Pearl of Great Price, Articles of Faith 1:6

“We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.”

Guide to the Scriptures, “Prophet,” Study Helps, Gospel Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 

“A person who has been called by and speaks for God. As a messenger of God, a prophet receives commandments, prophecies, and revelations from God. His responsibility is to make known God’s will and true character to mankind and to show the meaning of His dealings with them. A prophet denounces sin and foretells its consequences. He is a preacher of righteousness. On occasion, prophets may be inspired to foretell the future for the benefit of mankind. His primary responsibility, however, is to bear witness of Christ. The President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is God’s prophet on earth today. Members of the First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles are sustained as prophets, seers, and revelators.”

Bible Dictionary, “Prophet,” Study Helps, Gospel Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 

“The work of a Hebrew prophet was to act as God’s messenger and make known God’s will. The message was usually prefaced with the words ‘Thus saith Jehovah.’ He taught men about God’s character, showing the full meaning of His dealings with Israel in the past.”

“It was also the prophet’s duty to denounce sin and foretell its punishment and to redress, so far as he could, both public and private wrongs. He was to be, above all, a preacher of righteousness.”

Church Newsroom, “Prophets,” Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

“Modern apostles and prophets are a distinctive characteristic of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Church members view senior Church leaders — Joseph Smith, Brigham Young and the presidents of the Church that followed — as prophets of God in the same way they view Abraham, Moses, Isaiah and the apostles in the day of Jesus Christ.  Russell M. Nelson is the current president and prophet of the Church.”

Old Testament, Numbers 12:6

“And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.”

Old Testament, Amos 3:7

“Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.”

New Testament, Luke 1:70

“As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began.”

New Testament, Ephesians 2:19-20

“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 

And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone”

Doctrine and Covenants 1:38

“What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.”

Doctrine and Covenants 43:3-4

“And this ye shall know assuredly—that there is none other appointed unto you to receive commandments and revelations until he be taken, if he abide in me. 

But verily, verily, I say unto you, that none else shall be appointed unto this gift except it be through him.”

N. Eldon Tanner, “The Debate is Over,” First Presidency Message, Ensign, August 1979

“When the prophet speaks the debate is over.”

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Come, Join with Us,” General Conference, October 2013

“As an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ and as one who has seen firsthand the councils and workings of this Church, I bear solemn witness that no decision of significance affecting this Church or its members is ever made without earnestly seeking the inspiration, guidance, and approbation of our Eternal Father. This is the Church of Jesus Christ. God will not allow His Church to drift from its appointed course or fail to fulfill its divine destiny.”

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Why Do We Need Prophets?” Liahona, March 2012

“From the days of Adam, God has spoken to His children through appointed oracles who are charged with revealing His will and counsel to others. Prophets are inspired teachers and are always special witnesses of Jesus Christ.” 

“Today is not different from ages past. The Lord does not love the people of our day any less than in past times. One of the glorious messages of the Restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ is that God continues to speak to His children! He is not hidden in the heavens but speaks today as He did in ancient days.”

Guide to the Scriptures, “Sustaining Church Leaders,” Study Helps, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

“To pledge support to those serving in general and local Church leadership positions.”

What We Believe, “We Sustain Our Leaders,” Ensign, March 2012

“We have an opportunity to sustain—support, help, pray for—each of these people in their callings. We indicate our willingness to do so by raising our right hands when their names are read to us in general conference, stake conference, ward or branch conference, or sacrament meeting. Raising our hands is a sign to us, to them, and to the Lord that we will sustain them.”

“Raising our hands to sustain someone is not like voting that person into office. The person has already been called by the Lord to serve in that calling by one who has the priesthood authority to extend such a calling. Our sustaining is a vote of confidence in the person, because we recognize that he or she has been called of God through priesthood leaders we sustain.”

“We can sustain the General Authorities and our local leaders and officers in several ways: By our faith and prayers in their behalf. By following their counsel. By helping when they ask us. By accepting callings they extend to us. Sustaining our leaders is evidence of our goodwill, faith, and fellowship.”

Sarah Jane Weaver and Jason Swenson, “How Can We Sustain Our Leaders?” Ensign, July 2019

“Sustaining is a sacred action that connects membership of the Church to Church leaders.”

“Every member has the opportunity to make a personal connection with these and other Church leaders through his or her formal sustaining vote and daily sustaining actions.”

“Sustaining the Apostles is a latter-day practice that dates back to Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. From the first day, early Saints were invited to consent to the calling of Church leaders and to sustain them in that calling. On April 6, 1830, Joseph Smith and his newly baptized followers gathered in a small log farm home belonging to Peter Whitmer Sr. in Fayette, Seneca County, New York. Joseph stood and asked those participating if they desired the organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Exercising the principle of common consent, the new members raised their hands and consented by unanimous vote. Next they consented to accept Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery as their teachers and spiritual advisers.”

Church Newsroom, “Church Updates Temple Recommend Interview Questions,” Ensign, January 2020

“Do you sustain the president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as the prophet, seer, and revelator and as the only person on the earth authorized to exercise all priesthood keys? Do you sustain the members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers, and revelators? Do you sustain the other General Authorities and local leaders of the Church?”

Joseph F. Smith, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith (1998), 211

“It is an important duty resting upon the Saints who … sustain the authorities of the Church, to do so not only by the lifting of the hand, the mere form, but in deed and in truth.”

Russell M. Nelson, “Sustaining the Prophets,” General Conference, October 2014

“Imagine the privilege the Lord has given us of sustaining His prophet, whose counsel will be untainted, unvarnished, unmotivated by any personal aspiration, and utterly true!”

“We also had the privilege to sustain him, the counselors in the First Presidency, and members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers, and revelators. Think of that! We sustain 15 men as prophets of God! They hold all the priesthood keys that have ever been conferred upon man in this dispensation.”

Ezra Taft Benson, “Fourteen Fundamentals in Following the Prophet,” February 26, 1980, Speeches, Brigham Young University

“First: The prophet is the only man who speaks for the Lord in everything.”

“Second: The living prophet is more vital to us than the standard works.”

“Third: The living prophet is more important to us than a dead prophet.”

“Fourth: The prophet will never lead the Church astray.”

“Fifth: The prophet is not required to have any particular earthly training or credentials to speak on any subject or act on any matter at any time.”

“Sixth: The prophet does not have to say ‘Thus saith the Lord’ to give us scripture.”

“The learned may feel the prophet is only inspired when he agrees with them; otherwise, the prophet is just giving his opinion—speaking as a man.”

“The prophet and the presidency—the living prophet and the first presidency—follow them and be blessed; reject them and suffer.”

Old Testament, Numbers 27:18-23

“And the Lord said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him; 

And set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight. 

And thou shalt put some of thine honour upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient. 

And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim before the Lord: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation. 

And Moses did as the Lord commanded him: and he took Joshua, and set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation: 

And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the Lord commanded by the hand of Moses.”

Old Testament, 2 Chronicles 20:20

“And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.”

New Testament, Hebrews 13:17-18

“Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. 

Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.”

Book of Mormon, 1 Nephi 3:6

“Therefore go, my son, and thou shalt be favored of the Lord, because thou hast not murmured.”

Book of Mormon, 3 Nephi 10:12

“And it was the more righteous part of the people who were saved, and it was they who received the prophets and stoned them not; and it was they who had not shed the blood of the saints, who were spared.”

Doctrine and Covenants 20:26

“As many as were before he came, who believed in the words of the holy prophets, who spake as they were inspired by the gift of the Holy Ghost, who truly testified of him in all things, should have eternal life.”

Doctrine and Covenants 21:4-7

“Wherefore, meaning the church, thou shalt give heed unto all his words and commandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me; 

For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith. 

For by doing these things the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea, and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good, and his name’s glory. 

For thus saith the Lord God: Him have I inspired to move the cause of Zion in mighty power for good, and his diligence I know, and his prayers I have heard.”

Doctrine and Covenants 84:36-38

“For he that receiveth my servants receiveth me; And he that receiveth me receiveth my Father; 

And he that receiveth my Father receiveth my Father’s kingdom; therefore all that my Father hath shall be given unto him.”

Doctrine and Covenants 124:45

“And if my people will hearken unto my voice, and unto the voice of my servants whom I have appointed to lead my people, behold, verily I say unto you, they shall not be moved out of their place.”

Joseph Smith, Millennial Star, Vol. 14, Num. 38, pp.593-595

“We have heard men who hold the priesthood remark that they would do anything they were told to do by those who preside over them (even) if they knew it was wrong; but such obedience as this is worse than folly to us; it is slavery in the extreme; and the man who would thus willingly degrade himself, should not claim a rank among intelligent beings, until he turns from his folly. A man of God would despise the idea. Others, in the extreme exercise of their almighty authority have taught that such obedience was necessary, and that no matter what the saints were told to do by their presidents, they should do it without any questions. When the Elders of Israel will so far indulge in these extreme notions of obedience as to teach them to the people, it is generally because they have it in their hearts to do wrong themselves.”

Joseph Smith, History of the Church, 6:366; from a discourse given by Joseph Smith on May 12, 1844, in Nauvoo, Illinois; reported by Thomas Bullock.

“When did I ever teach anything wrong from this stand? When was I ever confounded? I want to triumph in Israel before I depart hence and am no more seen. I never told you I was perfect; but there is no error in the revelations which I have taught. Must I, then, be thrown away as a thing of naught?”

Gordon B. Hinckley, “Keep the Faith,” Ensign, September 1985

“Remember, however, that no Church leader of whom I am aware, past or present, has ever claimed perfection. They have been and are human, including those who have served as Presidents of the Church. The Lord has always used those he has found most suitable for His purposes.”

Neil L. Andersen, “Trial of Your Faith,” General Conference, October 2012

“The leaders of the Church are honest but imperfect men.”

Jeffrey R. Holland, “Lord, I Believe,” General Conference, April 2013 

“Except in the case of His only perfect Begotten Son, imperfect people are all God has ever had to work with. That must be terribly frustrating to Him, but He deals with it. So should we. And when you see imperfection, remember that the limitation is not in the divinity of the work.”

“I know that Joseph Smith, who acknowledged that he wasn’t perfect, was nevertheless the chosen instrument in God’s hand to restore the everlasting gospel to the earth.”

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Come, Join with Us,” General Conference, October 2013 

“And, to be perfectly frank, there have been times when members or leaders in the Church have simply made mistakes. There may have been things said or done that were not in harmony with our values, principles, or doctrine. I suppose the Church would be perfect only if it were run by perfect beings. God is perfect, and His doctrine is pure. But He works through us—His imperfect children—and imperfect people make mistakes.” 

“If you define hypocrite as someone who fails to live up perfectly to what he or she believes, then we are all hypocrites. None of us is quite as Christlike as we know we should be. But we earnestly desire to overcome our faults and the tendency to sin. With our heart and soul we yearn to become better with the help of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.”

Henry B. Eyring, “The Lord Leads His Church,” General Conference, October 2017

“It takes faith to believe that He calls imperfect people into positions of trust. It takes faith to believe that He knows the people He calls perfectly, both their capacities and their potential, and so makes no mistakes in His calls.”

Kyle S. McKay, “A Sure and Certain Foundation,” April 2023, Devotionals, Brigham Young University Idaho

“The scriptures repeatedly show that God does His work through humans and those humans make mistakes, sometimes even while God is using them for His purposes.”

Doctrine and Covenants 1:23-25

“That the fulness of my gospel might be proclaimed by the weak and the simple unto the ends of the world, and before kings and rulers. 

Behold, I am God and have spoken it; these commandments are of me, and were given unto my servants in their weakness, after the manner of their language, that they might come to understanding. 

And inasmuch as they erred it might be made known.”

Doctrine and Covenants 3:6-11

“And behold, how oft you have transgressed the commandments and the laws of God, and have gone on in the persuasions of men. 

For, behold, you should not have feared man more than God. Although men set at naught the counsels of God, and despise his words—

Yet you should have been faithful; and he would have extended his arm and supported you against all the fiery darts of the adversary; and he would have been with you in every time of trouble. 

Behold, thou art Joseph, and thou wast chosen to do the work of the Lord, but because of transgression, if thou art not aware thou wilt fall. 

But remember, God is merciful; therefore, repent of that which thou hast done which is contrary to the commandment which I gave you, and thou art still chosen, and art again called to the work; 

Except thou do this, thou shalt be delivered up and become as other men, and have no more gift.”

Book of Mormon, Mormon 9:31

“Condemn me not because of mine imperfection, neither my father, because of his imperfection, neither them who have written before him; but rather give thanks unto God that he hath made manifest unto you our imperfections, that ye may learn to be more wise than we have been.”

Doctrine and Covenants 62:1

“Behold, and hearken, O ye elders of my church, saith the Lord your God, even Jesus Christ, your advocate, who knoweth the weakness of man and how to succor them who are tempted.”

Gospel Topics, “Apostasy,” Gospel Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

“We now live in a time when the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored. But unlike the Church in times past, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will not be overcome by general apostasy. The scriptures teach that the Church will never again be destroyed.”

Joseph Smith, “Discourse Given by Joseph Smith on May 12, 1844, in Nauvoo, Illinois,” History of the Church, Volume 6, p. 366

“When did I ever teach anything wrong from this stand? When was I ever confounded? I want to triumph in Israel before I depart hence and am no more seen. I never told you I was perfect; but there is no error in the revelations which I have taught. Must I, then, be thrown away as a thing of naught?”

Brigham Young, “A Series of Instructions and Remarks by President Brigham Young at a Special Council, Tabernacle, March 21, 1858,” Church Historical Department, in Richard S. Van Wagoner,” The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young,” Salt Lake City, Smith-Pettit Foundation, 2009, Volume 3, p. 1418.

“Can a Prophet or an Apostle be mistaken? Do not ask me any such question, for I will acknowledge that all the time, but I do not acknowledge that I designedly lead this people astray one hair’s breadth from the truth, and I do not knowingly do a wrong, though I may commit many wrongs, and so may you. But I overlook your weaknesses, and I know by experience that the Saints lift their hearts to God that I may be led right.”

Brigham Young, "Latter-day Saint Families, etc.," 2 January 1870, Journal of Discourses Volume 13, p. 95-95.

“I know just as well what to teach this people and just what to say to them and what to do in order to bring them into the celestial kingdom, as I know the road to my office. It is just as plain and easy. The Lord is in our midst. He teaches the people continually. I have never yet preached a sermon and sent it out to the children of men, that they may not call Scripture. Let me have the privilege of correcting a sermon, and it is as good Scripture as they deserve.”

Brigham Young, "Texts for Preaching Upon at Conference—Revelations, etc.," 6 October 1870, Journal of Discourses Volume 13, p. 264-264.

“I say now, when they are copied and approved by me they are as good Scripture as is couched in this Bible.”

Wilford Woodruff, “Sixty-first Semiannual General Conference of the Church,” Monday, 6 October 1890, Salt Lake City, Utah. Reported in Deseret Evening News, 11 October, 1890, p. 2.

“The Lord will never permit me or any other man who stands as President of this Church to lead you astray. It is not in the programme. It is not in the mind of God. If I were to attempt that, the Lord would remove me out of my place, and so He will any other man who attempts to lead the children of men astray from the oracles of God and from their duty.”

Joseph Fielding Smith, "Eternal Keys and the Right to Preside," Ensign, July 1972, p. 88

“An individual may fall by the wayside, or have views, or give counsel which falls short of what the Lord intends. But the voice of the First Presidency and the united voice of those others who hold with them the keys of the kingdom shall always guide the Saints and the world in those paths where the Lord wants them to be.”

Ezra Taft Benson, “Fourteen Fundamentals in Following the Prophet,” 26 February 1980, Speeches, Brigham Young University

“The prophet will never lead the Church astray.”

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Come, Join with Us,” General Conference, October 2013

“As an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ and as one who has seen firsthand the councils and workings of this Church, I bear solemn witness that no decision of significance affecting this Church or its members is ever made without earnestly seeking the inspiration, guidance, and approbation of our Eternal Father. This is the Church of Jesus Christ. God will not allow His Church to drift from its appointed course or fail to fulfill its divine destiny.”

M. Russell Ballard, “Stay in the Boat and Hold On!” General Conference, October 2014

“Recently, I spoke at the new mission presidents’ seminar and counseled these leaders:

“Keep the eyes of the mission on the leaders of the Church. … We will not and … cannot lead [you] astray.

“And as you teach your missionaries to focus their eyes on us, teach them to never follow those who think they know more about how to administer the affairs of the Church than … Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ do” through the priesthood leaders who have the keys to preside.

“I have discovered in my ministry that those who have become lost [and] confused are typically those who have most often … forgotten that when the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve speak with a united voice, it is the voice of the Lord for that time. The Lord reminds us, ‘Whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.’” 

Russell M. Nelson, “Sustaining the Prophets,” General Conference, October 2014

“The Church today has been organized by the Lord Himself. He has put in place a remarkable system of governance that provides redundancy and backup. That system provides for prophetic leadership even when the inevitable illnesses and incapacities may come with advancing age. Counterbalances and safeguards abound so that no one can ever lead the Church astray.”

Old Testament, Deuteronomy 18:20

“But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.”

Old Testament, Ezekiel 3:27

“But when I speak with thee, I will open thy mouth, and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; He that heareth, let him hear; and he that forbeareth, let him forbear.”

Doctrine and Covenants 21:4-7

“Wherefore, meaning the church, thou shalt give heed unto all his words and commandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me;

For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith.

For by doing these things the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea, and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good, and his name’s glory.

For thus saith the Lord God: Him have I inspired to move the cause of Zion in mighty power for good, and his diligence I know, and his prayers I have heard.”

Doctrine and Covenants 68:3-5

“And this is the ensample unto them, that they shall speak as they are moved upon by the Holy Ghost.

And whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost shall be scripture, shall be the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord, shall be the word of the Lord, shall be the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation.

Behold, this is the promise of the Lord unto you, O ye my servants.”

Joseph Smith, History of the Church, 5:265

“I told them that a prophet was a prophet only when he was acting as such.”

B. H. Roberts, “Letter written November 4, 1887,” London, Millennial Star, 28 November 1887, p. 760-763

“Our authorized Church works are the Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. In the Church very wide latitude is given to individual belief and opinion, each man being responsible for his views and not the Church; the Church is only responsible for that which she sanctions and approves through the formal actions of her councils.”

Joseph F. Smith, “Correspondence to Lilian Golsan, July 16, 1902,” Personal Letterbooks, p. 93–94 

“No doctrine is a doctrine of this Church until it has been accepted as such by the Church, and not even a revelation from God should be taught to his people until it has first been approved by the presiding authority–the one through whom the Lord makes known His will for the guidance of the saints as a religious body. The spirit of revelation may rest upon any one, and teach him or her many things for personal comfort and instruction. But these are not doctrines of the Church, and, however true, they must not be inculcated until proper permission is given.”

Joseph Fielding Smith, “Doctrines of Salvation,” 1954, p. 203-204

"It makes no difference what is written or what anyone has said, if what has been said is in conflict with what the Lord has revealed, we can set it aside. My words and the teachings of any other member of the Church, high or low, if they do not square with the revelations, we need not accept them. Let us have this matter clear. We have accepted the four standard works as the measuring yardsticks, or balance by which we measure every man’s doctrine.

You cannot accept the book written by the authorities of the Church as standards of doctrine, only in so far as they accord with the revealed word in the standard works.

Every man who writes is responsible, not the Church, or what he writes. If Joseph Fielding Smith writes something which is out of harmony with the revelations, then every member of the Church is duty bound to reject it. If he writes that which is in perfect harmony with the revealed word of the Lord, then it should be accepted.”

Bruce R. McConkie, “Mormon Doctrine,” 1966, Bookcraft, Salt Lake City

“Even the writings, teachings, and opinions of the prophets of God are acceptable only to the extent they are in harmony with what God has revealed and what is recorded in the standard works.”

Harold B. Lee, “The First Area General Conference for Germany, Austria, Holland, Italy, Switzerland, France, Belgium, and Spain of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held in Munich Germany, August 24–26, 1973,” Reports and Discourses, p. 69

“If anyone, regardless of his position in the Church, were to advance a doctrine that is not substantiated by the standard Church works, meaning the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price, you may know that his statement is merely his private opinion. 

The only one authorized to bring forth any new doctrine is the President of the Church, who, when he does, will declare it as revelation from God, and it will be so accepted by the Council of the Twelve and sustained by the body of the Church. And if any man speak a doctrine which contradicts what is in the standard Church works, you may know by that same token that it is false and you are not bound to accept it as truth.”

Ezra Taft Benson, “Fourteen Fundamentals in Following the Prophet,” February 26, 1980, Speeches, Brigham Young University

“Sixth: The prophet does not have to say ‘Thus saith the Lord’ to give us scripture. Sometimes there are those who haggle over words. They might say the prophet gave us counsel but that we are not obligated to follow it unless he says it is a commandment.”

“The learned may feel the prophet is only inspired when he agrees with them; otherwise, the prophet is just giving his opinion—speaking as a man.”

Dallin H. Oaks, “Dating versus Hanging Out,” Ensign, June 2006

“Don’t ask me to give an opinion on your exception. I only teach the general rules. Whether an exception applies to you is your responsibility. You must work that out individually between you and the Lord.”

D. Todd Christofferson, “The Doctrine of Christ,” General Conference, April 2012

“Council deliberations will often include a weighing of canonized scriptures, the teachings of Church leaders, and past practice. But in the end, just as in the New Testament Church, the objective is not simply consensus among council members but revelation from God. It is a process involving both reason and faith for obtaining the mind and will of the Lord.

At the same time it should be remembered that not every statement made by a Church leader, past or present, necessarily constitutes doctrine. It is commonly understood in the Church that a statement made by one leader on a single occasion often represents a personal, though well-considered, opinion, not meant to be official or binding for the whole Church.”

Neil L. Andersen, “Trial of Your Faith,” General Conference, October 2012

“There is an important principle that governs the doctrine of the Church. The doctrine is taught by all 15 members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve. It is not hidden in an obscure paragraph of one talk. True principles are taught frequently and by many. Our doctrine is not difficult to find.”

Russell M. Nelson, “Becoming True Millennials,” 10 January 2016, An Evening with President Russell M. Nelson, Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults, Brigham Young University Hawaii

“You may not always understand every declaration of a living prophet. But when you know a prophet is a prophet, you can approach the Lord in humility and faith and ask for your own witness about whatever His prophet has proclaimed.”

New Era, “To the Point,” 2016 

“If we don’t receive a witness, then we should study what other prophets have said about the matter and choose a course of action. The best course of action is to follow the combined, consistent counsel of the prophets.”

Allen D. Haynie, “A Living Prophet for the Latter Days,” General Conference, April 2023

“Knowing by revelation that there is a living prophet on the earth changes everything. It causes one to be uninterested in the debate about when is a prophet speaking as a prophet or whether one is ever justified in selective rejection of prophetic counsel. Such revealed knowledge invites one to trust the counsel of a living prophet, even if we do not fully understand it. After all, a perfect and loving Father in Heaven has chosen the pattern of revealing truth to His children through a prophet, someone who never sought such a sacred calling and who has no need of our help to be aware of his own imperfections. A prophet is someone God has personally prepared, called, corrected, inspired, rebuked, sanctified, and sustained. That is why we are never spiritually at risk in following prophetic counsel.”

General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, “30.3 Sustaining Members in Callings,” Church Administration, Handbooks and Callings, Gospel Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 

“Those who are called to most Church positions should be presented for sustaining before they begin serving.”

“When presenting a person for sustaining, an authorized priesthood leader invites him or her to stand. The leader may use wording like the following: ‘[Name] has been called as [position]. Those in favor of sustaining [him or her] may show it by the uplifted hand. [Pause briefly.] Those opposed, if any, may also show it. [Pause briefly.]’”

“If a member in good standing opposes the calling, the presiding leader or another assigned priesthood leader meets with him or her in private after the meeting. The leader seeks to understand why the member is opposed. He asks if the member knows of conduct that could disqualify the person from serving in the position. If the opposing member does not know of such conduct, he or she is encouraged to sustain and support the person in the calling. Only members in good standing may participate in the sustaining. However, if a nonmember or a member who is not in good standing has concerns about the action, he or she may share them with the bishop or stake president in private after the meeting.”

Dallin H. Oaks, “Sustaining of General Authorities, Area Seventies, and General Officers,” General Conference, April 2024

“Brothers and sisters, it will now be my privilege to present the General Authorities, Area Seventies, and General Officers of the Church for your sustaining vote. Please express your support in the usual way. If there are those who oppose any of the proposals, we ask that you contact your stake president.”

Brigham Young, from Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, Chapter 12, “Preventing Personal Apostasy”

“Whenever there is a disposition manifested in any of the members of this Church to question the right of the President of the whole Church to direct in all things, you see manifested evidences of apostasy—of a spirit which, if encouraged, will lead to a separation from the Church and to final destruction; wherever there is a disposition to operate against any legally appointed officer of this Kingdom, no matter in what capacity he is called to act, if persisted in, it will be followed by the same results; they will ‘walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self-willed; they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.’”

“One of the first steps to apostasy is to find fault with your Bishop; and when that is done, unless repented of a second step is soon taken, and by and by the person is cut off from the Church, and that is the end of it. Will you allow yourselves to find fault with your Bishop?”

Brigham Young, Conference Report, May 1963, p. 81

“You cannot destroy the appointment of a prophet of God, but you can cut the thread that binds you to the prophet of God and sink yourselves to hell.”

