Quorum of High Priests Newsletter

October 2007

Jane M. Gardner, president
Mareva Arnaud and Don Compier, counselors
Arthur Smith, secretary

Translator Ervelyne Bernard Working on Section 163

Section Translation Update

During consideration of the words of counsel in the High Priest Quorum at World Conference, members asked what progress had been made in translating the document into the various languages of the church. Larry Tyree, director of International Resources at International Headquarters, offers this update on the translation of Section 163.

Translation of Section 163 of the Doctrine and Covenants has once again demonstrated the complexity of the translation process. Simply producing a text for our Korean delegation took a tremendous effort. The Korean translation team worked for twenty to thirty hours to get the first draft into Korean during Conference. Other languages had similar issues.

In May 2007, the English text of Section 163 was sent out to be translated into fifteen languages. Some of the languages were translated in a relatively short period of time—three to four weeks. Others took four to five months. One language was still being worked on as of September.
 

Doctrine and Covenants
Doctrine et Alliances Section 163
Un Témoignage—A Testimony

Par Henere Marama—Polynésie Française
By Henere Marama—French Polynesia

A l’époque du prophète Joseph SMITH 1, celui-là même qui fonda cette Eglise, la méthode d’acceptation d’une révélation diffère nettement de celle que nous adoptons de nos jours. En effet, à l’époque, le prophète inspiré, écrit le document révélé qu’il fait ensuite imprimer et cela devient des paroles divines. C’est donc ainsi que, durant une longue période de la vie de l’Eglise, les révélations ont été canonisées. La marche du temps qui passe, les connaissances humaines qui progressent et l’esprit critique qui intervient demandent à l’Eglise d’aujourd’hui, l’approbation d’une révélation par le peuple.

In the days of the prophet Joseph Smith Jr., the founder of this church, a markedly different process was used by the church to accept a revelation. In those days, in effect, the prophet, having been inspired, would write the revealed document, have it printed, and these words would become the word of God. As time went by, thinking changed and a critical spirit led the church of today to require approval by the people of any new revelation.

Actuellement, les connaissances sur la divinité n’ont de cesse de grandir à cause des découvertes impressionnantes que notre temps nous apporte, notre planète-terre nous fait revivre, notre espace céleste nous émerveille et les profondeurs de l’océan nous livrent leurs secrets. En face de toute cette spirale de savoirs, nous nous sentons tout petits, complètement dénudés et démunis. Nous sommes comme une baleinière glissant impuissante sur le récif, emportée par les vagues déferlantes. Mille questions nous passent par la tête : « Dieu en est-il réellement l’auteur ou alors l’homme, dans sa pensée, ses rêves, sa réflexion concrétise sa vision pour la prêter à Dieu. » Cependant, nous nous résignons au fait que tout homme a la possibilité et l’opportunité de discerner la volonté divine.

In our day, knowledge of God is constantly expanding due to impressive discoveries. We are reawakened by our planet before the wonders of space and the secrets delivered from the depths of the seas. Before a spiraling increase in knowledge we find ourselves feeling ever so tiny, naked and defenseless. We are like a whaling ship run aground on a reef, thrown there by the tossing waves. A thousand questions come to mind: “Is God really the author or has a human being, through thoughts, dreams, and personal reflection, written down a vision as if it were God’s?” And yet we must admit that everyone has the potential to discern the divine Presence.

Lorsque j’étais présent à Independence-Missouri, pendant les réunions où les échanges d’idées étaient débattus et qui précédaient la Conférence Mondiale, j’ai eu l’occasion de rencontrer et de croiser différentes personnes venues d’horizons divers. Elles étaient là pour venir parler de la vie de l’Eglise: sentir le comment, le pourquoi pour améliorer l’existence de cette Eglise. Des réflexions innombrables furent entendues lors de ces rencontres. A l’occasion des séances de la Conférence Mondiale, plusieurs thèmes de discussions furent soumis aux délégués présents à ces instants privilégiés d’assemblées plénières et d’examens entamés autour de ces sujets.

When I was in Independence, Missouri, during the meetings of dialogue and debate that preceded the World Conference (International Leaders Meetings), I had the opportunity to meet people of diverse perspectives. They had come to speak about the life of the church and how to improve it. Countless reflections were shared. During World Conference, in the moments of general sessions and in smaller group meetings, various topics were put before the delegates for discussion.

