I got this email today from a truly over-the-top true-believing Mormon:
"Dear Steve,
"I'm not sure if you read all of your emails; you must be a busy person. I hope you will have the time to read this one.
"I recently have come across some of your grandfather's talks from the 60s and 70s. They kind of intrigued me as I haven't always known what he stood for. My grandfather was a "Franklin D. Roosevelt" democrat and a Mormon. So, it wasn't uncommon for me to hear at times how my family did not like Ezra Taft Benson and what he stood for.
"I am 49 now; and it is interesting that I haven't acquainted myself with these talks until now. I also came across your material and leaving the church. I had heard about you leaving just in passing when you were on 60 Minutes. Didn't think much of it. It's been nearly 20 years since you have left the church; and probably a lot longer of a saga. If you're still reading; you probably don't know where this is going yet.
"Here's my interest and desire: I'm sure that hundreds have probably done the same; but I want to share my feelings and perspective of what you have done, offer some reasons why, and by feelings about what I have learned. I'm not trying to be controversial or offensive. You have built your career on the freedoms of being able to express yourself as you see fit. I, too, am grateful for that privileged. I don't know if once I get started if you'll quickly turn me off or not even bother because you have heard it all before. But, just as you have the freedom and desire to express yourself as you see fit; I feel a desire to also express myself whether you'll read this or not. I hope to be candid and measured. Not that it matters much, but I do have an Ed.D in Higher Education Leadership. I didn't what you to think I'm just a simple-minded, uneducated person.
"One of the first points you make in your disenfranchising yourself from the Mormon faith (as we know The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints); is how the leadership of the Church lied to the people, trying to make your grandfather appear healthier that he was. Perhaps this is true; but it is also possible that they also wanted to keep whatever dignity he had left within him by giving the best pose or poster possible. I'm not sure the world needs to see the tube coming out of his nostrel. You indicated that they were trying to hide how ill he was. I decided to look at the General Conference addresses when he was not speaking or even present; to see what was said about him then. I have pasted those remarks of those conferences below. In both President Hinckley and President Monson's remarks, they don't seem to be covering up the fact that President Benson is unable to speak or attend due to his age and health. They frequently mention his failings. Perhaps they didn't go into long detail about how his mind and physical well-being was deteriorating, as it will for many of us at that age. They didn't seem to be saying that the prophet is in charge and is fully functioning and capable. In fact, I see them saying more of what was real about him. I also included a clip from President Hinckley of 1994 April Conference where he speaks directly to the Church about President Benson's failing health and how the Church is governed is such situations. I don't see in his remarks where he is saying that the Prophet and President of the Church must be coherent and fully functioning to run the Lord's Church. On the contrary, he seems to be indicating how the Church fully functions and operates when the Prophet is incapacitated. I know this is not all the facts and details as you saw them. But you can make the claim that these brethren were trying to trick the world into thinking that President Benson was running the Church at that time. He was still our prophet; but the Church was being ran by the systems and procedures already established by divine revelation. If you're still reading; I'm sure that one turned you off. But again, you make your living at poking fun at everyone else about how you see the world; and it is ok for the rest of us to see the world as we choose as well. I just don't see the big cover up as spoken in General Conference that you are indicated (see President Hinckley remarks below).
"There are a few other points that I have thought about after reading some of the things I came across including your leaving the Church. Again, the way I see it. You've made the point more than once that the Church is this huge empire of leaders who want to control the people. I've thought about that. And then I asked myself: 'To what end would be the reason these leaders would do as you suggest?' 'What would be their motive?" "What would they get out of it?' I'm sure you have a well-crafted answer for why the leaders of the LDS Church would be motivated to run an empire of control and deceit.
