While most of this information is correct, I'd like to make a couple of corrections.
Firstly, the information about them having received help from the Church most likely came from their landlord, who had received a rent check from the Church. The money isn't given to the individual, to be used at their discretion. A series of checks would be cut to whomever was owed the money, i.e. mortgage lender/landlord, auto lender, utility provider, etc.
This money comes from local funds, which are paid as fast offerings. We've discussed the whole fast offering topic before so I won't digress. If you need further explanation, let me know. Provided that sufficient funds have been received locally, that money is administered on a local level, not by the Church in Utah. In cases where there is a shortage, money is then requested from the Stake (which is the equivalent of an Arch Diocese) and finally from Salt Lake if all local ward and stake funds have been exhausted (however, this rarely happens).
Several people in their ward would have known about their receiving assistance: the Bishop, his two counselors, and the executive secretary (4), the Elder's Quorum President (1), High Priest Group Leader (1), Relief Society President (1), Young Men's President (1), and Ward Mission Leader (1). These people make up the Ward Welfare Committee. If assistance is rendered, these people are aware of it and discuss as a group how to further help the individuals in need.
While it was stated that inactive members can simply request money and receive it, it is not that simple. If someone is not active and not living the teachings of the gospel, they are encouraged to become active. In fact, the Bishop and others would work with them in this process to bring them back to full fellowship. The system is set up to withstand any potential abuse. If the individual is unwilling to make changes in their life, i.e. living the commandments, attending Church, etc., they probably won't receive help for long.
Additionally, in most cases, the individual receiving assistance would be expected to make some sort of contribution in the form of labor in order to continue receiving assistance. This contribution could be cleaning the building, doing yard work around the building, etc. Our welfare system is NOT like that of the US Government. We EXPECT individuals to make a sincere effort to find work, and we will go to great efforts to assist them in this process. In fact, we have employment specialists throughout the Church.
Jenifred said:
YW! Just want a clear picture on how this system worked. It probably would have been very quietly done and the whole congregation wouldn't have known it was even taking place. Which makes me wonder how it got out to the press. I'll have to reread that article.
I don't think that this murder was financially motivated though.
And when I was speaking of leaving a baby home, I mean just while you went around the corner to pick up another child at school (15 minutes), not going grocery shopping for an hour or especially not drinking with friends until late into the evening--thanks for calling DPS on those neighbors.
