Category: Uncategorized

1. Pay a full tithing, which is often interpreted as 10% of your gross income.
   2, Fast once a month for a day.
   3. Give the money you would have spent while fasting—and more—to the Church for the poor.
   4. Go to Sacrament meeting and a second-hour meeting every Sunday.
   5. Take the Sacrament each week.
   6. Repent of everything wrong that you have done before you take the Sacrament.
   7. Do not smoke.
   8. Do not drink alcoholic beverages.
   9. Do not drink coffee.
   10. Do not drink tea.
   11. Do not chew tobacco.
   12. Do not use drugs.
   13. Keep the Word of Wisdom (health code). Eat meat sparingly or not at all.
   14. Follow and sustain the prophet.
   15. Believe that Jesus is the Christ.
   16. Do not affiliate with any groups or people opposed to the Church.
   17. Pay your child support payments.
   18. Attend the temple regularly.
   19. Wear temple garments day and night.
   20. Accept all Church callings given to you by the bishop
   21. Visit families if a man or sisters if a woman to minister monthly.
   22. Refer to yourself as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, not a “Mormon.”
   23. Speak at Church when assigned.
   24. Bear your testimony occasionally at Fast Sunday, the first Sunday of the month.
   25. Read your scriptures daily, especially the Book of Mormon.
   26. Become scholars of the scriptures.
   27. Read your Sunday School lesson.
   28. Read your Priesthood or Relief Society lesson.
   29. Become well educated.
   30. Do not swear.
   31. Pray with family daily.
   32. Pray morning and night.
   33. Hold family scripture devotional daily.
   34. Memorize scriptures.
   35. Pray using only King James language, including “thee,” “thou,” “thy” adjectives.
   36. Sustain your local pastor or bishop.
   37. Attend only your assigned Church congregation.
   38. Teach your children gospel principles on Sunday.
   39. Donate to Church charities.
   40. Spend money wisely.
   41. Youth should save their money to go on a mission—two years are required for all men, 18 months is optional for young women.
   42. Missions are required for young men, optional for young women.
   43. Missionaries may contact their families weekly.
   44. Missionaries may not have visits with their family during their mission.
   45. Missionaries are to only share positive experiences with family.
   46. Missionaries work six days each week and then evening of their preparation day.
   47. Missionaries are required to finance their own missions.
   48. Retired couples should go on missions whenever possible.
   49. Stand up when the prophet enters a room.
   50. When the prophet speaks, the debate is over.
   51. When you return home from mission, marry in the temple.
   52. No premarital sex.
   53. No premarital necking or petting.
   54. Have as many children as possible.
   55. Do not delay having children to finish education.
   56. No tattoos.
   57. No piercings, although women may have one piercing in each ear.
   58. Men should wear hair short.
   59. Beards and mustaches are discouraged and not allowed for Church leaders and bishops (pastors).
   60. Men and young men should wear white shirts to Church.
   61. Women should wear dressy dresses to Church.
   62. Women should wear dressy shoes, not sandals.
   63. Members should attend the temple regularly.
   64. Members should research their genealogy.
   65. Members should go to the temple and do temple work for their ancestors.
   66. Youth should go to the temple and perform baptisms for the dead for their ancestors.
   67. Members should have a supply of food storage for emergencies and disasters.
   68. Members should also maintain a supply of emergency supplies.
   69. Members should help others in case of a disaster.
   70. Members should only speak positively about their Church leaders.
   71. Female members should dress modestly.
   72. Females must wear shirts with sleeves; dresses should reach the knees.
   73. Members should be politically active.
   74. Abortion–except to save the life of the mother and sometimes in the case of rape and incest– is condemned.
   2. 75. LGBTQ sexual relationships or marriages are unacceptable and may result in excommunication.
   76. Get baptized when you are eight years old or before you join the Church at eight years or older.
   77. Maintain a clean appearance.
   78. Keep your house clean and tidy.
   79. Maintain your home well.
   80. Keep your yard well maintained.
   81. Read LDS magazines.
   82. Keep a journal.
   83. Grow a garden.
   84. Be honest in all of your personal dealings.
   85. Do not covet.
   86. Do not commit adultery or fornication.
   87. Do not read anti-Mormon material
   88. Do not lust.
   89. Do not watch R-rated movies.
   90. No not view pornography.
   91. No not view or read suggestive or inappropriate material.
   92. Do not masturbate.
   93. Listen only to uplifting music
   94. Try to convert your friends, neighbors and co-workers.
   95. Every member a missionary.
   96. Avoid unrighteous people and places.
   97. Do not visit bars.
   98. Exercise faith in God.
   99. Do not doubt Church teachings or practices.
   100. After marriage, do not spend time alone with a member of the opposite sex.
   101. Feed the missionaries
   102. Give service to your neighbors.
   103. Help neighbors move in or move out.
   104. Take meals to sick neighbors.
   105. Visit the housebound.
   106. Raise children who are active in the Church.
   107.Magnify your talents.
   108.Share your talents with others.
   109.Study the history of the Church from Church approved sources only.
   110. Read books that Church leaders have written.
   111.Honor your parents.
   112. Love your family.
   113. Love others.
   114. Forgive others.
   115. Love your enemies.
   116. No idols or other gods.
   117.No witchcraft.
   118. Do not work on Sunday until absolutely necessary.
   119. Only do wholesome activities on Sunday.
   120. Do not go to the grocery store on Sunday.
   121. Do not shop on Sunday.
   122. Do not attend sporting events on Sunday.
   123. Do not participate in recreational activities on Sunday.
   124. Ideally, wear your Sunday clothes all day on Sunday.
   125. Be humble.
   126. Be patient and kind.
   127. Be obedient to everything Church leaders ask of you.
   128. Do not talk about temple ceremonies with others outside of temple.
   129. When young man is twelve, he receives priesthood and pass the Sacrament.
   130.When a young man is fourteen, he ministers alone with an older same-sex adult.
   131. When a young man is sixteen, he can bless the Sacrament if he is worthy.
   132. Youth should attend worthiness interviews with bishop regularly; these meetings are held alone unless the youth requests that another adult attends with them.
   133. When a female member is twelve, she begins her participation in the youth organization called Young Women.
   134. Do not gossip.
   135. Attend church socials and bring food whenever assigned.
   136. Clean the meeting house when assigned.
   137. Substitute for Church teachers when needed.
   138. Serve in the cannery or orchard when asked.
   139. Work hard.
   140. Use your time wisely.
   141. Do not have gender reassignment surgery or you may be excommunicated.
   142. Do not cross dress.
   143. Obey the laws of your land.
   144. Never gamble.
   145. Do not use face cards.
   146. Keep your thoughts clean.
   147. Seek after things that are virtuous, lovely, of good report, and praiseworthy.
   148. Women should obey their husbands.
   149. Married women should stay home and raise their children.
   150. Youth should attend extra weekly meetings.
   151. Youth should not date until sixteen.
   152. Youth should group date until eighteen.
   153. Youth should only date people who are members of the Church and worthy to enter the temple.
   154. Twice each year members should watch 8-10 hours of General Conference.
   155. Members should obey anything Church leaders say at General Conference.
   156. Teachings at General Conference supersede passed leaders’ teachings.
   157. Talks at General Conference are used as lessons for Relief Society (women) and Priesthood meeting (men).
   158. Pay your tithing before paying rent or house payment or buying food for your children.
   159. Missionaries should obey anything their mission president tells them to do.
   160. Be a good example to others.
   161. Be positive and happy.
   162. After baptism, be confirmed and receive gift of the Holy Ghost.
   163. Always be worthy so the Holy Ghost will guide them.
   164 Always follow the Spirit.
   165. A baby should be blessed by a worthy father in Sacrament Meeting.
   166. Do not ask General Authorities questions.
   167. Have Family Home Evening each week.
   168. Youth should attend seminary, which is often held before school.
   169. College students should attend Institute classes.
   170.Young adults should date, not just hang out with one another.
   171. Doubt your doubts.
   172. If you discover troubling information about Church history ignore it.
   173. Obedience is the first law in heaven.
   174. No loud laughter.
   175.No evil speaking of Church presidents and apostles.
   176. Covenant to give everything to the Church.
   177. Never leave your garments on the floor.
   178. Your body is a temple.
   179. Have a current temple recommend.
   180. To obtain a temple recommend, interview with the bishop and stake president.
   181. Get your patriarchal blessing when a teen or after baptized.
   182. If you commit adultery, fornication, or a serious crime, you must report the sin to the bishop.
   183. Bishops or higher authorities must hold a church court to determine the punishment for those who commit serious sins.
   184. Those who speak negatively about the Church in open forums, even if their criticisms are true, may be excommunicated for apostasy.
   185.Bishops may disfellowship sinful members, which requires the members to turn in their temple recommend, not take the Sacrament, and not speak or pray in Church.
   186. Bishops who learn that members are abusive must call the Church legal office to determine if the abuse should be reported to police.
   187. Victims of ecclesiastical abuse have no recourse within the Church unless the perpetrator is convicted of a crime.
   188. Victims of ecclesiastical abuse may be punished for reporting the abuse to Church authorities.
   189. In the temple, a widowed or divorced man may be sealed to another woman, making him a polygamist in heaven.
   190. Church scriptures teach that polygamy will be practiced in heaven.
   191. Don’t steal.
   192. Don’t murder.
   193. Prepare for the Second Coming by keeping all of the commandments.
   194. Keep all of the commandments so that you can receive God’s grace.
   195. Youth and adults should keep a current temple recommend.
   196. Children should memorize the 13 Articles of Faith.
   197. Have faith that Heavenly Father has a body of flesh and bones.
   198. Have faith that Jesus Christ is the literal Son of God.
   199. Have faith that the Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhood and that He is a Spirit.
   200. Have faith that you lived with Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother before you were born.
   201. Have faith that Satan was a child of Heavenly Father in the preexistence who was cast out for rebellion.
   202. Seek to become like God.
   203. Know that those who keep the commandments will become Gods after they die.
   204. Follow Jesus in everything that you say and do.
   205. Have faith that the Book of Mormon is inspired scripture translated from golden plates by Joseph Smith.
   206. Have faith that the Book of Mormon is the most correct book of scripture.
   207. Have faith that the LDS prophet speaks for God.
   208. Be a good friend to converts.
   209. Invite others to Church.
   210. Be honest in your business dealings.
   211. Attend ward and auxiliary socials.
   212. Do not take revenge.
   213. Do not go to war unless you have been attacked two times.
   214. Do not bear a grudge.
   215. Do not blaspheme.
   216. Do not listen to false prophets.
   217. Teach your children to follow the prophet.
   218. Do not imitate the customs of the world.
   219. Be a peculiar people; do not be worldly.
   220. Celebrate the arrival and departure of missionaries in your ward.
   221. Pray continually.
   222. Have faith that Jesus died and was resurrected.
   223. Have faith that Jesus’ greatest suffering was in the garden of Gethsemane, not Calvary.
   224. Only men have the priesthood authority to oversee all that happens in their congregations and in the Church.
   225. Women are more special than men because they can have children.
   226. Members who are married in the temple and who have children are ideal.
   227. Bishops should focus on retaining their youth so that they remain active in the Church.
   228. Bishops should be married in the temple and ideally should not have been divorced.
   229. Funerals should last one hour or less.
   230. At funerals, speak about Church topics and not primarily about the deceased.
   231. Ideally, members should be buried and not cremated.
   232. Members should be buried in their temple clothing.
   233. LDS hymns should be sung at funerals.
   234. Priesthood leaders should dedicate the grave of the deceased.
   235. A family member should offer a prayer beside the casket before the funeral begins.
