A change in policy for financing local Church units in the United States and Canada has been announced by the First Presidency.
In a letter to local Church leaders, the First Presidency said because of the faithfulness of members in paying tithing and other offerings, ward and stake operational funds in the U.S. and Canada will come from general Church funds.According to the letter, beginning Jan. 1, 1990, members will no longer have stake and ward budget assessments.
Members of the First Presidency, in the letter read in wards on Sunday, Nov. 19, said they had looked for the day when the faithfulness of members would result in operational expenses coming from the general funds of the Church. The leaders said the Church has reached the point where, initially in the United States and Canada, general Church funds can be used to cover ward, branch and stake expenses.
The First Presidency also expressed concern for members for whom paying ward budget assessments was a hardship.
Fast offerings will continue to be collected to assist those in need. "We ask all Latter-day Saints to observe the designated fast and to contribute to the Church a generous fast offering, for the blessing of both the needy and those who give," the First Presidency wrote. The First Presidency also instructed wards and quorums to contribute to the general missionary fund.
Registration funds for the Boy Scout program will be provided to the wards from the Church as a part of the budget allowance, but the Boy Scout Sustaining Membership Enrollment (SME) will continue to be raised through separate solicitations.
Further details concerning the change in policy will be announced later by Church leaders.