| 284 position on the book of Doctrine and Covenants. This was referred to the First Presidency, who subsequently reported as follows:
To the Elders and Saints in Conference Assembled; Greeting: In the matter of preamble and resolution from the Decatur District, referred to us on a previous day of the session, we beg leave and submit:
It is our opinion that the free rendering and meaning of the resolution passed at the semiannual session of 1878, and referred to in said resolution from Decatur District, is that:
Whereas, Certain rumors had obtained currency that the church had not at any time so attested the book of Doctrine and Covenants, and the later revelations given to the church, by vote and affirmation, that they should form with the Bible and Book of Mormon, a standard of reference in case of controversy and difference of opinion upon questions of doctrine and practice in the church; therefore, to remedy this defect, if it existed, the resolution referred to was introduced and passed.
We are further of the opinion, that it is not the intent and meaning of the said resolution to make a belief in the revelations in the book of Covenants, or the abstract doctrines possibly contained in it, a test of reception and fellowship in the church; but that the things therein contained relating to the doctrine, rules of procedure, and practice in the church, should govern the ministry and elders as representatives of the church.
We are further of the opinion, that, while it is not intended, or indeed practicable to bind, or proscribe the liberty of conscience, whereby violence is done to the honesty and integrity of the people by prescribing dogmas and tenets other than the plain provisions of the gospel, as affirmed in the New Testament, Book of Mormon, and Doctrine and Covenants, and set forth in the epitome of faith and doctrine; it is clear to us that it is destructive to the faith of the church, and inconsistent with the calling and dignity of the ministry, to decry, disclaim, preach or teach contrary to the revelations in said book of Covenants, or to arraign them in such a way that the faith of the people of the church is weakened and they thereby distressed.
We are further of the opinion, that the elders should confine their teaching to such doctrines and tenets, church articles and practices, a knowledge of which is necessary to obedience and salvation; and that in all questions upon which there is much controversy, and upon which the church has not clearly declared, and which are not unmistakably essential to salvation, the elders should refrain from teaching; or if called upon, in defense of the church, or when wisdom should dictate, they should so clearly discriminate in their teaching between their own views and opinions, and the affirmations and defined declarations of the church that they shall not be found antagonizing their own and others' views as a conflict in teaching upon the part of the church.
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