Official Minutes of Business Session
Wednesday, March 28, 2007

The 2007 World Conference convened in legislative session at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 28, 2007, in the conference chamber of the Auditorium, Independence, Missouri. President Stephen M. Veazey was in the chair.

The assembly sang the hymn “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” accompanied by Jan Kraybill on the organ. Johannes Gjaltema from the Netherlands offered the invocation.

Approval of the Minutes
President Veazey called attention to the minutes of the business session of Tuesday, March 27, 2007, printed on pages 310–313. He noted that the time to reconvene was 10:30 a.m. instead of 9:30 a.m. as stated. Paul Crandall noted a correction on page 313, that the minutes should read “service of ordination” rather than “service or ordination.” Nancy Polly Peters offered a correction, but in consultation with the chair, it appeared that the minutes were correct. The minutes were approved as they had been corrected. Conference manager Sue Sloan was then recognized to make several announcements.

President Veazey read a statement on the reconstitution and organization of the First Presidency:

Before proceeding with our business of the day, I would like to pause and point out the obvious. The First Presidency has been duly reconstituted and is ready to continue with the business of this Conference.

However, this moment offers some additional reason for reflection and joy. Becky Savage is called to the Presidency according to her gifts. But, I am sure it is not missed by the Conference that, for the first time in the history of the church, a woman has been called and ordained to the First Presidency.

We celebrate with all of the sisters of the church another step in the long journey toward equal regard and opportunity in the church and in society. While this is not the final step, it is an important step. From this point forward, there should be no question or hesitancy regarding the appropriateness or capability of women to serve in any leadership or ministerial role in the church. In fact, I believe that from God’s perspective there never was any question.

In this First Presidency, we have committed ourselves to mutuality in ministry according to the diverse and complementary gifts of each one of us. President Savage will not be relegated to any kind of secondary role based on seniority or responsibility. In the Presidency, she will be responsible for comprehensive leadership development throughout the organization, including priesthood accountability and formation. She will also be responsible for overseeing the International Headquarters functions and operations, plus a number of other duties. President Schaal will be responsible for overseeing the field and human resources ministries of the church, plus additional duties.

We look forward to serving you, to the best of our ability, as we fulfill the duties and functions of the First Presidency of the church.

Let us pause now and express appreciation and respect for all of the women who looked forward to this day, and worked for this day, and sacrificed for this day, before it even seemed possible that a day such as this should come.

The Chair then noted that the deadline for new legislation had passed, and listed the new legislation: G-14 “Struggle against HIV-AIDS,” from the French Language Caucus; G-15 “International Men’s Gathering,” from the Second and Third Quorums of Seventy; G-16 “Save Darfur,” from the Quorum of High Priests; G-17 “Continuing Scriptural Exploration of Peace and War,” from the Aaronic Mass Meeting, and a substitute for G-6 “Assistance in Obtaining Visas,” from the Quorum of High Priests. It was noted that the new legislation would be printed in the next day’s bulletin.

Ruling on G-2,
“Resolution to Affirm the Book of Mormon”
President Veazey called attention to item G-2, “Resolution to Affirm the Book of Mormon,” on page 95, then made the following statement:

While the First Presidency understands the concern among some prompting G-2 “Resolution to Affirm the Book of Mormon,” regrettably, we must rule it out of order. This resolution proposes to legislate or mandate belief for the entire church. We as a church have constantly resisted attempts to create dogma or creed that must be adhered to in matters of faith.

A similar resolution titled “Affirmation of the Book of Mormon” was ruled out of order by the First Presidency in 1986. The World Conference supported the decision of the Chair. In the statement that accompanied the ruling, President Wallace B. Smith indicated that to adopt such a resolution would be to make a belief about the Book of Mormon “dogma,” something the church has avoided over the years.

In light of the significant interest in this topic, the Presidency would like to make some additional comments. World Conference Resolutions 215 and 222 address the status of the Book of Mormon in the life of the church. The Book of Mormon is one component of the “standard of authority” of the church, along with the Holy Scriptures and the Doctrine and Covenants, including any counsel added to the Doctrine and Covenants by future action of the World Conference. Additionally, the First Presidency recently released an official statement “Scripture in the Community of Christ” that clearly affirms the Book of Mormon as scripture.

The First Presidency wants to take this opportunity to affirm our belief that the central testimony of the Book of Mormon is true: that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself to all nations. We also recognize that the reality in the worldwide church today is that our members hold very diverse views concerning their understanding and use of the Book of Mormon. In some places it is used frequently and in other places it is used very little, if at all. In some nations, the mere mention of the Book of Mormon would bring serious social and legal repercussions that would put the mission, legal organization, and members of the church in serious jeopardy.

