In the April
2018 First Presidency Message in the Ensign, Russell M. Nelson, As
We Go Forward Together, we read the following (emphasis added):
The First Presidency will work hand in hand with the Twelve to discern the will of the Lord and move His sacred work
forward . . . Each day of an Apostle’s service is a day of learning and
preparing . . .
This stood
out for me as it shows that, contrary to the popular and very naïve understanding
of many errant Latter-day Saints, revelation is not something that is
automatically given to the leadership of the Church (I recently had one member
of the Church tell me that the President of the Church is in constant direct
communication with the Lord). The reality is much more complex.
Furthermore,
it shows that, for something to be authoritative, it must have the unanimous
agreement, not just of the First Presidency, but also the entire Quorum of the
Twelve. Such is explicated in the Doctrine and Covenants, as well as the
teachings of Brigham Young (whom
anti-Mormons love to quote-mine on this topic):
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 with one another.
(D&C 107:27)
In trying all matters
of doctrine, to make a decision valid, it is necessary to obtain a unanimous
voice, faith, and decision. In the capacity of a Quorum, the three First
Presidents must be one in their voice—the Twelve Apostles must be unanimous in
their voice, to obtain a righteous, decision upon any matter that may come
before them, as you may read in the Doctrine and Covenants. The Seventies may
decide upon the same principle. Whenever you see these Quorums unanimous in
their declaration, you may set it down as true. Let the Elders get together,
being faithful and true; and when they agree upon any point, you may know that
it is true. (JOD 9:91-92 [May 7, 1861])
For more,
see:
