Branch Resolutions from November, 2005, Conference

Branch Resolutions from November, 2005, Conference

UB 1) (previously TB 1)Endorsement of Doctrine & Covenants revelations, Independence Branch

Resolved that this conference endorse those revelations in the Doctrine & Covenants brought through Joseph Smith, Jr., and Joseph Smith III and all subsequent revelations in harmony therewith.

UB 2) (previously TB 2)Strengthening the marriage covenant relationship, Mt.Zion Restoration Branch

Whereas, the elders of the Church of Jesus Christ Restoration Branches unanimously uphold the teaching of the three standards books of scripture concerning marriage, divorce and remarriage. We believe that marriage is both honorable and ordained of God (Mark 10:7, DC 49:3a-c, DC 111, IV Nephi 1:11-13.) It is a sacred covenant made between man, woman and God; This covenant is binding and in force until one of the marriage partners die, at which time the covenant is fulfilled (DC 111:2b,d,4b; Romans 7:1-3; I Corinthians 7:39-40.)

Whereas, we acknowledge, however, that the church has failed in its responsibility to teach the law of God to the people and to adequately counsel prospective marriage partners, which has resulted in widespread disintegration of the family unit and disobedience to the laws of God.

Whereas, the scriptures clearly state that the only provision given for divorce is in the case of fornication (Matthew 19:1-9; III Nephi 5:79-80; DC 42:20a.) Nevertheless, God still discourages and decries it (Malachi 2:14-17; Matthew 19:6; Mark 10:7.) Fornication is scripturally defined as any sexual act before marriage or any unlawful union such as homosexuality or beastiality. The scriptures also clearly state that the only time a person is free to remarry is when their marriage partner has died (DC 111:4b, I Corinthians 7:39.) Furthermore, priesthood members, Aaronic and Melchisedec alike, are to be the husband of one wife (I Timothy 3:2,12; Titus 1:6-9.)

Whereas, it should also be noted that close examination of the scriptures reveals that it is unlawful for a priesthood member to counsel a couple to divorce (DC 111:4c.)

Be it resolved that our service should then be to build up, encourage, and strengthen the covenant relationship, that we might be called “the repairer of the breach, the restorer of the paths to dwell in” (Isa. 58:12.) Our desire is to uphold God’s celestial law, that we might prepare a people for the return of Christ and that we might remain faithful to the covenant of priesthood which we have made with God.

UB 3) (previously TB 3)Elders’ ex officio status, The Independence Branch

Resolved that the Credentials Committee of the Conference of Restoration Branches shall adopt rules to provide ex officio status with voice and vote to all members of the Melchisedec priesthood.

UB 4) (previously TB 4)Districts and quorums, The Independence Branch

Resolved that this conference encourage the organization of districts by branches in close proximity to each other “for their mutual improvement and for the permanent organization and direction of the local ministry” (Rules of Order & Debate, 1891, pp10-15; Doc. & Cov. 118:1c) and that these permanent organizations consist of priesthood quorums of elders, priests, teachers and deacons as given in Doctrine & Covenants 104:38-41.

UB5) (previously TB5)Priesthood Authority, Geneseo Restoration Branch

Resolved:Priesthood authority does not come through an organization, institution, or branch of the church. The power to ordain is not resident in an organization, institution, or branch of the church. The power to ordain is the power of the Holy Ghost which resides in the Priesthood (Doc. & Cov. 17:21) and priesthood authority is bestowed by the laying on of hands of men who can trace their priesthood authority in an unbroken chain to the Prophet Joseph Smith.

UB 6)(previously TB 6)Relationship to RLDS church, Geneseo Restoration Branch

Whereas those Restoration Branches who have held fast to the doctrine of the church as outlined in the three standard books of scripture (The Inspired Version of the Holy Bible, the Book of Mormon, and those sections of the Doctrine and Covenants in harmony with God’s law) comprise the church of Jesus Christ, established in 1830 which has never ceased to exist since that time, and furthermore, those same restoration branches are the legal and spiritual successors of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS); and

Whereas there is in the hearts of many of the Saints belonging to various Restoration Branches the desire to claim legal succession to the RLDS church; and

Whereas this desire is understandable and laudable, it is understood that the rights of legal title to those desired elements of the RLDS church can only be determined by the law of the land, which is an imperfect law; while the right to claim spiritual succession is based on scriptural law, which is perfect.