Ezra Taft Benson, “God’s Hand in Our Nation’s History,” March 28, 1977, Speeches, Brigham Young University

“When one undertakes to publish his views to discredit the work of a prophet, it is a very serious matter.”

George F. Richards, Conference Report, April 1947, page 24

“When we say anything bad about the leaders of the Church, whether true or false, we tend to impair their influence and their usefulness and are thus working against the Lord and his cause.”

David O. McKay, Gospel Ideals, Salt Lake City: Improvement Era, 1953, pp. 142–43.

“‘Speak not against the authorities.’ What does it mean? Be not a murmurer; that is what it means. It is one of the most poisonous things that can be introduced into the home of a Latter-day Saint—this murmuring against presidents of stakes, high councilors, Sunday School superintendents, etc.”

“Better stop murmuring and build. Remember that one of the worst means of tearing down an individual is slander. It is one of the most poisonous weapons that the evil one uses. Backbiting and evil speaking throw us into the class of malefactors rather than the class of benefactors.”

N. Eldon Tanner, Conference Report, October 1966, p. 98

“A man said to me after that, ‘You know, there are people in our state who believe in following the Prophet in everything they think is right, but when it is something they think isn’t right, and it doesn’t appeal to them, then that’s different.’ He said, ‘Then they become their own prophet. They decide what the Lord wants and what the Lord doesn’t want.’ I thought how true, and how serious when we begin to choose which of the covenants, which of the commandments we will keep and follow. When we decide that there are some of them that we will not keep or follow, we are taking the law of the Lord into our own hands and become our own prophets, and believe me, we will be led astray, because we are false prophets to ourselves when we do not follow the Prophet of God. No, we should never discriminate between these commandments, as to those we should and should not keep.”

Dallin H. Oaks, “Criticism,” Ensign, February 1987

“Evil speaking of the Lord’s anointed is in a class by itself. It is one thing to depreciate a person who exercises corporate power or even government power. It is quite another thing to criticize or depreciate a person for the performance of an office to which he or she has been called of God. It does not matter that the criticism is true.”

“In our system of Church government, evil speaking and criticism of leaders by members is always negative. Whether the criticism is true or not, as Elder George F. Richards explained, it tends to impair the leaders’ influence and usefulness, thus working against the Lord and his cause.”

“The Bible teaches that rejection of or murmuring against the counsel of the Lord’s servants amounts to actions against the Lord himself. How could it be otherwise? The Lord acts through his servants. That is the pattern he has established to safeguard our agency in mortality. His servants are not perfect, which is another consequence of mortality. But if we murmur against the Lord’s servants, we are working against the Lord and his cause and will soon find ourselves without the companionship of his Spirit.”

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Why Do We Need Prophets?” Liahona, March 2012

“Much of what the Lord reveals to His prophets is intended to prevent sorrow for us as individuals and as societies. When God speaks, He does so to teach, inspire, refine, and warn His children. When individuals and societies ignore their Heavenly Father’s instructions, they do so at the risk of trial, torment, and toil.”

Henry B. Eyring, “The Power of Sustaining Faith,” General Conference, May 2019

“Try to remember and frame the answers you will give when the Lord interviews you, knowing that someday He will. You could prepare by asking yourself questions like the following: Have I thought or spoken of human weakness in the people I have pledged to sustain? Those questions will, for most of us, lead to some uneasiness and a need to repent.”

Old Testament, Exodus 16:8

“The Lord heareth your murmurings which ye murmur against him: and what are we? your murmurings are not against us, but against the Lord.”

Old Testament, 1 Samuel 8:7

“And the Lord said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.”

Old Testament, 1 Samuel 26:9

“And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the Lord’s anointed, and be guiltless?”

Old Testament, 2 Chronicles 36:16

“But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against his people, till there was no remedy.”

New Testament, Matthew 5:10-12

“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 

Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”

New Testament, Luke 16:31

“Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.”

New Testament, Ephesians 4:31

“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice.”

Book of Mormon, Helaman 13:26

“Behold ye are worse than they; for as the Lord liveth, if a prophet come among you and declareth unto you the word of the Lord, which testifieth of your sins and iniquities, ye are angry with him, and cast him out and seek all manner of ways to destroy him; yea, you will say that he is a false prophet, and that he is a sinner, and of the devil, because he testifieth that your deeds are evil.”

Book of Mormon, 3 Nephi 28:34-35

“And wo be unto him that will not hearken unto the words of Jesus, and also to them whom he hath chosen and sent among them; for whoso receiveth not the words of Jesus and the words of those whom he hath sent receiveth not him; and therefore he will not receive them at the last day; 

And it would be better for them if they had not been born. For do ye suppose that ye can get rid of the justice of an offended God, who hath been trampled under feet of men, that thereby salvation might come?”

Book of Mormon, Ether 7:23-24

“And also in the reign of Shule there came prophets among the people, who were sent from the Lord, prophesying that the wickedness and idolatry of the people was bringing a curse upon the land, and they should be destroyed if they did not repent. 

And it came to pass that the people did revile against the prophets, and did mock them. 

And it came to pass that king Shule did execute judgment against all those who did revile against the prophets.”

Doctrine and Covenants 1:13-16

“And the anger of the Lord is kindled, and his sword is bathed in heaven, and it shall fall upon the inhabitants of the earth. 

And the arm of the Lord shall be revealed; and the day cometh that they who will not hear the voice of the Lord, neither the voice of his servants, neither give heed to the words of the prophets and apostles, shall be cut off from among the people; 

For they have strayed from mine ordinances, and have broken mine everlasting covenant; 

They seek not the Lord to establish his righteousness, but every man walketh in his own way, and after the image of his own god, whose image is in the likeness of the world, and whose substance is that of an idol, which waxeth old and shall perish in Babylon, even Babylon the great, which shall fall.”

Doctrine and Covenants 76:98-102

“And the glory of the telestial is one, even as the glory of the stars is one; for as one star differs from another star in glory, even so differs one from another in glory in the telestial world;

For these are they who are of Paul, and of Apollos, and of Cephas.

These are they who say they are some of one and some of another—some of Christ and some of John, and some of Moses, and some of Elias, and some of Esaias, and some of Isaiah, and some of Enoch;

But received not the gospel, neither the testimony of Jesus, neither the prophets, neither the everlasting covenant.

Last of all, these all are they who will not be gathered with the saints, to be caught up unto the church of the Firstborn, and received into the cloud.”

