MORMON BELIEFS

Men called of God

 Article of Faith #5 in the Mormon Church states: "We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof."1

The Mormon Church states that principles and ordinances of the gospel cannot be administered and taught without the priesthood. The priesthood is the authority to act in God's name. All male members who have prepared themselves receive the priesthood in order to help lead, teach and serve God's children. Heavenly Father gave this priesthood authority to Jesus Christ, who in turn ordained his Apostles and gave them the power and authority of the priesthood. Christ reminded His Apostles that, "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you."2 As there is order in His Church, there is order in the priesthood of God. The Apostles shared the greatest responsibility and authority, with Peter being the chief Apostle. Christ then ordained others for specific duties to perform. This pattern of appointment and ordination in the Mormon Church continues to the present day. All were and are ordained to the priesthood by those who have already received that authority.2

The ordination of the priesthood is a sacred responsibility; a responsibility used to bless the lives of others as well as the one holding it. Heavenly Father expects those who hold this authority, to follow the example of His Son Jesus Christ; that of kindness, gentleness and love.

The act of laying on of hands is a part of a priesthood ordinance. Many of the priesthood ordinances are performed by the laying on of hands, such as ordinations, blessings, administering to the sick, confirming Church members, and conferring the Holy Ghost.3

Prophecy is the inspired words or writings of prophets, and may be of the past, present, or future. The current Mormon Prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley, is the prophet, seer and revelator for all Church members and the world. Each and every person can receive revelations/prophecy for himself or those he has stewardship over, but never for anyone else, the Church or its leaders.

For more information on the Mormon Church and their beliefs, please see the following websites:

Mormon Church

Basic Beliefs