"Here's my thoughts on the matter: Why would a worldwide renowned heart surgeon leave his practice and research to be a leader in the Church? What would be the benefit to him and his family? Does the Church have that much control over the minds and hearts of very capable and brilliant men? I'm sure you would so that is so. How about a noted nuclear engineer? Or a Chicago law professor and later a Utah supreme court justice? Or educated men from Yale, Harvard, Duke, MIT, etc. Why would so many good and honorable men of high positions and prestige give up what they had for an Empire of control? Is that all they wanted; a position of authority to control people? Because that is about all that would be theirs if they left what they had and lead the LDS Church. They don't get rich from all the money that pours in. They don't pad their own pockets and live luxurious lives off of Church monies. They spend countless hours traveling and teaching week after week. Is this really worth it? Are they really so deceived that they can't see past the deception? They had much more prestige and honors before accepting the high callings in the Church. Why would thy leave such honors of the world to lead a Church that clearly would tarnish their worldly accomplishments and ruin the careers they had. Are there really so many (thousands) very educated individuals in the Church; are they all deceived the same. Are you really smarter than they all? What would they get out of it? They certainly don't get money or prestige, except within the relatively few LDS members. I guess you would say that thirst for power would be indeed why they would do that; but in light of the distinguished careers, is just don't see the pull. The Church's teachings and doctrines can seem so strange to those on the outside that why would anyone sacrifice all that they have to align themselves with strange notions if there wasn't a possibility it is true?
"I've thought a little about your disaffection with the Church from what little I was able to read. With what I write, I'm not going to presume I know why you became disenchanted with the Church and its leaders; but I would like to make some observations if I may. Again, that's what you spend your life work doing at the expense of others; so I hope its ok that others can take their best guess as to what may have happened.
"You seem to have had a special relationship with your grandfather growing up. What a neat opportunity. I'm not sure why you had that special relationship; but know doubt you were smart and showed promise that your grandfather saw in you. My grandfather, as I mentioned, was a democrat and served a number of terms as a state representative. He was a very influential man. I loved my grandfather; but in many ways didn't really know him well. We had nice family gatherings; but he was very busy with his life as a state representative and later a magistrate judge. Although your grandfather was a very busy man, that was very special that you had a personal relationship with him. What a blessing; and what a good man to take notice of you.
"However, I wonder if this special relationship was too difficult to handle as you were growing up. Certainly, you must have felt the pressure of being a 'Benson' as you have indicated. But not only that, the pressure of a grandfather that was very very prominent in government and in the Church, and as we know controversial in his own way. It must have felt good to have Grandfather Benson's love and attention growing up. I doubt he could have had that kind of relationship with all of the grand kids. You were probably quite young in getting caught up in it all; especially with the types of positions and speeches he would give. That would be a lot of pressure on any young person. I have to also wonder if, in some way, you wished you could have the honor, prestige, and respect that your grandfather had--even though some did not like him. Is is possible that you wished you could have been like him? But it wasn't to be. Then there is living in the pressure cooker of the Benson home. I can sympathize with that. I think there could be enormous pressure. I have actually worked closely with a son of a member of the quorum of the twelve and sense the kind of pressure that must have on a younger, less experienced and perhaps even less talented person. He has been through his own soul-searching on who he really is and how he fits into the scheme of things. It was not easy, as this son looks much like his father. So I have some empathy for you. But I also know that no family is perfect even if they with they were. I have a feeling that the Benson family has some flaws and even their intensity to live the gospel could have been one of them that they didn't realize could disenfranchise a grandson or other children someday. No one says that they got it all correct in raising their children. And sometimes we can be blinded to our on thinking and efforts; but, nonetheless, the Benson family is a good family and very good people who did their very best to live their religion. You can't fault them for that. They were very good people trying to live the gospel as they understood it.
"But here you come along. You begin to see weaknesses; you see holes; you see inconsistencies. You're pretty sure that you see things correct and accurately. You see weaknesses in the brethren, you were pretty close to some of them no doubt. It's easy to see human weakness when we are up close; but do we really know their hearts? I can't help but think that the pressure you felt in the Benson family coupled with your inexperience at a young age, got things twisted around. I'm not saying I know, because I don't; but I wonder if secretly you really wished you could have the honors and prestige of your grandfather. You wished you had what he had; but you could tell that was not going to be the case. Your life was different; and it was not going to be the same as Ezra Taft Benson's. You may not have even conscientiously thought this; but pride and power hungry can come to all of us. If we don't get it; we find other ways to find it.
