Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1905-03-18
FREE SPEECH IN THE CHURCH

Every member of the Church OF Jesus
Christ OF Latter-day Saints, and all
persons interested IN its principles and
organization. should understand that
II Is system OF order as well as Of
faith. Some confusion Of mind appar-
emily exists in regard to freedom of
speech as related to Church discipline,
"My house is q house OF order, saith
the Lord, and not a house Of confu-
sion" This has been declared by the
voice Of the Most High. The same idea
is conveyed IN the New Testament;
For God is not the author of con-
fusion but Of peace, as In all churches
of the Saints" and further. Let all
things be done decently and in order"
~ Cor xiv; SO, 10.
The public meetings Of the Church or
my Of It's branches are to be conducted
BY presiding officer, He is to direct
the manner In which they are to be gov
erned, in pursuance Of the general
methods adopted by the body. "The
ELDERS are TO conduct the meetings as
ihey are led by the Holy Ghost. ac-
cordlng to the commandments and rev.
Citations OF God,"--Doc and Gov. Sec,
Xxx; As. The authority vested in the
presiding officer Is given to them by
ordination and by common consent
when they receive their appointments.
The notion that In a Church assem-
bly, any person has the right TO address
the congregation without being called
upon or invited to do 30, is so absurd as
10 cause doubt as to the sanity of the
individual who entertains It. No
church organization beneath the sun,
20 far as we are aware, would permit
such a proceeding under the speclous
plea OF "the right Of free speech" It
would lead TO the utmost disorder
contention and confusion II would
destroy that peace and devotional feel
Ing that should prevail IN a place Of
worship. Even In legislative assem-
by OF other dollberative body, no one
IS permitted to address the audience
without recognition and permission
from the presiding officer. The neces-
Hlty for this restriction must be obvious
10 every rejecting mind.
In a meeting for general testimony,
like that of our fast meetings, every
member Is usually given liberty to
speak, but that does not commonly ex-
tend beyond the lines defined by the
president OF the meeting, The purpose
~ such addresses Is explained by him,
ard no one is authorized on such oc-
naslons 10 indulge IN speeches on sub
9ects foreign to the object Of the saith
ering. In a conference OF a Ward or
stake or General Assembly every meme
her is entitled to vote for or against
any individual presented Tor Office, and
any measure proposed for acceptance
or rejection. II opposition ~ mani
Tested It Is shown by the raising OF the
fight hand, just as It IL IN the case Of
acceptance, II called upon, the object
ing member may state his or her rea-
Sons in respectful and orderly man
her II not so invited. the opposing
Votes may pass like those which are
given I'm favor II ne contrary person
desires to make explanation, the OPP
portunlty may be afforded at the right
time and the right place. But disorder
and dlsputation are not proper Rt such
assemblies ana cannot be permitted un-
der the rules OF the Church
But 1t may be asked Il Church uem-
hers have grievance against any OF
the Church authorities are they not to
be allowed to exercise the right Of free
speech I'm making known their feelings
and wishes2 Yes. In the proper way;
AMI that is the way appointed by reve-
latlon and Church regulation. No one
has the right TO accuse an officer or
member In public congregation. A
complaint may be filed against the Of
fender before the Bishop OF the Ward
In which he resides, and the case may
be conducted in the appointed, way.