Why are two Priesthood holders needed for blessing the sick?
Question
Gramps,
In our Gospel Principles class we were studying the priesthood organization. A question came about as to why we need two priesthood holders to perform a blessing for healing of the sick. I do know if necessary one priesthood holder could accomplish this. Nobody could really come up with a definitive answer. Â Thanks.
Chris
Answer
Chris,
The blessing of the sick is a two-part ordinance normally accomplished by two or more Melchizedek priesthood holders.  As a two-part ordinance we are counseled that one person anoints, while the other seals the anointing.  The sacrament is also an ordinance which could easily be accomplished by one Melchizedek priesthood holder; although, the Lord has directed that a deacon passes, a teacher prepares, and a priest blesses the sacrament.  The blessing of the sacrament is also two parts: the bread and the water.  One priest could easily bless both the bread and water, and yet, we have two priests to bless the sacrament.
Joseph Smith once declared, “I teach them correct principles and they govern themselves,” which appears to have persuasion within the realm of blessing the sick.  The Church Handbook of Instructions does not clearly define that the anointing and the sealing must be accomplished by two Melchizedek priesthood holders.  The handbook specifies that “one” brother anoints, while normally two or more take part in the sealing.  We have been provided a principle that gives opportunity (allows others to exercise their priesthood on behalf of family and friends) for more than one Melchizedek priesthood holder to bless the life of a fellow son or daughter of God. At the same time, we are to act in wisdom in all things.  Part of this wisdom is to recognize the circumstances of life which may present an opportunity when we are the only Melchizedek priesthood holder around to anoint and seal a blessing.  At these times we further recognize the Lord’s wisdom.
Gramps
What happens when there is only one available priesthood holder. I am thinking of where I live in the UK, there is no LDS chapel or presence within three hours drive on very small mountain roads and I have never even seen a missionary in my town. My friend holds the highest priesthood in the USA but when he comes here to visit, he is the only one. So does that mean that if I asked him to give me a blessing he would be unable to because there is no one else? Also what about baptism, if there is only one priesthood holder? before you ask, no there is no contact with the closest LDS chapel, it is just too far away.
Liz Perrott — I believe Gramps answered your first question when he stated, “Part of this wisdom is to recognize the circumstances of life which may present an opportunity when we are the only Melchizedek priesthood holder around to anoint and seal a blessing.” If circumstances create an opportunity for only one Melchizedek priesthood holder to anoint and seal, then sometimes that is the case — God understands.
The highest priesthood in the USA is the same priesthood in the UK. There are two priesthood, Melchizedek and Aaronic. Members of the Church in the UK hold the same priesthood. A bishop in UK will hold the same priesthood as your friend from the USA. A high priest in the UK will hold the same priesthood as a member in the USA.
As for baptism, in order for a baptism to have any efficacy in this life and the hereafter it must be performed under the direction of a bishop, no matter how far away the nearest LDS church is. Also, no matter how far away the closest LDS church is, it is never to far away to be baptized by proper authority under the direction of those who hold the keys. The same for the temple. The temple is never to far away, if you have the means to save and reach it.
Thank you for your comments but if you live hundreds of miles away and have no access to transport, and you are physically too incapacitated to travel anyway it is not going to happen. Rural UK had their train services and bus routes cut off decades ago. I just think that is there is only one priesthood holder who can be available, it seems bad that they can’t act alone if authorised to do so.
Even if we live hundreds of miles away baptism must be performed properly to have any any efficacy in our next life; however, if authorized to do so, yes they can act alone — at least with providing a blessing. When the priesthood has been bestowed upon an individual, they already have permission to act alone, if the circumstance requires it for a blessing.
Baptism on the other end must be authorized by the bishop. Bishops hold the keys to the Aaronic priesthood, which gives them permission to allow baptisms to be performed. Before a baptism is performed an individual must receive a worthiness interview either by a missionary, a mission presidency, or a bishop. Even in rural areas, your friend still could reach the bishop via phone, explain circumstances, receive the permission required, and then make arrangements for baptism. I know of no bishop who would not be able to accommodate your circumstances if called upon. As for you, however, if not a member, a mission president would authorize your baptism, and I know of no mission president either who wouldn’t make the necessary arrangements to assist with your baptism especially if you are physically unable to travel.
Thank you, I am in my 70s and the only reason I haven’t joined the church, having studied in depth over many years, is because there are no chapels within many hundreds of miles. Ironically, having done some history of the church in the area I discovered where I live now,In Wales, was once one of the strongest areas of LDS activity, but they all sailed to the USA through the Perpetual Immigration Fund.. There is a book I have bought which has been translated into English, which shows a diary of events in the late 1800s, Fascinating!
Usually you take missionary lessons which can be given by the priesthood holder before you become baptized and the Bishop will ask you a few questions to verify you are ready to be baptized. It’s the answers you give back to him that let him know you are ready or not. The questions are the same for everybody, as there is no discrimination in the Church. Everybody is treated equally with respect.
In order to be baptized into the Church there must be two witnesses to watch you go under to make sure all of your body went under and a presiding bishopric person to oversee. It also gets recorded in the Church records that you have been baptized. If you don’t do it this way how will anybody know you have been baptized? After baptism you will have the Holy Ghost conferred upon you and you will then become a legit Church member recorded for all time and eternity. No baptism is ever turned away. The high priest needs to contact his Bishop and make arrangements
Speaking of bleswings of health, If time allows I invite the home teacher or other person to assist. If time does not allow and a blessing is needed immediately I do it on my own. Ive checked it out and that fine. Especially when being performed by the head of the family aka patriarch.
Normally, two or more men who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood place their hands lightly on the head of the person who is sick. One of the men seals the anointing “and this is the same to all other ordinances that requires 2 or more men who holds the Melchizedek Priesthood that one will do this and the other will do that but in circumstances that only 1 Melchizedek Priesthood holder is available then he may just proceed with the ordinances and make it known after to his presiding officer(bishop,branch president,mission president,etc) in that jurisdiction/area.
From the Handbook of Instructions Book 2, Section 20.6.1:
“Only Melchizedek Priesthood holders may administer to the sick or
afflicted. Normally two or more priesthood holders administer to the
sick, but one may perform both the anointing and the sealing alone if
necessary.”
From: https://www.lds.org/handbook/handbook-2-administering-the-church/priesthood-ordinances-and-blessings?lang=eng#206
The short answer is that it is not required to have two priesthood holders, but it is recommended.