« Et, voici qu’arrive l’instant attendu » = un bruit courait que le prophète a reçu une révélation. Le document inspiré sera examiné et débattu par les délégués des nations représentées pour recueillir leurs sentiments. Alors que cette information circulait avec pertinence, mes pensées profondes se focalisèrent sur une seule et unique conviction : « si sont-ce là, des paroles d’essence divine, pourquoi donc les remettre entre les mains impures de l’homme? Moi-même, dans ma crainte respectueuse de Dieu, je n’osais point profaner Sa Parole. Je décidais alors, résolument, de partager mes sentiments selon l’esprit qui m’étreint et qui me dicte ce que je dois dire. Je n’étais nullement influencé par ce que mes oreilles entendaient dire autour de moi.

Then the message came that the prophet had received a revelation. The inspired document would be considered and debated by the delegates of the nations represented in order to seek out their feelings. While some responded by waiting patiently, my innermost thoughts focused on a single conviction: “If these words are in essence divine, why submit them to unclean human hands for consideration?” As for me, respectfully fearful of God, I would not dare profane God’s word. Confident that the Spirit would guide me in what I would say, I decided resolutely to share my feelings, not hearing the comments of others around me.

La lecture du document à débattre, menée par le Président Emile Teihotaata-Mervin eut lieu en langue tahitienne. Les copies du document inspiré furent distribuées. Je savais parfaitement ce que je devais faire et la décision que j’avais à prendre. J’avais entre mes mains une traduction de la révélation en français.

In the Tahitian language caucus the document to be considered was read by French Polynesia Mission Center president Emile Teihotaata-Mervin. Copies of the document were distributed. Aware of the decision I had made, I knew perfectly well what I had to do.

En lisant le document en tahitien, je ne comprenais pas clairement les formulations dites dans la langue qui était la mienne. Je me servis des deux textes, en tahitien et en français, pour mieux défendre mes propos et soutenir mes déclarations. Cette première lecture aboutit à la décision prise par la majorité : « ce document n’est pas une Révélation.» Une prière clôtura cette prise de position.

Reading the document in Tahitian, which was my own language, I was unable to understand clearly much of the phrasing. I also had in hand a French translation of the document. I employed both documents to better defend my proposals as I argued my case. After the first reading, the majority in the Tahitian language caucus decided “This document is not a revelation.” The meeting ended with prayer.

Quelle ne fut pas ma grande surprise lorsque, plus tard, à une séance plénière, l’on annonça que nous sommes demandés de nous réunir de nouveau en caucus pour débattre encore, une deuxième fois sur le même document précédemment étudié. Mes propos furent durs et je disais : « Le document qui nous est soumis n’est pas une Révélation; ce sont là uniquement des pensées émanant du Président Stephen Veazey. Je les accepte comme des conseils donnés à l’Eglise. J’ai ajouté qu’il est inconcevable de réfléchir sérieusement sur un document de cette importance en une ou deux heures seulement. Nous avons besoin de trois à six mois pour y réfléchir. Ce que nous faisons aujourd’hui est puéril.» Et, après le deuxième examen du document, la majorité l’approuva comme étant une Révélation. Moi, je campais sur ma décision initiale et à aucun moment je ne tergiversai. Une Révélation doit être sérieusement étudiée et il est essentiel que ceux qui l’adoptent soient investis de l’Esprit pour discerner leur choix. Cette Révélation restera écrite dans le livre de l’Eglise un temps dépassant sûrement mille années.

High Priest/Grand Prêtre Henéré Marama

It was not a great surprise when later, during a general session, it was announced that we would be asked to return to our caucuses to consider the document for a second time. Again I spoke hard words saying, “The document before us is not a revelation. These are no more than Stephen Veazey’s thoughts. I accept them as counsel to the church.” I added, “It is unimaginable that we could seriously reflect on a document of this importance for only a couple of hours. We need three to six months to reflect. What we are doing here today is childish.” But after the second consideration of the document, the majority agreed that it was a revelation. As for me, I held to my initial decision and did not waver. A revelation must be studied seriously and those who adopt it must be filled with the Spirit as they discern their choice because it will surely remain written in the book of the church for more than a thousand years.

