By Laura Johnson
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints received counsel from The First Presidency through a letter admonishing them not to inaccurately attribute stories or rumors to church sources such as general authorities.
The letter was read over the pulpit in each ward or branch and a copy was published in the May 29, 2004 issue of the Church News.
“From time to time statements are circulated among members which are inaccurately attributed to the leaders of the church,” the letter states. “Many such statements distort current Church teachings and are often based on rumors or innuendos.”
Coke Newell, media relations officer for the church, gave an example of the type of situation referred to in the letter.
“Sometimes things are taken out of context in a particular talk at stake conference or they misquote someone and the story takes on a life of its own,” Newell said. “They grow and the nature of the story just gets bigger and better.”
The letter also included a statement on being careful about quoting General Authorities, Area Authority Seventies, or other general Church officers.
“We encourage members to never teach or pass on such statements without verifying that they are from approved church sources, such as official statements, communications and publications,” the letter stated. “Personal notes are for individual use only. True spiritual growth is based on studying the scriptures, the teachings of the Brethren and Church Publications.”
Bishop Thomas Bankhead of the BYU 183rd Ward said Latter-day Saints need to make sure they don”t sensationalize stories to make a point. He said members should focus on official church doctrine.
“The best tools we have at our disposal are the scriptures and modern-day revelation,” he said.
Newell said saints need to remember that a story told in stake conference is just a shared experience, not official church doctrine.
Bishop Bankhead said it”s important for Latter-day Saints to make sure they follow church doctrine and don”t repeat what they think someone said.
“Don”t try to paraphrase,” Bishop Bankhead said. “Instead, you should read the written words in scriptures, conference talks and teaching manuals. Small changes and paraphrasing can alter meaning. This has happened throughout religious history and religions have become distorted.”
Newell said he thinks the letter was an effort to curb members sharing stories and using them in place of doctrine. Newel said he hopes the letter will remind church members of how policy and doctrine is established.
“The means for verifying doctrine is through the scriptures and through the priesthood.”
Stuart Layton, a 21-year-old from Sandy majoring in electrical engineering, said he thought the letter was an effort to keep Mormon doctrine pure and to up hold what the Lord has established.
“It just comes down to following the commandments,” Layton said. “Stick to the doctrine and don”t get caught up in Mormon hearsay.”
