SECTION
155
On
Monday, March 29, 1982, President Wallace B. Smith presented the
following document to the councils, quorums, and orders of the
church, and to the delegates of the World Conference, asking them to
consider it as divine guidance for the whole church. The Conference
adopted it on that basis the next day and provided for its inclusion
in the Doctrine and Covenants.
Callings
of personnel at the general officer level, shown in the first five
paragraphs, effect changes in the composition of the First
Presidency, the Council of Twelve, and the Order of Evangelists.
The
rest of the document calls the church at large to greater unity of
purpose and resoluteness of action in proclaiming the gospel and
advancing the cause of Zion. President Smith introduced the document
with the following statement:
“Because
of the duties and responsibilities which are peculiarly mine, the
needs of the church are matters of continual concern in my prayers
and meditations. As I have sought for light and understanding
regarding those needs I have been blessed with a great degree of
assurance that the instructions I now bring to the church do
represent the divine will. With that assurance, I present the
following for your prayerful consideration.”
To
the Councils, Quorums, and Orders of the Church and to the World
Conference:
1a. My
servant, Reed M. Homes, having served honorably for many years as a
special witness in the apostolic quorum and for the past eight years
as Presiding Patriarch of the church, is released from his
responsibilities and should be given the honor of superannuation.
1b. He
should continue to minister in the office of patriarch and evangelist
as opportunities allow, but thus relieved of specific duties he will
be free to pursue other interests, especially relating to Israel and
the Holy Land.
2a.
Duane E. Couey is called to the office of patriarch and to be the
Presiding Patriarch of the church. In that office he will bring rich
ministry as a spiritual father to the church. This call, which was
made known to my servant earlier, is now timely and the ordination
should take place as soon as practicable.
2b.
Elder Couey’s wisdom and spiritual maturity, so evident during his
tenure as counselor to two presidents of the church, will be a great
blessing to the people if he will accept this high and holy calling.
3. To
fill the vacancy in the Quorum of the First Presidency, Alan D. Tyree
is now called to extend his apostleship in presidency as a member of
the quorum of the First Presidency and as a Counselor to the
President of the High Priesthood and the Church. His gifts and
knowledge, strengthened by nearly thirty-two years of missionary and
administrative experience, will be of great value in this new
responsibility and he should be ordained without delay.
4a. My
faithful servant, John C. Stuart, is honorably released from his
duties in the Council of Twelve Apostles. His labor of many years is
acceptable unto me and he should be accorded the honor of
superannuation.
4b. He
is called to be a patriarch and, if willing, should be ordained and
take his place in the Order.
5. .
My servants, Joe A. Serig and James C. Cable, are called to be
apostles in my church. Let them be relieved of their present
assignments as soon as it is expedient so that they may be ordained
and take their places as special witnesses of my gospel.
The
Spirit prompts me to say further regarding the work:
6.
Some of you have felt confusion as you have sought to labor in the
midst of the many voices which are competing for a following,
claiming to know my will. At a time when my word has clearly sent you
forth to witness of my gospel, there are many who still are
temporizing, looking for further confirming signs of the truth of
those instructions which have already been given.
7.
Know, O my people, the time for hesitation is past. The earth, my
creation, groans for the liberating truths of my gospel which have
been given for the salvation of the world. Test my words. Trust in my
promises for they have been given for your assurance and will bear
you up in times of doubt. Be not overly concerned with method as you
go forth to witness in my name. There are many techniques for
proclaiming my word which may be used as needs and circumstances
dictate.
8. The
call is for workers in the cause of Zion; therefore, neither tarry,
nor doubt that I am. I know your perplexities and I am aware of your
uncertainties, but if you will call upon my name my Spirit will go
before you into whatsoever place you are sent and I will continue to
bless you as you have need. Your servant in Christ
Wallace
B. Smith
President
of the Church
Independence
Missouri,
March 29, 1982
