FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES

These principles are fundamental to all we do in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Programs and activities, including essential support functions, should give emphasis to these principles.

The first fundamental principle is faith in and a testimony of:

1. The Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ

2. The Apostasy and Restoration of the Gospel and the Church of Jesus Christ

3. The divinely ordained role of the Prophet Joseph Smith in bringing to pass the purposes of God for His children

4. The crucial and pivotal doctrines of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as contained in the holy scriptures and the teachings of the prophets, including:

  • The Plan of Salvation
  • The priesthood and its keys
  • Ordinances and covenants
  • Continuing revelation

The responsibilities necessary to teach and practice these fundamental principles fall into three categories:

1. Individuals and Families

Some essential responsibilities are:

a. Love God the Father, His Son, the Holy Ghost, and all mankind

b. Strive to be more like the Savior

c. Obey the commandments and follow the living prophets

d. Make and keep sacred baptismal, sacramental, and temple covenants

e. Repent & endure to the end

f. Pray, study the scriptures, fast, meditate, worship, and serve

g. Nurture & strengthen families and attend to all family duties

h. Search out ancestors and perform essential ordinances for them

2. Church Organization

 Some essential responsibilities are:

a. Exercise & transmit priesthood keys

b. Govern through priesthood quorums/offices/presidencies/councils

c. Provide inspired direction through essential meetings: sacrament, quorum, conferences, and solemn assemblies

d. Teach and preserve essential doctrines and beliefs

e. Provide watch and care over the flock of Christ through approved units, organizations, and activities

f. Publish and disseminate the scriptures and the messages of the living Apostles and Prophets

g. Proclaim the Gospel

h. Provide and maintain holy temples and meeting houses

i. Perform vicarious gospel ordinances for the dead

j. Care for the poor and needy

k. Receive tithes and offerings

l. Disburse and safeguard sacred resources

m. Safeguard sacred records

n. Administer Church discipline

3. Community of Saints

Some essential responsibilities are:

a. Love, serve, and nurture one another

b. Meet and worship together often

c. Sustain leaders

d. Care for the poor and needy

Adherence to these principles will help accomplish the mission of the Church and the purpose of God, "to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of Man" (Moses 1:39)

Please teach these principles as would the Savior with love, understanding, patience, testimony, and charity.