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June 4, 2026

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ElseMarch 11, 2013

I have shared this informative article on my FB profile. I found the article so good and I actually have a higher respect for the Catholic church now than before. I am a devout LDS person, and my Testimony is my whole life, but I appreciate knowing more about the Catholics. Thank you for the wonderful information.

Chuck WhickerMarch 6, 2013

Historically, when the law of common consent was set in place by the Lord, it was understood that the church had the right and responsibility to discern their leaders and literally vote them in or out -- even the president. Joseph Smith, for instance, once tried to give Hyrum the position as president of the church, so that he himself would be more free to deal with other aspects of the overall kingdom, of which the church was but a part. The church voted it down, and so Joseph continued as president of the church. D&C 107:82-84 instructs the church how to excommunicate a president of the church should he become a transgressor; and so you can see that our current tradition in thinking "the Lord will never allow the president of the church to lead the church astray" is false doctrine, or the Lord would never have revealed that possibility. Notice, also, that whenever the ancient church apostatized, it was the ordained, official leadership who had led the apostasy. They were the ones in possession of the temple, as in the days of Jeremiah, and also in the days of Jesus, who acknowledged that the scribes and Pharisees "sit in Moses' seat" (Matt. 23:2). Thus, it is always a mistake for the people to think that there are any guarantees outside of their own spirituality and discernment.

Brady RedfearnMarch 6, 2013

Great article! I'll be sharing this around the Internet today!

AleesaMarch 5, 2013

I agree with the other commenters. Very interesting and informative article. Thank you!

EliseMarch 1, 2013

Fascinating. I have wanted to know where to learn this information. Here it is all neatly compiled. Great.

Linda SmithMarch 1, 2013

Thank you. Very informative.

BJohnsonMarch 1, 2013

Thank you for taking the time to write up these wonderful summaries. Although somewhat different, both processes are fascinating and very moving to observe.

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