$1,000,000 Apostle Signing Bonus?

[_Doctor CamNC4Me]

Who are the members of the 12 you know personally?

- Doc

[_Doctor Scratch]

But this would seem to confirm that much the same thing happens with the Brethren. No wonder the Mopologists seem to be okay with outright lying about this: they've probably known all along that the General Authorities do things like this.

Doesn't it go beyond merely just being "okay" with it? I mean, don't we see it argued that the General Authorities are living like paupers?

Yeah. The idea seems to be along the same lines of what Midgley describes as "this probation." In other words, in your mortal life, you have to suffer. Even if you have the means to do so, if you are an LDS administrator, you may not--in any way, shape, or form--adopt anything that could be construed as "sybaritic." You may not have fun. You may not own expensive things. You may not live in the lap of luxury. You do your job, and that's *it.* Sure, the rank and file can have all they fun they're able to handle, but goddammit, these guys are serious. It's full-time commitment to God's plan, or nothing at all, and to hell with you if you can't hack it!

But, no, actually: there is a lot of money to be had, along with a whole host of other perks.

[_moksha]

How do most multi-billion dollar corporations reward those who sign on to a lifetime board of directors position?

Current Board Pay Status

The most common pay elements at S&P 500 companies currently are:

cash retainers for Board service;
annual equity grants for Board service;
Committee Chair retainers; and
Lead Director or Non-Executive Chair Retainers.
Parsonage Allowance*
Monthly Stipend*
Bottomless Credit Card Usage*
No Tithing Requirement*
Free Tuition for Children and Grandchildren*

* - Only for super extra special board members.

[_Craig Paxton]

Who are the members of the 12 you know personally?

- Doc

Let me rephrase that: I've conducted business with several of the 12. I've met them, had conversations with them and they know who I am. I do not want to insinuate (as my earlier statement implies) that we are friends or even speak on a regular basis, we do not.

[_Doctor CamNC4Me]

So, if you don’t know them personally, how do you arrive at the conclusion they’d pass up a sweet compensation package? And how many of the 12 have you done business with, whatever that means? <- I don’t say that snarkily, I just don’t know how to interpret a vague statement because it lacks information.

- Doc

[_I have a question]

That the 12 Apostles “do business” kind of says it all...

[_Dr Moore]

I too am positively certain that most of the Apostles (a) don't need the money, and (b) therefore would refuse the money even if offered with no strings attached. However, I have no view on whether one or two, over the years, found themselves "church poor" and welcoming of the assistance to deleverage and be capable of "taking no thought" in order to devote themselves fully to the ministry. I don't find that model troubling, but secrecy about this money benefit, assuming it's real, is awful. On par with literally hiding one hundred billion dollars from the membership.

[_Craig Paxton]

So, if you don’t know them personally, how do you arrive at the conclusion they’d pass up a sweet compensation package? And how many of the 12 have you done business with, whatever that means? <- I don’t say that snarkily, I just don’t know how to interpret a vague statement because it lacks information.

- Doc

We have a business relationship, we have had business dinner situations and made small talk. They're just normal guys when in these situations. Out of respect to them I would prefer to leave how many and their names out of this. The members that I know, don't need the money and like I said have made great sacrifices to become members of the 12. They could if desired live lavish lifestyles, but instead have agreed to live a much more modest lifestyle reflective of their life time calling.

Edit to Add: Nothing I have said precludes one of the other 12 from having taken the $1M signing bonus, I just doubt that it happens. What I would find more realistic is that their debts are paid off so that they can focus on their callings rather then their debts.

[_Doctor CamNC4Me]

Well. We have a couple of interesting 'witnesses' regarding this story, for sure.

On the one hand we have John Dehlin reporting Grant Palmer said an emeritus GA told him that million dollar bonuses are part of a compensation package when an Apostle is chosen.

On the other hand we have two different people expressing skepticism due to their alleged connections or sleuthing.

Is John Dehlin lying? I don't see any way for this information to be verified since Brother Palmer is dead and the GA ain't talkin'.

- Doc

[_Gadianton]

My opinion is that they are offered the money and that they take it. It doesn't matter if they need the money or not. They don't need their feet washed either. If that's part of the initiation, there are many reasons why taking the money is a must. First,it's about brotherhood. The apostle who came in with less now has the pressure on, does he take "charity" and be the lesser apostle who had to take the handout? If all the apostles take what is given, then none need to feel ashamed for taking it. Second, the Church needs to encourage all to take what is given, such that the Church can maintain leverage over the initiates. Let's say I'm called and fine, I don't need the money, but we don't want to encourage others from going stoic and avoiding the noose. The seasoned members would need to boldly admit to have taken the money themselves, and show gratitude for the generosity behind the token such that newbies feel comfortable signing their souls away also.