Ask Gramps.org

Is it all right to attend another ward to avoid contention between members?

Dear Gramps,

If there is dissension among members, is it all right to attend services in another ward in order to avoid it?

Sandra, from Texas

Dear Sandra,

Ward membership is not an option for the individual members. When a member’s address is known, the Mormon Church’s Membership Department identifies the address as being within the geographical limits of a given ward and forwards the membership record to that ward. That becomes the ward of record.

There is no regulation that prohibits members from visiting other wards, but when a member does attend another ward, he or she is only a visitor. The bishop of that ward does not have ecclesiastical authority over the visitor, and would normally not consider the person for opportunities for service in that ward.

Gramps

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