   236. Ward members should provide a dinner for the family after the burial.
   237. The bishop should oversee the planning of the funeral.
   238. Funerals should be viewed as missionary opportunities.
   239. Wear Sunday clothes to Church funerals.
   240. Church funeral rules supersede cultural traditions.
   241. Parents without temple recommends may not attend their child’s temple marriage.
   242. Special temple clothing must be purchased or rented and worn for temple worship.
   243. Wear your best Sunday attire when you attend the temple.
   244. Adult priesthood holders should keep consecrated oil in their homes so that they can bless the sick.
   245. Return what you borrow.
   246. Be generous to the poor.
   247. Twice a year, attend a two-hour Stake Conference meeting.
   248. Clean the temple when assigned.
   249. Go to bed early and rise early.
   250. Repent every day.
   251. Bless your food before eating.
   252. Kneel when praying whenever possible.
   253. Keep every covenant in the temple so you can go to the highest heaven where married couples can have multiple wives who have spirit children.
   254. Only take the Sacrament with your right hand.
   255. Do not eat anything with coffee as an ingredient.
   256. Women should not wear pants to Church.
   257. Women may not participate in the blessing of their babies, including holding their babies.
   258. Adult priesthood holders should be worthy to bless the sick when asked.
   259. Women should not wear sleeveless blouses to Church.
   260. Women should be submissive to their husbands who preside in the home.
   261. Members should trust that all leaders are called of God.
   262. Do not use special occasions to be immodest.
   263. Do not wear tight or revealing clothing.
   264. Continue to learn throughout your lie.
   265. Use social media wisely.
   266. Walk out of an inappropriate movie.
   267. Do not participate in anything that makes violence acceptable.
   268. If you are involved in pornography, seek help.
   269. Do not share copyrighted movies or music.
   270. Share your testimony with your family.
   271. Do not compromise your standards with your friends.
   272. Express your gratitude to others.
   273. Do not cheat on school tests.
   274. Do not bear false witness.
   275. Do not listen to music that encourages immorality or violence.
   276. When dancing, avoid full-body contact.
   277. Avoid dangerous activities that put your body at risk of injury.
   278. Confess the sin of pornography to your bishop.
   279. Before marriage, do not participate in passionate kissing.
   280. Each year visit with your bishop about your payment of tithes to determine if you have paid a full tithe.
   281. Develop self-discipline and be dependable.
   282. Do not spend excessive amounts of time on the Internet or playing video games.
   283. Apply what you learn from reading the scriptures to your life.
   284. Be financially self-reliant.
   285. Follow the rules first.
   286. Become well-informed about political issues.
   287. Vote for people with integrity and sound judgment.
   288. If you live righteously, your family relationships will be eternal.
   289. Don’t record the words of the prophet or twelve apostles if they speak at a Stake Conference.
   290. Oppose same-sex marriage.
   291. Believe that God’s love is conditional.
   292. If a woman does not get married in this life, she can become a polygamous wife of a worthy husband after she dies.
   293. Eat a grain-based diet.
   294. If you do not get into the highest heaven, or celestial kingdom, by keeping all of the commandments, you may not associate with your family again.
   295. If your child marries in the temple and you do not have a temple recommend, you cannot attend the wedding.
   296. Your child may have a ring ceremony after a temple wedding.
   297. Whenever possible, keep a 3-month supply of water.
   298. When teaching a lesson in Church, use only Church-approved materials.
   299. Missionaries may not swim in a body of water.
   300. Male missionaries must wear a white shirt and tie all day except preparation day.
   301. Missionaries must arise every day at 6:30 am and retire to bed at 10:30 pm.
   302. Before 10 am, missionaries must study the scriptures individually and with their companion.
   303. Missionaries must study a foreign language from 30 to 60 minutes each morning if they are learning a new language.
   304. If a missionary goes to a doctor, the visit must be authorized by the mission president.
   305. Missionaries may only listen to church-approved music.
   306. Missionaries must always be with their companions throughout each day and night.
   307. Husbands should preside in their homes with love.
   308. Husbands should provide for their families.
   309. Mothers are responsible for nurturing their children.
   310. Extended family should help when needed.
   311. Parents should teach their children to love and serve each other.
   312. Parents should teach their children to keep the commandments.
   313. Parents should teach their children to be law-abiding citizens.
   314. Marriage should only be between a man and a woman.
   315. Eat meat sparingly.
   316. Avoid the appearance of evil.
   317. Do not be idle.
   318. Be reverent when you attend Sacrament meetings and Primary.
   319. The Church recommends that you marry someone of the same racial and socioeconomic background.
   320. Firearms are prohibited at Church.
   321. Sustain the First President and twelve apostles of the Church as prophets, seers, and revelators.
   322. Pray that the missionaries will find and baptize new converts.
   323. Pray daily that you can find people who will join the Church.
   324. Pray daily to find people you can serve.
   325. Pray daily for God’s forgiveness.
   326. Ask for forgiveness from those who have offended.
   327. Do not envy others.
   328. Avoid contention.
   329. Make your home a sacred space.
   330. Seek learning by study and faith.
   331. Have faith that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God.
   332. Have faith that Joseph Smith restored the true Church to the earth.
   333. Do not worry.
   334. Be punctual, especially for Sacrament Meeting.
   335. Study the words of modern prophets and apostles.
   336. Be faithful in fulfilling all Church assignments.
   337. Avoid immoral social media content.
   338. Become an expert in the Family Search app.
   339. Study scripture stories about great prophets and emulate their qualities.
   340. Rescue and love those who stray from the Church.
   341. Look to Christ in every thought.
   342. Fear not.
   343. Keep the covenants you make at the temple.
   344. Be obedient to everything the prophet asks you to do.
   345. Be willing to give everything that you have to the Church.
   346. Promise to consecrate all of your time and talents to the Church.
   347. Pray for your Church leaders regularly by name.
   348. If you have a choice between two goods, choose the better good.
   349. Be willing to sell everything you have to go to the temple.
   350. Put the needs of others ahead of your own.
   351. Speak about the temple with reverence.
   352. Youth should prepare to marry in the temple.
   353. Have integrity in all that you do.
   354. Only a family with a male husband and a female wife is ordained of God.
   355. Only those who are sealed in the temple to their spouse and keep all of the commandments can go to the highest heaven (celestial kingdom.)
   356. All members, married or unmarried, should strive for the ideal of living eternally as a family.
   357. All Aaronic Priesthood holders should participate in the Duty to God program.
   358. All young women should participate in the Personal Progress program.
   359. Children should obey their parents.
   360. Profess that the Church is the only true Church.
   361. Believe that the Church is the restored Church that Jesus Christ created.
   362. No other baptism is accepted in the LDS Church.
   363. Acknowledge that truth can be found in other religions but that the LDS Church has the fullness of truth.
   364. Believe that a testimony includes faith in Jesus Christ and in Joseph Smith as a prophet who restored the truth Church and translated the Book of Mormon, which is the most correct book of Scripture.
   365. Admit that Joseph Smith taught that all other creeds or religions (except the LDS Church) are an abomination in God’s sight.
   366. Accept that there are three degrees of glory, the celestial, the terrestrial, and the telestial.
   367. Consult with your bishop before having a tubal ligation or vasectomy.
   368. Childbearing should not be delayed for convenience.
   369. Have as many children as you are physically and emotionally able to raise.
   370. If you join another Church, you are in apostasy and can be excommunicated.
   371. The Church does not approve of artificial insemination of single women and disapproves of artificial insemination of semen of anyone but the husband of a married woman.
   372. Astrology should be avoided.
   373. Burial is preferable to cremation.
   374. Deceased persons who are temple-worthy should be buried in their temple clothes.
   375. Members are discouraged from wearing crosses.
   376. Cross should not be placed in chapels of LDS places of worship.
   377. Only a member of the First Presidency can cancel a temple sealing which allows the person to be sealed to another person in the temple.
   378. After you move into a home, a priesthood holder should dedicate it to the Lord.
   379. When a member is buried, a priesthood holder should dedicate the grave.
   380. When you receive a church calling, you should receive a blessing from a member of the bishopric.
   381. When a priesthood holder blesses a sick person, he should anoint the person’s head with consecrated olive oil.
   382. Only priesthood holders can consecrate or bless olive oil for healing blessings.
   383. Easter is celebrated but Lent, Ash Wednesday, and Holy Week is not.
   384. Home gardens, canning, and sewing are encouraged for LDS women.
   385. Members should obtain medical, life, and health insurance when it is available.
   386. Euthanasia is forbidden.
   387. Excommunicated members who are deceased may not have their temple work completed without the approval of a member of the First Presidency.
   388. Worthy Melchizedek priesthood holders should give their wives and children blessings when appropriate.
   389. The LDS Church opposes feminism when it emphasizes female sufficiency apart from men.
   390. Members of the LDS Church can now be Masons.
   391. Do not participate in government-run lotteries.
   392. Support constitutional government.
   393. Avoid debt.
   394. Do not pray to Heavenly Mother.
   395. Your closest relationship should be with Heavenly Father, not Jesus Christ.
   396. Church members who abuse others should counsel with their bishop.
   397. Little children should not be baptized.
   398. Parents should encourage their children to keep journals.
   399. Avoid litigation.
   400. Avoid sorcery.
   401. Avoid the occult.
   402. Sacrament Meeting musical instruments must be approved by the bishop.
   403. Brass and percussion instruments are usually not acceptable for Sacrament Meetings.
   404. A wedding march is unacceptable in a wedding ceremony performed in an LDS church.
   405. Only sacred music, not secular music, is appropriate in a Sacrament Meeting.
   406. Religious music presented in a popular style is not acceptable in Sacrament Meeting.
   407. Civil wedding ceremonies should be simple and conservative.
   408. If a pianist or organist is unavailable for Sacrament Meeting, an electronic recording may be used for the hymns.
   409. Choristers should not routinely shorten hymns in Sacrament Meeting.
   410. Sacramental hymns must be doctrinally correct.
   411. Some appropriate classical music may be included in prelude and postlude music.
   412. Music not included in LDS-authorized books should be approved by the bishop before it is performed in Sacrament Meeting.
   413. Heavenly Father has a body of flesh and bones and is not omnipresent.
   414. The decision to receive a transplanted organ should be made through prayer.
   415. Voluntary organ donation is allowed.
   416. Church finances are confidential and unless required by national law, not open for review by members.
   417. Those whose conduct brings disrepute to the Church may be dealt with in a disciplinary court.
   418. Those who break their covenants may be dealt with in a disciplinary court.
   419. Those who practice polygamy will be excommunicated.
   420. Record your personal history and those of your ancestors.
   421. Become a profound theologian.
   422. The body of an endowed suicide victim may be buried in temple clothing.
   423. Stillborn children will not be resurrected.
   424. There is no repentance from blasphemy against the Holy Ghost and those who do are those who will be consigned to outer darkness or hell.
   425. Ward activities should be gospel-centered.
   426. The family is the basic organization of the church.
   427. Practice good sanitation and hygiene.
   428. Control your weight.
   429. Exercise regularly.
   430. Obtain adequate dental care.
   431. Read good books.
   432. Save a portion of your income.
   433. Use a budget.
   434. Be a good neighbor.
   435. No Church activities on Monday, which is reserved for Family Home Evening.