De retour en Polynésie, un comité composé de personnes sûres et sérieuses fut mis en place pour revoir la traduction du document inspiré. Le frère John Mairai du « Tomite Teni a Pioi »présida les travaux de traduction du texte de l’anglais en tahitien. J’en faisais partie des personnes désignées. Au terme du temps imparti pour compléter entièrement la traduction, nous fumes invités à une réunion de travail devant offrir un souffle qui ferait vibrer de vie la Révélation. Alors que je lisais pour la toute première fois cette Révélation dont la trame de la traduction fut l’œuvre du linguiste John Mairai, toute mon âme fut élevée et ma voix intérieure s’exclama d’un bonheur indescriptible devant Dieu et la beauté de sa Parole.

Back in Polynesia, after the World Conference, a committee made up of competent and serious persons was put in place to review the translation of the inspired document. Brother John Mairai of the Tomite Teni a Pioi presided over the job of translating the text from English to Tahitian. I was among those designated to serve on this committee. At the end of the time allotted to complete the translation we were invited to a meeting where the revelation would be read. We hoped that what we had breathed into the document would allow the revelation to reverberate with life. As the revelation was read aloud for the very first time based primarily on linguist John Mairai’s translation, my very soul was lifted up and my inner voice shouted out with indescribable joy before God at the beauty of the Holy Word.

Jamais auparavant je n’ai ressenti l’Esprit vibré avec autant de force dans chaque mot; mes mâchoires tremblotaient d’émoi à la lecture de cette Révélation; mes yeux se remplirent de larmes venues des profondeurs de mon cœur et je ne pus plus m’empêcher de pleurer d’émotion.

Never before had I felt the Spirit move with such force in every word. I trembled with emotion at the reading of the revelation. My eyes filled with tears. Overwhelmed by emotion, I could not keep from crying.

Lorsque tout le comité se mit d’accord pour dire que la traduction était convenable, la direction de l’Eglise commença à programmer les moments opportuns pour présenter cette Révélation traduite en tahitien aux membres de l’Eglise. La primeur fut offerte à Tarona devant les deux Prêtrises. Frère John Mairai et moi-même étions en charge de la lecture du texte devant cette assemblée sacerdotale. L’accueil reçu ce samedi-là était chaleureux, plein de respect et le teste fut écouté dans un silence extraordinairement empreint se sérénité.

After the entire committee had agreed that the translation was acceptable, mission center leaders began scheduling opportunities to present the revelation, now translated into Tahitian, to church members. The first event was scheduled for Tarona before both priesthoods. Brother John Mairai and I were in charge of reading the document before the assembly. That remarkable Saturday morning of serene calm, the document warmly received.

Ce jour-là, moi qui lisais cette Révélation, à haute voix et dans ma propre langue, j’ai rendu grâce à Dieu et mes pensées se remémorèrent la petite voix qui disait : « ...il y a un temps pour chaque chose sous ce soleil... » Ma langue ne put prononcer un mot, des larmes coulèrent à flots sur mon visage, ce jour-là, à Tarona. Je peux témoigner aujourd’hui qu’une douce voix me murmura de derrière mon oreille : « ...Marama...C’est bien Moi...Moi-même, sois-en persuadé !... »

Reading the revelation out loud in my own language I gave thanks to God. I remember hearing a small voice say, “… there is a time for everything under the sun…” That day at Tarona, I was overcome with the Spirit. Today, I am able to testify that a soft voice was whispering in my ear, “…Marama… It is indeed Me… It’s Me, be convinced!...”

Ce n’était pas comme une voix d’homme, celle qui s’adressait à moi. C’était semblable au souffle frais d’une brise si légère dans ma vie de foi qui m’empêcha de prononcer mes mots. Lorsque je sentis cette force bienfaisante me lâcher, je m’aperçus que je prononçais la fin de la Révélation. Je lisais ces tout derniers mots :

« Grâce et Paix
Stephen Veazey
Président de l’Eglise
Indépendence,Missouri
—25 mars 2007 »

The voice that I heard was not like any human voice. It came as a breath of cool breeze lilting ever so lightly into my life of faith leaving me unable to pronounce my words. As I became aware of being released by this amazing force, I realized that I was speaking the last words of the revelation:

“Grace and Peace,
Stephen Veazey
President of the
Church Independence, Missouri
— 25 March 2007”

Je peux témoigner aujourd’hui que malgré les décisions que nous prenons, dans la petitesse, les limites et l’insuffisance de nos connaissances et malgré notre refus à cause de nos pensées humaines, si c’est Dieu qui nous parle et malgré les sentiments que nous avons en nous, Il vient nous prendre, nous ramener vers la vérité et voilà pourquoi, j’affirme haut et fort que cette Révélation 163 est véritablement la Parole venant de Dieu qu’il a adressée au Prophète pour Son peuple de la Sainte Communauté.

Today I can testify that in spite of the limits and inadequacy of our knowledge and with all of our human decisions not to believe, if it really is the Divine who is speaking to us, God will lead us toward the truth. Because of this, I affirm loud and clear that this revelation 163 is truly God’s word through the prophet for the people of the Holy Community.

Puissions-nous continuer à vivre portés à l’extrémité des doigts de la main du Créateur et enveloppés de son infinie grâce pour toujours.

May we continue to live held by the hand of the Creator and enveloped in God’s infinite grace forever.

1. Tomite Teni a Pioi or the Teni Pioi Committee seeks the best use of the Tahitian language for the Community of Christ in French Polynesia. The committee is named after a former, now deceased, pillar of the church in Tahiti.
2. The Tarona congregation is located in downtown Papeete, the capital city of French Polynesia.

Announcement

The High Priests Quorum Leadership Team is pleased to announce that Gary Logan has accepted the invitation to serve as quorum parliamentarian. We are grateful to Brother Logan for his dedication to the quorum in the past and look forward to his ongoing service. Gary also serves as mission center president for the East Asia Mission Center.

Conversation Corner

We would like to start a conversation with you. Write to us and we will print excerpts from your responses in future newsletters.

“The call for priesthood faithfulness as expressed in Doctrine and Covenants 163:6 speaks directly to the High Priests Quorum; to raise the bar of ministerial effectiveness, high priests must lead the way.” —Jane M. Gardner, Herald, September 2007, p.17

As you reflect on this paragraph of Doctrine and Covenants 163, what thoughts, insights, and ideas would you offer? How might the quorum “lead the way”? What is your personal response to paragraph 6?

Send your comments by e-mail to: jgardner@CofChrist.org  or by snail mail to:

Jane M. Gardner
Quorum of High Priests
1001 W. Walnut
Independence, Missouri 64050

A poster of the disciplines suggested by quorum president Jane Gardner to help focus the ministry of high priests was designed by Barbara Westbrook for the high priest retreat held in Bandera, Texas, USA earlier this year.

High Priest Quorum Submits Legislation

The High Priest Quorum has a long history of submitting thoughtful and challenging legislation for the consideration of the World Conference. The 2007 World Conference was no different. In addition to recommending the inclusion of the inspired document in the Doctrine and Covenants, two other resolutions were approved by the quorum and submitted to the World Conference.

Substitute for Item G-6
Assistance in Obtaining Visas

The quorum proposed a substitute to Item G-6 Assistance in Obtaining Visas. The original resolution had been sent to the World Conference by the South America Mission Center. The substitute motion from the High Priest Quorum read as follows:

Whereas, The obtaining of visas for non-U.S. citizens from many nations to attend World Conference has grown increasingly difficult in recent years; and

Whereas, Currently World Church staff members spend a considerable amount of time and the church spends considerable sums of money in the months prior to each World Conference in preparing documents and making appropriate contacts in order to assist applicants to obtain [United States of America] visas, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the World Conference express its support for continued efforts to find all legally possible ways to assist persons to obtain [United States of America] visas in order for them to attend future World Conferences [and mission center, leadership training events and other World Church activities.

The World Conference made the following changes to the resolution. The words “and mission center” were inserted between the words “World Church” and “activities” in the resolved paragraph. The words “United States of America” were struck from the preamble and from the resolving paragraph. The motion as amended was passed by the World Conference on Friday, March 30, 2007.

G-16 Save Darfur

The Quorum also sent the following legislation to the World Conference for consideration.

