The Mormon Church blocks access to Holocaust victim data in its genealogical database

The Mormon Church has implemented a policy to restrict access to data on Holocaust victims and Jewish survivors within its FamilySearch genealogical database. This decision aims to prevent members from performing posthumous baptisms on these individuals, a practice the Church has long maintained. The move follows growing criticism of the Church for its continued involvement in the ritual, which differs from many other Christian denominations.

The practice of baptism for the dead, a unique aspect of Mormon theology, has been a point of contention. While the Church banned the baptism of Holocaust victims in 1995, recent revelations indicated that temples had baptized the parents of notable Jewish figures, including Simon Vizental, Anne Frank, and Daniel Pearl. The Church has since distanced itself from these instances and pledged to take steps to prevent similar occurrences.

Under the new policy, the FamilySearch database will automatically block searches for names of Holocaust victims and other deceased Jewish individuals. The database, established in 1894, is the largest genealogical resource in the world and is used by public institutions, including Yad Vashem. This measure is intended to curb the practice of posthumous baptism among Jewish communities.

The restriction has drawn criticism from academics and genealogists. Gary Motkoff, a Jewish genealogist who previously engaged with the Church to address the issue, stated that blocking access to data creates an illusion of secrecy. He emphasized the importance of transparency in genealogical research and the potential impact on historical understanding.

The Church has defended its actions, with spokesperson Michael Ford stating that the organization is committed to preventing the incorrect practice of sending Jewish names for baptism after death. The Church has not provided specific details on how it will enforce the new policy or address concerns raised by critics.

The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between religious practices and the ethical treatment of historical data. It also raises questions about the balance between faith-based traditions and the broader implications for Jewish communities and historical research. The situation underscores the need for clear communication and accountability in institutional practices.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Hebrew)