Service Dogs Allowed in LDS Churches

[NicoleLJ]

I am so proud of myself. I really am. Back in August I moved to a place that had a new bishop that did not know the churchs standing on Service dogs. I went for two Sundays and then people started to refuse to pick me up. I quickly found out that it was because of a misunderstanding. The Bishop at the time did not know that the Churchs standing on Services dogs was that they are allow in all church buildings and Services excluding the Temples. I tried to explain it to him and it got pretty heated on my end. I went to the Stake president and he back the Bishop. So I phoned Salt Lake City. And started to contact the right people to get the information I needed. I got it too. Here is the link:


The LDS Church and Service Dogs;
Home - Disability Resources - Frequently Asked Questions - Doctrines and policies

Q: Is it appropriate bring a service animal into Church buildings?

A: Yes. The only place where service dogs may not be allowed is in the temple. In the temple, ordinance workers will gladly assist you. In addition, please be aware of local laws concerning service dogs and other assistance for those with disabilities.


I showed this along with other information to the Bishop and the matter was dropped. The interesting thing was that this whole thing brought about an article in the church magazine. From all the people I talked to in Salt Lake City and how concerned they were that this was not just a one time case they wrote an article about it in Ensign. Here is the link to the article:

LDS.org - Ensign Article - The New Disabilities Web Site

The part about Service Dogs is under frequently asked questions. I was so happy to read that. Now Bishops of my church can't deny someone with a Service Dog. Which means people who wanted to come to church before but couldn't because they had a guide dog, a hearing dog or so on can attend. I am so glad this was fianlly written. And if my many calls and badgering had anything to do with it them I am very glad I did it.

 

[FoxyWench]

that is awesome...

they are protected from federal law because they are private correct?

im so glad you managed to get this recognized!

 

[NicoleLJ]

Yup in most cases they are protected. Churches are the one place where Service Dogs can be denied access. But if the Church as a whole has a plolicy then that policy is what stands. The LDS church has accepted Service Dogs for a while. And it has been a policy to accept them. But not everyone knows this. This will help get the word out. Personally I do not care what religion someone is, though of course I truely believe in mine, but I do believe in the right to worship. Now many people who could not worship before for lack of knowledge on certain people;s parts can now join in on Sundays and on other occassions.

 

[TayFerg]

Thank you so much! My bishop was saying I couldn't bring my service dog (that I will finally get after years of waiting) to church because I can go to church now.