Section 163 Of The D&c?

[Olavarria]

Doctrine and Covenants

Section 163

President Stephen M. Veazey submitted the following counsel to the church and to the World Conference on Sunday, March 25, 2007. Following a period of discernment, the counsel was presented to the quorums, councils, and orders of the church and to the World Conference again on Thursday, March 29, 2007, to be considered for inclusion in the Doctrine and Covenants. President Veazey prefaced his "Words of Counsel to the Church" with the following introductory statement:

Every day since being ordained as prophet-president, I have carried the needs of the church on my heart. Sometimes the weight of concern has seemed almost unbearable. Perhaps this is as it should be, because the heaviness of responsibility has pressed me to seek the mind and will of God as never before. Striving to be open to the guidance of the Spirit, while attempting to lay aside my own preconceived notions, has been a challenging but necessary learning experience. And, as I have sought to perceive Godâ??s will for the church through prayer, study, and listening for the Creatorâ??s voice in the voices of the faith community, I have been blessed by the Spirit in various, sometimes surprising ways.

The words and images that follow have been birthed through much struggle, not because of any lack of inspiration, but because of the limitations of the human vessel entrusted with responsibility for articulating divine encounter. Attempting to communicate in words what is ultimately beyond words always leaves one with a sense of incompleteness. Added to this is the challenge of creating phrases that can be translated into the languages of the international church without loss of essential meanings. Fortunately, we have the promise that one of the primary functions of the Holy Spirit is to bear witness of divine truth beyond the confines of language and culture.

Therefore, it is in deep humility and with heartfelt gratitude to God that I offer the following counsel as a witness of Godâ??s eternal purpose and continuing activity in the life of the church. In so doing, I place these words in the churchâ??s hand, trusting that the Spirit will enable the faith community to hear the call of God today with increasing clarity.

1. â??Community of Christ,â? your name, given as a divine blessing, is your identity and calling. If you will discern and embrace its full meaning, you will not only discover your future, you will become a blessing to the whole creation. Do not be afraid to go where it beckons you to go.

2 a. Jesus Christ, the embodiment of Godâ??s shalom, invites all people to come and receive divine peace in the midst of the difficult questions and struggles of life. Follow Christ in the way that leads to Godâ??s peace and discover the blessings of all of the dimensions of salvation.

b. Generously share the invitation, ministries, and sacraments through which people can encounter the Living Christ who heals and reconciles through redemptive relationships in sacred community. The restoring of persons to healthy or righteous relationships with God, others, themselves, and the earth is at the heart of the purpose of your journey as a people of faith.

3 a. You are called to create pathways in the world for peace in Christ to be relationally and culturally incarnate. The hope of Zion is realized when the vision of Christ is embodied in communities of generosity, justice, and peacefulness.

b. Above all else, strive to be faithful to Christâ??s vision of the peaceable Kingdom of God on earth. Courageously challenge cultural, political, and religious trends that are contrary to the reconciling and restoring purposes of God. Pursue peace.

c. There are subtle, yet powerful, influences in the world, some even claiming to represent Christ, that seek to divide people and nations to accomplish their destructive aims. That which seeks to harden one human heart against another by constructing walls of fear and prejudice is not of God. Be especially alert to these influences, lest they divide you or divert you from the mission to which you are called.

4 a. God, the Eternal Creator, weeps for the poor, displaced, mistreated, and diseased of the world because of their unnecessary suffering. Such conditions are not Godâ??s will. Open your ears to hear the pleading of mothers and fathers in all nations who desperately seek a future of hope for their children. Do not turn away from them. For in their welfare resides your welfare.

b. The earth, lovingly created as an environment for life to flourish, shudders in distress because creationâ??s natural and living systems are becoming exhausted from carrying the burden of human greed and conflict. Humankind must awaken from its illusion of independence and unrestrained consumption without lasting consequences.

c. Let the educational and community development endeavors of the church equip people of all ages to carry the ethics of Christâ??s peace into all arenas of life. Prepare new generations of disciples to bring fresh vision to bear on the perplexing problems of poverty, disease, war, and environmental deterioration. Their contributions will be multiplied if their hearts are focused on Godâ??s will for creation.

