2010 World Conference

Friends, ordinarily, I would ask the Presiding Bishopric to speak to this item, but today I am going to speak to it.

Yesterday, we received information on what has been in terms of the continuing decline in tithing contributions. Now, we are ready to act on what we think will be in terms of budget projections.

The numbers before you are prudent and realistic projections based on available information. Given the downward economic pressure on World Church assets and giving, it is not unrealistic to project that in the future beyond these projections, we will see continued income decline.

If tithing does not increase, we will have no choice but to further reduce the World Ministries budget, which will impact the number of ministerial field staff and resources for mission all over the world.

The primary variable that we can impact to alter these projections is our contributions to World Min-istries Mission Tithes. The current level of response does not refect the magnitude of the blessings we have received through God’s grace individually and as a church.

It is going to be critically important in the days ahead that we form disciples of all ages who contribute according to their full capacity to World Ministries Tithes as well as local ministries. That development must begin in families with parents and guardians teaching and modeling generous response.

The Presidency has created a “Tithing Team” to address ways to increase contributions to World Ministries Tithes as well as local giving. The team is charged with developing more-effective communications strategies to reach all generations and to increase giving opportunities and options, including more electronic options.

I will reiterate what I said during my April 5, 2009, address to the church. It is the Presidency’s expectation that the priesthood of the church model generosity by being contributors to World Ministries Tithes and local ministries. It is also our expectation that those being called to the priesthood demonstrate their commitment to the whole mission of the church through contributing what they can—according to their capacity—to World Ministries and local ministries before they are ordained and that they then continue that kind of example.

We are blessed with a very generous core of members who are giving more. We now need to broaden the base of contributors of all ages so that we can say “yes” to all of the critical ministerial and missionary opportunities before the church now and in the future.

As for me and my family, we are going to increase our giving to all aspects of the church’s mission. I am also going to recruit and mentor others as World Ministries Mission Tithes contributors. I invite each of you to do the same.

You are important voices in your congregations and mission centers. The message about needing to increase World Ministries Tithes is one I need you to share now and in the years ahead.