Mormonism and doctrine

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Related Topics

• Repudiated concepts
• Statements by Church leaders as doctrine

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Detailed Analysis

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Not every statement made by a Church leader, past or present, necessarily constitutes doctrine. A single statement made by a single leader on a single occasion often represents a personal, though well-considered, opinion, but is not meant to be officially binding for the whole Church. With divine inspiration, the First Presidency (the prophet and his two counselors) and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (the second-highest governing body of the Church) counsel together to establish doctrine that is consistently proclaimed in official Church publications. This doctrine resides in the four “standard works” of scripture (the Holy Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price), official declarations and proclamations, and the Articles of Faith. Isolated statements are often taken out of context, leaving their original meaning distorted.

—The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Approaching Mormon Doctrine (May 4, 2007)

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What is "official" doctrine of the Church?

For a detailed response, see: Official doctrine

Is LDS doctrine constantly changing?

For a detailed response, see: Changing doctrine

Are Church publications considered doctrine?

For a detailed response, see: Publications

Are statements of past prophets considered doctrine?

For a detailed response, see: Statements by past prophets