5 a. The Council of Twelve is urged to enthusiastically embrace its calling as apostles of the peace of Jesus Christ in all of its dimensions. The Twelve are sent into the world to lead the churchâ??s mission of restoration through relevant gospel proclamation and the establishment of signal communities of justice and peace that reflect the vision of Christ. As the apostles move out in faith and unity of purpose, freeing themselves from other duties, they will be blessed with an increased capacity for sharing Christâ??s message of hope and restoration for creation.

b. To accelerate the work of sharing the gospel, the Twelve and the Seventy should be closely associated in implementing wholistic evangelistic ministries. The seventy are to be the forerunners of Christâ??s peace, preparing the way for apostolic witness to be more readily received.

c. Procedures regarding the calling and assignments of the Presidents of Seventy and members of the Quorums of Seventy shall be developed to facilitate the maximum level of collaboration with the Council of Twelve. The Twelve, the Presidents of Seventy, and the Quorums of Seventy should spend sufficient time together to ensure a mutual understanding of evangelistic priorities and approaches.

6 a. Priesthood is a sacred covenant involving the highest form of stewardship of body, mind, spirit, and relationships. The priesthood shall be composed of people of humility and integrity who are willing to extend themselves in service for others and for the well-being of the faith community.

b. Truly authoritative priesthood ministry emerges from a growing capacity to bring blessing to others. Unfortunately, there are some who have chosen to view priesthood as a right of privilege or as a platform for promoting personal perspectives. Others hold priesthood as a casual aspect of their lives without regard to appropriate levels of preparation and response.

c. The expectation for priesthood to continually magnify their callings through spiritual growth, study, exemplary generosity, ethical choices, and fully accountable ministry is always present. How can the Spirit fill vessels that are unwilling to expand their capacity to receive and give according to a full measure of Godâ??s grace and truth?

d. Counsel given previously regarding the need to develop ways whereby priesthood can magnify their ministry or determine their commitment to active service remains applicable and should be more intentionally implemented. The First Presidency will provide guidelines for processes to be applied in culturally respectful ways in the various fields of the church. Fundamentally, however, the ultimate responsibility for priesthood faithfulness rests on the individual in response to the needs and expectations of the faith community.

7 a. Scripture is an indispensable witness to the Eternal Source of light and truth, which cannot be fully contained in any finite vessel or language. Scripture has been written and shaped by human authors through experiences of revelation and ongoing inspiration of the Holy Spirit in the midst of time and culture.

b. Scripture is not to be worshiped or idolized. Only God, the Eternal One of whom scripture testifies, is worthy of worship. Godâ??s nature, as revealed in Jesus Christ and affirmed by the Holy Spirit, provides the ultimate standard by which any portion of scripture should be interpreted and applied.

c. It is not pleasing to God when any passage of scripture is used to diminish or oppress races, genders, or classes of human beings. Much physical and emotional violence has been done to some of Godâ??s beloved children through the misuse of scripture. The church is called to confess and repent of such attitudes and practices.

d. Scripture, prophetic guidance, knowledge, and discernment in the faith community must walk hand in hand to reveal the true will of God. Follow this pathway, which is the way of the Living Christ, and you will discover more than sufficient light for the journey ahead.

8 a. The Temple is an instrument of ongoing revelation in the life of the church. Its symbolism and ministries call people to reverence in the presence of the Divine Being. Transformative encounters with the Eternal Creator and Reconciler await those who follow its spiritual pathways of healing, reconciliation, peace, strengthening of faith, and knowledge.

b. There are additional sacred ministries that will spring forth from the Temple as rivers of living water to help people soothe and resolve the brokenness and pain in their lives. Let the Temple continue to come to life as a sacred center of worship, education, community building, and discipleship preparation for all ages.

c. As these ministries come to fuller expression, receptive congregations in the areas around the Temple and throughout the world will be revived and equipped for more effective ministry. Vital to this awakening is the understanding that the Temple calls the entire church to become a sanctuary of Christâ??s peace, where people from all nations, ethnicities, and life circumstances can be gathered into a spiritual home without dividing walls, as a fulfillment of the vision for which Jesus Christ sacrificed his life.