"I also say your experience at BYU's magazine as one who kind of prided himself on being different, bucking the establishment. Ironically, as you say, something your father taught you to do. But that is the beginning evidence of pride and a desire to be a cut above others, even the BYU administration. Kind of a good feeling when you can actually buck the administration of BYU as a college student. It can surly get you lots of attention and something we all crave at times. I can see why the teachings and doctrine's of the Church would feel very stiffing for someone who really wants to be noticed and admired by others.
"Well, I have probably said enough. I really wish you would reconsider what you moved away from so long ago. I know you seem to be pretty determined that the LDS Church does not have the truth. That is an opinion you can have. But don't tell me that you are better off now than you were then; and that somehow you are more righteous that the rest of us. It's hard to see when we build our lives on the praise and admiration of others. It's hard to see how self absorbed we have truly become. We feed of the praise of those who like our work for a season; then it is gone. I saw you on video the other day as well. You can't tell me that you are better off and that you are actually happier? Perhaps in a self-glorifying way you are; but it won't last. Those who flatter you will be gone someday as well. I'll be honest about your art work; I looked at a number of them. They are cleaver; you have a way at making a point with your art. But that's about all it is: "cleaver." You make a living feeling that you have the correct opinion of about everyone and everything else. It's ok how you portray others; because you have set yourself up as one who has something to say about it. So, most of your cartoons have thrown destruction into the process without really being part of the solution. That's what I like about journalists; they seem to be the only group that can't be targeted for immoral or unethical behavior. They sure spend a lot of time talking and writing about everyone else's weaknesses and foibles; but rarely see it in themselves. Is this really what you want out of life? Is this your legacy? To tear others down and not really be part of any solution. You're on the outside looking in to all those who are willing to stick their necks out and try to make a difference. You've kind of got what you seem to always want: you have the honors and praise of those who like to see others make pundits at others. But, I suppose, you'll never really see yourself in that try light; after all it is about you, isn't it?
"Well, if you happen to still be reading, I would really like to see a change of view from the live you have chosen. I actually went through and copy and pasted the addresses your grandfather gave as the prophet of the Church. He accomplished a great deal in the five years he was able; I mean a great deal. He spoke to nearly every group in the Church along with some other stirring messages about Chris and His restored gospel. I'm ok that he stumbled over a few phrases and words at times; it's ok that people get old and are not as good as they use to be. But he did write out his messages, not only to read the best he could, but for the world to read. I have pasted below the list of talks have gave in those five years below; along with the First Presidency's comments when he was disabled if it interest you. I do find it very interesting and instructive that in his last general conference that he addressed, his topic was "Beware of Pride." Other than a final address that conference, this seem to be the last real message he left for the world. It was a masterful talk. I remember in my early 20s being amazed when it was give. Such pure truth in it. I just read it again the other day. I wonder if that is a talk you would be interested in really studying. It's hard to swallow the truth of the talk; but you probably see it as another way to "control" the people. But again, why? and for what purpose?
"I testify that I know by the power of the Spirit that God the Father and His son, Jesus Christ did appear to Joseph Smith. I know that to be true, independent of any person living. I know that the doctrines and ordinances of the gospel of Christ have been restored. No one could have brought all of this forth and kept it going without truth on it side. There would be no reason for anyone to die for it. We can't be classified as a cult; because those leaders tend to take their flocks to secluded places so they can keep the brainwash going. We are a worldwide church and any can come and attend and see for themselves. A cult could not survive such a worldwide, not violent method of teaching. I know that we have the truth, that the priesthood has been restored; and that we have prophets and apostles on the earth today. I know this to be true. I know Christ will come again and He has established His kingdom to get that accomplished. Call me ignorant, call me simple, but I'm very comfortable with the truth as it stands. I hope you would believe again and reconsider.
"In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
"I can speak up just as you do; but I hope you respect my right to do so.
"Thanks,
"[name deleted]"
_____
I replied:
"The Mormon Church lies; no 'perhaps.' That has been proven time and again by paying basic attention to its historical, doctrinal and policy record.