Doctrine and Covenants 90:5

“And all they who receive the oracles of God, let them beware how they hold them lest they are accounted as a light thing, and are brought under condemnation thereby, and stumble and fall when the storms descend, and the winds blow, and the rains descend, and beat upon their house.”

Doctrine and Covenants 121:16

“Cursed are all those that shall lift up the heel against mine anointed, saith the Lord, and cry they have sinned when they have not sinned before me, saith the Lord, but have done that which was meet in mine eyes, and which I commanded them.”

Doctrine and Covenants 124:46

“But if they will not hearken to my voice, nor unto the voice of these men whom I have appointed, they shall not be blest, because they pollute mine holy grounds, and mine holy ordinances, and charters, and my holy words which I give unto them.”

Doctrine and Covenants 124:84

“And with my servant Almon Babbitt, there are many things with which I am not pleased; behold, he aspireth to establish his counsel instead of the counsel which I have ordained, even that of the Presidency of my Church; and he setteth up a golden calf for the worship of my people.”

Doctrine and Covenants 133:71-74

“Behold, and lo, there are none to deliver you; for ye obeyed not my voice when I called to you out of the heavens; ye believed not my servants, and when they were sent unto you ye received them not.

Wherefore, they sealed up the testimony and bound up the law, and ye were delivered over unto darkness.

These shall go away into outer darkness, where there is weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth.

Behold the Lord your God hath spoken it. Amen.”

Brigham Young, “Journal of Discourses,” 4:297

“Though I admitted in my feelings and knew all the time that Joseph was a human being and subject to err, still it was none of my business to look after his faults. … He was called of God; God dictated him, and if He had a mind to leave him to himself and let him commit an error, that was no business of mine. … He was God’s servant, and not mine.”

Dallin H. Oaks, “Criticism,” Ensign, February 1987

“As we seek to accomplish our life’s purposes, we will inevitably have differences with those around us—including some of those we sustain as our leaders. The question is not whether we have such differences, but how we manage them… There are at least five different procedures a Church member can follow in addressing differences with Church leaders.”

“The first—and most benign—of the procedures is to overlook the difference.”

“A second option is to reserve judgment and postpone any action on the difference.”

“The third procedure, which should be familiar to every student of the Bible, is to take up our differences privately with the leader involved.”

“A fourth option is to communicate with the Church officer who has the power to correct or release the person thought to be in error or transgression.”

“There is a fifth remedy. We can pray for the resolution of the problem. We should pray for the leader whom we think to be in error, asking the Lord to correct the circumstance if it needs correction. At the same time, we should pray for ourselves, asking the Lord to correct us if we are in error.”

James E. Faust, “Called and Chosen,” General Conference, October 2005

“Disrespect for ecclesiastical leaders has caused many to suffer spiritual weakening and downfall. We should look past any perceived imperfections, warts, or spots of the men called to preside over us, and uphold the office which they hold.”

Dallin H. Oaks, “Opposition in All Things,” General Conference, April 2016

“The Church in its divine mission and we in our personal lives seem to face increasing opposition today. Perhaps as the Church grows in strength and we members grow in faith and obedience, Satan increases the strength of his opposition so we will continue to have “opposition in all things.”

Some of this opposition even comes from Church members. Some who use personal reasoning or wisdom to resist prophetic direction give themselves a label borrowed from elected bodies—“the loyal opposition.” However appropriate for a democracy, there is no warrant for this concept in the government of God’s kingdom, where questions are honored but opposition is not.”

Henry B. Eyring, “The Lord Leads His Church,” General Conference, October 2017

“For a leader to succeed in the Lord’s work, the people’s trust that he is called of God must override their view of his infirmities and mortal weaknesses.”

“I try not to judge servants of the Lord or to speak of their apparent weaknesses.”

Jakob R. Jones, “Doubt Not, but Be Believing,” Ensign, March 2019 

“As Amy worked to feel God’s love for her, she realized she didn’t need to judge Church leaders and that the mortal frailties of others did not impact the witness of truth she could receive through the Holy Ghost. When we encounter perceived shortcomings in others, we can remember that the same mercy that allows us to be forgiven also allows God to patiently work through His imperfect servants.”

Kyle S. McKay, “A Sure and Certain Foundation,” April 2023, Devotionals, Brigham Young University Idaho

“You will never come to know and understand the truths of God by studying the errors of man. Nor has God appointed you, me, or anyone to be an ongoing arbiter of error in His leaders, scrutinizing every word or act of apostles and prophets to make sure they fit within our current understanding of correctness.”

Kevin S. Hamilton, “Why a Church?,” 24 January 2023, Speeches, Brigham Young University

“Another comment that I hear from time to time, especially on social media, is “Be the change,” as in “I will be the change.” You know, as in “I will stay in the Church and work for change from within.” But how does this square with the invitation to simply be “the humble followers of Christ”?

Besides, true change—the kind of change that makes a difference in the eternities—comes from within. We change our hearts and minds, and then our circumstances change. We repent, and then we change.”

“I occasionally meet people who feel that it is their duty to point out what they see as shortcomings or failings of the Lord’s Church. They feel that they are loyal to the Savior but opposed to certain teachings of His Church.”

“As I visit with members across the Church, I sometimes hear things like “I don’t support the Church’s policy on (you fill in the blank).” Or “I don’t agree with the way the Church does (this or that).”

Could I suggest an alternative approach? Substitute the word Savior or Lord or Jesus Christ in place of “the Church”—as in “I don’t support the Savior’s policy on (again, you fill in the blank)” or “I don’t agree with the way Jesus Christ does (this or that).”

For me personally, that seems to put a very different perspective on things.”

“When transporting the ark, the priests were required to use poles running through rings on the sides to carry it.

As the ark crossed Nachon’s threshing floor, it became unstable—”for the oxen shook it”—and “Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God” to steady it.32 The punishment was swift and severe: “God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God.”

The symbolism for today is obvious: Don’t steady the ark. Only the Lord and those He appoints—the First Presidency—are allowed to steady or lead the Church. Only those who hold the keys are permitted to “touch the ark.”

Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Garment of the Holy Priesthood,” Liahona, September 2024

“Please don’t misunderstand. As you reach out for divine guidance, the Spirit will not inspire you to do less than follow the instruction received in the temple and the prophetic counsel shared by the First Presidency.”

Guide to the Scriptures, “Apostasy,” Study Helps, Gospel Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 

“A turning away from the truth by individuals, the Church, or entire nations.”

