Presidency Confirms

(The First Presidency counsels "Salaried Staff Executives" on how to "clarify" the Presidency's ecumenical Faith To Grow program.)

Included herein is a letter from the First Presidency to the church executives who work at headquarters, which indicates that the executives have been having difficulty in answering questions (see item #1)* raised by the saints concerning the Presidency's Faith to Grow program (FTG). The executives are "pressed to define" the program to questioning saints. (That is because the purpose of the FTG is to discard the Restoration beliefs and to promote the World Council of Churches and the National Council of Churches.)

Evidently, the executives have suggested that the Presidency should publish short papers (see item #2) on each subject which would provide "canned" answers for the executives to give to the saints. (As examples, such subjects might be open communion, women in the priesthood, etc.)

The Presidency's answer to this is that the "January, 1979 meetings" (item #3) contained the Presidency's official beliefs for the ten-year period of 1980-1990. This 1979 meeting, of course, was the meeting in which President Wallace B. Smith and his counselors read the Presidential Papers to the appointees, executives, and their spouses.

In other words, the Presidency is reaffirming in this important letter that the Presidential Papers are presently the basis (see item #4) of the church's theology or doctrinal beliefs, instead of the Three Books of Scripture. In these papers the members of the Presidency have explained their doctrines, purposes, and future programs. This makes it the duty of every faithful member of the RLDS Church to obtain a copy of the book Presidential Papers and study for themselves to find what the beliefs of the Presidency are, and the changes the leaders intend to make in the church in the next ten years. The reading of the Presidential Papers will explain the "what and why" of the "problem in the church" today.

THE NOVEMBER 30 LETTER begins on the following page:

"We did intend, in the January, 1979 meetings for appointees and salaried staff executives, to establish a theological base for the church program in the decade of the 1980's.'

The First Presidency

M E M O
INTER-OFFICE AND DEPARTMENTAL CORRESPONDENCE
THE FIRST PRESIDENCY
Independence, Missouri

TO: Salaried Staff Executives in Headquarters Divisions DATE: November 30, 1982
FROM: The First Presidency

RE:

Dear Co-workers:

We are aware that in your field contacts you are sometimes asked questions on World Church policies and programs which you may not feel fully qualified to answer. The mere fact that you come from headquarters, of course, and are appearing in your capacity as a resource person on a particular subject causes many to expect you to be a source of general information in relation to questions about the church.

This situation has various problems associated with it. In the first place, in seeking to "establish your credentials" with a particular group, you may be (1) pressed to define or clarify a position which the group has misinterpreted or misunderstood. This may force you, almost, to make statements about a particular subject or concept which you would not otherwise choose to make.

At other times, opinions which you express as your own may be interpreted as official even when you clearly state a disclaimer about those opinions. Further, to deny knowledge about certain policies or positions sometimes makes you appear uninformed or evasive.

These situations, as you all know, call for great diplomacy and tact in your field contacts. They may create considerable pressure at times and can lead to uncomfortable situations. We want to affirm that, in the midst of such pressures, you have done a good job of representing the church in your field contacts. Indeed, we frequently receive letters commenting favorably on the ministry of the headquarters staff. We appreciate your continued efforts to represent the church leaders and policies in a professional manner.

It has been suggested that an attempt be made to have some dialogue sessions between the staff and the First Presidency and other general officers to share current information and thinking about the direction of the church. Also, some (2) have proposed that we try to prepare brief statements about the church's position on various subjects which could be used as a basis for comment in the field if the specific topic arose.

While these suggestions have merit we question whether such a solution is actually feasible on an ongoing basis. We did intend, in the January, 1979 (3) meetings for appointees and salaried staff executives, to establish a theological (4) base for the church program in the decade of the 1980's. Also, through the First Presidency luncheons and Interdivisional Council meetings we try to

(page 2)

Salaried Staff Executives
November 30, 1982
page 2

introduce information which would be helpful to you as you make your field contacts.

In,the last analyst, there is probably no way for you to be fully knowledge about, and therefore, fully confident to represent our position on a given issue. To the extent you can take the church's program to the field with enthusiasm and vigor, especially in your area of expertise, you should feel free to do that. When you feel pressed for answers you do not feel qualified to give you should also feel free to indicate that such is the case. Especially would this apply in the area of administration. Questions about specific program policies and implementation ought to be referred to the local administrators for comment.

These are not new problems, certainly, and we are sure there will continue to be challenges as you seek to represent the church program in the field. We are hopeful that, through contacts with your division directors and the general church officers, both formally and informally, you will feel you have the resources to continue to meet those challenges with sensitivity and skill. (5)