"The Mormon Church is also racist, sexist, homophobic, anti-intellectual, anti-individual and dogmatically authoritarian. It changes its official positions on matters when enlightened human society applies open pressure long enough that the Mormon Church cannot take the heat any longer and buckles to progressive thinking applied to it from the outside.
"Not surprisingly, you end up bearing your testimony to me as if it’s Fast Sunday (when, in actuality, it’s Friday and I’m going out tonight for drinks and a movie).
"People such as yourself tend to fall back on heart-felt testimonials when they cannot deal with the hard-based facts. Indeed, they do so quite fervently. Why? Because deep down they are actually plagued by serious personal misgivings. As the Protestant theologian Reinhold Niebuhr observed, 'Orthodoxy is never rooted in faith but in doubt. It is when we are unsure that we are doubly sure.'
"Best of luck in dealing with your inner demons. I am not your bishop so, of course, I would only encourage you to push through your secret struggles with the Mormon Church and then to leave it.
"I would also suggest that you do that sooner than later. After all, you only live once.
"Now, please do not write me again. At least, not until you become a former Mormon or until you would like to ask me how I can help you reach that goal."
*****
By the way, the Latter-day letter writer actually attached the following list of "talks" to his email, as follows:
"President Ezra Taft Benson's addresses in the five short years he was able:
"April 1986 General Conference
'Cleansing the Inner Vessel'
Ezra Taft Benson, President of the Church
"April 1986 General Conference
'To the 'Youth of the Noble Birthright'
Ezra Taft Benson, President of the Church
"April 1986 General Conference
'A Sacred Responsibility'
Ezra Taft Benson, President of the Church
"October 1986 General Conference
'The Book of Mormon—Keystone of Our Religion'
Ezra Taft Benson, President of the Church
"April 1987 General Conference
'The Savior’s Visit to America'
Ezra Taft Benson, President of the Church
"April 1987 General Conference
'To the Home Teachers of the Church'
Ezra Taft Benson, President of the Church
"April 1987 General Conference
'The Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants'
Ezra Taft Benson, President of the Church
"October 1987 General Conference
'Our Divine Constitution'
Ezra Taft Benson, President of the Church
"October 1987 General Conference
'To the Fathers in Israel'
Ezra Taft Benson, President of the Church
"October 1987 General Conference
'Come unto Christ'
Ezra Taft Benson, President of the Church
"April 1988 General Conference
'The Great Commandment--Love the Lord'
Ezra Taft Benson, President of the Church
"April 1988 General Conference
'To the Single Adult Brethren of the Church'
Ezra Taft Benson, President of the Church
"April 1988 General Conference
'Come unto Christ, and Be Perfected in Him'
Ezra Taft Benson, President of the Church
(Read by President Gordon B. Hinckley, First Counselor in the First Presidency)
"October 1988 General Conference
'Flooding the Earth with the Book of Mormon'
Ezra Taft Benson, President of the Church
"October 1988 General Conference
'I Testify'
Ezra Taft Benson, President of the Church
"April 1989 General Conference
'Beware of Pride'
Ezra Taft Benson, President of the Church
"April 1989 General Conference
'To the Children of the Church'
Ezra Taft Benson, President of the Church
"October 1989 General Conference
'To the Elderly in the Church'
Ezra Taft Benson, President of the Church
(Read by President Thomas S. Monson, Second Counselor in the First Presidency)
"April 1990 General Conference
'Sacred Resolves'
Gordon B. Hinckley, First Counselor in the First Presidency
Brethren and sisters, traditionally the President of the Church, at the close of the conference, has offered words of benediction: 'President Benson, who is now in his ninety-first year, feels that he could not stand and address us, but I wish to say that we have been greatly uplifted by his very presence, with his smile and the wave of a hand as an expression of love.'
"October 1990 General Conference
'God Be with You Till We Meet Again'
Thomas S. Monson, Second Counselor in the First Presidency:
'There is a loneliness in the empty chair between President Hinckley and me, and we feel it in our hearts. I wish I could take you with President Hinckley and me to President Benson’s hospital room, which we visited a few days ago. I think the picture of tranquility and love which was there would be very beneficial for all members of the Church to see. President Benson lay on his hospital bed, his left hand held by a noble son and his right hand by a beautiful daughter as she read to him from the Book of Mormon. In the background, a recording of Tabernacle Choir music played softly. It was just a little bit of heaven.'