   436. All activities should be opened and closed with prayer.
   437. Sing hymns in the home.
   438. God was once a man.
   439. Lay leaders at the local level are not paid.
   440. The LDS Church has a committee that monitors its members’ critical statements about the Church or its policies or procedures.
   441. Adam lived in Missouri, where the Garden of Eden was located.
   442. Adam will return to Missouri to turn over priesthood keys before the Second Coming.
   443. The wicked will be removed from the earth when Christ returns.
   444. The righteous of all religions will remain on the earth when Christ returns.
   445. A final great war in the valley of Meggido will occur before Christ returns.
   446. Two special witnesses will preach in Jerusalem and be killed before Christ returns.
   447. Listen to the prophets to prepare for the Second Coming.
   448. No one knows exactly when the Second Coming will happen.
   449. After Jesus died, there was a total apostasy of the Church.
   450. Your responses to questions asked in Church should be respectful and correlated.
   451. The oldest member of the twelve apostles becomes the prophet after the past prophet dies.
   452. Most Church pageants are now discontinued.
   453. Members should flood the earth on social media with their testimonies of the restored gospel.
   454. Members may not use or imitate Church logos.
   455. Adoption should be processed through licensed authorities.
   456. Audiovisual materials may not be used in Sacrament Meeting.
   457. Do not seek autographs of Church general authorities.
   458. The King James edition of the Bible is the only acceptable version.
   459. Do not rewrite the Book of Mormon into modern language.
   460. Church members should have Church magazines in their homes.
   461. Do not violate Church copyright laws.
   462. Generally, members are encouraged to remain in their native lands.
   463. Do not distribute directories for commercial or political purposes.
   464. Missionaries should not ask their families or friends to sponsor a member who wants to emigrate to another country.
   465. For Church meetings, speakers should reside in the local
   ward.
   466. Members should not write or call General Authorities about doctrinal or personal matters.
   467. Consider running for political office.
   468. Do not attend symposia that detract from the Church’s mission.
   469. Do not alter the temple garments.
   470. Dispose of temple garments by cutting them up appropriately.
   471. Church facilities may not be rented or leased for commercial purposes.
   472. The serving area in the Church is not intended for food preparation.
   473. Do not participate in hypnosis for entertainment.
   474. Do not participate in self-awareness groups.
   475. Single expectant parents should go to the bishop to start the repentance process.
   476. Sperm donation is discouraged.
   476. Surrogate motherhood is discouraged.
   477. Obey the laws of the land where they travel.
   478. Post only civil, praiseworthy messages on social media.
   479. Seek answers to problems through prayer and scripture study.
   480. Seek employment that is consistent with gospel principles.
   481. Before baptism, the person must be interviewed by the bishop or full-time missionary.
   482. General authorities should not apologize for past Church practices.
   483. No lethal weapons can be brought onto Church property.
   484. Flags may be flown on the Church meetinghouse property.
   485. Missionaries are called “elder” or “sister.”
   486. Missionaries should not use slang.
   487. Do not vape.
   488. Do not submit names of famous people or Jewish holocaust survivors for temple work.
   489. No pictures of Christ may be placed in chapels.
   490. No unnatural sex.
   491. No sex with animals.
   492. Love and serve your fellow ward members.
   493. Take meals to the sick.
   494. Love God with all your heart, might, mind, and strength.
   495. Love your neighbor as yourself.
   496. Spend Sundays at Church and with family.
   497. Do not embarrass others.
   498. Do not slander another.
   499. Mourn with those who mourn.
   500. Comfort those that stand in need of comfort.
   501. Trust in the Lord with all your heart.
   502. Be witnesses of God in all times and places.
   503. Become like a little child.
   504. Believe in the goodness of God.
   505. Believe that God created all things in heaven and earth.
   506. Forsake your sins.
   507. Do not injure others.
   508. Live peaceably with all mankind.
   509. Help the needy.
   510. Covenant with God to do His will.
   511. Perform good works.
   512. Do not associate with apostates.
   513. Gender is an eternal condition.
   514. All humans, male and female, are created in God’s image.
   515. Do not kidnap a person.
   516. Do not use the Church or your position in the Church to sell an item or product.
   517. Be pure in heart.
   518. Be merciful.
   519. Be a peacemaker.
   520. Hunger and thirst after righteousness.
   521. Be courageous.
   522. Suffer affliction with faith.
   523. Let your light shine.
   524. Have a broken heart and a contrite spirit.
   525. Do not be angry with another person.
   526. Do not lust.
   527. Take up your cross daily and follow God.
   528. Keep your promises.
   529. Give to those who ask of you.
   530. Bless those who curse you.
   531. Turn the other cheek.
   532. Do good to those who despitefully use you.
   533. Do your alms in secret.
   534. Do not lay up for yourself treasures on earth.
   535. Seek first the kingdom of God.
   536. Do not be a hypocrite.
   537. Do not abuse children.
   538. Do not partake of the sacrament unworthily.
   539. Fellowship new converts.
   540. Do not be lascivious.
   541. Do not wear costly apparel.
   542. Do not be rebellious.
   543. Do not murmur or complain.
   544. Respect your leaders.
   545. Trust that faith precedes a miracle.
   546. Remember the teachings of Christ.
   547. Listen to your leaders.
   548. Be filled with the pure love of God.
   549. Deny yourself of all ungodliness.
   550. Ask and you will receive.
   551. Be exceedingly glad.
   552. Be wise as serpents.
   553. Be harmless as doves.
   554. Be thankful.
   555. Be content with your wages.
   556. Be faithful servants.
   557. Be temperate.
   558. Avoid troublemakers.
   559. Be of good cheer.
   560. Be fully converted.
   561. Have a mighty change of heart.
   562. Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
   563. Be given to hospitality.
   564. Be strong in the Lord.
   565. Be anxious for nothing.
   567. Be a partaker in Christ’s suffering.
   568. Be holy in conversation.
   569. Be sober and vigilant.
   570. Be not weary in well doing.
   571. Do not be lazy.
   572. Care for the widows and fatherless.
   573. Do violence to no one.
   574. Give thanks to God.
   575. Give cheerfully.
   576. Have no respect of persons.
   577. Go the second mile.
   578. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
   579. Have a good conscience.
   580. Let you conversation be yea, yea, and nay, nay; make no oaths.
   581. Let your enemies have your cloak.
   582. Let peace rule your heart.
   583. Develop and share your spiritual gifts.
   584. Be swift to hear and slow to speak.
   585. Let nothing be done in strife.
   586. Shun evil
   3. 587. Seek peace and pursue it.
   588. Do not let sin reign in your body.
   589. Rejoice in hope.
   590. Put on the helmet of salvation.
   591. Take on the sword of the Spirit.
   592. Take heed not to backslide.
   593. Abhor what is evil.
   594. Confess your faults to one another.
   595. Harden not your hearts.
   596. Overcome evil with good.
   597. Endure persecution well.
   598. Render no evil for evil.
   599. Strengthen your feeble knees.
   600. Lay up treasures in heaven.
   601. Judge not, that you are not judged.
   602. Beware of false prophets.
   603. Do not pray to impress others.
   604. End disputes quickly.
   605. When you fast, do it secretly.
   607. Do not give holy things to those who will not appreciate them.
   608. Feed the hungry, clothe the naked.
   609. Follow the narrow path.
   610. Do not take the name of God in vain.
   611. Do not hate anyone.612. Do not let anyone lead you astray.
   613. If you live a telestial law, you will have a telestial body with no genitals.
   614. Think celestial.
   615. Do not take counsel from unbelievers.
   616. Do not ask how church monies are spent.
   617. If you do not keep celestial laws, you will not be with your family forever.
   618. Boys covenant at baptism to go on missions.
   619. Clean the church buildings regularly.
   520. Clean the temples when assigned.
   621. It is preferable to ask for food assistance from the state before asking for help from the church.
   622. Transgender persons must be supervised when using the restroom.
   623. The child of an unwed mother under age 18 may not accompany her to youth classes or activities.
   624. Transgender persons may not teach classes.
   625. Abortion should be considered only after the persons responsible have received confirmation through prayer.
   626. The Church discourages surgical sterilization as an elective form of birth control.
   627. Church membership council may be necessary if a member has sexual encounters online or over the phone.
   628. The Church discourages donating sperm or eggs.
   629. The Church discourages artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization using sperm from anyone but the husband or an egg from anyone but the wife.
   630. The Church forbids mystical activities that include fortune-telling, curses and healing practices that are imitations of the priesthood power of God.
   631. Members are discouraged from participating in hypnosis for purposes of demonstration or entertainment.
   632. The Church does not approve of smoking marijuana, including for medical purposes.
   633. Many private groups that claim to improve self-awareness, self-esteem, spirituality, or family relationships are harmful.
   634. Church members should not seek the autographs of General Authorities, General Officers, or Area Seventies.
   635. The Church opposes and counsels against gambling in any form. This includes sports betting and government-sponsored lotteries.
   636. For most Church meetings and activities, speakers and instructors should belong to the local ward or stake.
   637. Church members should seek employment that is consistent with gospel principles.
   638. Bishops and stake presidents may determine whether to allow persons with disabilities to use trained service dogs in meetinghouses.
   639. The Church discourages surrogate motherhood.
   640. Transgender members who socially transition will have Church membership restrictions, including receiving or exercising the priesthood, receiving or using a temple recommend, and serving in some Church callings.
   641. Temple ordinances are received according to a person’s biological sex at birth.
   642. Meetinghouses cannot be used as childcare facilities.
   643. In the United States and some countries, food cannot be prepared in the meetinghouse kitchens.
   644. A man and a woman should not travel alone together for Church activities, meetings, or assignments unless they are married to each other or are both single.
   645. To dispose of worn-out temple garments, members should cut out and destroy the marks.
   646. To dispose of worn-out ceremonial temple clothing, members should cut it up so the original use cannot be recognized.
   647. If possible, deceased members who are endowed should be buried or cremated in temple clothing.
   648. Leaders should call the church helpline if they know someone is being abused or using or distributing pornography. The attorneys at the helpline will determine if the leader should notify authorities.
   649. At church meetings, you should not speak about your sexual orientation.
   650. Transgender members cannot work with children.
   651. Transgender members cannot fill gender-specific assignments.
   652. Transgender members cannot stay at youth camps overnight.
   653. Only men and women who are sealed as husband and wife in the temple, and who keep their covenants, will be together throughout the eternities.
   654. Any addiction—be it gaming, gambling, debt, drugs, alcohol, anger, pornography, sex, or even food—offends God.
   655. Jesus Christ will manifest himself in the temples.
   656. In the temple, we may “receive a fulness of the Holy Ghost.”
   657. Nothing will soothe your spirit more during times of pain than going to the temple.
   658. Our zeal to love others must not keep us from loving God.
   659. Bearing your testimony even if you do not believe will make your testimony grow.
   660. Being valiant about one’s testimony means being open and public about one’s witness.
   661. Education increases your ability to serve the Lord.
   662. Living with integrity means that you love truth with all your heart—more than you love personal comfort, popularity, or convenience. It means doing what is right simply because it is right.
   663. Be a good example to your family.
   664. Build relationships within your ward family.
   665. Lazy learners and lax disciples will always struggle to muster even a particle of faith.
   666. Never take counsel from those who do not believe.
   667. Seek guidance from trusted voices— prophets, seers, and revelators.
   668. Lord is directing us to build temples to help us think celestial.
   
