Bishop's storehouse

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Welfare Square grain silo

Bishop's Storehouse refers to a facility used by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) for the purpose of storing and distributing commodities to those in need. These storehouses are an integral part of the church's welfare system, designed to provide for the temporal needs of church members and others in the community facing hardship. The concept is deeply rooted in the church's doctrine and history, emphasizing self-reliance, care for the poor and needy, and community support.

History

The idea of a bishop's storehouse has its origins in the early days of the LDS Church, established by Joseph Smith in the 1830s. Initially, the concept was tied to the Law of Consecration, a principle where church members would donate their surplus property to the church, which would then redistribute it according to need. The first bishop's storehouse was established in Kirtland, Ohio, and the practice expanded as the church grew and migrated westward, particularly in Nauvoo, Illinois, and later in the Salt Lake Valley.

Function and Operation

A bishop's storehouse typically stocks food items, household goods, and sometimes clothing. These goods are provided to individuals and families who have been deemed in need by their local bishop, who assesses their circumstances and issues an order form that allows them to receive goods from the storehouse. The operation of a bishop's storehouse is reliant on volunteer labor from church members, which helps to keep operating costs low.

The goods distributed are often produced or processed by the church's own agricultural and manufacturing operations, including farms, ranches, canneries, and dairies. This vertical integration helps the church maintain a degree of self-sufficiency and control over the quality and availability of goods.

Locations

There are bishop's storehouses located throughout the United States and in several other countries where the LDS Church has a significant presence. The exact number of storehouses varies, as new facilities are established and existing ones are sometimes consolidated or closed.

Significance

The bishop's storehouse system is a manifestation of the LDS Church's commitment to welfare and humanitarian aid. It not only serves to meet the immediate needs of individuals and families but also fosters a sense of community and mutual support among church members. The system is also used as a means to provide disaster relief and aid to non-members in times of need.

Criticism and Challenges

While widely regarded as a positive force for good, the bishop's storehouse system has faced criticism, particularly regarding the requirement for recipients to be church members or to engage with the church in some way to receive aid. Critics argue that this could potentially exclude those in need who do not wish to participate in religious activities. The church maintains that aid is not contingent upon religious participation and that efforts are made to assist all who are in need, regardless of their faith or lack thereof.

See Also

• Welfare (LDS Church)
• Law of Consecration
• Humanitarian Services
• Fast Offering