9. Faithful disciples respond to an increasing awareness of the abundant generosity of God by sharing according to the desires of their hearts; not by commandment or constraint. Break free of the shackles of conventional culture that mainly promote self-serving interests. Give generously according to your true capacity. Eternal joy and peace await those who grow in the grace of generosity that flows from compassionate hearts without thought of return. Could it be otherwise in the domain of God, who eternally gives all for the sake of creation?

10 a. Collectively and individually, you are loved with an everlasting love that delights in each faithful step taken. God yearns to draw you close so that wounds may be healed, emptiness filled, and hope strengthened.

b. Do not turn away in pride, fear, or guilt from the One who seeks only the best for you and your loved ones. Come before your Eternal Creator with open minds and hearts and discover the blessings of the gospel anew. Be vulnerable to divine grace.

11 a. God is calling for a prophetic community to emerge, drawn from the nations of the world, that is characterized by uncommon devotion to the compassion and peace of God revealed in Jesus Christ. Through divine grace and wisdom, this faith community has been given abundant gifts, resources, and opportunities to equip it to become such a people. Chief among these is the power of community in Christ expressed locally in distinctive fashions while upholding a unity of vision, foundational beliefs, and mission throughout the world.

b. There are many issues that could easily consume the time and energy of the church. However, the challenge before a prophetic people is to discern and pursue what matters most for the journey ahead.

In addition to the words offered above, I want to express my heartfelt love for the church as it is and as it is becoming. Despite the challenges involved, it is my pleasure to be able to serve you, my brothers and sisters in Christ, who have been claimed by the adventurous vision and spirit of the Restoration movement. May we journey into the future trusting one another, confident that the One who called the church into being continues to guide it toward fulfillment of divine purpose.

Grace and Peace,

Stephen M. Veazey

President of the Church

Independence, Missouri

March 29, 2007

[Dale]

I am Community of Christ. People in my denomination are excited about the sections inclusion in the D.&C.

[jadams_4242]

I am Community of Christ. People in my denomination are excited about the sections inclusion in the D.&C.

I know i cannott be the only one whom is totally confused? Doctrine and covenants,

comunity of christ? stephen Veazy prophet and president?

[Thinking]

I know i cannott be the only one whom is totally confused? Doctrine and covenants,

comunity of christ? stephen Veazy prophet and president?

Right now there's a poster on a parallel message board who is writing...

GBH, prophet and president?

[Pahoran]

I know i cannott be the only one whom is totally confused? Doctrine and covenants,

comunity of christ? stephen Veazy prophet and president?

The Community of Christ is the denomination formerly known as The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. IOW, they are a splinter group. They regard (or at one time used to regard) themselves as the heirs and successors of the church founded by Joseph, which they claimed came to an end after Joseph was martyred. Dale can tell you what they believe better than I could.

Regards,

Pahoran

[jadams_4242]

Right now there's a poster on a parallel message board who is writing...

Seriously! who is Stephen Veazy, And how does he tye in with the D+C

And how is he a phrophet and president?

I.m really lost hear!

[jadams_4242]

The Community of Christ is the denomination formerly known as The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. IOW, they are a splinter group. They regard (or at one time used to regard) themselves as the heirs and successors of the church founded by Joseph, which they claimed came to an end after Joseph was martyred. Dale can tell you what they believe better than I could.

Regards,

Pahoran

Thank you! Now i think i understand the premise behind Amuns question and report

of the world conferance. Duh! I was quite confused on that one.

[Pahoran]

Right now there's a poster on a parallel message board who is writing...

GBH, prophet and president?

A parallel message board or a parallel universe?

It is, I admit, a little unexpected that JAdams hasn't heard about the Reorgs. It would be quite astonishing if there were a computer-literate Reorg anywhere who had never heard about the Mormons.

Regards,

Pahoran

[Thinking]

The Community of Christ is the denomination formerly known as The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. IOW, they are a splinter group. They regard (or at one time used to regard) themselves as the heirs and successors of the church founded by Joseph, which they claimed came to an end after Joseph was martyred.