   

Dear First Presidency,

As leaders of the Corporation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, you state that our church is the gold standard in protecting children from child abuse. In order to achieve that goal, all members, including leaders, must report child abuse immediately. Everyone working with children and youth should undergo a background check. No one with a history of child abuse should work with kids, and bishops should not meet alone with children in one-on-one worthiness interviews.

You claim to be a world leader in humanitarian work, but less than 1% of our tithes are used for that purpose. With the great wealth of our church, we know the church could dedicate 25% of its income to that purpose, and many lives would be saved.

Until you decide to protect the children in our children and help the poor and needy as Jesus said we should do, we will be donating our tithes to organizations that do just that and have financial records that prove that they do so.

Sincerely,

Many faithful LDS members

1-10   Joseph Smith asked me, God, why I allowed Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, David, and Solomon why they had many wives and female slaves, and I told him to listen to me and obey the rules I will give him. If I give you the rules, you have to obey them. I give you a new and eternal covenant and if you don’t follow me, you will be destroyed. You must obey it to come back to me. If you want a blessing from me, you must obey this law. And this is it: That every marriage vow must be sealed by the Holy Ghost, and I have given the power to do this to Joseph Smith. Only one person on earth will have this power, and he is the one. He alone has the keys of the priesthood and any other marriages that he does not certify will end with death. My house is a house of order, not confusion.

11-24, You can’t come back to live with me, God, forever unless you obey the law that I give you through the prophet. So, if you marry someone without the prophet’s authorization, your marriage will end with death and you can be a ministering servant for all eternity, but you won’t be allowed to marry. You will be single forever. But, if you marry in the covenant which the prophet alone can authorize, you will pass the angels and the gods after you die and you will inherit my glory. So, if you marry someone by my word, you will arise in the first resurrection and you will inherit thrones, empires, authorities, territories, and powers, and your name will be recorded in the Lamb’s Book of Life. As long as you don’t murder anyone, you will be exalted and you will be able to have children forever. And you will be gods forever and ever, and you will rule over the angels. But if you don’t follow my rule about marriage, you won’t get these blessings, and only a few will get them. If you follow this rule, you will live with me forever, for I am Jesus Christ, so receive my law.

25- 45 Now, if you are married by my rules and don’t murder, you will come forward in the first resurrection, but I will kill you if you murder an innocent person and will give you to Satan who will torment you until the day of redemption. Now, blasphemy against the Holy Ghost will never be forgiven. I am the Lord and will give you the Law of the Priesthood. Because Abraham did everything I told him to, he sits on a throne and is exalted. He can have children forever, and he will have too many children to number. Joseph, I am giving you the same blessing and promise. Go and do the things Abraham did, and ye will be saved. But if you don’t do as Abraham did, you won’t be saved.

God commanded Abraham, and Sarah gave him Hagar as a female sex slave, which fulfilled the promises of having a large posterity. I didn’t condemn Abraham for doing this, and when I told him to kill his son, it was described as an act of righteousness. And Abraham had female sex slaves, and that was also described as an act of righteousness because he followed my law. And Isaac and Jacob did the same thing, that they are sitting on thrones and are gods, not angels.

David, Solomon, and Moses had many wives and female sex slaves, and they did not sin in doing this. David’s wives and female sex slaves were given to him by Nathan, the prophet, and he only sinned when he had Uriah killed, so he lost his exaltation, and his wives and female sex slaves were given to someone else. I am the Lord and I told you, Joseph, to restore all things. When you ask me, I will give to you according to my word.  Now, you have asked about adultery and I’m telling you that if you marry a wife in the new and eternal covenant and if she has sex with another man who I have not chosen, she has committed adultery and will be destroyed. And if her husband has sex with another woman, he has committed adultery and you, Joseph, can take his wife and give her to someone who hasn’t committed adultery, and that man shall be made a ruler over many for I have given you the power to restore all things.

46-56  And, I’m telling you, Joseph, that anything you bind on earth will be bound in heaven by my word forever. And, if you forgive someone’s sins, they will be canceled in heaven, and if you preserve someone’s sins, that will be preserved in heaven. And, I’m telling you, if you bless someone, I will bless them, and if you curse someone, I will curse them as well, for I am your God. I will be with you through all eternity. I bind up your exaltation and prepare a throne for you in the kingdom of my Father.

I have seen your sacrifices and will forgive all of your sins. I will even make a way for your escape. So, I give a commandment to Emma Smith, your wife, that she must have self-control and not marry other people as I have told you to do. I did it to test both of you as I tested Abraham. Emma should accept your new wives that are pure and virtuous, and those who aren’t pure but said they are pure will be destroyed because I said so.

Tell Emma to do what I tell her to do because you shall be made a ruler over many things. Tell her to have sex with you and with no one else, and if she doesn’t do that, I will destroy her. I will obliterate her if she doesn’t follow my marriage rules, but if she does, I will give you, Joseph, hundreds of fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, wives and children, and crowns of eternal lives in the eternal worlds. Emma must forgive you when you make mistakes, and then she’ll be given when she makes mistakes. Then, I will bless her and make her happy.

57-66 Joseph, don’t let your property out of your hands because Satan wants to destroy you, but I am with you just like I was with Abraham, your father, even to his exaltation and glory.

Now, regarding the priesthood, if a man is called of my Father who has priesthood keys, if he does anything in my name, according to my law and by my word, he will not commit sin and I will justify him. So no one should criticize you, for I will justify what you do, and you will do the sacrifice that I demand of you for your transgressions.

And again, regarding the law of the priesthood, if you marry a virgin and want to marry another virgin, the first one should give her consent and if the virgin is not promised to another man, he is justified. Because the women are given to him, he is justified and is not committing adultery because these women belong to him.

And if the man has ten virgins given to him by the law, he isn’t committing adultery for they belong to him and are given to him so he is justified, but if one of the ten virgins, after she marries, has sex with another man, she has committed adultery and will be destroyed because I have given these woman to the man so he can have lots of children and be exalted with my Father after he dies so that these women can have children forever so that the work of my Father continues and he may be glorified.

And, I tell you, if any man has a wife and teaches her about these things, then she must believe them and let him marry other women or she will be destroyed. I will destroy her myself. If his wife doesn’t accept this new law and doesn’t believe in it or give her husband according to my word, then she is a sinner and he is excused from the law of Sarah, who let Abraham have sex with Hagar, his sexual slave. And I will reveal more things but let this be enough for now. I am the Beginning and the End. Amen.

