Event #3 Live the Book (June 24)

Explain how the Book of Mormon influences the way you live.

Event #4 Share the Book (July 1)

Invite your friends to learn more about the Book of Mormon and specifically invite someone to be taught about the Book of Mormon by missionaries online or in person!

The end goal is to share the Book of Mormon, not just with the masses, but with specific people. Their purpose is to create teaching opportunities online for missionaries through you!

How to Participate

Go to the Called to Share Facebook page.  Basically, you are invited to post a sentence or two about your Book of Mormon experiences, and add a photo with a particular hashtag.  Here’s a sample post on the page:

Don’t Miss the Chat with David Archuleta!

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced that the public will have the opportunity to participate in a live Facebook chat with American pop-star, David Archuleta.

On June 24 at 7 pm (EDT), Archuleta will have the opportunity to discuss with youth around the world about his decision to put his music career on hold and serve a 2-year mission for the Church. The chat will enable youth to ask Archuleta questions and hear stories from his mission. The statement on LDS.org reports that Bonnie L. Oscarson, the Young Women General President, and David L. Beck, the Young Men’s General President, will moderate the discussion (from LDS.net).

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An Interview with the PA Manager of the Church

Ally Isom, Senior Manager of Public Affairs with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was interviewed by Doug Fabrizio of Radio West. They discussed the details of the church disciplinary process as described by the Church.

During the interview, Isom states that the church defines apostasy as when “members turn away from the principles of the gospel, or corrupt principles of the gospel, or make unauthorized changes in Church organizations or priesthood ordinances.” She continues to say that expressing personal views is one thing, but it’s a completely different situation when an individual begins to actively draw others away from clear gospel doctrine. She explains the dangers of this by quoting President Gordon B. Hinckley: “Small aberrations in doctrinal teaching can lead to large and evil falsehoods” (from LDS.net).

A Thorough and Thoughtful Article at Patheos.com

Latter-day Saint convert, Karen Trifiletti, also posted a thoughtful article at Patheos called John Dehlin and Kate Kelly: Reflections on Church Discipline. In it, Karen discusses “loving disciplinary action,” calling failure to discipline a less-loving choice:

Today, professing Christians—as well as progressive parents—are almost afraid to practice discipline out of fear of appearing uncaring. But actually choosing not to discipline, in the case of grievances of Church doctrine or behavior, is the uncaring, least merciful course, for the offender and for the body of Christ.

Church discipline invites a change of heart, and keeps “the body of Christ free from influences that weaken others’ faith in Jesus Christ and his teachings,” Karen says.

Of particular concern to Karen and all the members of the Church is an understanding of the use and nature of “priesthood,” which we define as the power and authority to act in God’s name. The priesthood is a blessing that comes with membership in the “true and living” Church, and the idea that it is somehow limited to men in administrative callings is a wrong idea.  Says Karen,

The priesthood is infinite, and is continually poured out and its powers and blessings are shared as the Lord has designated. There is no scarcity of it, nor does it need to be re-distributed according to secular versions of functional equality. All women have access to the power of the priesthood and equal access to God.

Read more about the infinite blessings of the priesthood on LDS.net.  If you are confused by the claims of the Ordain Women group and wondering about their ‘grievances,” this is a must-read, shared by the same author.

An Experienced Mormon Leader Reflects on Church Disciplinary Councils

Also a very worthwhile read on the subject of church discipline in Mormonism is a piece called Middle Aged Mormon Man — Why I Love Church Disciplinary Councils.

My views regarding church disciplinary councils come from almost a decade of actively participating in them as a bishop, and a member of Stake councils. I have had the privilege and responsibility to participate in dozens of councils over that time.

MMM comments on the palpable feeling of the presence of the Holy Ghost at these councils, perhaps more profoundly felt than in any other process of service.

I have witnessed the power of the Atonement of Christ heal broken hearts and darkened spirits. I have seen the very real change of countenance in the face and eyes of many repentant souls who sought, and found, forgiveness.

In the midst of this controversy, these three articles can give you a clear picture of the purpose, context, and content of Mormon disciplinary councils and show how church discipline is guided by a loving Heavenly Father through the presence of the Holy Ghost.

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This year leaders in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (or the nicknamed “Mormon Church”) have released a beautiful book called Daughters in My Kingdom: The History and Work of Relief Society. I am very excited for this book and the light that I know it will bring into my life. It is a compilation of the history of a wonderful society which is now one of the largest societies for women in the world.

Daughters in My Kingdom tells the stories of faithful, humble women who made significant sacrifices to help build up the kingdom of God on the earth. Some women did this quietly in their homes, congregations, and communities. Other women made a much more global impact by supporting such things as the women’s suffrage movement. The wonderful thing about this book is that is reminds us as women that however we impact the world around us, we are equally important and valued in the eyes of our Father in Heaven. We all have divine potential as His daughters and we each have a purpose to fulfill.

Relief Society General President Julie Beck said of part of the purpose of this book:

There is a worldwide hunger among good women to know their identity, value, and importance. Studying and applying the history of Relief Society gives definition and expression to who we are as disciples and followers of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Our faithfulness and service are signs of our conversion and commitment to remember and follow Him . . .

The history of Relief Society teaches us that our Heavenly Father knows His daughters. He loves them, He has given them specific responsibilities, and He has spoken to and guided them during their mortal missions. Additionally, the history of Relief Society elevates and validates the standing of women and demonstrates how they work in companionship with faithful priesthood leaders.(“Daughters in My Kingdom: The History and Work of Relief Society,” Julie Beck, Ensign, November 2010).

By studying this book, Mormon women will be reminded of their value and will be shown patterns they can follow from the women who have gone before them. Learning from the past is an essential skill each of us must learn. I am very grateful to have this book today.

Read Daughters in My Kingdom: The History and Work of Relief Society

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