Monday, July 1, 2024

Claire Middlemiss (secretary to President David O. McKay) answering Word of Wisdom-related questions (December 21, 1965)

  

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)