General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, “32.6.3.2 Apostasy,” Church Administration, Handbooks and Callings, Gospel Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 

“Issues of apostasy often have an impact beyond the boundaries of a ward or stake. They need to be addressed promptly to protect others. The bishop counsels with the stake president if he feels that a member’s action may constitute apostasy. The bishop or stake president may place informal membership restrictions on the member. The stake president promptly counsels with the Area Presidency. However, only the stake president decides whether a membership council or other action is necessary.”

“As used here, apostasy refers to a member engaging in any of the following:

Repeatedly acting in clear and deliberate public opposition to the Church, its doctrine, its policies, or its leaders

Persisting in teaching as Church doctrine what is not Church doctrine after being corrected by the bishop or stake president

Showing a pattern of intentionally working to weaken the faith and activity of Church members

Continuing to follow the teachings of apostate sects after being corrected by the bishop or stake president

Formally joining another church and promoting its teachings (Total inactivity in the Church or attending another church does not by itself constitute apostasy. However, if a member formally joins another church and advocates its teachings, withdrawing his or her membership may be necessary.)”

Brigham Young, from Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, Chapter 12, “Preventing Personal Apostasy”

“In short, if a man shall do anything which he knows to be wrong, and repenteth not, he cannot enjoy the Holy Spirit, but will walk in darkness and ultimately deny the faith.”

“It was said here this morning that no person ever apostatized, without actual transgression. Omission of duty leads to commission.”

“Let a man or woman who has received much of the power of God, visions and revelations, turn away from the holy commandments of the Lord, and it seems that their senses are taken from them, their understanding and judgment in righteousness are taken away, they go into darkness, and become like a blind person who gropes by the wall.”

“Men begin to apostatize by taking to themselves strength, by hearkening to the whisperings of the enemy who leads them astray little by little, until they gather to themselves that which they call the wisdom of man; then they begin to depart from God, and their minds become confused.”

“What will they receive in exchange? I can comprehend it in a very few words. These would be the words that I should use: death, hell and the grave. That is what they will get in exchange. We may go into the particulars of that which they experience. They experience darkness, ignorance, doubt, pain, sorrow, grief, mourning, unhappiness; no person to condole [lament] with in the hour of trouble, no arm to lean upon in the day of calamity, no eye to pity when they are forlorn and cast down; and I comprehend it by saying death, hell and the grave. This is what they will get in exchange for their apostasy from the Gospel of the Son of God.”

Claudio D. Zivic, “Avoiding Personal Apostasy,” Ensign, June 2009

“We need not be concerned about the possibility of another apostasy of the Church of Jesus Christ. We have the privilege of living in the dispensation of the fulness of times. This gospel dispensation, which began with the Prophet Joseph Smith, is the last one before the Second Coming of the Savior. However, we need to be concerned and watchful that we do not fall into personal apostasy, which can result from several causes.”

“Apostasy frequently results when a person commits serious sin but does not repent. To silence his conscience or justify his sinful actions, the individual moves away from the truth, looking for imperfections in others or questioning Church doctrine with which he no longer agrees.”

“Conflicts between Church members can also lead to apostasy. Some individuals begin to think the Church is not true when they feel that a leader did not treat them well. They become offended and, without considering what they are losing, they stray from the Church.”

“Faultfinding can be another source of personal apostasy. When we look for faults in others or begin to think we could make better decisions than our leaders, we should remember the experience of Oliver Cowdery, the second elder of the Church.”

“We enter a state of apostasy when we assume authority we do not possess or when we seek revelation for a stewardship outside of our sphere of responsibility. Our duty, as revealed to Oliver Cowdery, is to ‘be obedient unto the things’ the Lord reveals to His prophet and to our other leaders called through priesthood authority.”

“We can avoid the mists of darkness that lead to personal apostasy by repenting of our sins, overcoming offense, eliminating faultfinding, and following our Church leaders.”

Old Testament, Jeremiah 17:5

“Thus saith the Lord; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord.”

New Testament, John 6:66

“From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.”

New Testament, Acts 20:30

“Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.”

Book of Mormon, 1 Nephi 12:17

“And the mists of darkness are the temptations of the devil, which blindeth the eyes, and hardeneth the hearts of the children of men, and leadeth them away into broad roads, that they perish and are lost.” 

Book of Mormon, Mosiah 15:26

“But behold, and fear, and tremble before God, for ye ought to tremble; for the Lord redeemeth none such that rebel against him and die in their sins; yea, even all those that have perished in their sins ever since the world began, that have wilfully rebelled against God, that have known the commandments of God, and would not keep them; these are they that have no part in the first resurrection.”

Book of Mormon, Mosiah 26:32

“Now I say unto you, Go; and whosoever will not repent of his sins the same shall not be numbered among my people; and this shall be observed from this time forward.”

Book of Mormon, Mosiah 27:8-10

“Now the sons of Mosiah were numbered among the unbelievers; and also one of the sons of Alma was numbered among them, he being called Alma, after his father; nevertheless, he became a very wicked and an idolatrous man. And he was a man of many words, and did speak much flattery to the people; therefore he led many of the people to do after the manner of his iniquities.

And he became a great hinderment to the prosperity of the church of God; stealing away the hearts of the people; causing much dissension among the people; giving a chance for the enemy of God to exercise his power over them.

And now it came to pass that while he was going about to destroy the church of God, for he did go about secretly with the sons of Mosiah seeking to destroy the church, and to lead astray the people of the Lord, contrary to the commandments of God, or even the king”

Book of Mormon, Alma 3:18-19

“Nevertheless they had come out in open rebellion against God; therefore it was expedient that the curse should fall upon them. 

Now I would that ye should see that they brought upon themselves the curse; and even so doth every man that is cursed bring upon himself his own condemnation.”

Book of Mormon, Alma 12:11

“And they that will harden their hearts, to them is given the lesser portion of the word until they know nothing concerning his mysteries; and then they are taken captive by the devil, and led by his will down to destruction. Now this is what is meant by the chains of hell.”

Book of Mormon, Alma 46:10

“Yea, we see that Amalickiah, because he was a man of cunning device and a man of many flattering words, that he led away the hearts of many people to do wickedly; yea, and to seek to destroy the church of God.”

Doctrine and Covenants 10:22-24

“Satan stirreth them up, that he may lead their souls to destruction. 

And thus he has laid a cunning plan, thinking to destroy the work of God; but I will require this at their hands, and it shall turn to their shame and condemnation in the day of judgment. 

Yea, he stirreth up their hearts to anger against this work.”

