youth interviews are also available.
Using the Information
Leaders should serve and nurture all members, but member progress reporting can help identify which individuals and families need the most care. Every number and statistic in member progress reporting represents an individual member who has unique needs. Leaders should seek direction from the Lord as they consider whom to reach out to and what help to provide.
Using information from member progress reporting, leaders can identify attendance patterns that help them focus attention on those who need help and those who are most likely to respond to activation efforts.
Information from member progress reporting also helps leaders determine -which members are missed regularly by home teachers or visiting teachers. Leaders can then take steps to make sure these members are visited.
Member progress reporting can help leaders identify which members should be considered for priesthood ordinances and full-time missionary service. It also helps leaders determine which recent adult male converts have not been ordained and which adult converts did not attend priesthood or Relief Society meetings during the month. With this information, leaders can plan how to help members prepare to receive ordinances and how to encourage attendance.
Member progress reporting also helps leaders focus attention on endowed members who do not have current temple recommends.
Percentages are not part of member progress reporting, but they may be computed to show trends, such as whether activity is increasing or decreasing. They should not be used to compare one ward with another, one quorum with another, or one person with another. Ward and individual circumstances are unique.
When monitoring attendance, leaders should consider that some members may be on Church assignments outside the ward. Other members may be required to work on Sunday or may be away for vacations and other reasons. Leaders also should keep in mind members who are ill, members who are confined to their homes or to health-care facilities, and members who are giving care on Sunday to those who are confined.
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Membership Records
Membership records include members' names and addresses, as well as ordinance and other vital information. The ward should have a membership record for each member living within the ward boundaries. Membership records are to be kept in the ward in which the member lives. Exceptions, which should be few, require the consent of the bishops and stake presidents involved and the approval of the Office of the First Presidency.
Membership records are the only means of recording ordinances and actions in the permanent records of the Church. Therefore, the bishop makes sure that clerks keep accurate records and send updated information promptly to the administration office. It is especially important to record ordinance information, promptly request records of members who move into the ward, and promptly transfer records of members who move from the ward.
Occasionally members should review their own membership records and those of dependent children living at home, but only with a clerk or the bishop. Members may not have copies of membership records. However, they may request copies of their Individual Ordinance Summary for personal use in areas where the First Presidency has authorized the summary. Under no circumstances may membership records be given to anyone other than the bishop or a clerk.
The administration office provides handbooks or other detailed instructions for creating and updating membership records. Some general principles are outlined in the following paragraphs.
Names Used in Church Records
A person's full proper name, not initials or a nickname, should be used on membership records and ordinance certificates.
Members of Record
For statistical and reporting purposes, the following individuals are members of record. Each of them should have a membership record:
A person age nine or older who has a membership record but has not been baptized and confirmed is not considered a member of record. However, tile bishop keeps the membership record until the person is 18. At that time if the person chooses not to be baptized despite being given every opportunity, the bishop, with written permission from the stake president, cancels the membership record. However, records of unbaptized members who are considered not accountable because of mental disabilities are not canceled.
Records of New Ward Members
When membership records are received in a ward and when converts are baptized and confirmed, a member of the bishopric introduces and welcomes the new members in the next sacrament meeting. He reads each person's name, invites the person to stand, and asks members of the congregation to show by the uplifted hand that they accept the members in full fellowship in the ward. Records of family members are read together. If a member knows any reason why a person may not be entitled to full fellowship, he or she should talk to the bishop privately.
After children who are members of record are baptized and confirmed, a member of the bishopric announces each child's baptism and confirmation in sacrament meeting. These children are not presented for acceptance into the ward because they are already members.
The ward clerk or an assistant ward clerk meets with new ward members soon after they arrive to review their membership records for accuracy
Records of Members Who Move or Are Temporarily Away from Home
Ward leaders, home teachers, or clerks obtain the forwarding addresses of members as soon as they become aware that members intend to move. Leaders of the new ward should contact members as soon as possible after they move in.