1. Pay a full tithing.
2. Fast once a month for a day.
3. Give the money you would have spent while fasting—and more—to the Church for the poor.
4. Go to Sacrament meeting and a second hour meeting every Sunday.
5. Take the Sacrament each week.
6. Repent of everything wrong that you have done before you take the Sacrament.
7. Do not smoke.
8. Do not drink alcoholic beverages.
9. Do not drink coffee.
10. Do not drink tea.
11. Do not chew tobacco.
12. Do not use drugs.
13. Keep the Word of Wisdom (health code).
14. Follow and sustain the prophet.
15. Believe that Jesus is the Christ.
16. Do not affiliate with any groups or people opposed to the Church.
17. Pay your child support payments.
18. Attend the temple regularly.
19. Wear temple garments day and night.
20. Accept all Church callings given to you by the bishop
21. Visit families if a man or sisters if a women monthly as a minister.
22. Refer to yourself as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, not a “Mormon”.
23. Speak at Church when assigned.
24. Bear your testimony occasionally at Fast Sunday, the first Sunday of the month.
25. Read your scriptures daily, especially the Book of Mormon.
26. Be a scriptorian.
27. Read your Sunday School lesson.
28. Read your Priesthood or Relief Society lesson.
29. Become well educated.
30. Do not swear.
31. Pray with family daily.
32. Pray morning and night.
33. Hold family scripture devotional daily.
34. Memorize scriptures.
35. Pray using only King James language, “thee,” “thou,” “thy”.
36. Sustain your local pastor or bishop.
37. Attend only your assigned Church congregation.
38. Teach your children gospel principles on Sunday.
39. Donate to Church charities.
40. Spend money wisely.
41. Youth should save their money to go on a mission—two years are required for men, 18 months for young women.
42. Missions are required for young men, optional for young women.
43. Missionaries may contact their families weekly.
44. Missionaries may not have visits with their family during their mission.
45. Missionaries are to only share positive experiences with family.
46. Missionaries work six days each week and then evening of their preparation day.
47. Missionaries are required to finance their own missions.
48. Retired couples should go on missions whenever possible.
49. Stand up when the prophet enters a room.
50. When the prophet speaks, the debate is over.
51. When you return home from mission, marry in the temple.
52. No premarital sex.
53. No premarital necking or petting.
54. Have as many children as possible.
55. Do not delay having children to finish education.
56. No tattoos.
57. No piercings, although women may have one piercing in each ear.
58. Men should wear hair short.
59. Beards and mustaches are discouraged and not allowed for Church leaders and bishops (pastors).
60. Men and young men should wear white shirts to Church.
61. Women should wear dressy dresses to Church.
62. Women should wear dressy shoes, not sandals.
63. Members should attend the temple regularly.
64. Members should research their genealogy.
65. Members should go to the temple and do temple work for their ancestors.
66. Youth should go to the temple and perform baptisms for the dead for their ancestors.
67. Members should have a supply of food storage for emergencies and disasters.
68. Members should also maintain a supply of emergency supplies.
69. Members should help others in case of a disaster.
70. Members should only speak positively about their Church leaders.
71. Female members should dress modestly.
72. Females must wear shirts with sleeves; dresses should reach the knees.
73. Members should be politically active.
74. Abortion–except to save the life of the mother and sometimes in the case of rape– is condemned.
75. LGBTQ sexual relationships or marriages are unacceptable and may result in excommunication.
76. Get baptized when you are eight years old or before you join the Church at eight years or older.
77. Maintain a clean appearance.
78. Keep your house clean and tidy.
79. Maintain your home well.
80. Keep your yard well maintained.
81. Read LDS magazines.
82. Keep a journal.
83. Grow a garden.
84. Be honest in all of your personal dealings.
85. Do not covet.
86. Do not commit adultery or fornication.
87. Do not read anti-Mormon material
88. Do not lust.
89. Do not watch R-rated movies.
90. No not view pornography.
91. No not view or read suggestive or inappropriate material.
92. Do not masturbate.
93. Listen only to uplifting music
94. Try to convert your friends, neighbors and co-workers.
95. Every member a missionary.
96. Avoid unrighteous people and places.
97. Do not visit bars.
98. Exercise faith in God.
99. Do not doubt Church teachings or practices.
100. After marriage, do not spend time alone with a member of the opposite sex.
101. Feed the missionaries
102. Give service to your neighbors.
103. Help neighbors move in or move out.
104. Take meals to sick neighbors.
105. Visit the housebound.
106. Raise children who are active in the Church.
107.Magnify your talents.
108.Share your talents with others.
109.Study the history of the Church from Church approved sources only.
110. Read books that Church leaders have written.
111.Honor your parents.
112. Love your family.
113. Love others.
114. Forgive others.
115. Love your enemies.
116. No idols or other gods.
117.No witchcraft.
118. Do not work on Sunday
119. Only do wholesome activities on Sunday.
120. Do not go to the grocery store on Sunday.
121. Do not shop on Sunday.
122. Do not attend sporting events on Sunday.
123. Do not participate in recreational activities on Sunday.
124. Ideally, wear your Sunday clothes all day on Sunday.
125. Be humble.
126. Be patient and kind.
127. Be obedient to everything Church leaders ask of you.
128. Do not talk about temple ceremonies with others outside of temple.
129. When young man is twelve, he receives priesthood and pass the Sacrament.
130.When a young man is fourteen, he ministers alone with an older same-sex adult.
131. When a young man is sixteen, if worthy,he can bless the Sacrament.
132. Youth should attend worthiness interviews with bishop regularly; these meetings are held alone unless the youth requests that another adult attends with them.
133. When a female member is twelve, she begins her participation in the youth organization called Young Women.
134. Do not gossip.
135. Attend church socials and bring food whenever assigned.
136. Clean the meeting house when assigned.
137. Substitute for Church teachers when needed.
138. Serve in the cannery or orchard when asked.
139. Work hard.
140. Use your time wisely.
141. Do not have gender reassignment surgery or you may be excommunicated.
142. Do not cross dress.
143. Obey the laws of your land.
144. Never gamble.
145. Do not use face cards.
146. Keep your thoughts clean.
147. Seek after things that are virtuous, lovely, of good report, and praiseworthy.
148. Women should obey their husbands.
149. Married women should stay home and raise their children.
150. Youth should attend extra weekly meetings.
151. Youth should not date until sixteen.
152. Youth should group date until eighteen.
153. Youth should only date people who are members of the Church and worthy to enter the temple.
154. Twice each year members should watch 8-10 hours of General Conference.
155. Members should obey anything Church leaders say at General Conference.
156. Teachings at General Conference supersede passed leaders’ teachings.
157. Talks at General Conference are used as lessons for Relief Society (women) and Priesthood meeting (men).
158. Pay your tithing before paying rent or house payment or buying food.
159. Missionaries should obey anything their mission president tells them to do.
160. Be a good example to others.
161. Be positive and happy.
162. After baptism, be confirmed and receive gift of the Holy Ghost.
163. Always be worthy so the Holy Ghost will guide them.
164 Always follow the Spirit.
165. A baby should be blessed by a worthy father in Sacrament Meeting.
166. Do not ask General Authorities questions.
167. Have Family Home Evening each week.
168. Youth should attend seminary, which is often held before school.
169. College students should attend Institute classes.
170.Young adults should date, not just hang out with one another.
171. Doubt your doubts.
172. If you discover troubling information about Church history ignore it.
173. Obedience is the first law in heaven.
174. No loud laughter.
175.No evil speaking of Church presidents and apostles.
176. Covenant to give everything to the Church.
177. Never leave your garments on the floor.
178. Your body is a temple.
179. Have a current temple recommend.
180. To obtain a temple recommend, interview with the bishop and stake president.
181. Get your patriarchal blessing when a teen or after baptized.
182. If you commit adultery, fornication, or a serious crime, you must report the sin to the bishop.
183. Bishops or higher authorities must hold a church court to determine the punishment for those who commit serious sins.
184. Those who speak negatively about the Church in open forums, even if their criticisms are true, may be excommunicated for apostasy.
185.Bishops may disfellowship sinful members, which requires the members to turn in their temple recommend, not take the Sacrament, and not speak or pray in Church.
186. Bishops who learn that members are abusive must call the Church legal office to determine if the abuse should be reported to police.
187. Victims of ecclesiastical abuse have no recourse within the Church unless the perpetrator is convicted of a crime.
188. Victims of ecclesiastical abuse may be punished for reporting the abuse to Church authorities.
189. In the temple, a widowed or divorced man may be sealed to another woman, making him a polygamist in heaven.
190. Church scriptures teach that polygamy will be practiced in heaven.
191. Don’t steal.
192. Don’t murder.
193. Prepare for the Second Coming by keeping all of the commandments.
194. Keep all of the commandments so that you can receive God’s grace.
195. Youth and adults should keep a current temple recommend.
196. Children should memorize the 13 Articles of Faith.
197. Have faith that Heavenly Father has a body of flesh and bones.
198. Have faith that Jesus Christ is the literal Son of God.
199. Have faith that the Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhood and that He is a Spirit.
200. Have faith that you lived with Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother before you were born.
201. Have faith that Satan was a child of Heavenly Father in the preexistence who was cast out for rebellion.
202. Seek to become like God.
203. Know that those who keep the commandments will become Gods after they die.
204. Follow Jesus in everything that you say and do.
205. Have faith that the Book of Mormon is inspired scripture translated from golden plates by Joseph Smith.
206. Have faith that the Book of Mormon is the most correct book of scripture.
207. Have faith that the LDS prophet speaks for God.
208. Be a good friend to converts.
209. Invite others to Church.
210. Be honest in your business dealings.
211. Attend ward and auxiliary socials.
212. Do not take revenge.
213. Do not go to war unless you have been attacked two times.
214. Do not bear a grudge.
215. Do not blaspheme.
216. Do not listen to false prophets.
217. Teach your children to follow the prophet.
218. Do not imitate the customs of the world.
219. Be a peculiar people; do not be worldly.
220. Celebrate the arrival and departure of missionaries in your ward.
221. Pray continually.
222. Have faith that Jesus died and was resurrected.
223. Have faith that Jesus’ greatest suffering was in the garden of Gethsemane, not Calvary.
224. Only men have the priesthood, which gives them the authority to oversee all that happens in their congregations and in the Church.
225. Women are more special than men because they can have children.
226. Members who are married in the temple and who have children are ideal.
227. Bishops should focus on retaining their youth so that they remain active in the Church.
228. Bishops should be married in the temple and ideally should not have been divorced.
229. Funerals should last one hour or less.
230. At funerals, speak about Church topics and not about the decreased.
231. Ideally, members should be buried and not cremated.
232. Members should be buried in their temple clothing.
233. LDS hymns should be sung at funerals.
234. Priesthood leaders should dedicate the grave of the deceased.
235. A family member should offer a prayer beside the casket before the funeral begins.
236. Ward members should provide a dinner for the family after the burial.
237. The bishop should oversee the planning of the funeral.
238. Funerals should be viewed as missionary opportunities.
239. Wear Sunday clothes to Church funerals.
240. Church funeral rules supersede cultural traditions.
241. Parents who do not have a temple recommend may not attend their child’s temple marriage.
242. Special temple clothing must be purchased or rented and worn for temple worship.
243. Wear your best Sunday attire when you attend the temple.
244. Adult priesthood holders should keep consecrated oil in their homes so that they can bless the sick.
245. Return what you borrow.
246. Be generous to the poor.
247. Twice a year, attend a two-hour Stake Conference meeting.
248. Clean the temple when assigned.
249. Go to bed early and rise early.
250. Repent every day.
251. Bless your food before eating.
252. Kneel when praying whenever possible.
253. Keep every covenant in temple so you can go to the highest heaven where married couples can have multiple wives who have spirit children.
254. Only take the Sacrament with your right hand.
255. Do not eat anything with coffee as an ingredient.
256. Women should not wear pants to Church.
257. Women may not participate in the blessing of their babies, including holding their babies.
258. Adult priesthood holders should be worthy to bless the sick when asked.
259. Women should not wear sleeveless blouses to Church.
260. Women should be submissive to their husbands who preside in the home.
261. Members should trust that all leaders are called of God.
262. Do not use special occasions to be immodest.
263. Do not wear tight or revealing clothing.
264. Continue to learn throughout your lie.
265. Use social media wisely.
266. Walk out of an inappropriate movies.
267. Do not participate in anything that makes violence acceptable.
268. If you are involved in pornography, seek help.
269. Do not share copyrighted movies or music.
270. Share your testimony with your family.
271. Do not compromise your standards with your friends.
272. Express your gratitude to others.
273. Do not cheat on school tests.
274. Do not bear false witness.
275. Do not listen to music that encourages immorality or violence.
276. When dancing, avoid full body contact.
277. Avoid dangerous activities that put your body at risk of injury.
278. Confess the sin of pornography to your bishop.
279. Before marriage, do not participate in passionate kissing.
280. Each year visit with your bishop about your payment of tithes to determine if you have paid a full tithe.
281. Develop self-discipline and be dependable.
282. Do not spend excessive amounts of time on the Internet or playing video games.
283. Apply what you learn from reading the scriptures to your life.
284. Be financially self-reliant.
285. Follow the rules first.
286. Become well-informed about political issues.
287. Vote for people with integrity and sound judgment.
288. If you live righteously, your family relationships will be eternal.
289. Don’t record the words of the prophet or twelve apostles if they speak at a Stake Conference.
290. Oppose same sex marriage.
291. Believe that God’s love is conditional.
292. If a woman does not get married in this life, she can become a polygamous wife of a worthy husband after she dies.
293. Eat a grain-based diet.
294. If you do not get into the highest heaven, or celestial kingdom, by keeping all of the commandments, you may not associate with your family again.
295. If your child marries in the temple and you do not have a temple recommend, you cannot attend the wedding.
296. You child may have a ring ceremony after a temple wedding.
297. Whenever possible, keep a 3-month supply of water.
298. When teaching a lesson in Church, use only Church-approved materials.
299. Missionaries may not swim in a body of water.
300. Male missionaries must wear a white shirt and tie all day except preparation day.
301. Missionaries must arise every day at 6:30 am and retire to bed at 10:30 pm.