"April 1991 General Conference
'The Power of Prayer'
Thomas S. Monson, Second Counselor in the First Presidency: 'My beloved brothers and sisters, it has been customary for the President of the Church to welcome you and deliver a message at the commencement of conference. With all his noble heart, President Benson would desire to stand at this pulpit and bear to you his witness concerning the truth of this work, the gratitude he feels for your prayers, and his fervent hope that all may so live as to merit and receive the abundant blessings a loving Heavenly Father desires to bestow. Tears come easily to the eyes of our prophet when he receives letters written by children in which they express their greetings and send to him their love. President Benson is a family man who loves his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and, indeed, children everywhere in this wonderful world in which we live.'
"April 1991 General Conference
'His Latter-day Kingdom Has Been Established'
Gordon B. Hinckley, First Counselor in the First Presidency:
'Customarily, the President of the Church has concluded the conference. Our hearts would have been stirred had President Benson been able to stand before us and speak with power and inspiration as he has done so many times in the past. Because of conditions incident to his age, he is unable to do so. He has indicated that I should say a few words of benediction in his behalf. I think he would have me express his love for you, our brothers and sisters, wherever you may be across the world. He would leave his blessing upon you, the blessing of a prophet.'
"October 1991 General Conference
'Christ Is the Light to All Mankind'
Gordon B. Hinckley, First Counselor in the First Presidency: 'It is wonderful to have President Benson with us as we open this great world conference of the Church. His smile upon us and the wave of his hand mean much to all of us. Wherever we go—at home or abroad—we receive the same request: “Give our love to President Benson.” President, I am confident I speak for all who participate with us today when I say we respect you, we honor you, we love you as the prophet of the Lord in our time. We regret that you will be unable to speak to us. In your behalf, I convey your love and blessing upon the Saints everywhere, and likewise your testimony as spoken on previous occasions. These are your own words: . . .'
"October 1991 General Conference
'The Lord Bless You'
Thomas S. Monson, Second Counselor in the First Presidency: 'Traditionally, the President of the Church provides closing remarks at the conclusion of conference. How we would enjoy hearing from President Benson! We are grateful that now, in his ninety-third year, he is free from pain, able to move about, meet on occasion with the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve, and be the recipient of your faith, your prayers, and your expressions of love for him. All of us were gratified that President Benson was able to attend a portion of the opening session on Saturday and on Sunday morning. Since he is unable to address the conference prior to its adjournment, I have been asked to respond in his behalf. I seek the inspiration of the Lord as I convey to you the prophet’s love and counsel.'
"April 1992 General Conference
'Memories of Yesterday, Counsel for Today'
Thomas S. Monson, Second Counselor in the First Presidency . . . : 'How our beloved prophet and President, Ezra Taft Benson, would enjoy standing at this pulpit to open a glorious conference of the Church. President Benson, we love you; we pray for you; we are anxious to follow your inspired direction.
This morning I pray for heavenly help as I respond to President Benson’s assignment to speak in his behalf. I shall attempt to express his thoughts and counsel, largely in his own words.'
"April 1992 General Conference
'Our Great Mission'
Gordon B. Hinckley, First Counselor in the First Presidency: 'We regret that President Benson has been unable to speak to us. He is now in his ninety-third year. His presence yesterday and again today has helped us. We have enjoyed his smile and the wave of his hand. As we bring this meeting to a close, I leave with you a statement from him—his personal witness of the Son of God, whose servant he is. These are his words: . . .'