Here is a link to the history page on the CoC website.

http://www.cofchrist.org/history/default.asp

[jadams_4242]

Here is a link to the history page on the CoC website.

http://www.cofchrist.org/history/default.asp

good info!

[LifeOnaPlate]

No mention of Joseph Smith or the Book of Mormon?

I wonder how the CoC is dealing with the documented discussions involving Joseph Smith practicing plural marriage, and also with the Council of 50 information.

[mnn727]

I am curious, what does the original poster think is wrong with this?

[Olavarria]

I think this section has a beutiful message, with much truth to it. It runs parrallel with much of the nobler values in contemporary american life.

However, it can't hold a candle to the Proclamation on the Family, which I might add is way ahead of it's time and really goes against the current cultural grain.

[auteur55]

My question is, does the fact the COC continued to receive and canonize revelation after revelation after the death of the prophet and the LDS church has only had a few prove any succession claims?

Also, this ties in nicely with the other thread about the Lord's challenge to produce a revelation as impressive as Joseph's. How does this revelation, which I assume LDS's do not believe is divine, square up?

[Dale]

My denomination has scholars that believe Joseph Smith taught and practiced polygamy.

[Olavarria]

My denomination has scholars that believe Joseph Smith taught and practiced polygamy.

so does mine

[AndyOne]

"However, it can't hold a candle to the Proclamation on the Family, which I might add is way ahead of it's time and really goes against the current cultural grain."

Shouldn't statements like these be qualified with "IMO" or "IMHO"? A little arrogant IMO.

[kamenraider]

Where's the "Thus saith the Lord", and the "even so. Amen"?

I've got to say that to me it's clear as a bell that this "revelation" is not the voice of Jesus Christ.

[Dale]

Was such language used in the Manifesto that started the end of polygamy, or ended the priesthood ban for blacks? LDS regard certain documents as worthy of canonization that clearly don't follow Joseph Smith's revelations. Were those documents revelations, or uninspired because they wern't couched in "Thus saith the Lord" or "even so. Amen."? Style of revelation can be changed over to a more modern style.

[Dale]

How many modern revelations have the last 6 LDS prophet's recieved? If they can recieve revelations matching that of the D. & C. style that has to be proven to me. If they tried and could not do better than Community of Christ church presidents the style argument is useless. It's useless because the style of documents would not be equal to the earlier revelations from Joseph Smith he recieved during his lifetime.

[kamenraider]

Was such language used in the Manifesto that started the end of polygamy, or ended the priesthood ban for blacks?

Good point.

[Pahoran]

Was such language used in the Manifesto that started the end of polygamy, or ended the priesthood ban for blacks? LDS regard certain documents as worthy of canonization that clearly don't follow Joseph Smith's revelations. Were those documents revelations, or uninspired because they wern't couched in "Thus saith the Lord" or "even so. Amen."? Style of revelation can be changed over to a more modern style.

This is a valid point. I don't believe that style is really very relevant after all. I've been teaching the Doctrine and Covenants in EM Seminary this year, and there are a number of examples of awkward or ungrammatical or otherwise poor style. I believe that the important factor is not the style, but the content.

And it happens that I think the CoC Section 163 is a fine document, and CoC people can be justly proud of it. But IMVHO, it does not begin to measure up to Section 121, or 131, or 84, or 88.

Or the Proclamation on the Family.

Regards,

Pahoran

[Thinking]

A parallel message board or a parallel universe?

It is, I admit, a little unexpected that JAdams hasn't heard about the Reorgs. It would be quite astonishing if there were a computer-literate Reorg anywhere who had never heard about the Mormons.

I figured there was a 1 in 250,000 chance.

[Dale]

I suppose it all is a matter of preferences as to what scriptures we like from our leaders.

I did see several years ago some short uncanonized revelations by Wilford Woodruff. I can't recall the content. It was in some old Relief Society manual I think. I think it was two or three short documents. I saw the volume probably before 1985. In the LDS D.&C. section 138 given through Joseph F. Smith is one of my favorites. I saw a book in an LDS bookstore that supposedly collects some of them. But I never read the volume.