302. Before 10 am, missionaries must study the scriptures individually and with their companion.
303. Missionaries must study a foreign language from 30 to 60 minutes each morning if they are learning a new language.
304. If a missionary goes to a doctor, the visit must be authorized by the mission president.
305. Missionaries may only listen to church-approved music.
306. Missionaries must always be with their companions throughout each day and night.
307. Husbands should preside in their homes with love.
308. Husbands should provide for their families.
309. Mothers are responsible to nurture their children.
310. Extended family should help when needed.
311. Parents should teach their children to love and serve each other.
312. Parents should teach their children to keep the commandments.
313. Parents should teach their children to be law-abiding citizens.
314. Marriage should only be between a man and a woman.
315. Eat meat sparingly.
316. Avoid the appearance of evil.
317. Do not be idle.
318. Be reverent when you attend Sacrament meeting and Primary.
319. The Church recommends that you marry someone of your same racial and socioeconomic background.
320. Firearms are prohibited at Church.
321. Sustain the First President and twelve apostles of the Church as prophets, seers, and revelators.
322. Pray that the missionaries will find and baptize new converts.
323. Pray daily that you can find people who will join the Church.
324. Pray daily to find people you can serve.
325. Pray daily for God’s forgiveness.
326. Ask for forgiveness from those who have offended.
327. Do not envy others.
328. Avoid contention.
329. Make your home a sacred space.
330. Seek learning by study and faith.
331. Have faith that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God.
332. Have faith that Joseph Smith restored the true Church to the earth.
333. Do not worry.
334. Be punctual, especially for Sacrament Meeting.
335. Study the words of modern prophets and apostles.
336. Be faithful in fulfilling all Church assignments.
337. Avoid immoral social media content.
338. Become an expert in the Family Search app.
339. Study scriptures stories of great prophets and emulate their qualities.
340. Rescue and love those who stray from the Church.
341. Look to Christ in every thought.
342. Fear not.
343. Keep the covenants you make at the temple.
344. Be obedient to everything the prophet asks you to do.
345. Be willing to give everything that you have to the Church.
346. Promise to consecrate all of your time and talents to the Church.
347. Pray for your Church leaders regularly by name.
348. If you have a choice between two goods, choose the better good.
349. Be willing to sell everything you have to go to the temple.
350. Put the needs of others ahead of your own.
351. Speak about the temple with reverence.
352. Youth should prepare to marry in the temple.
353. Have integrity in all that you do.
354. Only a family with a male husband and a female wife is ordained of God.
355. Only those who are sealed in the temple to their spouse and keep all of the commandments can go to the highest heaven (celestial kingdom.)
356. All members, married or unmarried, should strive for the ideal of living eternally as a family.
357. All Aaronic Priesthood holders should participate in the Duty to God program.
358. All young women should participate in the Personal Progress program.
359. Children should obey their parents.
360. Profess that the Church is the only true Church.
361. Believe that the Church is the restored Church that Jesus Christ created.
362. No other baptism is accepted in the LDS Church.
363. Acknowledge that truth can be found in other religions but that the LDS Church has the fullness of truth.
364. Believe that a testimony includes faith in Jesus Christ and in Joseph Smith as a prophet who restored the truth Church and translated the Book of Mormon, which is the most correct book of Scripture.
365. Admit that Joseph Smith taught that all other creeds or religions (except the LDS Church) are an abomination in God’s sight.
366. Accept that there are three degrees of glory, the celestial, the terrestrial, and the telestial.
367. Consult with your bishop before having a tubal ligation or vasectomy.
368. Childbearing should not be delayed for convenience.
369. Have as many children as you are physically and emotionally able to raise.
370. If you join another Church, you are in apostasy and can be excommunicated.
371. The Church does not approve of artificial insemination of single women and disapproves of artificial insemination of semen of anyone but the husband of a married woman.
372. Astrology should be avoided.
373. Burial is preferable to cremation.
374. Deceased persons who are temple-worthy should be buried in their temple clothes.
375. Members are discouraged from wearing crosses.
376. Cross should not be placed in chapels of LDS places of worship.
377. Only a member of the First Presidency can cancel a temple sealing which allows the person to be sealed to another person in the temple.
378. After you move into a home, a priesthood holder should dedicate it to the Lord.
379. When a member is buried, a priesthood holder should dedicate the grave.
380. When you receive a church calling, you should receive a blessing from a member of the bishopric.
381. When a priesthood holder blesses a sick person, he should anoint the person’s head with consecrated olive oil.
382. Only priesthood holders can consecrate or bless olive oil for healing blessings.
383. Easter is celebrated but Lent, Ash Wednesday, and Holy Week is not.
384. Home gardens, canning, and sewing are encouraged for LDS women.
385. Members should obtain medical, life, and health insurance when it is available.
386. Euthanasia is forbidden.
387. Excommunicated members who are deceased may not have their temple work completed without the approval of a member of the First Presidency.
388. Worthy Melchizedek priesthood holders should give their wives and children blessings when appropriate.
389. The LDS Church opposes feminism when it emphasizes female sufficiency apart from men.
390. Members of the LDS Church can now be Masons.
391. Do not participate in government-run lotteries.
392. Support constitutional government.
393. Avoid debt.
394. Do not pray to Heavenly Mother.
395. Your closest relationship should be with Heavenly Father, not Jesus Christ.
396. Church members who abuse others should counsel with their bishop.
397. Little children should not be baptized.
398. Parents should encourage their children to keep journals.
399. Avoid litigation.
400. Avoid sorcery.
401. Avoid the occult.
402. Sacrament Meeting musical instruments are limited to piano, organ, harp, some string instruments and the flute.
403. Brass and percussion instruments are not acceptable for Sacrament Meetings.
404. A wedding march is unacceptable in a wedding ceremony performed in an LDS church.
405. Only sacred music, not secular music, is appropriate in a Sacrament Meeting.
406. Religious music presented in a popular style is not acceptable in Sacrament Meeting.
407. Civil wedding ceremonies should be simple and conservative.
408. If a pianist or organist is unavailable for Sacrament Meeting, an electronic recording may be used for the hymns.
409. Choristers should not routinely shorten hymns in Sacrament Meeting.
410. Sacramental hymns must be doctrinally correct.
411. Some appropriate classical music may be included in prelude and postlude music.
412. Music not included in LDS-authorized books should be approved by the bishop before it is performed in Sacrament Meeting.
413. Heavenly Father has a body of flesh and bones and is not omnipresent.
414. The decision to receive a transplanted organ should be made through prayer.
415. Voluntary organ donation is allowed.
416. Church finances are confidential and unless required by national law, not open for review by members.
417. Those whose conduct brings disrepute on the Church may be dealt with his a disciplinary court.
418. Those who break their covenants may be dealt with his a disciplinary court.
419. Those who practice polygamy will be excommunicated.
420. Record your personal history and those of your ancestors.
421. Become a profound theologian.
422. The body of an endowed suicide victim may be buried in temple clothing.
423. Stillborn children will not be resurrected.
424. There is no repentance from blasphemy against the Holy Ghost and those who do are those who will be consigned to outer darkness or hell.
425. Ward activities should be gospel centered.
426. The family is the basic organization of the church.
427. Practice good sanitation and hygiene.
428. Control your weight.
429. Exercise regularly.
430. Obtain adequate dental care.
431. Read good books.
432. Save a portion of your income.
433. Use a budget.
434. Be a good neighbor.
435. No Church activities on Monday, which is reserved for Family Home Evening.
436. All activities should be opened and closed with prayer.
437. Sing hymns in the home.
438. God was once a man.
439. Lay leaders at the local level are not paid.
440. The LDS Church has a committee that monitors its members’ critical statements about the Church or about its policies or procedures.
441. Adam lived in Missouri, where the Garden of Eden was located.
442. Adam will return to Missouri to turn over priesthood keys before the Second Coming.
443. The wicked will be removed from the earth when Christ returns.
444. The righteous of all religions will remain on the earth when Christ returns.
445. A final great war in the valley of Meggido will occur before Christ returns.
446. Two special witnesses will preach in Jerusalem and be killed before Christ returns.
447. Listen to the prophets to prepare for the Second Coming.
448. No one knows exactly when the Second Coming will happen.
449. After Jesus died, there was a total apostasy of the Church.
450. Your responses to questions asked in Church should be respectful and correlated.
451. The oldest member of the twelve apostles becomes prophet after the prophet dies.
452. Most Church pageants are now ended.
453. Members should flood the earth on social media with their testimonies of the restored gospel.
454. Members may not use or imitate Church logos.
455. Adoption should be processed through licensed authorities.
456. Audiovisual materials may not be used in Sacrament Meeting.
457. Do not seek autographs of Church general authorities.
458. The King James edition of the Bible is the only acceptable version.
459. Do not rewrite the Book of Mormon into modern language.
460. Church members should have Church magazines in their homes.
461. Do not violate Church copyright laws.
462. Generally members are encouraged to remain in their native lands.
463. Do not distribute directories for commercial or political purposes.
464. Missionaries should not ask their families or friends to sponsor a member who wants to emigrate to another country.
465. For Church meetings, speakers should reside in the local
ward.
466. Members should not write or call General Authorities about doctrinal or personal matters.
467. Consider running for political office.
468. Do not attend symposia that detract from the Church’s mission.
469. Do not alter the temple garments.
470. Dispose of temple garments by cutting them up appropriately.
471. Church facilities may not be rented or leased for commercial purposes.
472. The serving area in the Church is not intended for food preparation.
473. Do not participate in hypnosis for entertainment.
474. Do not participate in self-awareness groups.
475. Single expectant parents should go to the bishop to start the repentance process.
476. Sperm donation is discouraged.
476. Surrogate motherhood is discouraged.
477. Obey the laws of the land where they travel.
478. Post only civil, praiseworthy messages on social media.
479. Seek answers to problems through prayer and scripture study.
480. Seek employment that is consistent with gospel principles.
481. Before baptism, the person must be interviewed by the bishop or full-time missionary.
482. General authorities should not apologize about past Church practices.
483. No lethal weapons can be brought onto Church property.
484. Flags may be flown on Church meetinghouse property.
485. Missionaries are called elder or sister.
486. Missionaries should not use slang.
487. Do not vape.
488. Do not submit names of famous people or Jewish holocaust survivors for temple work.
489. No pictures of Christ may be places in chapel.
490. No oral sex.
491. No sex with animals.
492. Love and serve your fellow ward members.
493. Take meals to the sick.
494. Love God with all your heart, might, mind, and strength.
495. Love your neighbor as yourself.
496. Spend Sundays at Church and with family.
497. Do not embarrass others.
498. Do not slander another.
499. Mourn with those that mourn.
500. Comfort those that stand in need of comfort.
501. Trust in the Lord with all your heart.
502. Be witnesses of God in all times and places.
503. Become as a little child.
504. Believe in the goodness of God.
505. Believe that God created all things in heaven and earth.
506. Forsake your sins.
507. Do not injure others.
508. Live peaceably with all mankind.
509. Help the needy.
510. Covenant with God to do His will.
511. Perform good works.
512. Do not associate with apostates.
513. Gender is an eternal condtion.
514. All humans, male and female, are created in God’s image.
515. Do not kidnap a person.
516. Do not use the Church or your position in the Church to sell an item or product.
517. Be pure in heart.
518. Be merciful.
519. Be a peacemaker.
520. Hunger and thirst after righteousness.
521. Be courageous.
522. Suffer affliction with faith.
523. Let your light shine.
524. Have a broken heart and a contrite spirit.
525. Do not be angry with another person.
526. Do not lust.
527. Take up your cross daily and follow God.
528. Keep your promises.
529. Give to those that ask of you.
530. Bless those who curse you.
531. Turn the other cheek.
532. Do good to those who despitefully use you.
533. Do your alms in secret.
534. Do not lay up for yourself treasures on earth.
535. Seek first the kingdom of God.
536. Do not be a hypocrite.
537. Do not abuse children.
538. Do not partake of the sacrament unworthily.
539. Fellowship new converts.
540. Do not be lascivious.
541. Do not wear costly apparel.
542. Do not be rebellious.
543. Do not murmur or complain.
544. Respect your leaders.
545. Trust that faith precedes a miracle.
546. Remember the teachings of Christ.
547. Listen to your leaders.
548. Be filled with the pure love of God.
549. Deny yourself of all ungodliness.
550. Ask and you will receive.
551. Be exceedingly glad.
552. Be wise as serpents.
553. Be harmless as doves.
554. Be thankful.
555. Be content with your wages.
556. Be faithful servants.
557. Be temperate.
558. Avoid troublemakers.
559. Be of good cheer.
560. Be fully converted.
561. Have a mighty change of heart.
562. Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
563. Be given to hospitality.
564. Be strong in the Lord.
565. Be anxious for nothing.
567. Be a partaker in Christ’s suffering.
568. Be holy in conversation.
569. Be sober and vigilant.
570. Be not weary in well doing.
571. Do not be lazy.
572. Care for the widows and fatherless.
573. Do violence to no one.
574. Give thanks to God.
575. Give cheerfully.
576. Have no respect of persons.
577. Go the second mile.
578. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
579. Have a good conscience.
580. Let you conversation be yea, yea, and nay, nay; make no oaths.
581. Let your enemies have your cloak.
582. Let peace rule your heart.
583. Develop and share your spiritual gifts.
584. Be swift to hear and slow to speak.
585. Let nothing be done in strife.
586. Shun evil.
587. Seek peace and pursue it.
588. Do not let sin reign in your body.
589. Rejoice in hope.
590. Put on the helmet of salvation.
591. Take on the sword of the Spirit.
592. Take heed not to backslide.
593. Abhor what is evil.
594. Confess your faults to one another.
595. Harden not your hearts.
596. Overcome evil with good.
597. Endure persecution well.
598. Render no evil for evil.
599. Strengthen your feeble knees.
600. Lay up treasures in heaven.
601. Judge not, that you are not judged.
602. Beware of false prophets.
603. Do not pray to impress others.
604. End disputes quickly.
605. When you fast, do it secretly.
607. Do not give holy things to those who will not appreciate them.
608. Feed the hungry, clothe the naked.
609. Follow the narrow path.
610. Do not take the name of God in vain.
611. Do not hate anyone.
612. Do not let anyone lead you astray.
613. Endure to the end.