Whereas, The Community of Christ seeks to bring the peace of Christ to the world; and

Whereas, Worldwide recognition exists of the genocide that is ongoing today in the Darfur region of Sudan; and

Whereas, More than 400,000 men, women, and children have died in this genocide and an additional 2,000,000 people have been forced to flee their homes and reside in refugee camps; and

Whereas, Nothing can be done today to prevent the deaths of millions in the World War II Holocaust or the slaughtered families of Rwanda, but lives can still be saved in Darfur; and

Whereas, More that 130 national organizations and religious groups (including the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Alliance of Baptists, the National Association of Evangelicals, the American Jewish Committee, the Episcopal Church USA, the Presbyterian Church, the Methodist Church and the Islamic Society of North America) have joined the Save Darfur Coalition to raise up the consciences of the peoples of the world and to call on the United Nations and national governments to intervene to stop the killing; therefore, be it

Resolved, That the 2007 World Conference request the First Presidency to join with other faith groups, concerned peoples, and organizations and enter the Community of Christ as an Organizational Member of the Save Darfur Coalition, strengthening our testimony of Christ’s peace to the world; and be it further

Resolved, That the World Church Peace and Justice Committee and the Human Rights Committee consider and encourage additional appropriate responses from members of the Community of Christ to the Darfur crisis.

Time was insufficient for the 2007 World Conference to consider Item G-16 Save Darfur; however, during the final legislative session President Veazey explained that he considered this resolution to be referred, in spirit, to the First Presidency, to be put on the agenda of the World Ministries Coordinating Team and the World Church Leadership Council. President Veazey promised to keep the High Priest Quorum up to date on this matter.

The High Priest Quorum has received the following update on the Save Darfur initiative from World Church secretary Andrew Shields and Web Team leader Jaylene O’Keefe, writing for the First Presidency.

Action on Darfur

The church is taking action on the crisis in Darfur. On May 11, Community of Christ endorsed the Unity Statement (http://www.savedarfur.org/pages/unity_statement) of the Save Darfur Coalition (http://www.savedarfur.org/content?splash=yes), officially applying to join and making a donation. Membership was granted June 18, adding the voice of the Community of Christ to the voices of more than 170 faith-based, advocacy, and humanitarian organizations representing 130 million people united to help the people of Darfur.

The “Faith in Action” section of the church’s Web site lists Darfur as one of its peace and justice issues. The Web site has remained current in cooperation with Rod Downing, posting Darfur excerpts from his newsletter, “Until Well-Being Is Achieved for All.” To subscribe, e-mail Rod Downing, at rdowning94@shaw.ca with “UWAA: subscribe” in the subject line. This means visitors to the Web site can see concrete action steps they can use to participate in increasing pressure for change. There is also a link on the site to our affiliate, Outreach International, and the Darfur information they have online.
Community of Christ has since participated in some of the Save Darfur Coalition’s initiatives, such as signing on to a letter to Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice asking for increased pressure on China to use their position to help bring change in Darfur. Following is an excerpt from the letter:

“The United States, France and China, each for well-known reasons, have great influence to exert to end the genocide. To date, none has done as much as it could. Further, acting separately, no one of these countries can succeed in changing Khartoum’s murderous policies. But acting together, our nation, France and China can, we believe, lead the world in ending the Darfur tragedy and fostering a durable peace agreement. Such a troika worked effectively to end the conflict in South Sudan, and the same model – comprised of three countries with unique and complementary ability to effect positive change on the ground – can do the same for Darfur, in our judgment.”

We also posted a link to a commercial the Coalition was offering: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icUdb9RfU3c. The Community of Christ Web Team has kept the site current with updates as received.

Aside from a donation to the Save Darfur Coalition, substantial financial aid is not yet part of the church’s response. The Presiding Bishopric continues to explore options for how to be most effective with a financial response. The greatest need at this point is increased education and pressure to build political will, so the governments involved in the situation will have greater motivation to bring change.

For more information, please visit http://www.savedarfur.org.

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High Priest Retreat, Bandera, Texas, USA Coastal Bend, Texas/Mexico, Ark-La-Tex, Rio Grande, and Heart of Texas Mission Center high priests attend a session led by Jane Gardner.

