Is there any guidance how to work with the Washington DC Temple Visitor Center?

System

This discussion was created from comments split from: So who's in charge of the Family History Center now since there are no longer Directors and we all h.

Frances Miller Seay

I was just called to Stake Temple and Family History Consultant--Family History Center. Our FHC is located next to the Washington DC Temple. The temple has been closed for renovations and is currently having an Open House before the dedication in Aug. There is a large Visitor Center next to the Temple and our center is located in the stake church building next to that. Our FHC is located strategically next to the Temple and Visitor Center. Sadly the FHC and Temple Visitor center do not communicate and support one another. I understand in the past the FHC has been asked to remain non proselyting and focus on community outreach. The Family History Center Operations Guide: version 2021" states in chapter 3 "Sharing the Gospel in the Family History Center" that it is appropriate to share the Gospel in the FHC as guided by the spirit.

I would like to suggest that the Washington DC Family History Center have more connection to the Temple Visitor Center and support those who are curious about how the Church, Temple and family history are related.

Is there any guidance how to work with the Washington DC Temple Visitor Center?

Brett .

@Frances Miller Seay

Frances

I am just another 'lowly' User/Patron ...

[ And, I happen to be a Member of the Church ... ]

[ Plus, I have been a Staff Member, of "Family History Centres", of the Church, for many Years ... ]

Just in passing ...

Firstly ...

"Family History Centres", of the Church, should NOT, be a place of actual "Proselyting" ...

[ Regarding, the Gospel; and/or, the Church ... ]

That is in the "Guidelines" for "Family History Centres", of the Church.

Secondly ...

But ...

That Said ...

That DOES NOT mean, that a "Family History Centre" CANNOT:

▬ Assist Users/Patrons who are Member of the Church; and/or,

▬ Answer questions, of Users/Patrons, who are NOT members of the Church ...

.... When, they ask 'questions' regarding, the Gospel; and/or, the Church ...

But ...

That Said ...

Due to the fact, that the particular "Family History Centre", of the Church, in question, in right next to a "Temple", with an associated "Visitors Centre" ...

I would humbly suggest, that simply providing a very "Brief" 'Answer'; and, then, directing the User/Patron, to the "Visitors Centre" of the "Temple", for more a more in-depth 'Answer'; where, "Full-Time" Missionaries, are stationed, would be the most, appropriate; and, prudent, course of action.

Finally ...

Now ...

That Said ...

I am NOT disagreeing, that there SHOULD be, "Co-operation"; "Collaboration"; and, "Cohesion", between, the "Family History Centre"; and, the "Visitors Centre" - that is a 'Given'.

That is a matter, that needs to be addressed/fixed, between, the "Family History Centre"; and, the "Visitors Centre", at the highest levels (of the "Temple"; and, the Stake).

Good Luck.

I hope, that this may help/assist, somewhat.

MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU IN THIS IMPORTANT WORK

Brett

Ken Richins - NAO FSCS Specialty Lead

That guidance is something that must be done locally. You need to take this question to your local stake priesthood (High Councilor over Temple and Family History) who would then seek guidance from the Stake President who would then council with the Temple President. Once they have counseled together and found a resolution that would be conveyed back to you through your High Councilor.