In the culture of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, shame is a reoccurring threat. In this high-demand works-based religion, children and teens have to prove their value in worthiness interviews. Adults must pass a series of specific questions in order to attend the temple and inherit the highest degree of glory. These questions include being honest, chaste, paying a full tithe, obeying the Word of Wisdom, and upholding the truth claims of the Church. Church meetings often focus on the specific behaviors that the Church expects of its members, who feel that they are working their way into heaven. We are taught that we are children of God, but are also reminded that faith without works is dead.

Shame-based religions teach that we aren’t good enough and that we have to work our way into heaven. This can create a toxic mix of perfectionism, rigidity, and self-loathing.

In grace-based religions, God’s mercy is the foundational principle of the gospel. Members are taught that God loved them unconditionally and endlessly. His love motivates and empowers them to do good works. People are encouraged to develop a loving relationship with God, who is seen a beneficent, kind, and merciful. Hence, Christians believe are good because God is good. They are taught that “ [God] hath made [Christ] to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” [1]

We claim to be a Christ-centered religion, but he is seldom mentioned in Church talks and lessons. Most lessons center around rules we should obey: tithing, keeping the Sabbath day holy, ministering to others, being morally clean, preparing for missions, attending the temple, family history work, holding church callings, to name a few.
A speaker at Sacrament Meeting is no longer permitted to ask the congregation to open their scriptures as the speaker shares scriptural verses. Many talks and lessons now refer to Church leaders’ quotes and fewer refer to their Savior’s teachings.

The unintended consequence from a works-based Church culture is that members do not feel they are enough. Instead, they feel they are less than whole, broken, unworthy. Yet, they are put on a façade of sainthood, righteousness, and wholeness to be accepted by their leaders and peers. That creates a shame-based society.

I’ve listened to hundreds of members over the years say that they feel unworthy and worthless. They believe they are not doing enough to deserve God’s love. Utah, To move from a shame-based culture to a Christ-based culture, the Church needs to:

1. Emphasize the love of Christ and God in talks, lessons, and doctrine. Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf has spoken about this extensively in his talks but was unfortunately removed from the First Presidency, so his voice has been diminished.

He said, “Think of the purest, most all-consuming love you can imagine. Now multiply that love by an infinite amount—that is the measure of God’s love for you…Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God love encompasses us completely. He loves us because He is filled with an infinite measure of holy, pure, and indescribable love. ” [2]

2. Regularly teach that we love God because He first loved us. Remind members that God’s love gives us the strength and motivation to become more like Him.

3. Teach that God quickly forgives. When Church leaders require prolonged, shame-ridden repentance processes, exhaustive worthiness interviews, and works-based temple recommend interviews, some members either burn out or give up. If the Lord asks us to forgive others seventy times seven, surely He does the same for his penitent children.

4. Eliminate the endless list of to-do’s and instead focus on love. Leader interviewers could ask, “Do you seek to love God, yourself and others?” That should be the basis of any Church discussion and visit. Other questions unrelated to fostering God’s love need to be removed from Church interrogations.

5. Stop the harmful and destructive practice of worthiness interviews with youth. The very idea that youth must prove their worthiness implies that some are unworthy of God’s love. That is wrong.

6. Eliminate the shaming of any group, including women, LGBTQ+, minorities, non-LDS, and those who have faith doubts. Implying that God does not love all of His children creates a fear-based culture that is toxic to members’ mental health.

7. Create a space where members can be vulnerable in Church classes and meetings. Allow people to speak their truth without judgment or recrimination. Set an example of truthfulness by apologizing for mistakes and misinformation, honoring honesty, and promoting love and authenticity.

8. Encourage members to set personal values based on Christ’s example. Motivate members to follow God because they love Him, not because they fear Him. Teach members that turning away from bad behavior is a healthy process, not a shameful one.

9. Stop excommunicating members who speak the truth about the Church. The silencing of good members who seek to protect children or shine a light on false truth claims of the Church creates a culture of fear.

The Church does much good in the world. Its fast-offering program feeds millions of hungry individuals and its model of service and ministry is admirable. It can focus more on Christ and less on condemnation. We urge the Church to be a place of healing and not harassment. Our worthiness is inherent in our very souls and need not be proven in interviews.

[1] 2 Cor. 5:21

[2] See “The Love of God,” Pres. Dieter Uchtdorf, October 2009 General Conference accessed here https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2009/10/the-love-of-god?lang=eng

In the Church, we are told to follow the brethren. Primary children sing hymns honoring their bishops and prophets. Some of these songs imply that these leaders are infallible and will never say or do anything that is contrary to God’s will.[1] This creates a culture of hero-worship that is ripe for abuse. Church leaders are fallible. Our past history should be a warning to members that leaders can make serious mistakes and can harm others.[2] When we follow the Lord and lead with love, the Lord empowers us through His Atonement to become all that He created us to be.

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

Our family supports our local leaders when they are following the Lord. We pay our tithing, not to honor the bishop but because we love the Lord. We fulfill our callings for the same motivation. Every good thing that we do is motivated by our love for God.

