Latter-day Saint Church supports President’s decision
Shortly after President George W. Bush was announcing that bombing on Afghanistan has commenced, President Gordon B. Hinckley announced during the 171st Semi-annual General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Church’s support of Bush’s actions and America in general.
“Those of us who are American citizens stand solidly with the President of our nation. The terrible forces of evil must be confronted and held accountable for their actions,” Hinckley said.
Hinckley said he hoped members would be absolutely loyal to the church.
“The church needs your loyal support, and you need the loyal support of the Church,” Hinckley said.
This conflict could affect the church’s Welfare needs, tithing of the church, the missionary program and administration worldwide, Hinckley said.
Hinckley urged church members to get out of debt, be self-reliant, be thrifty, set food aside and pray.
“Unitedly, as a church, we must get on our knees and invoke the powers of the Almighty in behalf of those who will carry the burdens of this campaign,” Hinckley said, close to tears.
This conflict is another expression of the war in heaven referred to in the book of Revelation, he said.
“I do not believe that the time is here when an all-consuming calamity will overtake us. I earnestly pray that it may not. There is so much of the Lord’s work yet to be done. We, and our children after us, must do it,” Hinckley said.
Church members need to reach out and help all people of good will whatever their religious persuasion or nationality might be, Hinckley said.
“I ask particularly that our own people do not become a party in any way to the persecution of the innocent. Rather, let us be friendly and helpful, protective and supportive. It is the terrorist organizations that must be ferreted out and brought down,” Hinckley said.
During the conference, church authorities called for members to accepting, include and befriend their neighbors who are not members, to give more service and to be better missionaries.
“Notwithstanding the afflictions about us, notwithstanding the sordid things we see almost everywhere, notwithstanding the conflict that sweeps across the world, we can be better,” Hinckley said.
Elder M. Russell Ballard said members need to never exclude anyone. He called this the “doctrine of inclusion.” He said members should not call people “non-members” or “non-Mormons.”
Bishop H. David Burton said “our unique church language” might cause others to wonder if they were not members of the community, city or human race.
“Personally, I don’t consider myself to be a “non-Catholic” or a “non-Jew.” I am a Christian. I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. That is how I prefer to be identified – for who and what I am, as opposed to being identified for what I am not. Let us extend that same courtesy to those who live among us,” Ballard said.
Ballard suggested if a label is needed, to call them neighbors. It “seems to work well in most cases.”
“The term ‘neighbor’ includes family, people with whom we work, those whom we see at church and even the enemy, though we do not condone what the latter does,” Elder Robert F. Orton said.
With this broad definition of ‘neighbor’ comes a Christ-like outlook, Orton said.
“Is our neighborliness selective and confined to those of our faith, or is it all-inclusive regardless of faith, color or any other perceived differences? To the Savior there was no reservation in the definition of neighbor,” Burton said.
Members should never suggest to someone to move some place else if a problem arises, Ballard said.
“I cannot comprehend how any member of our church can even think such a thing,” he said.
“Please understand, however, that our doctrines and teachings are set by the Lord, so sometimes we will have to agree to disagree with you, but we can do it without being disagreeable,” Ballard said.
Hinckley challenged church members to do more good works.
“And as we go forward, may we bless humanity with an outreach to all, lifting those who are downtrodden and oppressed, feeding and clothing the hungry and the needy, extending love and neighborliness to those about us who may not be part of this church,” Hinckley said.
Dallin H. Oaks said, in a worldwide satellite address to missionaries, Hinckley challenged church members at all levels to participate in missionary work.
“Though it has been two and a half years since our president made this plea, most of us have not yet acted effectively upon his challenge,” Oaks said.
There are three elements to fulfill the challenge, Oaks said: A sincere desire to share the gospel, divine assistance and knowing what to do.
Oaks gave examples of ways members could share a message with others. He suggested using the new pass-along cards or the new Internet Web site at www.mormon.org through which electronic greeting cards can be created or can help answer questions.
“The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the brightest light and the only hope for this darkened world,” Oaks said.
Members of the church who have already served missions need to continue their missionary efforts, Elder L. Tom Perry said.
“I call on you returned missionaries to re-dedicate yourselves, to become re-infused with the desire and spirit of missionary service,” Perry said.
Church members need to “stand tall,” Burton said. They need to eliminate crude and profane language from their speech, not wear immodest clothing, parents need to be examples to children and reach out to their neighbors.
woman … We as women are not diminished by priesthood power, we are magnified by it.”
Material possessions and worldly honors are nothing compared to the importance of the family, Nelson said.
“Our family is the focus of our greatest work and joy in this life; so it will be throughout all eternity,” Nelson said.
Members gathered to listen to messages from leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during the 171st Semi-annual General Conference. (Ron Adair )