This is starting to go around the Internet. I've just read a note from Pres Packer and the First Presidency asking that talks given by GAs in Sacrament meetings not be spread abroad. The danger comes that first, the GA may be misquoted. Second, the GAs talk may have been just for that individual or ward, and not for everyone's ears. Third, this stuff needs to be vetted and sent through official chain.
I'd ask everyone to not send this around anymore than it has. As interesting as it is, if Pres Packer did say it and wanted us all to know it, he would have given this talk in General Conference, instead of his own ward.
Here's the First Presidency's official statement on such:
Quote:
May 13, 2004
To: General Authorities; Area Authority Seventies; Stake, Mission, and
District Presidents; Bishops and Branch Presidents
(To be read in sacrament meeting)
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
Statements Attributed to Church Leaders
From time to time statements are circulated among members which are
inaccurately attributed to the leaders of the Church. Many such statements
distort current Church teachings and are often based on rumors and
innuendos. They are never transmitted officially, but by word of mouth,
e-mail, or other informal means.
We encourage members of the Church to never teach or pass on such statements
without verifying that they are from approved sources, such as official
statements, communications, and publications. Any notes made when General
Authorities, Area Authority Seventies, or other general Church officers
speak at regional and stake conferences or other meetings should not be
distributed without the consent of the speaker. Personal notes are for
individual use only.
True spiritual growth is based on studying the scriptures, the teachings of
the Brethren, and Church publications.
Sincerely your brethren,
Gordon B. Hinckley
Thomas S. Monson
James E. Faust
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