Anettka is correct. Any baptisms or temple work done by proxy for ancestors by the LDS members allows the deceased recipient the opportunity to accept or reject the ordinace work done on their behalf. There are many LDS converts whose ancestors were Catholic, Lutheran, Baptist, etc and even some Jewish so the old records are needed for research. Perhaps the Vatican skipped over Malachi 4:6. Rose From: Anettka@aol.com If it is any consolation to those whose ancestors were Catholic, or Jewish or whatever.... Years ago before the temple in San Diego was consecrated, the public was offered the opportunity to tour the temple. My brother and I took up that offer and went through it. When reaching the room of baptism, I asked 'but what if our ancestors didn't want to become/be baptized Mormon?' The answer was that they had the right to refuse/not accept the baptism... And as decedents of these potential 'convertees', one can keep their research among only those who have the most right to it... the family of their ancestors, and thus not support baptism of the masses. I might also add, that part of the Mormon goals supporting their interest in genealogy include sealing children to parents and husbands to wives so they will be together for eternity, this also can be done posthumously. By extension of prior refusal of baptism, I suppose that the deceased can reject these rites also... but since one must be a Mormon to receive the later rites, it would seem refusal of the former would negate anything done later. Anettka