Doctrine and Covenants 20:32-33

“But there is a possibility that man may fall from grace and depart from the living God; 

Therefore let the church take heed and pray always, lest they fall into temptation.”

Doctrine and Covenants 82:21

“And the soul that sins against this covenant, and hardeneth his heart against it, shall be dealt with according to the laws of my church, and shall be delivered over to the buffetings of Satan until the day of redemption.”

Doctrine and Covenants 85:9-11

“And all they who are not found written in the book of remembrance shall find none inheritance in that day, but they shall be cut asunder, and their portion shall be appointed them among unbelievers, where are wailing and gnashing of teeth.

These things I say not of myself; therefore, as the Lord speaketh, he will also fulfil.

And they who are of the High Priesthood, whose names are not found written in the book of the law, or that are found to have apostatized, or to have been cut off from the church, as well as the lesser priesthood, or the members, in that day shall not find an inheritance among the saints of the Most High;”

Guide to the Scriptures, “Excommunication,” Study Helps, Gospel Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 

“Excommunication is the most severe Church disciplinary action. A person who is excommunicated is no longer a member of the Church. Church authorities excommunicate a person from the Church only when he has chosen to live in opposition to the Lord’s commandments and thus has disqualified himself for further membership in the Church.”

General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, “32. Repentance and Church Membership Councils,” Church Administration, Handbooks and Callings, Gospel Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 

“If a member commits a serious sin, the bishop or stake president helps him or her repent. As part of this process, he may need to restrict some Church membership privileges for a time. In some situations, he may need to withdraw a person’s membership for a time. Restricting or withdrawing a person’s membership is not intended to punish. Rather, these actions are sometimes necessary to help a person repent and experience a change of heart. They also give a person time to prepare spiritually to renew and keep his or her covenants again.”

“When a person commits a serious sin, membership restrictions or withdrawal can help foster a broken heart and contrite spirit needed to repent, truly forsake the sin, and understand the consequences of sin. This understanding can help people value their covenants with God more deeply and desire to keep those covenants in the future.”

“Restricting or withdrawing a person’s Church membership may be necessary if his or her conduct significantly harms the Church (see Alma 39:11). The integrity of the Church is not protected by concealing or minimizing serious sins—but by addressing them.”

“The decisions from membership councils should be directed by the Spirit. They should reflect the love and hope offered by the Savior to those who repent.”

“In some membership councils, leaders may determine that it is best to withdraw a person’s Church membership for a time.”

“Those whose Church membership has been withdrawn may not enjoy any privileges of membership. They may not enter a temple or wear the temple garment. If the person has a temple recommend, the leader cancels it in LCR. They may not exercise the priesthood. They may not partake of the sacrament or participate in the sustaining of Church officers. They may not give a talk, lesson, or prayer in Church settings or lead an activity in church. Nor may they serve in a Church calling. They may not pay tithes and offerings. They are encouraged to attend Church meetings and activities if their conduct is orderly. Those whose Church membership has been withdrawn can be considered for readmission by baptism and confirmation. Usually, they first need to show genuine repentance for at least one year. The bishop or stake president holds another membership council to consider readmission.”

“The First Presidency has final authority over all Church membership restrictions and withdrawal.”

M. Russell Ballard, “A Chance to Start Over,” Ensign, September 1990

“When members need to have certain blessings withheld, the Lord’s object is to teach as well as to discipline. So probation, disfellowshipment, and excommunication, when they become necessary, are ideally accompanied by eventual reinstatement and restoration of blessings.”

“Members sometimes ask why Church disciplinary councils are held. The purpose is threefold: to save the soul of the transgressor, to protect the innocent, and to safeguard the Church’s purity, integrity, and good name. The First Presidency has instructed that disciplinary councils must be held in cases of murder, incest, or apostasy. A disciplinary council must also be held when a prominent Church leader commits a serious transgression, when the transgressor is a predator who may be a threat to other persons, when the person shows a pattern of repeated serious transgressions, when a serious transgression is widely known, and when the transgressor is guilty of serious deceptive practices and false representations or other terms of fraud or dishonesty in business transactions. Disciplinary councils may also be convened to consider a member’s standing in the Church following serious transgression such as abortion, transsexual operation, attempted murder, rape, forcible sexual abuse, intentionally inflicting serious physical injuries on others, adultery, fornication, homosexual relations, child abuse (sexual or physical), spouse abuse, deliberate abandonment of family responsibilities, robbery, burglary, embezzlement, theft, sale of illegal drugs, fraud, perjury, or false swearing.”

“A disciplinary council begins with an opening prayer, followed by a statement of the reason for the council being convened. The member is asked to tell in simple and general terms about the transgression and to explain his or her feelings and what steps of repentance he or she has taken. The member may respond to clarifying questions from the leaders. Then he or she is excused, and the leaders counsel together, pray, and reach a decision.”

“Excommunication is the most severe judgment a Church disciplinary council can take. Excommunicated persons are no longer members of the Church. Therefore, they are denied the privileges of Church membership, including the wearing of temple garments and the payment of tithes and offerings. They may attend public Church meetings, but, like disfellowshipped persons, their participation in such meetings is limited. Excommunicated persons are encouraged to repent and so live as to qualify for eventual baptism.”

Church News, 22 Dec. 1985, p. 3.

“We are aware of some who are inactive, of others who have become critical and are prone to find fault, and of those who have been disfellowshipped or excommunicated because of serious transgressions. To all such we reach out in love. We are anxious to forgive.”

“We encourage Church members to forgive those who may have wronged them. To those who have ceased activity and to those who have become critical, we say, Come back. Come back and feast at the table of the Lord, and taste again the sweet and satisfying fruits of fellowship with the Saints.”

Book of Mormon, Alma 1:24

“For the hearts of many were hardened, and their names were blotted out, that they were remembered no more among the people of God. And also many withdrew themselves from among them.”

Book of Mormon, 3 Nephi 18:31

“But if he repent not he shall not be numbered among my people, that he may not destroy my people, for behold I know my sheep, and they are numbered.”

Doctrine and Covenants 42:28

“Thou knowest my laws concerning these things are given in my scriptures; he that sinneth and repenteth not shall be cast out.”

Doctrine and Covenants 42:90-91

“And if thy brother or sister offend many, he or she shall be chastened before many. 

And if any one offend openly, he or she shall be rebuked openly, that he or she may be ashamed. And if he or she confess not, he or she shall be delivered up unto the law of God.”

Doctrine and Covenants 134:10

“We believe that all religious societies have a right to deal with their members for disorderly conduct, according to the rules and regulations of such societies.”