[Teachldsseminary] OT: Callings Letter Date

[Bev Tracy]

I am always amazed at how a simple query can touch off a firestorm on this list.  I know that I have genuinely fond feelings for many of the friends that I have here, but, like Terisa, am often hesitant to post for fear of the backlash.

With that said and apparently with good sense thrown to the wind today, I would like to respond to President Howick's remarks.  I think that they were misunderstood as much as Terisa's may have been.  Of course we are free to choose and agency is an essential element of the Plan of Salvation.  We all know that.  However, to quote FTSOY "While you are free to choose for yourself, you are not free to choose the consequences of your actions."  (My favorite quote!) As Brian pointed out, callings are not ours to release ourselves from.  There is ample evidence of that from the teachings of the general authorities, as he cited.  We CAN ask to be released from a calling but that comes with a set of consequences that are not of our choosing.  It may be that particular blessings that we could have received from that calling will be denied us.  It may be that someone we could have touched in that calling will not cross our path, it may simply be that the faith we gain from obedience will be diminished.  We don't really know.  It is essential to keep our priesthood leaders informed if our circumstances become such that a calling causes an undue burden on our family or on ourselves.  It is then up to the discretion of that priesthood leader to decide whether or not to issue a release.  Yes, we can always ask for a release but that is really not the way of priesthood action.  Traditionally, Seminary teaching appointments have not been treated in this way.  I think Terisa's question was right on point.  I have been asked every year by my priesthood leader if I wanted to continue to teach Seminary.  I have always felt that the decision was mine and mine alone.  I could at any time have told him that it no longer worked with my schedule or with my family demands or that I didn't like it anymore and I could have walked away guilt free.  This new policy making Seminary teacher a stake calling is different.  It will be up to my priesthood leader to decide when I should be released.  Yes, he may consult me regarding my situation but ultimately the burden of decision shifts from the Seminary teacher to the priesthood leader.

Bev
Fair Oaks, CA
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