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If a clerk cannot find out where members have moved, he sends the membership records to the administration office, where efforts to locate the members will continue.
When a person moves from a ward for more than three months, a clerk normally moves the membership record to the new ward. As an exception, the record is not moved if the member intends to return after leaving for temporary seasonal or employment purposes that may last longer than three months.
When a person moves from the ward for less than three months and intends to return, the membership record is kept in the home ward. The home ward also maintains the member's financial records.
If local leaders are uncertain about where a membership record should be (such as for a member in prison), they should keep the record in the ward that can best meet the member's needs.
Records of Members Serving outside Their Home Ward
Mission and Temple Presidents
The membership records of mission and temple presidents and their wives should stay in their home ward unless their children accompany them in the assignment. If children accompany them, the records should be sent to the ward where they live during the assignment. Financial contributions and tithing declarations should be made to the ward where the membership records are located.
Other Church Assignments
If members have Church assignments outside their home ward but live in their home ward, their membership and financial records are kept in the home ward. If assignments require members to move from their home ward for three months or more, and if their children accompany them, their membership records are moved to the new ward.
Full-Time Missionaries
See page 87
Records of Members in Hospitals or Homes for the Aged
The records of members who live in hospitals or homes for the aged and infirm are kept in the ward that can best serve them. In most cases this is the ward where the hospital or home is located. Ward leaders make sure these members receive the full program of the Church to the extent possible.
Records of Members in Military Service
When a member enters military service for training, the membership record is kept in the home ward until the member is assigned to a more long-term duty station. At that time, the member should contact the home ward and provide the name and address of the new ward so a clerk can move the membership record.
If a member is at sea for an extended time, is deployed in a war zone, or is not within the boundaries of a stake or mission, the membership record is usually kept in the ward that supports the duty station.
Records of Members Who Do Not Have a Permanent Address
Members who travel extensively and do not have a permanent address should consult with the bishop at their place of primary residence and designate a home ward. That ward keeps the membership records, and ward leaders should maintain contact with the members. Financial contributions and tithing declarations should be made to that ward.
Records of Members Who Have Mental Disabilities
If the bishop determines that a person who is at least eight years old is not accountable, he instructs a clerk to write Not Accountable under the heading for baptism on the person's membership record (see also pages 26-27). The clerk sends the record to the administration office for updating. The record should not be canceled.
Records of Members Who Have Hearing Impairments
Members who use sign language and their families may choose to have their Church membership records in one of the following places: (1) their home ward, (2) a designated host ward within a geographic area to which a group for the hearing impaired is assigned, or (3) a ward or branch organized for members who are hearing impaired.
Records of Adopted Children
Records of adopted children and their adoptive parents may be created or updated only after the adoption is final. The name on the membership record should conform to the decree of adoption.
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Records of Babies Who Were Born out of Wedlock
If a child's parents are divorced, his or her legal name, as defined by local law or custom, should be recorded on the membership record and the certificate.
Records with Special Comments
The bishop and a clerk review the records of new ward members for special comments that the administration office may have added. When records include such comments, the bishop contacts the administration office as needed and takes appropriate action.
Records with Annotations
In areas where the First Presidency has given authorization, an annotation may be placed on the record of a member whose conduct has threatened the well-being of other persons or of the Church. An annotation helps the bishop protect Church members and others from such individuals. When a bishop receives an annotated membership record, he should follow the instructions in the annotation.
Church headquarters will automatically annotate a person's membership record when the stake president or bishop:
In all cases, annotation of membership records is removed only with First Presidency approval upon request of the stake president.
Requests for Contact on Membership Records
If a member moves and the bishop feels a need to share information with the member's new bishop, he completes a Request for Contact form and sends it with the membership record. When a bishop receives a record that is accompanied by one of these forms, he should contact the previous bishop as soon as feasible. After the contact, the bishop should destroy the Request for Contact form.