"October 1992 General Conference
'Sin Will Not Prevail'
Gordon B. Hinckley, First Counselor in the First Presidency . . .: 'My brethren and sisters, President Benson ordinarily would speak to us in the opening session of the conference and extend his warm welcome. We regret that he is not with us. He would wish to be here, and we wish that he were here. It is becoming increasingly hard for him to get out. His age makes public appearances difficult. He is now in his ninety-fourth year. It is not easy for him to do what he once did with such vigor and enthusiasm. His strong and vibrant voice has stirred all of us in times past. His eloquence in expounding the gospel and his tremendous testimony of this work, persuasive in its tone and cogency, have lifted all who have heard him. We miss him and pray that the Lord will comfort him and bless him that he may enjoy much of happiness for the remainder of his life. His burdens became much heavier when his beloved companion, Sister Flora Amussen Benson, passed away on August 14. They had been married for nearly sixty-six years. They have been an example to the entire Church. He now feels the terrible loneliness that comes to a man with the death of a gifted and beautiful wife, the mother of his children, his great support and comfort.'
"April 1993 General Conference
'The Temple of the Lord'
Thomas S. Monson, Second Counselor in the First Presidency" 'My beloved brothers and sisters, it is customary for the President of the Church to open each conference, to greet the Saints worldwide, and to set the tone of all that follows. Since President Benson is unable to be with us in person, I respond to his invitation to speak in his behalf. For the most part, I will present his actual words: . . . '
"October 1993 General Conference
'The Sustaining of Church Officers'
Gordon B. Hinckley, First Counselor in the First Presidency: 'My brothers and sisters, I shall now present to you the General Authorities and general auxiliary presidencies of the Church for your sustaining vote. It is proposed that we sustain Ezra Taft Benson as prophet, seer, and revelator and President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Gordon B. Hinckley as First Counselor in the First Presidency; and Thomas S. Monson as Second Counselor in the First Presidency.
Those in favor may manifest it. Those opposed may manifest it.'
"April 1994 General Conference
'The Sustaining of Church Officers'
Thomas S. Monson, Second Counselor in the First Presidency: 'My dear brothers and sisters, I shall now present to you the General Authorities and general auxiliary presidencies of the Church for your sustaining vote. It is proposed that we sustain Ezra Taft Benson as prophet, seer, and revelator and President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Gordon B. Hinckley as First Counselor in the First Presidency; and Thomas S. Monson as Second Counselor in the First Presidency.'
"April 1994 General Conference
'What He Would Have Us Do'
Thomas S. Monson, Second Counselor in the First Presidency: 'President Benson’s chair, situated between President Hinckley and me, has been unoccupied at this conference, although he has viewed the conference proceedings at his apartment by television. Our hearts are full of love for the prophet of God, and his teachings ring in our ears. If he were standing before us at this moment at the conclusion of the conference, I believe he would say, "Lord, it has been good for us to be here.”'
"April 1994 General Conference
'God Is at the Helm'
Gordon B. Hinckley
First Counselor in the First Presidency
Excerpt: 'This brings me to a matter of which I have spoken before from this pulpit. I do so again because of what some are writing and saying incident to the condition of President Benson’s health. People throughout the Church are naturally anxious to know of the President’s condition. President Benson is now in his ninety-fifth year. As we have previously said from this and other pulpits, he suffers seriously from the effects of age and illness and has been unable to fulfill important duties of his sacred office. This is not a situation without precedent. Other Presidents of the Church have also been ill or unable to function fully in the closing months or years of their lives. It is possible that this will happen again in the future. The principles and procedures which the Lord has put in place for the governance of His church make provision for any such circumstance. It is important, my brethren, that there be no doubts or concerns about the governance of the Church and the exercise of the prophetic gifts, including the right to inspiration and revelation in administering the affairs and programs of the Church, when the President may be ill or is not able to function fully. The First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles, called and ordained to hold the keys of the priesthood, have the authority and responsibility to govern the Church, to administer its ordinances, to expound its doctrine, and to establish and maintain its practices. Each man who is ordained an Apostle and sustained a member of the Council of the Twelve is sustained as a prophet, seer, and revelator. Like those before him, President Benson was the senior Apostle at the time he was called as President of the Church. His Counselors were drawn from the Council of the Twelve. Therefore, all incumbent members of the Quorum of the First Presidency and of the Council of the Twelve have been the recipients of the keys, rights, and authority pertaining to the holy apostleship. I quote from the Doctrine and Covenants: “Of the Melchizedek Priesthood, three Presiding High Priests, chosen by the body, appointed and ordained to that office, and upheld by the confidence, faith, and prayer of the church, form a quorum of the Presidency of the Church” (D&C 107:22 <