While the church affirms the Book of Mormon as scripture, and makes it available for study and use in various languages, we do not attempt to mandate the degree of belief or use. This position is in keeping with our longstanding tradition that belief in the Book for Mormon is not to be used as a test of fellowship or membership in the church.

Therefore, G-2 is ruled out of order.

Conference Organization and Procedures Committee Report
President Veazey drew attention to Item C-3, “Conference Organization and Procedures Committee Report,” on pages 100–102. Committee chair John S. Wight was recognized to speak to issues addressed in the report.

Seminary Board
President Veazey relinquished the chair to President Schaal, who called attention to Item B-3, “Seminary Board,” on page 303. Vicki Ross moved to approve the item, and a second was received. The names were voted upon individually, and each was approved.

Culturally Respectful Standards of Personal Conduct
President Schaal relinquished the chair to President Veazey, who called attention to Item G-1, “Culturally Respectful Standards of Personal Conduct,” on page 95. Wim van Klinken moved to refer the item to the First Presidency and the Council of Twelve, and a second was received. The Chair briefly explained that the motion to refer came with the support of the Europe Mission Center and the First Presidency, and that the assembly could either refer the item or not refer it. During the discussion, Wallace Smith raised a point of order, that the mover of the motion spoke to the referred motion rather than to the referral. The Chair noted that the point was well taken, and the assembly was reminded that debate should focus on the advisability of referral, and the body to which to refer. Skip Twitchell was recognized for a point of order, that the resolution conflicted with existing scripture. The Chair ruled that the point of order was not well taken.

Steve Tucker moved to amend by striking “the First Presidency and Council of Twelve” and inserting “all the councils, orders, and quorums of the church, for those various bodies to provide commentary and perspective, using the church’s Web site, and that we also create an internet blog for dialogue regarding this issue, with a report to come back to the next World Conference.” After further discussion, Carl Bolger moved the previous question on all matters before the assembly. There was a second. A vote was taken on the previous question, which carried by the required two-thirds. The amendment was voted upon, and was lost. The assembly then voted on the main motion of referral, which was approved.

World Church Finance Board and Budget Development Process
President Veazey drew attention to Item B-4, page 303. The Chair noted that the item originated from the First Presidency. Presiding Bishop Steve Jones moved to approve the item, and a second was received. After brief discussion, a vote was taken, and the motion was approved.

The assembly recessed for lunch at 12:10 p.m. and reconvened at 3:30 with President Veazey in the chair. The assembly sang the hymn “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus,” accompanied by Ted Stewart on the organ. President Veazey clarified that the nominees elected to the Graceland University Board of Trustees would have terms from August 2008 to April 2014, correcting an error in the legislation. The Chair recognized Danny Belrose for a question of privilege.

The Chair then listed the results of elections in the presiding quorums. In the Council of Twelve, James E. Slauter was sustained president, and Linda L. Booth was sustained as secretary. In the Council of Presidents of Seventy, Robert R. Kyser was sustained as senior president of the Presidents of Seventy and John Wight was sustained as secretary. Jane Gardner was sustained as president of the Quorum of High Priests, with Mareva Arnaud and Don Compier as counselors, and Art Smith as secretary. Rich Kohlman was sustained as secretary of the Order of Evangelists.

Outreach International Presentation
Matthew Naylor, president of Outreach International, was recognized to make a presentation on Outreach International.

Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations Report
President Veazey relinquished the chair to President Savage, who called attention to Item H-5, “Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations Report,” on pages 112–113. Ecumenical and Interfaith Officer Gail E. Mengel was recognized to speak to the report. Gail Mengel offered a brief statement of personal privilege, followed by a presentation on the report.

Committee on Homosexuality and the Church Report
President Savage called attention to Item H-6, “Committee on Homosexuality and the Church Report,” on pages 113–118. Committee member Kathy D. Robinson was recognized to speak to the report. There was discussion.

Communicating the Gospel Report
President Savage called attention to Item H-7, “Communicating the Gospel Report,” on pages 118–119. Committee chair John Chatburn was recognized to speak to the report. Shannon McAdams assisted in presenting to the church an iPod that the committee had used. There was discussion.

Initiation and Consideration of Legislation
President Savage relinquished the chair to President Veazey, who called up Item G-3, “Initiation and Consideration of Legislation,” on pages 95–96. John Wight moved to approve the item, and a second was received. There was some discussion. Steve Tucker moved to amend the second-to-last resolved, striking “First Presidency” and inserting “World Conference.” There was some discussion. Ronald Wood moved the previous question on all matters before the Conference. After the motion was seconded, the motion passed by the necessary two-thirds vote. Gustavo Vergara Rojas rose to a question of privilege. Carl Bolger was recognized for a point of order, that in the next to last resolved it was read as “shall be submitted” and in the printed material it reads “may be submitted.” The point was well taken by the Chair, who clarified that “may be submitted” was accurate. A vote was taken on the amendment. The amendment was lost. A vote was then taken on Item G-3, and the motion carried.

