SECTION
157
President
Wallace B. Smith submitted the following document to the quorums,
councils, and orders of the church and to the World Conference on
Tuesday, April 12, 1988. Major provisions included: (1) Apostles
Lloyd B. Hurshman and Roy H. Schaefer were released from the Council
of Twelve, and the vacancies were filled by A. Alex Kahtava and John
P. Kirkpatrick. (2) The Presiding Bishopric was reorganized, with the
release of Presiding Bishop Francis E. Hansen and the designation of
Gene M. Hummel to serve in that role. Ray E. Mcclaran was called to
continue as a counselor and Norman E. Swails was also called to serve
in that capacity. (3) Since receiving counsel given in 1984, the
church officers had been proceeding with the development of plans for
the funding, programming, and construction of the Temple in
Independence, Missouri. Further guidance on temple ministries is
offered in this section. (4) The church is encouraged to seek unity
and to resolve conflict through lawful procedures. (5) On April 10,
1986, President Smith brought an inspired message to the closing
session of the World Conference. This ministry was directed to the
delegates of the Conference and no formal action was requested or
taken. Verses eleven to seventeen contain the message given at that
time and it is now incorporated into the canon of scripture.
On
thursday, April 14, 1988, the World Conference voted to accept the
inspired document as the mind and will of God for the church and
ordered its inclusion in the Doctrine and Covenants.
President
Smith offered the following prefatory statement:
“In
fulfilling my responsibilities as prophet of the church, I have
sought with much prayer and fasting over many months to open myself
to the leadings of the Holy Spirit, my only desire being to discern
the will of the Lord on behalf of the church. In spite of my human
weakness, this effort has once more been rewarding and I have been
blessed abundantly on several occasions by the presence of the Holy
Spirit in my labors to prepare that which I now present. Therefore, I
confidently offer the following as representing the mind and will of
God for the church.”
To
the Quorums, Councils, and Orders of the Church and to the World
Conference:
1a. It
is my will that Lloyd B. Hurshman be released from the Council of
Twelve Apostles. His service, often extended in conditions of
hardship and physical danger, is fully acceptable unto me.
1b. He
should be free to minister as a high priest under the direction of
the First Presidency where his organizational gifts and skills may be
best utilized.
2a.
Roy H. Schaefer is also relieved of his onerous duties in the Council
of Twelve Apostles. He has served honorably in spite of physical
burdens and is commended for his faithfulness.
2b. As
a high priest, he should continue to serve where his talents and
ministerial abilities may best assist in supporting the work of the
gospel.
3. To
fill the vacancies thus created, A. Alex Kahtava and John P.
Kirkpatrick are called to be apostolic witnesses in the Quorums of
Twelve. They should be ordained without delay, that the work may go
forward effectively.
4. My
servant, Francis E. Hansen, is commended for the diligent and
faithful, yet kindly, way in which he has discharged his duties as
Presiding Bishop over the last sixteen years. He is now released from
the burden of those responsibilities and, if it be the will of the
Conference, should be ordained to the Order of Evangelists. In his
new calling he may continue to offer his talents in assisting with
the work of building the temple as well as in developing other
ministries more directly related to the Evangelist’s duties.
5.
Gene M. Hummel, who has functioned tirelessly and well as a
counselor, is now called as Presiding Bishop. His gifts and skills
commend his to this task, and he may serve as his health and vigor
are extended. He should be ordained to that office without delay.
6. Ray
E. Mcclaran is called to continue as a counselor to the Presiding
Bishop. His loyalty and service are acceptable, and he should also be
ordained as soon as is practicable.
7.
Recognizing the need to complete the organization of the Presiding
Bishopric as soon as possible, my servant, Norman E. Swails, is
called to accept his place as a counselor to the Presiding Bishop and
be ordained according to the will of the body.
In
further word to the church, the Spirit counsels:
8. I,
the Lord, am well pleased with the progress of your preparations
toward the building of my temple in the Center Place. Those who have
prepared themselves by training and education to assist, whether
within the body or otherwise, will be blessed according to their need
insofar as they seek me and call on my name. If they will thus open
themselves, then I will pour out my Spirit on all the laborers
together, to the end that a shining symbol of my love and my desires
for my creation may rise in beauty before the world.
9.
Nevertheless, do not be lifted up in pride as you contemplate the
work of building, neither think to raise up my temple in vanity. The
resources that are being gathered in for its physical structure and
programs of ministry will in many cases be given at great sacrifice.
Therefore, they must be utilized wisely, that all may be offered
joyfully but humbly to a world in need.
10.
The church is admonished once more to cease contending over matters
of doctrine and scriptural interpretation. Where discussions on
issues are necessary, let them go forward in good spirit; and where
differences are found let the procedures and remedies in the laws of
the church be utilized, under the direction of the First Presidency,
so that unity and resolution of conflict may be enjoyed.
It has
further been made known to me that the instructions given on April
10, 1986, are as if they were given now and should be heeded as
spiritual guidance to the church:
11.
Hear, O my people of the church, I am Jesus Christ of whom you have
sung and testified and in whose name you pray. I am the spirit of
love and peace which is in the world and yet not known by the world.
12. I
have heard your prayers which have been raised to me without ceasing,
and I have sent my healing ministry as a dove to be in your midst.
Therefore, lift up your hearts and rejoice in the promises which have
been given for your assurance. Have I not said it is the Father’s
good pleasure to give you the kingdom?
13a.
Nevertheless, there are those of you who have been fearful and
reluctant to trust in the instructions that my servant, the prophet,
has brought for your guidance. As a consequence, some have faltered
and lost faith.
13b.
Insofar as this has happened, you of my church have suffered and lost
some of the spiritual strength with which I have longed to endow your
ministries.
14.
But know this, my people. My Spirit will not always strive with those
who continue to resist my word. I am pleased with the measure of
response many have made, in faith, to new responsibilities in
priesthood and leadership. For them are awaiting the rewards and
satisfactions which service in my name always brings.
15.
Those who have allowed themselves to be lured away by other voices
may never know such joy. They should be assured, however, that my
invitation to come and be received is being extended even now so that
the blessings of fellowship and participation in the body may be
enjoyed once more. Come and be reconciled in my body is the healing
word to those who are saddened and downhearted.
16a.
In the many places where you are called to labor, the forces of
darkness and destruction are active indeed, and seem to hold sway.
Your hearts are burdened by the magnitude of the tasks that are yours
in bringing the light of my gospel into such darkness.
16b.
Nevertheless, I have heard your prayers when you have cried out to
me, and I have been with you in the places where you occupy. I am
aware of your desires to serve me and my assurance is that as you go
forth, your offerings of faith and service are acceptable to me.
17. In
all your efforts, therefore, continue to trust in my grace and
respond in love to the leadings of my Spirit. If you will come before
me in unity and love I will bless you with a great outpouring of
compassion, both for one another and for the world into which you are
sent. Amen.
Wallace
B. Smith
President
of the Church
Independence,
Missouri
April
12, 1988
