Montpelier examiner. [volume] (Montpelier, Idaho) 1895-1937, 1896-04-11
To the Officers and Members of the Church
of Jesus Christ Of Latter-day Saints, in
General Conference Assemblies
&tulNncati"n.

Saint will recognize the value of union,
not only in action, but in matters of
faith and discipline. AS to the rights
and authority of the priesthood of the
Son of God, it is of the highest impor.
lance that there should be no difference
of opinion among the officers and mem.
beers of the Church of Jesus Christ OF
Latter-day Saints Feeling the necessity
of correct understanding OF this priv
ciple, we deem ii proper at this sixty
sixth anniversary of the organization OF
the church in these last days, to prepare
and present statement on the subject,
embodying the doctrine which has al
ways prevailed in the church, and our
views upon it. We are prompted to adopt
this course at the present time, because
of events which have happened during
the late political contest. A great di-
versity Of opinion on the subject has
been expressed, and even by leading ei-
ders in the church, which latter fact has
naturally led in some instances 10 con
siderable division Of sentiment.
II is of great Importance that we un
derstand each other, and that there be
harmony in our teachings. 1t is especial
ly important that these teachings shall
be in accordance with the rules and reg
ulations and doctrines hich have been
taught and which have prevailed from
the beginning until the present time,
having not only the sanction Of undis-
puted usage, but the approval of all
faithful leaders in the church and Of
him in whose name and BY whose au.
thority they act,
In the late exciting contest, TO which
reference has been made, the presiding
authorities in some instances have been
misunderstood. In other instances
they have been misrepresented, which
has led to a wrongful conception OF
their real views. 1t has been asserted
too freely, and without foundation, that
there has been a disposition on their
part to interfere with individual liberty
and to rebukc ia some men course
which was applauded in others In a
word, that they have appeared to desire
to assert and maintain an unjust ard
oppressive control over the actions Di
the members of the church, and in thus
doin,s have endeavored to effect a union
OF church and state. In the heat oil
political discussion, assertions have beer
made and arguments used conveying tc
the public mind false idea concerning
the position OF the officers of the church
and leaving the impression that there
has been and was now being made ar
attempt to accomplish the union above
referred to. Now that the excitement
has passed, and camer reason has
resumed its sway, we think it prudeni
to set forth, so that all may understand
the exact position occupied by the lfad
ing authorities of the church.
In the FIRST place we wish to state i.
the most positive and emphatic languagt
attempt or even desire or The part O
the leading authorities referred tD tt
have the church in any manner en-
croach upon the rights Of the state, o
to unite in any degree the functions o
the ore with those of the other.
Peculiar circumstances have sur
/ e d, "a .,
years majority Of them in every por
tion of the territory belonged ID on
church, every reputable member o
which was entitled to hold and did hol
some ecclesiastical office Is IS easy /,
see how, 10 the casual observer, it Nigh
appear singular thai 50 many officer
of The church were also officers OF ii
state: but while this was in fact h
case, The distinction between church an
state throughout those years was care
fully maintained. The president fo
eight years held the highest evil oflie
in the community, having been apPoin
ed by the national administration go
/
tary Of the territory was prominet
church Official. An apostle represente
the territory in congress as delegat
during ten years The memberk Of il
legislature-snisgr Eeld onices Ia II
church. This wss uaav0ilagies Ior Il
most saitahss nsn we're elected BIZ u
votes Of the sris, AND as We IA,
stated every reputable man in { he entii
community held some church positio
: the most energetic and capable holdir
leading position. This Is al natur
an. plain enough 10 those who considt
the circumstances, but it furnished 0
poftunity for those who were dispos,
to assail the people g, the territory
charge them with attempting 70 uni
church and state A fair investigate
; of the conditions viii abnndantly d
prove the charge and show It's utt
falst'y.
On behalf Of the church OF which
are leadisg officials wa desire again
state 10 the members and also to I
public generally hat there has not bee
nor is there The remntest desire on 0
Part or on the part Of orr eo-feligioni
10 do anything looking to union
church and state.
a We declare that there has never be
4 any attempt 70 curtail idnividuai libei
the personal liberty Of am of the Q
Gers or members Of the church. I
irst presidency did make certain 81