Quorum President Role Expanded

President Veazey shared with the quorum at World Conference the addition of the quorum president to the World Church Leadership Council and to the General Officers of the church. He expressed a commitment to give the president more time to minister within the quorum and the church at large to help realize the potential ministry of high priests in the church.

Since World Conference, quorum president Jane Gardner has been on the go, teaching and preaching. Here is a sampling:

• Highlands Congregation, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
• Co-Missioned Pastor Initiative, The Temple
• Coastal Bend, Texas/Mexico, Ark-La-Tex, Rio Grande, and Heart of Texas Mission Centers, High Priest retreat, Bandera, Texas, USA
• Lamoni Heartland Mission Center reunion, Guthrie Center, Iowa, USA
• Temple Ministries retreat
• Eastern Great Lakes Mission Center reunion, Temple Grove, Transfer, Pennsylvania, USA
• Hymn Society in the USA and Canada conference, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
• Village Heights Congregation, Independence, Missouri, USA
• Salina Congregation, Salina, Kansas, USA
• Mission Road Congregation, Prairie Village, Kansas, USA
• World Church Leaders Meeting, Camp Doniphan, Excelsior Springs, Missouri, USA
• World Church Finance Board
• World Church Leadership Council

If you are interested in scheduling quorum leadership in your area, contact Jane Gardner at jgardner@CofChrist.org.

 

Significant Expansion of Quorum in Africa

During August, high priests and evangelists were trained and ordained in Africa. Past president of the quorum Bill Barnhard traveled from International Headquarters to Africa to share in this exciting development. Brother Barnhard arrived in Johannesburg on August 8.
Bill then traveled to Kenya, where he taught the high priest course in Nairobi. He continued on to Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia, where he assisted in ordinations, preached, and dedicated churches.

Meanwhile, June and Malcolm Stephenson led the training effort in Liberia for new high priests and evangelists from Liberia and Nigeria. Ordinations followed the classes. Then June and Malcolm offered classes in Zambia. When Brother Barnhard and Apostle Bunda Chibwe arrived in Zambia from DR Congo, it was time for more ordinations. Thirteen high priests and evangelists were ordained in Africa.

Our Quorum Is Active around the World!
Ordinations from September 2006 to September 2007

High Priests

Daniel Juma Amach, Kenya
Greg Ardito, USA
Don Bice, USA
Buzz Carver, USA
David Condit, USA
Ann Doty of USA
Ini Edet, Nigeria
Dona Emerson, USA
Lynn Field, USA
Ken Flessas, USA
Andrew Fox, England
Timothy Hitchings, USA
Pauline Holmes, England
Charles Hudlin, USA
Stacey Judd, USA
Marcel Kinama, DR Congo
Tom Lizer, USA
Peter Lonsdale, Australia
Catherine Mambwe, Zambia
Mpiem Mbenga, DR Congo
Tom Roberts, USA
Fred Salter, USA
Bonnie Sanders, USA
Douglas Schooley, USA
Dick Shotwell, USA
Dan Spray, USA
Greg Stollsteimer, USA
Ben Tshiula, DR Congo
Sunday Ukpong, Nigeria
Dale Warner, USA
Eleanor West, USA
Hans Wielinga, Netherlands

Evangelists

Idongesit Akpan, Nigeria
Jean Broadaway, England
Howard Brock, USA
Rick Bunch, USA
Margaret Chilolo, Zambia
Hendricks Chunga, Malawi
Jean Conary, USA
Mike Keenan, USA
Murphy Mathews, USA
Skip Melsen, USA
Larry Norris, of USA
Aguziendu Nwosu, Nigeria
Charles Nyanneon , Liberia
Kenn Phillips, USA
Gary Piper, USA
Marvin Rice, USA
Kenneth Robinson, USA
Oliver Saydenuh, Liberia
Faye Shaw, USA
Helen Smith, USA
Doug Stowell, USA
Jim Sweet, USA
Lloyd Tripp, USA
Jerry Wiemann, USA
Dave Wiley, USA

Bishops

Barbara Borkowski, USA
Charlie Curry, USA
Jared Fears, USA
Ronald Kuenzli, USA
Mikal Shedd, USA
John Stephens, USA
Bob Thomas, USA
Chuck Woodstock, USA
 

Quorum of High Priests
Community of Christ International Headquarters
1001 West Walnut Street
Independence, MO 64050