Therefore Be It Resolved: Members of Restoration branches who are holding fast to the doctrine and principles of the gospel as outlined in the three standard books of scripture are the unbroken continuation and spiritual successors of the true church of Jesus Christ as defined in the Book of Mormon (Mosiah 9:49; III Nephi 12:13) and in the Doctrine and Covenants (Section 3:16, 17), and are the only church with spiritual authority to baptize and perform ordinances of the church; and furthermore,

While the majority of Saints have a deep fondness for the name Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, we as a conference of branches recognize that this name is not a name given by commandment of God, but a name of choice; and that the only name requirement given by commandment is found in the Book of Mormon (III Nephi 12:16-20) where it reads that the church must be named after our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ; therefore

We, as a conference of branches, determine that we will accept the name “Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints” if it becomes legally possible; however, if this is not possible, we resolve to come under the banner of a common name which will include the name of Jesus Christ; and furthermore, we will not let contention over the name of the church divide and separate us, but will remain together as the true and spiritual successor to the RLDS church.

And as such, with the support of the body of Christ and through the initiative of those men who have been set apart by God with the authority to do so, and following the guidelines which are clearly stated in scripture, have the authority and the obligation, when and if they so choose, to restore order to the Church of Jesus Christ that it may function organizationally as our Savior intends it to. (Incorporated into the USNCR 11.)

Branch Resolutions for April, 2006, Conference

UB 7)(previously TB 7)Clarification of JCR #17, Waldo Restoration Branch

Whereas, conference Resolution #17 contains points of agreement between Restoration Branches, yet some of the items listed under “Ordinances” are at variance with traditional ordinances in the RLDSChurch, specifically:

a) Preaching has not historically been considered an “ordinance”;

b) The word “communion” is mentioned only once in the scriptures (1Cor 10:16) to refer to the “sacrament of the Lord’s Supper”, which is the more commonly used term;

c) There has never been an “Evangelical Blessing” recognized in the church, but only “Patriarchal Blessings”;

Therefore be it resolved, that Resolution #17 be amended as follows:

Priesthood Authority

We uphold priesthood authority as documented in the scriptures, especially in the Inspired Version of the Bible (IV Bible) Ephesians 4:11-13, Book of Mormon (BOM) 1 Nephi 3:113-114, Doctrine & Covenants (DC) 26:2-3b, DC 83:5, and DC 104. We do not recognize the office nor the ordinances of record of any woman who claims priesthood authority. We believe the priesthood have the responsibility of preaching the gospel and inviting all to come unto Christ (DC 42:4; 53:2b; 50:4, 5a, 6c; 65:1b).

Ordinances

We uphold to practice as specified in the scriptures, with proper authority and procedure, the following ordinances as holy prescribed practices of the church:

Ordination of Priesthood (BOM Alma 9:63-65, 69, 72; Mosiah 9:51, 59; Moroni 3:1-3)

Preaching (DC 42:4; 53:2b; 50:4, 5a, 6c; 65:1b)

Baptism by Water (DC 17:21; BOM 3 Nephi 3:69; BOM 3 Nephi 5:21-26)

Laying on of Hands to Receive the Holy Ghost (DC 53:2b; BOM 3 Nephi 5:21-26)

Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper Communion (BOM 3 Nephi 8:30-46, 60-61)

Blessing of Children (BOM 3 Nephi 8:12-27)

Administration of the Afflicted (DC 127:2d; IV Bible Genesis Matthew 10:1, 7)

Evangelical or Patriarchal Blessing (DC 125:3-6)

Marriage Covenant (DC 49:3a-c; IV Bible Genesis 2:23, 28-30; IV Bible Hebrews 13:4)

UB 8)(previously TB 8)Storehouse Ministries Resolution, Independence Branch

Whereas: There are two great orders of priesthood — the Aaronic and the Melchisedec, which also embody the two general divisions of ministry in the Lord's Church — the Temporal and the Spiritual . . . AND

Whereas: Temporal Ministries historically have been the more neglected, including the understanding and promotion of these preparatory ministries by the Aaronic orders specifically charged with stewardship over such ministries . . . AND

Whereas: The Scriptures declare that obedience to the Temporal Law is prerequisite to the Lord pouring out the abundance of His Spiritual Blessings. Blessings which are vitally necessary to equip the saints to assist in establishing and qualifying to inhabit the Holy City of Zion. . .

Malachi 3:10-12: Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed; for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts.

Doctrine and Covenants 70:3a-d: Behold, this is what the Lord requires of every man in his stewardship, even as I, the Lord, have appointed, or shall hereafter appoint unto any man. And behold, none are exempt from this law who belong to the church of the living God; yea, neither the bishop, neither the agent, who keepeth the Lord's storehouse; neither he who is appointed in a stewardship over temporal things; . . . in your temporal things you shall be equal, and this not grudgingly, otherwise the abundance of the manifestations of the Spirit shall be withheld.

