SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
David O. McKay, President
December
21, 1965
Elder Thomas C. Wood
4945 Lincoln Way
Oakland, California
Dear Elder Wood:
President McKay, who is under a very
heavy schedule of duties and meetings associated with the general jurisdiction
of the Church, has asked me to acknowledge for him your letter of December 18,
1965.
Regarding the drinking of water during
the Fast, I have been directed to say that the Brethren have stated that
"in observed Fast Days, we should refrain from eating two meals, and that
a proper Fast is to abstain from eating and drinking, also, that in considering
the practice of fasting, the spiritual element of fasting and prayer should
accompany the Fast."
Concerning Sanka Coffee, letters have
been sent out from the First Presidency stating that "the drinking of
Sanka coffee is not regarded as a violation of the Word of Wisdom." Since
this is the case, a person can be baptized and receive a Temple Recommend while
drinking Sanka Coffee.
It is suggested that if you have any
further questions that you confer with your Mission President. If he is in any
doubt he can write direct to the First Presidency.
Sincerely yours,
Claire Middlemiss
Secretary to:
President David O. McKay (Claire
Middlemiss, Letter to Thomas C. Wood, December 21, 1965, repr. Lynn Kenneth
Packer, A Missionary Experience [New York: Carlton Press, Inc., 1969],
98-99)