http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/107.22?lang=eng#21>; ). When the President is ill or not able to function fully in all of the duties of his office, his two Counselors together comprise a Quorum of the First Presidency. They carry on with the day-to-day work of the Presidency. In exceptional circumstances, when only one may be able to function, he may act in the authority of the office of the Presidency as set forth in the Doctrine and Covenants, section 102, verses 10–11 [D&C 102:10–11 <
http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/102.10-11?lang=eng#9>; ]. When, on 10 November 1985, President Benson called his two Counselors, it was he himself who was voice in setting them apart, with the members of the Council of the Twelve Apostles also laying their hands upon the heads of the Counselors, each one in turn, as he was set apart. President Benson was at the time in good health, fully able to function in every way. Furthermore, following this setting apart, he signed with his own hand powers of agency giving each of his Counselors the authority to direct the business of the Church. Under these specific and plenary delegations of authority, the Counselors in the First Presidency carry on with the regular work of this office. But any major questions of policy, procedures, programs, or doctrine are considered deliberately and prayerfully by the First Presidency and the Twelve together. These two quorums, the Quorum of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve, meeting together, with every man having total freedom to express himself, consider every major question. And now I quote again from the word of the Lord: 'And every decision made by either of these quorums must be by the unanimous voice of the same; that is, every member in each quorum must be agreed to its decisions, in order to make their decisions of the same power or validity one with the other' (D&C 107:27 <
http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/107.27?lang=eng#26>; ). No decision emanates from the deliberations of the First Presidency and the Twelve without total unanimity among all concerned. At the outset in considering matters, there may be differences of opinion. These are to be expected. These men come from different backgrounds. They are men who think for themselves. But before a final decision is reached, there comes a unanimity of mind and voice. This is to be expected if the revealed word of the Lord is followed. Again I quote from the revelation: “The decisions of these quorums, or either of them, are to be made in all righteousness, in holiness, and lowliness of heart, meekness and long suffering, and in faith, and virtue, and knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and charity; “Because the promise is, if these things abound in them they shall not be unfruitful in the knowledge of the Lord” (D&C 107:30–31 <
http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/107.30-31?lang=eng#29>; ). I add by way of personal testimony that during the twenty years I served as a member of the Council of the Twelve and during the nearly thirteen years that I have served in the First Presidency, there has never been a major action taken where this procedure was not observed. I have seen differences of opinion presented in these deliberations. Out of this very process of men speaking their minds has come a sifting and winnowing of ideas and concepts. But I have never observed serious discord or personal enmity among my Brethren. I have, rather, observed a beautiful and remarkable thing—the coming together, under the directing influence of the Holy Spirit and under the power of revelation, of divergent views until there is total harmony and full agreement. Only then is implementation made. That, I testify, represents the spirit of revelation manifested again and again in directing this the Lord’s work. I know of no other governing body of any kind of which this might be said. This procedure obtains even in the absence of the President of the Church. I hasten to add, however, that the Brethren would not be inclined to do anything which they feel would be out of harmony with the attitude, feelings, and position of their beloved leader, the prophet of the Lord. It must be recognized that the President, when he became the senior Apostle, had moved up through the ranks of seniority over a period of many years of service in the Quorum of the Twelve. During this time, his Brethren came to know him well. During the years of his ministry, he expressed himself on the many issues that came before that quorum. His views became well known. Those who love him, respect him, sustain and honor him as President of the Church and prophet, seer, and revelator of the Lord would not be disposed to go beyond what they recognize his position would be on any issue under consideration. I repeat for emphasis that all who have been ordained to the holy apostleship have had bestowed upon them the keys and the authority of this most high and sacred office. In this authority reside the powers of governance of the Church and kingdom of God in the earth. There is order in the exercise of that authority. It is specifically set forth in the revelations of the Lord. It is known to all of the Brethren and is observed by all. I have said this, some of it repetitious of what I have said before, because of the present circumstances of our beloved prophet, President Ezra Taft Benson. Now brethren, let it be understood by all that Jesus Christ
