LDS Question: What is a "bishop's letter" and what are my chances of getting one?

Question

There is someone whose dates fit into known events has possibly having been my grandmother. Same name, born 2 years after my grandfather, and deceased three years before his marriage to his second wife. I clicked on the "Source call number" link from familysearch.org and got this text as part of the information listed:

The document is listed as "Family group sheets prepared by patrons and taken directly to the temple; also baptism-endowment cards for the deceased on these family group sheets." (My grandfather and his second wife were LDS members, unsure if my grandmother was. Their children are mostly Catholic, one LDS.)

Additionally, it says: "No circulation to family history centers. Photocopying not allowed. Must show temple recommend or bishop's letter to use the material. Access to these records requires patron show proof that they may include his/her own lineage."

So, what are my chances of viewing these documents? I'm not an LDS member, so what is a bishop's letter?

Answer 1

This is a good question. I will answer what I can. First, a family group sheet is basically a record that contains part of the individual's family history to include vital information on spouse, children, other family members (depending on how many family group sheets were completed), as well as who prepared them.

So, from the first paragraph you quoted, it sounds like your grandfather and second wife probably did some family history work. Then, they submitted the names directly to the temple to do the work on their behalf.

The second paragraph could mean that, since they submitted the work directly, it was never sent out to family history centers. A temple recommend is given to worthy adult members of the church after an interview with their Bishop and Stake leader and allows them to attend the Temple. I am not sure if there is a specific "Bishop's letter" or if you merely need to speak to a bishop to explain why you want to view the documents and to verify that you are who you say you are.

Here is my suggestion: If you have a past address for you grandfather, contact the current bishop of his ward (congregation). If you don't have an address, contact the nearest bishop to where you live. Explain the situation and ask him what you can do. Most members of the church are more than willing to help, if they can. If they can't, perhaps they will point you in the right direction. You could also contact a family history center and ask them for guidance, as they usually have much more experience with such matters. I am a convert to the church and most of my family history is outside of the US. My experiences have been quite different than the average member. I wish I could offer you more assistance. Let me know if there is anything else that I can do for you.

This is a link to a meeting house locator:
http://www.lds.org/basicbeliefs/meetinghouse/0,6017,352-1,00.html

This is a link to find a family history center:
http://www.familysearch.org/Eng/Library/FHC/frameset_fhc.asp

Answer 2

A bishop's letter has nothing to do with worthiness. It's used by the LDS Church to assure that access to this information is being used for proper purposes. As a non-member, merely go to a local LDS bishop (links were provided in a prior answer) and tell them what you are trying to do.

It really is quite simple. No conspiracies.

Answer 3

I grew up in Utah so I know a little bit about it. A bishop's letter is a letter written by the bishop in your ward, or nearest LDS church. He writes this letter claiming that you are pure and holy and your believe in the church. So bascially, I don't think you can get one unless you go and ask for a favor. Otherwise, you might be out of luck. Every person who was married to an LDS church member is on record so no matter what, your grandmother is recorded somewhere in LDS files. You can continue your online search or go to your nearest LDS church and ask for someone's help there. Unfortunantly, I think you may be out of luck.

Answer 4

your chance is zerow