We’ve had some great bishops who focused on the Savior and ministered with meekness and compassion. They did not seek the praise of others or misuse their priesthood power. Because they centered their Sacrament meetings and talks on the Lord, they inspired us to want to become more like Jesus and to keep His commandments.

Sadly, some bishops are abusive and cruel. Teaching members, especially children, to always honor and obey them may condition children to allow their bishops to abuse them. It has happened to too many children in our Church.

The praise in all of our talks and songs should go to our Father and to His Son, Jesus Christ, and not to fallible mortals. Jesus condemned the Pharisees because they “loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” Jesus taught “that all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him….How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?”[3]

I was impressed recently when an apostle recently visited our stake. When the people rose as he entered the room, he motioned for us to sit down. A servant leader, he spoke lovingly about the Savior and refused to accept any praise or flattery. His talk was centered on God and motivated us to want to love and follow the Lord. It was one of the most spirit-filled meetings I have attended. After the meeting, he met with each member and radiated the Lord’s love.

When our meetings, lessons, and talks focus on our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ, we feel spiritually edified. We want to do better and be better. We want to follow the Savior not out of fear or duty, but because we love Him.

Church leaders are fallible. Our past history should be a warning to members that leaders can make serious mistakes and can harm others.[3] When we follow the Lord and lead with love, the Lord empowers us through His Atonement to become all that He created us to be.

We pray that our Church will move from a culture of hero-worship to a culture of worshiping God. To do this, our talks and lessons will focus on our Father and His infinite love for His children. Our ministering will reflect the Savior’s love in all that we say and do. We will move from a leader-centered Church to a Christ-centered Church. Our testimonies will be based on God and our Savior– not on the Church or its leaders. Our songs and worship will be Christ-centered and not prophet-centered.

As we focus on the Father and on His Son Jesus Christ, we begin to understand how much God loves us and we feel happier, more peaceful, and more loved. We will be kinder to ourselves and others. We will have a greater sense of self-worth and fulfillment, knowing that God loves us with a matchless, incomprehensible love.

May we truly “talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, …that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.”[4]

1. Consider:

Follow the prophet, follow the prophet,
Follow the prophet; don’t go astray.
Follow the prophet, follow the prophet,
Follow the prophet; he knows the way.

2. Did the prophets know the way when they taught that Adam was God and that God was our Grandfather in Heaven, when they practiced polyandry, which means that Joseph Smith married women who were already married, when they taught that rape victim that they were better off dead, or when they forbid blacks from receiving the priesthood, temple ordinances, or being sealed eternally to their families?

3. John 12: 43, John 5: 23, 44

4. 2 Nephi 25:26

“And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” Luke 4:8

Predators recognize that authority is usually unquestioned in the Church. Church members are told to only speak positively about their leaders. The LDS Church must start to teach members that leaders are fallible. Church members should be taught how to recognize and report abuse. The following are some critical steps the Church must take in order to stop harboring and enabling sexual perpetrators.

1. Problem: The LDS culture has a reverence for power and authority of male priesthood leaders.
Solution: The LDS Church should teach members to worship God alone and to remember that all of those in the Church are imperfect, including its leaders.

2. Problems: The LDS Church does not have procedures that evaluate and scrutinize the actions of its lay leaders.
Solution: The Church needs to implement increased scrutiny of lay leaders by opening a hotline where members can report ecclesiastial abuse.

3. Problem: Perpetrators have easier access to victims through ministering and church assignments.
Solution: Two-deep service must be implemented for every calling where perpetrators could access victims, including bishop’s interviews.

3. Problem: Perpetrators realize that victims are often shamed by Church leaders so survivors seldom report abuse.
Solution: Church leaders must be trained to cease from any procedure or policy that shames abuse victims.

4. Problem: Perpetrators know that the Church seldom reports abuse to police to protect its image.
Solution: After the Church determines that the victim is safe, abuse must be reported to police.

5. Problem: Sex offenders see that Church leaders often rationalize sex abuse or blame the victims.
Solution: Church leaders on every level need extensive training on the dynamics of sexual abuse, including grooming, that perpetrators and not victims are totally responsible for abuse, and how perpetrators tend to isolate and shame victims. Church leaders who participate in further abusing abuse victims should be released.

7. Problem: Perpetrators realize that the Church seldom tag records of abusers, allowing them to abuse others.
Solution: Abusers’ church records should be tagged so that ward leaders do not assign them to positions where they can further abuse others.

8. Problem: Abusers recognize that priesthood leaders tend to cover up the offenses of their colleagues and friends.
Solution: Church leaders should be monitored by their superiors and by Relief Society presidents to make certain that they hold abuse offenders accountable. Again, the hotline would be very helpful.

9. Problem: Perpetrators observe that victims are often silenced by the Church so that they can offend without impunity.
Solution: The Church must implement policies and procedures that make certain that survivors are not silenced.

10. Problem: Since the Church does not perform background checks on members who work with children in a Church calling, serial sex offenders may serve without the knowledge of Church members or leaders.
Solution: Church must perform background check before anyone is called to serve youth or children.

11. Problem: With the Church’s emphasis on missionary work, some members invite others into their homes and lives without due diligence.
Solution: Members should receive regular training on how to protect themselves and their families from sex offenders. They should be encouraged to speak frankly with their children about the methods abusers use to groom victims and abuse children.

12. Problem: Church leaders often deal with pedophilia as a sin and not as a crime.
Solution: Church members and leaders should be taught that abuse is a crime and that is should be reported to police.

13. Problem: Church literature asks bishops to help pedophiles turn away from their sin, something they are unqualified of doing.
Solution: Bishops should be advised to turn all mental health counseling over to trained professionals.

14. When abuse is reported, the Church does not implement meaningful reforms to protect LDS children. Bishops, for example, can still interview children alone even though a number of bishops have perpetrated on children during interviews.
Solution: Church should eliminate all one-of-one bishop interviews with children and youth.

15. LDS Church officials and its lawyers typically attempt to evade responsibility by hiding behind the “free exercise of religion” clause of the Constitution, statute of limitations technicalities and clergy-penitent privilege statutes.
Solution: Church must adhere to high ethical standards and determine than protecting its members from abuse is more important than protecting its reputation.

Utah,a predominantly LDS state, ranks first in the United States in sex abuse cases of children. The Church has a systemic abuse problem that must be addressed. The Church’s abuse hotline is only for ecclesiastical leaders to call the Church’s attorneys to make certain that the Church is not injured in any way. We need an abuse hotline dedicated to LDS abuse victims and manned by professional trauma and abuse therapists who have the authority to hold perpetrators accountable in the Church. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints has a culture that too often enables sexual abusers. Because many times Latter-Day Saints leaders has not brought known abusers to justice and has even covered up abusers’ crimes, the Church is guilty of supporting illegal behavior and making it possible for more children and adults to be victimized.

This needs to stop. Now.

I learned to love my Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, through profound spiritual experiences related to my participation in the LDS Church. Some of these experiences occurred as I prayed, worshipped the Lord, and served others. God’s love is revealed in the world that He created, in the life of His Son, and in the Christlike lives of others. When it follows the Savior’s example, the Church can do much good and bless many lives. Many fast to feed the hungry. Many also sacrifice much to serve others. The Church inspires its members to minister to one another and many bless others through their service.

As we evaluate the choices the Church makes, we can also ask, Do its decisions promote love? Does it follow the example of the Savior? There are some areas in which the Church can improve. It is unloving to silence abuse victims, to exclude children from being blessed and baptized, and to devalue women and our LGTQI brothers and sisters. The Church can do better.

As we seek to become more loving, we need to ask ourselves:

• Do I feel better than others because of my race, sex, or sexual preference?
• Do I ignore or silence those who are suffering?
• Do I give generously of my time and money to help those in need?
• Do I forgive others so that I can be forgiven?

As we seek to love others, we can also expect the Church—that represents the collective body of its members—to do the same. We can ask our Church to:

• Eliminate any policies or practices that encourage misogyny, racism, or discrimination.
• Refrain from ignoring or silencing survivors of abuse, including those who have been abused by lay leaders.
• Give generously of its tithes to help the poor and those who are in need.
• Forgive others as it expects to be forgiven.

Our Church should radiate the love of the Savior and that love should be foundational to our talks, meetings, actions, and policies.

We pray that our Church will develop practices and procedures that reflect the love of God. We ask our Church to be honest, merciful, and compassionate. The Church should set an example which is worthy of its members to emulate.

Jesus said, A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” –John 13:34-35

The LDS Church is a wonderful place to worship, serve and love others. Over the years, I have associated with thousands of people who are good, caring individuals, committed to loving the Lord and blessing the lives of others. After a recent difficult surgery, ward members brought countless meals, visited me and cheered me. The church can be a peaceful place where we can worship God and transform our lives so that we become more like him.

In any group or neighborhood, there are some folks who pretend to be good but are wolves in sheep’s clothing. Sexual predators can be found in most institutions—and the church is not an exception. In fact, the church is attractive to abusers because it is so easy for them to hide their abuse.

As the #MeToo movement has exploded, more women are coming forward and sharing their accounts of being sexually harassed or molested in the workplace. Now the LDS Church needs to step forward and acknowledge that they, too, have a problem with sexual violence being covered up. They can no longer continue to ignore the problem or to silence victims.

Perhaps church leaders disregard the pleas of survivors because:

• They assume that all leaders are righteous and are called of God.
• They want members to trust them and to trust those whom they call to serve in priesthood positions.
• They refuse to acknowledge that some whom they have called are perpetrators.
• They assume that local leadership is monitoring and removing perpetrators from positions where they can abuse others.
• They believe that women who report abuse by ecclesiastical leaders and others are lying or exaggerating.

None of these assumptions are true. Not every leader is called of God and deserves the trust and confidence of the people they serve. Local leaders are not effectively monitoring or removing perpetrators from positions where they can harm others, and almost all who report abuse are truthful. Few tell how terrible the abuse was or how significantly it impacted their lives. It takes great courage to step forward and report abuse.

When church leaders side with perpetrators, they send a message to their congregations and to the neighbors and friends of survivors that victims cannot be trusted or believed. They shun and silence survivors, which further abuses them. They also send a message to the law enforcement authorities that the victim’s account is false.

We urge the leaders of the LDS Church to follow the example of Jesus. He loved those who suffered. He spoke out forcefully against evil. He healed the broken hearted. We know that when the Church develops a genuine zero-tolerance policy regarding sexual and physical abuse, it will attract more members and will be a beacon of light and hope for people throughout the world. We pray that our leaders will take the necessary steps to do so.

“That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness… but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man.” D&C 121: 36-37