Greater Participation by Delegates to the World Conference
President Veazey called attention to Item G-7, “Greater Participation by Delegates to the World Conference,” on page 97. Fernanda de Carvalho moved to approve the item, and a second was received. Bruce Lindgren moved to refer this item to the Conference Organization and Procedures Committee. There was a second, and discussion followed. Jim Danielson was recognized for a point of order, that the motion to refer does not ask the committee to act. President Veazey clarified the role of the Conference Organization and Procedures Committee (COPC), and ruled that the point of order was not well taken. Discussion continued. Glenn Johnson moved to amend the motion to refer, inserting the words “with authority to act.” The amendment was ruled out of order by the Chair, because the COPC reports to the First Presidency and does not have the authority to act on its own, as the First Presidency orders the World Conference. Discussion continued. Janet Barnhard moved the previous question on all matters before the Conference. Following a second, a vote was taken, passing with the required two-thirds vote. The assembly then voted on the motion to refer G-7 to the COPC, and the motion carried.

Assignments of the Council of Twelve
President Veazey relinquished the chair to President Schaal, who offered brief remarks.

Over the past 18 months, the Council of Twelve, the Presidents of 70, and the First Presidency have been engaged in a formal process of discernment pertaining to the ministry of the Twelve and the 70.

During this process, understanding emerged that has informed the nature of Council of Twelve assignments. One significant aspect of this, is the decision that members of the Council of Twelve should be closely associated with specific members of the Seventy who are being called to serve as Field Missionary Coordinators. While each apostle-seventy team will work with other seventy and field ministers in a manner unique to that field, there are some things that will characterize the role and function of all Field Missionary Coordinators.

  1. All Field Missionary Coordinators will participate in the development of strategic missionary planning for their field.

  2. All Field Missionary Coordinators will be the primary link in the relationships with mission center officers, field staff, seventy, and others in the planning of missionary ministries.

  3. All Field Missionary Coordinators will be personally engaged in missionary work.

Now, we would like to share with the Conference the assignments of the Council of Twelve, which will include the naming of their assigned fields, and the names of the Field Missionary Coordinators that will partner with them. We also request that you hold your applause until all assignments have been read.

Apostle Jim Slauter
President, Council of Twelve
    Director of Field Ministries
    World Service Corps
    Military Chaplains

Apostle Linda Booth will be teamed with Seventy Karin Peter
Secretary of the Council of Twelve
Southern USA Mission Field
    Alabama-Northwest Florida USA Mission Center
    Ark-La-Tex USA Mission Center
    Central Missouri USA Mission Center
    Florida USA Mission Center
    Gulf USA Mission Center
    Mid-South USA Mission Center
    South Central States USA Mission Center
    Southeast USA Mission Center
Apostle Booth is also assigned to:
    Church Planting Ministries
    Contemporary Christian Ministries

Apostle Andrew Bolton will be teamed with Seventy Sam Kumar
Asia Mission Field
    East Asia Mission Center
    South Central Asia Mission Center
    Southeast Asia Mission Center
Apostle Bolton is also assigned to:
    Native American Ministries
    Peace & Justice Ministries
    Peace Colloquy

Apostle Bunda Chibwe will be teamed with Seventy Tanoh Assoi
Africa and Haiti Mission Field
    Central Africa Mission Center
    Haiti Mission Center
    Ivory Coast-Liberia Mission Center
    Kenya Mission Center
    Malawi Mission Center
    Nigeria Mission Center
    South Central Africa Mission Center

Apostle Stassi Cramm will be teamed with Seventy John Wight
Central and Michigan USA Mission Field
    Central USA Mission Center
    Heart of Michigan USA Mission Center
    Michigan Blue Water USA Mission Center
    Northern Great Lakes (Canada/USA) Mission Center
    Southern Great Lakes International (Canada/USA) Mission Center
Apostle Cramm is also assigned to:
    African-American Ministries
    Young Adult & Campus Ministries
    Cyber Congregation

Apostle Mary Jacks Dynes will be teamed with Seventy Kris Judd
Canada/North Central (USA) Mission Field
    Canada East Mission Center
    Canada West Mission Center
    Headwaters USA/Canada Mission Center
    Lamoni Heartland USA Mission Center
    Prairie Bluffs USA Mission Center