Mosiah 2:28-31: And also, ye yourselves will succor those that stand in need of your succor; ye will administer of your substance unto him that standeth in need; And ye will not suffer that the beggar putteth up his petition to you in vain, and turn him out to perish. Perhaps thou shalt say, The man has brought upon himself his misery; therefore I will stay my hand, and will not give unto him of my food, nor impart unto him of my substance, that he may not suffer, for his punishments are just. But I say unto you, O man, whosoever doeth this, the same hath great cause to repent; and except he repenteth of that which he hath done, he perisheth for ever, and hath no interest in the kingdom of God.

Isaiah 58:6-11: Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily; and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rearward. Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday; And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones; and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.

[Our willingness to respond to the material needs of the poor is clearly interlocked with God's willingness to respond instantly and marvelously when we call upon him.]

Whereas: Such Temporal Ministries are obviously a vital concern to our Lord . . . AND

Whereas: The church must gird itself to meet and withstand the long-prophesied Tribulation, God intending the living, functioning City of Zion as our strength and refuge against that great and perilous trial . . .

Doctrine and Covenants 77:3b, c, d: Behold, this is the preparation wherewith I prepare you, and the foundation, and the ensample, which I give unto you, whereby you may accomplish the commandments which are given you, that through my providence, notwithstanding the tribulation which shall descend upon you, that the church may stand independent above all other creatures beneath the celestial world . . .

Therefore: We respectfully petition this Conference to enter into righteous and lively discussion for the purpose of determining how we may begin to so please Almighty God in these matters of temporal ministries that we may become a truly sanctified and delightsome people in His eyes. A people such that He shall at long last begin to pour out upon us in full measure the Great Endowment of Wisdom and Power by which we may go forward as His Church, a unified body of one heart and one mind, our eyes single to His glory and the redemption of mankind.

Furthermore: In furtherance of this end, we ask the Conference to consider and discuss the following propositions:

1. Will the Conference see its way clear to vote its acceptance and support of (A) Storehouse Ministries of Zion, Inc. OR (B) adopt another agency of similar construction? Said Agency to receive members’ contributions of money time and skills, and to act as coordinator and clearinghouse for same, pursuant to the advice and direction of this Conference of Restoration Branches?
2. Define proper use and distribution of the resources so collected.
3. Collectively re-affirm our commitment to Temporal Ministries as defined by Scripture. This should include defining an effective program of outreach to those in need through sharing with each other what Branches have found works well in their particular situations. An indispensable element of such a program is the committed participation of priesthood who have a feel for this specialized and demanding ministry. Of central importance here is the vital and indispensable role of the Aaronic priesthood in God’s plan for Zion, namely the great blessings available through their ministry. Branches should labor to increase members’ expectation and desire for such ministry, which will also provide much-needed encouragement to many of our Aaronic brothers, as well as conveying to them an increased sense of how greatly their ministry is needed and appreciated. Our message to our Aaronic brothers being simply: You are the backbone of Zion. Without your inspired ministry Zion languishes.

The way into Zion lies open before us and our Lord Jesus Christ beckons us forward into the future.

UB 9)(previously TB 9)Resolution to set aside illegal administrative/judicial actions, Independence Branch

Whereas, during the dark and cloudy days leading up to the present division in the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, numerous brethren were silenced without cause, without proper labor on the part of the church, and without opportunity for due process in an objective appeal procedure; and

Whereas, other brethren were expelled from the church by court actions which violated established church court procedures, i. e., failure to perform and document labor prior to bringing a charge, appointment of courts by parties with interest in the case, allowing administrative officers to participate as prosecutors and witnesses, failure to require subpoenaed witnesses to testify, etc. ; and

Whereas, these and other actions were precipitous, not edifying to the body of Christ, divisive, retaliatory, and a terrible mark on the record of the church; therefore be it

Resolved that this Joint Conference of Restoration Branches deprecates and denounces the tactics and policies used by those administrative officers to discredit and vilify honest and honorable ministers of the Lord Jesus Christ during this latest generation; and be it further

Resolved that those brethren who were wronged in this manner shall be recognized by this Conference as members and ministers in good standing under the provisions of JCR #16.

UB 10)(previouslyTB 10)Scriptural Agreement of Resolutions, Zion’s Outpost

Whereas, All kingdoms have a law given (Section 85:9a) and “that which is governed by law, is also preserved by law, and perfected and sanctified by the same” or it “cannot be sanctified by law” (Section 85:8a, b); and