Secretaries and Clerks

“Behold, mine house is a house of order, saith the Lord God, and not a house of confusion.” Doctrine and Covenants 132:8

Secretaries

A secretary is a person who helps maintain order and accepts delegated assignments from presidency members to help the organization run smoothly and efficiently.

Elders quorums and organizations in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have a secretary. Each Young Women class has a secretary as well. Stake presidencies and bishoprics have executive secretaries. Some of the general secretarial responsibilities include keep attendance records, prepare agendas, attend meetings, take notes, keep track of assignments, set appointments, prepare reports, and help prepare budgets. Although secretaries work closely with the presidencies or bishoprics, they are not, strictly speaking, part of the presidency and do not carry the same responsibilities; however, their input and insight is helpful and welcome.

Secretaries are selected by the president of the quorum or organization, and are approved and called to serve by the bishop, branch president, or stake president.

Clerks

Ward, branch, and stake clerks are called to keep accurate membership, financial, and historical records. The Church Handbook of Instructions indicates that "Accurate records help Church leaders know members and identify their needs. . . . Accurate records also help leaders evaluate progress and make plans for improvement."

They report directly to bishops, branch presidents, and stake presidents and follow current Church policies and procedures.

Ward and branch clerks are recommended by bishops or branch presidents and are called to serve by a branch or stake president.