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Sitting On The Stand....

The other day, I had a long time friend who is approaching his 60's tell me that he had serious concerns about the policy of the Church directing the presiding authority to sit "on the stand" during Sacrament meeting. He said that when he was a Bishop, he received direction from the First Presidency detailing that during Sacrament meeting, any leader who's authority is more than that of a Bishop was to sit in the congregation, sort of recognizing the authority of that Bishop to his congregation. My friend says he received revelation to this end reinforcing the policy in his mind. I personally do not have a problem with this issue as I figured that there are places in the world where the Sacrament is not well understood by both the congregation and even the Bishopric. (Not in Utah, but perhaps in a third-world country. I mean, I have even seen this in small towns in the U.S.

My friend thought it was more to be seen of men. I think it became even worse for him when a member of the stake Presidency, after the question was asked in General Priesthood if there were any other announcements, said that he had just been selected to become a law dean of a "Popular University." My friend was thinking, why is that an announcement for the general body of the priesthood? Anyhow, I relay that to explain how my friend thinks that leaders sitting on the stand might exacerbate the "here am I" attitude that some leaders seem to posses.

My question are, why should leaders, higher in authority than the Bishop sit on the stand? What does it accomplish? Why isn't the Authority of the Bishop or one of his counselors good enough? I mean, the Stake President only sits up there when he is there. Any other time, it seems to be just fine to have the Bishopric conduct alone, why is it not good enough when the Stake President happens to be there?

Stand The Sitting

If the leader in question is presiding, then if something in the meeting is not going right he can make whatever changes he sees fit, obviously it will be easier if he is on the stand. He could also make whatever changes during that meeting for whatever purpose therefore it seems like sitting in the stand is more of a convenience. It is just my opinion.

Sitting On The Stand.... Studies Doctrine Mormon

It has become custom now days, that if a leader is "visiting" that they are invited to sit on the stand. Once you sit on the stand then for the most part you are presiding.

I don't know if all wards do this, but with our High Counselor sitting on the stand, he is always recognized as there.
Its just a sign of respect for higher authority. I assume the Stake presidency doesn't come all the time.

Its is good enough. Its just a mater of respect. If somebody is higher in leadership then they preside! Its nothing to do with extra keys, its all out of respect for that person being in higher authority, then they get to run the meeting or get to preside.

Now I can see some leaders probably do let this special recognition go to there head. But that's more of an expectation. Most of the time when I have seen a Stake Presidency (or an Apostle) join a sacrament meeting, they want to do everything in there power not to bring attention themselves. Most would prefer to just sit on the stand and not change the meeting at all (which usually happens).