http://jesuschrist.lds.org/ stands at the head of this church which bears His sacred name. He is watching over it. He is guiding it. Standing at the right hand of His Father, He directs this work. His is the prerogative, the power, the option to call men in His way to high and sacred offices and to release them according to His will by calling them home. He is the Master of life and death. I do not worry about the circumstances in which we find ourselves. I accept these circumstances as an expression of His will. I likewise accept the responsibility, acting with my Brethren, to do all we can to move forward this holy work in a spirit of consecration, love, humility, duty, and loyalty. I assure each of you and the entire world that there is unity and brotherhood with total and united fidelity to one undergirding objective, and that is to build the kingdom of God in the earth. We know that as men we are feeble and inadequate in terms of the massive responsibility to carry the gospel of salvation to the nations of the earth and to prepare men and women everywhere to walk the path of immortality
http://lds.org/study/topics/immortality?lang=eng and eternal life made possible through our Father’s love and the atonement of our Divine Redeemer. We know also that with the blessing of the Almighty, if we are true and faithful, if we listen to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit and follow those whisperings, we can, with our brethren and sisters, bring miracles to pass and accomplish the purposes for which we have been called under a divinely given call. God is at the helm. Never doubt it. When we are confronted with opposition, He will open the way when there appears to be no way. Our individual efforts may be humble and appear somewhat insignificant. But the accumulated good works of all, laboring together with a common purpose, will bring to pass great and wondrous accomplishments. The world will be a better place for our united service. Our people will be a happy people, a blessed people, a people whose shepherd is our Lord, leading us through pastures green and peaceful, if we will walk after His pattern and in His light. Let not any voices of discontent disturb you. Let not the critics worry you. As Alma declared long ago, “Trust no one to be your teacher nor your minister, except he be a man of God, walking in his ways and keeping his commandments” (Mosiah 23:14 <
http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/23.14?lang=eng#13>; ). The truth is in this church. The authority is in this priesthood. The leadership is in this great body of priesthood at every level of governance. As the Psalmist declared: “Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep” (Ps. 121:4 <
http://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/ps/121.4?lang=eng#3>; ). He who is our Savior slumbers not nor sleeps as He watches over this His kingdom. As surely as this is the work of the Lord, there will be opposition. There will be those, perhaps not a few, who with the sophistry of beguiling words and clever design will spread doubt and seek to undermine the foundation on which this cause is established. They will have their brief day in the sun. They may have for a brief season the plaudits of the doubters and the skeptics and the critics. But they will fade and be forgotten as have their kind in the past. Meanwhile, we shall go forward, regardless of their criticism, aware of but undeterred by their statements and actions. Said the Lord even before the Church was organized: “Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail . . .“Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.“Behold the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints of the nails in my hands and feet; be faithful, keep my commandments, and ye shall inherit the kingdom of heaven” (D&C 6:34, 36–37 <
http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testamen /dc/6.34,36-37?lang=eng#33> ). God is our Father. His is “the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever” (Matt. 6:13 <
http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/6.13?lang=eng#12>; ). Jesus Christ is our Redeemer. He is the head of this church. He makes known His will and will continue to make known His will concerning it. Joseph Smith
http://mormon.org/joseph-smith/ was a prophet through whom all of the keys of the priesthood under which we operate were restored in this the dispensation of the fulness of times. Each man who has succeeded him as President of the Church has been a prophet. We have a prophet today. He may not be able to speak to us as he once did. He need not. During the time that he stood before us as the President of this church, he pleaded with us to do more than we are now doing and to be better than we now are. When the Lord calls him home, there will be another to take his place. No one knows who that will be. No one need speculate. I leave you my blessing and love, and my testimony of these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."
[End of enclosures]
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Geezus, The inmates have taken over the Asylum at Temple Square.
Edited 8 time(s). Last edit at 04/13/2012 08:10PM by steve benson.