SECTION
149A
Revelation
given through W. Wallace Smith, prophet and seer, on April 5, 1968.
During the consideration of Section 149 by the quorums, councils, and
orders, certain questions of interpretation arose regarding the role
of the bishop and the nature of the financial support to be given to
the construction of the temple.
An
explanatory statement offered by the prophet carried evidences of
inspiration which led to a request for him to give the Conference
further instructions concerning it. President Smith then presented
the following instruction to the quorums, councils, and orders, and
it was approved by them and the Conference. In a covering letter
President Smith requested that it be numbered 149A and recognized as
being closely related to the matter contained in Section 149.
The
prophet wrote further: “Having made the needs of the church a
matter of earnest prayer during the time that the document which is
now Section 149 was being considered by the councils, quorums, and
orders, I became acutely aware that there was need for additional
instruction as guidance for the church. As a consequence, I was
awakened at a very early hour on the morning of April 4 and, being
motivated by the Spirit of the Lord, prepared the following document
as further guidance in relation to matters already under
consideration pertaining to the work of the bishop and the building
of the temple.”
To
the Councils, Quorums, Orders, and the Church:
1.
Nothing contained in the April 1 document is in derogation of the
work of the bishop. On the contrary it recognizes his as a “necessary
appendage belonging unto the high priesthood” (Doctrine and
Covenants 83:5). The emphasis in this case is on “necessary.” The
instructions given in Doctrine and Covenants 128:2, e and 129:8 are
still valid for the guidance of the church, but the work alluded to
must necessarily be carried out under the general guidance of those
who are rightfully in charge of the work as the presidency in any
jurisdictional division of the church.
2.
This further means that the bishop, when assigned, will be recognized
in his rightful place as a bishop in his own right to initiate in
consultation with the local authorities those programs which under
the law are recognized as necessary in his ministry, being
responsible in such matters to the local, stake, regional, or
district conference having jurisdiction.
3. In
further interpretation of the role of the bishop, it is necessary to
understand that his support of programs will be sought by
administrative officers in consultation at time of formulation and
when agreed will be administered in accordance with that agreement
and budgets applicable thereto; it being understood that those in the
administrative line will give general direction and be kept fully
informed as to the progress being made.
4. It
should be further understood that in cases of difference, the
rightful line of appeal is to the proper administrative officer in
that jurisdiction with final appeal to the First Presidency.
5. In
explanation of the use of the word “surplus” in reference to
building the temple so that no one shall be denied an opportunity to
participate as fully as possible, surplus shall be construed in its
wider meaning to include that amount available for special
appropriation from the tithes and offerings of the Saints after the
budgetary needs of the church have been met, as well as those funds
which are consecrated as surplus under the more restrictive use of
the term.
6. It
is also to be noted that the full and complete use of the temple is
yet to be revealed but that there is no provision for secret
ordinances now or ever, although there will be provision for
instructional opportunities which will of necessity be restricted to
the particular category concerned, viz, high priests, patriarchs,
bishops, seventies, elders, Aaronic priesthood, and so forth.
Beyond
these more specific instructions I am extremely happy to be able to
express my deep appreciation for the devotion evidenced in the
support you have given to the work entrusted to all. Be faithful and
diligent and the blessings of God will be yours in abundance.
Your
servant in Christ,
W.
Wallace Smith
President
of the Church
Independence,
Missouri
April
5, 1968