Apostle Ron Harmon will be teamed with Seventy Larry McGuire
East Central USA Mission Field
    Bountiful USA Mission Center
    Brush Creek USA Mission Center
    Cedar Valley – Nauvoo Mission Center
    Chicago USA Mission Center
    Eastern Great Lakes USA Mission Center
    Gateway USA Mission Center
    Kentucky – Indiana USA Mission Center
    Western Ohio USA Mission Center
Apostle Harmon is also assigned to:
    Youth Ministry - Spectacular and IYF

Apostle Dale Luffman will be teamed with ordinand Robin Linkhart  (call to seventy recently  approved)
West Central USA Mission Field
    Arizona USA Mission Center
    Far West USA Mission Center
    Inland West USA Mission Center
    Midlands USA Mission Center
    Oklahoma USA Mission Center
    Rio Grande USA Mission Center
    Rocky Mountain USA Mission Center
Apostle Luffman is also assigned to:
    Singles Ministries
    Theological Education Ministries

Apostle Rick Maupin will be teamed with Seventy Ruben Landeros
Caribbean, Mexico, and Texas USA Mission Field
    Caribbean Mission Center
    Coastal Bend USA Mission Center
    Dominican Republic Mission Center
    Heart of Texas USA Mission Center
    Mexico – Texas (Mexico/USA) Mission Center
Apostle Maupin is also assigned to:
    Hispanic Ministries


Apostle Carlos Enrique Mejia will be teamed with Seventy Bob Kyser
Central and South America Field
    Central America Mission Center
    Brazil Mission Center
    Southern Cone South America Mission Center
    Northwest South America Mission Center
Apostle Mejia is also assigned to:
    Hispanic Ministries

Apostle Susan Skoor will be teamed with Seventy Gina Norton
Pacific Mission Field
    Australia Mission Center
    French Polynesia Mission Center
    Greater Pacific Northwest USA Mission Center
    Pacific Island Mission Center
    Sierra Pacific USA Mission Center
    Southern California USA Mission Center
    Southwest International (USA/Mexico) Mission Center

Apostle Leonard Young will be teamed with Seventy Richard James
North Atlantic (Europe/USA) Mission Field
    British Isles Mission Center
    Chesapeake Bay USA Mission Center
    Europe Mission Center
    Mid Atlantic USA Mission Center
    New England USA Mission Center
Apostle Young is also assigned to:
    Urban Ministries

Statement by Jim Slauter
Earlier, we referred to the discernment process that was engaged in by the Quorum of Twelve, Presidents of 70, and the First Presidency. During this process, as the Council of Twelve considered their call to apostolic witness and global mission, there was a heightened awareness of the need for mutual support. This need has resulted in the creation of non-administrative, “team relationships” between apostles. This “teaming” of apostles does not mean that members of the Twelve will be sharing administrative duties across multiple fields. Each field will continue to have one apostle coordinating the work of that field. These “team relationships” between members of the Twelve are being created to provide heightened levels of mutual support; for mentoring one another; for sharing ideas between apostles who are constantly praying for one another and growing in their awareness of one another’s fields. It is an effort to maximize interpersonal support and creativity, while not creating any new administrative structures or systems.

At this time, we are pleased to share with the Conference the special “associate relationships” in the Council of Twelve.

Composition of the Quorums of Seventy and
the assignment of the Presidents of Seventy

Quorum 1 will be comprised of seventy serving in the fields of Apostles Cramm
and Harmon with John Wight as Quorum President

Quorum 2 will be comprised of seventyserving in the fields of Apostles Jacks-Dynes
And Luffman with Kris Judd as Quorum President

Quorum 3 will be comprised of seventy serving in the fields of Apostles Booth and
Mejia with Bob Kyser as Quorum President

Quorum 4 will be comprised of seventy serving in the field of Apostle Maupin with
Ruben Landeros as Quorum President

Quorum 5 will be comprised of seventy serving in the field of Apostle Skoor with
Gina Norton as Quorum President

Quorum 6 will be comprised of seventy serving in the fields of Apostles Chibwe
and Young with Richard James as Quorum President

Quorum 7 will be comprised of seventy serving in the field of Apostle Bolton with
Sam Kumar as President
 

Senior President of Seventy Robert Kyser was recognized for a statement of support. Apostle James Slauter was recognized for a statement of support and a prayer.

Recognition of Translators
President Schaal relinquished the chair to President Veazey, who recognized Larry Tyree, director of translations and international resources, for a citation. He acknowledged the efforts of the translators, who were invited up on the rostrum, and the assembly expressed its appreciation. Darrell Mink was then honored with a citation, and the assembly honored his service.

Lyudmyla Demydova, from Ukraine, offered a prayer of benediction. The World Conference adjourned at 6:00 p.m. to meet again at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 29, 2007.

Andrew M. Shields
Secretary