Move Restrictions on Membership Records
If a member moves while Church disciplinary action or another serious concern is pending, the bishop or another authorized priesthood leader may contact the administration office and ask for a move restriction on the membership record. A move restriction may also be requested in cases of welfare abuse.
A record that has a move restriction will not be moved to a new unit until the priesthood leader who requested the restriction authorizes it to be removed.
Recording and Correcting Ordinance Information
Instructions for recording and correcting ordinance information on membership records are provided on pages 24-25, 26, 29, and 33.
Preparing Certificates for Ordinances and Blessings
Priesthood leaders ensure that certificates are prepared and distributed as soon as possible after the blessing of a child, baptism and confirmation, and priesthood ordination. These certificates are a member's only Church source for the names of those who performed the ordinance or blessing. Leaders encourage members to safeguard these certificates, explaining that they may be irreplaceable if they are lost or destroyed.
Recording and Correcting Civil Information
Civil information (name, date of birth, marriage information, date of divorce, and places where these events occurred) is recorded on membership records. If this information has been recorded incorrectly, a member may ask the bishop to have it corrected. If official documents are available, a bishop may want to review them to verify the accuracy of a requested correction.
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Special Situations
For special situations that are not addressed in this section, such as records for common law marriages, leaders should see membership records instructions or contact the administration office.
Removing Names from Church Membership Records
An adult member who wishes to have his or her name removed from the membership records of the Church must send the bishop a written, signed request (not a form letter). A request that Church representatives not visit a member is not sufficient to initiate this action.
The bishop makes sure that a member who requests name removal understands the consequences: it cancels the effects of baptism and confirmation, withdraws the priesthood held by a male member, and revokes temple blessings. The bishop also explains that a person can be readmitted to the Church by baptism only after a thorough interview (see "Readmission after Name Removal" on this page).
If the bishop is satisfied that the member understands these consequences and is not likely to be dissuaded, he completes a Report of Administrative Action form and forwards it to the stake president. The bishop forwards the member's written request and membership record with the form.
If members of the stake presidency concur after reviewing the matter, they ask the bishop to send the member a letter stating that his or her name is being removed from the records of the Church as requested. The letter should state the consequences of name removal. It also should state that the request for name removal can be rescinded only if the member sends the stake president a written request for recision within 30 days (the stake president's name and address should be included). If the stake president does not receive such a request, he submits the completed Report of Administrative Action form and other documents requested on the form. Instructions for submittal are on the form. The person's name is then removed from the membership records of the Church.
A minor who wishes to have his or her name removed from the records of the Church must follow the same procedure as an adult with one exception: the written request must be signed by the minor (if over the age of eight) and by the parent, parents, or guardians who have legal custody of the minor.
If two or more family members want their names removed from the records of the Church, they need to prepare only one written request.
If a member requesting name removal threatens legal action against the Church or Church leaders, the stake president should follow the instructions on page 151.
Name Removal and Church Discipline
If a member requests name removal and a bishop or stake president has evidence of transgression that warrants convening a disciplinary council, he should not act on the request until Church discipline has been imposed or he has concluded that no disciplinary council will be held. Name removal should not be used as a substitute for or alternative to Church discipline.
If a member requests name removal and a bishop or stake president suspects transgression but lacks sufficient evidence to convene a disciplinary council, the request for name removal may be approved. Any evidence of unresolved transgressions should be noted on the Report of Administrative Action form so priesthood leaders may resolve such matters if the individual applies for readmission into the Church.
Effects of Name Removal on Temple Sealings
In some cases a bishop may need to announce that a person's name has been removed from the membership records of the Church. The announcement merely states that the action was taken at the person's request. The announcement should not use the word excommunication. The guidelines under "Announcement of the Decision" on pages 100-101 apply.
Readmission after Name Removal
After name removal, a person must be baptized to be readmitted into the Church. When a person requests readmission, the bishop or stake president requests a copy of the Report of Administrative Action form that accompanied the request for name removal. This copy is available from the Office of the First Presidency. After reviewing the form, the bishop interviews the person thoroughly. He inquires about the reasons for the name removal request and the desire for readmission. He also determines whether any unresolved transgressions may have been committed before or after name removal.
