I
am responsible for starting the investigation that led to a women's
council on July 31, 2017, for a man. Because of gossip, rumors, and
false reports, I feel imposed upon to tell the story from my
perspective.
In
the Doctrine
of Christ 2016 Boise Conference, Denver said,
“In
the tenth talk, given in Phoenix two years ago, you were warned about
false spirits, as happened in Kirtland, which you were warned would
come among us. That warning has proven true. False spirits have
mislead some into foolish errors. I am astonished at vain, foolish
and prideful ideas that are anti-Christ, degrading and dark, but have
been welcomed by some. Remember Pharaoh’s magicians also enchanted
their rods to become snakes (Exo. 7:11-12), and conjured frogs to
mimic the sign given by God through Moses and Aaron (Exo. 8:7.)
Pharaoh’s heart was hardened by these imitations. Do not let yours
become so likewise.
“For
two years I have watched, attended some of your meetings, gathered
reports, and tried to let you stand and display your strength and
understanding. Even God left Adam and Eve in the Garden, and allowed
Lucifer the common enemy to tempt and try them, promising to return
again to visit them. They transgressed His commandment, and He
provided the means to cover their shame, repent and return. He also
promised to later send messengers. But God did not “babysit” Adam
and Eve, informing them that it was given unto them to choose, even
when He forbids something. God is the same now as in the beginning.
We are all required to display our understanding, obedience and prove
our strength.
“People
have come among you preaching falsehoods, and inviting others to
follow false spirits: Adulterers and adulteresses who justify sins,
and mock the commandment “thou shalt not commit adultery.” (Exo.
20:14.) False claimants are pretending to seal others up to eternal
life, changing the ordinances and introducing foolish and vain ideas
borrowed from pagans and heathen, who do not know Christ nor His
righteousness. I do not oppose them directly by debate or
counter-argument. I declare the truth and leave it for everyone to
decide between clearly opposing teachings. If people cannot discern,
then they will need to learn from sad experience to choose between
good and evil, perhaps only coming to understand after their
destruction in this world.
“There
are those who use well-reasoned arguments to expound their
understanding of scripture who have declared with certainty it is
impossible for what I say to be true. These voices come from both the
fearful anonymous and proud academics. I do not respond to either.
“In
a letter on August 24, 1834, Joseph Smith described the only way
falsehoods could be avoided. The responsibility rests—then and
now—on believers. He wrote, “If the Saints are very humble, very
watchful and very prayerful, that few will not be deceived by those
who have not authority to teach, or who have not the Spirit to teach
according to the power of the Holy Ghost, in the scriptures.” (JS
Papers, Documents Vol. 4, p. 117.)
“Only
the truth is at issue. Individuals other than Christ do
not matter. The message I have and do preach is from the Lord. His
sheep hear His voice. If they accept it as His, then deceivers, false
spirits and men’s learning are powerless to destroy faith in Him.
He promised He “will take care of our flocks” (D&C 88:72) and
therefore it will be Him, and not me, who will keep His flock
shepherded.” (Denver Snuffer – Doctrine of Christ Conference
Boise 2016)
A
man's worthiness to function in performing priesthood ordinances was
called into question, and so a council of women was called to deal
with the question. It says in Preserving the Restoration page
511-512, “If a man's worthiness to function is called into
question, then a conference can be convened to deal with the
question. In removing authority, at least two witnesses should speak
against the accused, and he should be allowed to speak on his behalf
and call such witnesses as he chooses. Men can be witnesses, but
only women are allowed to vote. Removal should be by unanimous vote
of the women present, with at least 12 votes against a man to end his
authority to act in the fellowship community. As for his family, he
is free to do as he chooses, but he cannot act in the community until
restored by the vote of a conference of that community.”
As
a council we voted to keep the man's identity confidential as we feel
repentance and forgiveness is a private matter. After hearing
testimonies of witnesses, it was made clear that we needed to act
that we may know the truth, that we may chase darkness from among us.
It
was on May 11, 2017 I learned about teachings and practices that are
alarming. I have spent the last three months talking to witnesses and
gathering information. There are more witnesses than the ones who
spoke before the council. It has taken time for the witnesses who
have testified to gather the courage to share their story before a
women's council. When we had a sufficient number of witnesses, two
primary witnesses and five secondary witnesses testified before the
council of their involvement with this man.
I
do not feel the necessity to rehearse all the details presented to
the council. But after hearing testimonies for almost six hours and
deliberating for many more hours, a council of fifteen women reached
a unanimous decision to remove the sustaining vote for a man to
perform public priesthood ordinances. This is the letter written by
the women's council sent from my email July 31, 2017, 11:56 p.m.
Dear
____,
After
prayerful consideration of all the facts and testimonies from the
witnesses and yourself, the council of fifteen women has voted
unanimously to rescind your authority to use priesthood outside your
family on the grounds of priestcraft. Further details will be
provided.
When
you desire reinstatement of your authority, it must be considered by
the same council of at least twelve of the fifteen women, and
requires seven of the twelve to agree upon your reinstatement, which
can occur at any time. We pray for your reinstatement.
During
this period of suspension, nothing affects your duties and
responsibilities within your own family.
With
wisdom and love,
. . .
To
all those who are tempted to judge and point an accusing finger, I
ask you to look at your own weakness and know that all of our
weakness should and will come into the light. Treat others as you
want to be treated in your weakness.
In
the Book of Mormon we see an example of true repentance.
And
now it came to pass that Alma began from this time forward, to teach
the people, and those who were with Alma at the time the angel
appeared unto them: travelling round about through all the land,
publishing to all the people the things which they had heard and
seen, and preaching the word of God in much tribulation, being
greatly persecuted by those who were unbelievers, being smitten by
many of them; but notwithstanding all this, they did impart much
consolation to the church, confirming their faith, and exhorting them
with long suffering and much travail, to keep the commandments of
God. And four of them were the sons of Mosiah; and their names were
Ammon, and Aaron, and Omner, and Himni; these were the names of the
sons of Mosiah. And they travelled throughout all the land of
Zarahemla, and among all the people who were under the reign of king
Mosiah, zealously striving to repair all the injuries which they had
done to the church: confessing all their sins, and publishing all the
things which they had seen, and explaining the prophecies and the
scriptures to all who desired to hear them; and thus they were
instruments in the hands of God, in bringing many to the knowledge of
the truth, yea, to the knowledge of their Redeemer. And how blessed
are they! For they did publish peace; they did publish good tidings
of good; and they did declare unto the people that the Lord reigneth.
Alma
and the Sons of Mosiah were not afraid of confessing all their sins
throughout all the land. We do not think less of them because they
made mistakes. We all make mistakes, but Jesus tells us to become as
a little child. Little children are open and transparent, but as they
grow older, they are taught by satan, “Quick! Hide!” Alma
and the Sons of Mosiah repentance was real, and
they have become some of our greatest Book of Mormon heroes.
With
Love and Concern,
Jennifer
Willis