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If the person was on formal probation or was disciplinary at the time of name removal, a disciplinary council is held to consider the request for readmission.
If the bishop finds that before name removal the person committed transgressions that warranted disciplinary action but were not resolved, he should not approve a request for readmission until he is satisfied that the person has repented of those and any subsequent transgressions. No disciplinary council is held.
If the person committed any of the transgressions listed under "Apply for First Presidency Approval" (see page 105), either before or after name removal, the approval of the First Presidency is required for readmission. If the person is readmitted after committing any of the transgressions listed under "Records with Annotations" (see page 129), either before or after name removal, an annotation will be made on the new membership record.
A person who requests readmission must meet the same qualifications as others who are baptized (see the Baptism Record book). When the bishop is satisfied that the person is worthy and sincere in wanting to be readmitted, he prepares a Baptism Record, noting on the form that the baptism is for readmission. After baptism, the person is confirmed a member of the Church and receives the gift of the Holy Ghost. The confirmation may be performed during the baptismal service or during a sacrament meeting.
Priesthood ordination, temple recommends, membership records, and the ordinance of restoration of blessings are handled the same as for an excommunicated person who has been readmitted by baptism (see pages 106-7).
Historical Records
Each year the stake president oversees the stake clerk, an assistant stake clerk, or a stake history specialist in preparing the Stake and District Historical Summary. The person who prepares the summary gathers information concerning noteworthy events, accomplishments, and spiritual experiences from stake priesthood and auxiliary leaders, the stake mission, and wards. When preparing the summary, the person should provide enough detail to give a clear understanding of events and their effect on those who are involved.
The Officers Sustained forms from the stake and each ward should be included in the historical Summary. The completed summary should be submitted at the end of the year as indicated on the form.
Confidentiality of Records
Church records are confidential. These include membership records, financial records, minutes of meetings, official forms and documents (including records of disciplinary councils), and notes made from private interviews. These records may exist on paper, computer, or diskette.
Leaders and clerks are to safeguard Church records by handling, storing, and disposing of them in a way that protects the privacy of individuals. Leaders ensure that information that is gathered from members is (1) limited to what the Church requires and (2) used only for approved Church purposes.
Leaders give information from Church records and reports only to those who are authorized to use it. Leaders ensure that it is not used for personal, political, or commercial purposes. Information from Church records, including historical information, may not be given to individuals or agencies conducting research or surveys.
Membership directories that are distributed to members should include only name, address, and telephone information. Membership lists that have more information, such as age and membership status, may be given only to authorized stake and ward leaders.
For additional guidelines, see "Records Management" below.
Records Management
Stake and ward leaders should make effective records management a part of their record-keeping procedures. Three important areas of records management are outlined in the following paragraphs.
Protection
All information should be protected against unauthorized access, change, destruction, or disclosure. Church records, reports, and backup copies of computer software programs and data should be kept in a safe place. Highly sensitive records, including computer printouts and disks, should be kept in a locked drawer or cabinet in the leader's office when they are not being used .
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To protect confidential membership and financial information on computers, leaders should use the password features of Church record-keeping systems. Passwords should be written down and kept in locked files away from the computer. They should be changed when leaders and clerks are released. If members use stake and ward computers for family history work, they should not have access to membership or financial information.
Retention
Records should be kept only as long as they are needed for administrative and legal purposes. Leaders who have specific questions about how long to keep records should consult record-keeping instructions or the administration office.
Disposition
Records that are outdated or no longer needed should be destroyed in such a way that the information cannot be retrieved or reconstructed. Membership diskettes should be destroyed rather than erased and used for other purposes.
Records that have potential historical value should not be discarded, destroyed, or placed in the meetinghouse library. Questions about the historical value of records may be addressed to: